Gripe - Food in the Parks

[TSM1993]

I haven't seen anything that would lead me to believe that Disney expects me to pay extra to sit at a table that is in a public area. Would you consider someone waiting out a bit of rain to be in violation of this made up policy?

Are the tables at Cosmic Ray's public? You have to go through doors to get to them, but i dont see any signs that say "customers only".

Are the tables at the Tommorrowland Terrace public? no doors. What about the tables outside on the streeets (at the hot dog place, or outside the bakery?)
What about the tables at the little dead-end street on main street?

I can understand someones frustration at trying to find a table, but getting angry at another guest, or even worse classifying them as "cheapskates" for trying to save a few dollars is ridiculous. Anger should be at Disney for not providing enough seeting area for the people that, under their policies, are allowed to sit there.

Actually I have seen them turn people away from certain areas at certain times because they arent paying customers.

 

[C.Ann]

As usual, it's taking a lot longer than everyone else, for me to get my response from Disney, but once I do, I'll post it as well. My letter to them was a little longer, since I asked how people would know these policies, if they aren't posted, and I also mentioned I would like the official Disney policy, and if they weren't sure, to please research it before answering. It usually takes me at least a week (sometimes longer) to get a response, and it's often followed up by a phone call. My original note does not say what these are saying (I was told it was fine (not coolers, but sandwiches, drinks and snacks..no glass or alcohol)..but then my original note about appliances in rooms, was much much different from the last one I got (where they said it was fine to have appliances, as long as you unplug them).

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As I mentioned previously, I'm still waiting for a reply from April of 2005 - LOL..
If there's a trick to getting a response in a day, I'd sure like to know what it is.. If a person were leaving for WDW in a week or so, it wouldn't do much good if they had to wait almost a year for an answer..

DMRick - if you could post the email address that you used again I would like to give it another shot because if memory serves me correctly (and I'm not saying it does - I'm having those wonderful "senior moments") I don't think it's the same email address that lillygator used.. Or if you want to PM me the toll free#, maybe I could just call them - but then whatever response I posted here would probably just turn into a he said/she said situation..

I've scoured all the literature I have here from my last trip - park maps; packet I received at Pop when I checked in; etc. - and no where can I find anything that states outside food is not allowed..

Did you also happen to ask them (if food from the outside is not prohibited) where you are allowed to eat it?

 

[lillygator]

Are the tables at Cosmic Ray's public? You have to go through doors to get to them, but i dont see any signs that say "customers only".

Are the tables at the Tommorrowland Terrace public? no doors. What about the tables outside on the streeets (at the hot dog place, or outside the bakery?)
What about the tables at the little dead-end street on main street?

so are you in the habit of stopping in restaurants just to hang out or take a break? Do you pull over to the local McDonald's or Ponderosa just to take a load off?

 

[TSM1993]

People are saying about posting signs at the counter service Saying no outside food or tables for CS patrons only. Why bother most people dont read signs anyway. Been in places where the have signs posted no animals in building (local flea market ) this is for health reasons people still do it. Also been standing right by a no smoking sign and I know the person saw the sign because he looked right at it and lit up and started smoking. I said cant you read no smoking.

If I brought food into a park I would bring a small blanket along and find a place to sit out of the way. Not using a restaurants table. I mean heck if I am going to tote a cooler around all day why not a blanket doesnt add to much weight. I will say though I have bought sodas and snacks (from the cs)and sat down at the tables but I havent sat there and taking my time sitting there( Maybe 10 mins if that). I have also bought a whole CS meal and had to go sit along the curb and eat sitting on the curb because of how full the CS restaurant was some was because of people eating there own food at the restaurant which did upset me I just paid $20 plus dollars for a meal and didnt have a place to sit. So I can see where people would be upset because I was.

 

[C.Ann]

so are you in the habit of stopping in restaurants just to hang out or take a break? Do you pull over to the local McDonald's or Ponderosa just to take a load off?

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Do most people spend hours upon hours walking and standing in lines for rides when they're in the vicinity of McDonald's or Ponderosa? That's an apples and oranges comparison, don't you think?

I've never "hung out" in the restaurants in WDW, but if I want to take a break, then yes - I'll order a beverage and take a break - unless of course there's a sign that says there's a minimum order or you have to order an entire meal..

 

[lillygator]

not really, the restaurant is a business, it's not included in the park admission.

 

[C.Ann]

People are saying about posting signs at the counter service Saying no outside food or tables for CS patrons only. Why bother most people dont read signs anyway. Been in places where the have signs posted no animals in building (local flea market ) this is for health reasons people still do it. Also been standing right by a no smoking sign and I know the person saw the sign because he looked right at it and lit up and started smoking. I said cant you read no smoking..

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And this is where the problem lies.. If in fact Disney felt that people bringing food from the outside should not use any of the outdoor tables, there would be signs posted.. Granted - not everyone would read the signs and adhere to them, but the signs would be posted..

Inside seating is an entirely different issue.. I personally would not take a seat indoors unless I was making a purchase - even if it were only a cup of coffee..

 

[C.Ann]

not really, the restaurant is a business, it's not included in the park admission.

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What was that in response to? You lost me on that one..

 

[SolitaryPhoenix]

The "Handy Guide to All the Magic" that you get on check-in at the resorts says in the FAQ, p. 31:

Q:What can I take into the Parks with me?
A: You can bring your typical sunscreen, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages along. Just be mindful that all packages, parcels, handbags, backpacks and the like may be inspected at the Park entrance. So you may want to leave any unnecessary articles behind. Thanks for your cooperation!

 

[mitros]

I noticed several folks comment about the fact that there are not a lot of places to sit at WDW, to eat, or just to rest. Think about it. When your sitting, your not walking around spending $$$$

 

[SolitaryPhoenix]

I noticed several folks comment about the fact that there are not a lot of places to sit at WDW, to eat, or just to rest. Think about it. When your sitting, your not walking around spending $$$$

Yeah, I had that thought too. Pretty sad, although it's naive of me to think anything else, I guess.

 

[fightinillini229]

I noticed several folks comment about the fact that there are not a lot of places to sit at WDW, to eat, or just to rest. Think about it. When your sitting, your not walking around spending $$$$

What a great point!!!! Disney wants your money so bad that they are willing to put less benchs in so you will walk around more and spend $$.

 

[apostolic4life]

not really, the restaurant is a business, it's not included in the park admission.

The "business" is actually WDW as a whole.......everything spent on property goes to the same destination; renting water craft, buying admission, purchasing food, lodging, souviners, etc., etc. It all goes to enrich the lives of Disney stockholders (I am happy to be able to make their lives a little better )

The House of Mouse is the business and I would not be so quick to say access to the restaurants is not part of your admission......how else are you able to get to the front door of these eateries?? You can't just walk in and go to the restaurant without a park admission.

I will once again state I would never sit at a table in the restaurant without making a purchase, but if a person does choose to do this I am not going to get cross threaded about it........keep on moving and enjoy the magic!

 

[apostolic4life]

I noticed several folks comment about the fact that there are not a lot of places to sit at WDW, to eat, or just to rest. Think about it. When your sitting, your not walking around spending $$$$

Ding Ding Ding.......we have a winner!!!!

EXACTLY!!!

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

i really can't agree or disagree. i mean, on the one hand it is annoying when you need someplace to sit down when you're eating at a restaurant and you see people who aren't even eating or eating something else sitting down. but on the other hand, where else would the others sit? on the ground? so i don't really know how i feel on this one.

 

[DMRick]

I said I would post the answer I go, when I got it. It took several days, it was contrary to the answer I got several months ago (I wrote to the online address this time, and last time I wrote directly to the executive offices, and that answer was yes, that snacks, small coolers with food, and non alcholic drinks were ok to bring in) , and none of the questions I asked, other than the main one was answered.

Here it is..although I'll porb just hold on to the original letter I got. :


Dear XXXXX
Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.

With the exception of food items for guests with specific dietary restrictions, we do not permit
guests to bring food and beverage items into our theme parks. Generally, however, plastic bottles
for water, juice, etc. are allowed.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if applicable on all
correspondence.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Lainie Weidner

WDW Online Communications

 

[lillygator]

hmmmm.....so the "guards" are overlooking this.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

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No - no one suggested that food should be banned and neither did I..
And just for the record, the arguement of "tables" on this thread have consistently gone back and forth in terms of "inside" tables or "outside" tables - two different animals..

There are two different animals here
A) a non-purchaser using a table
B) a non-purchaser usning a table at the expense of a purchaser.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Dear XXXXX
we do not permit
guests to bring food and beverage items into our theme parks.

Pretty clear to me.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

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That's great! Just prepare yourself for someone getting in a snit and coming on these boards and throwing a hissy fit because:

(A) The park bench that your 80 year old grandmother needs to rest on?

Your were eating your lunch on a bench where their Grandma needed to rest..

(B) The curb - while waiting for the parade?

You accidentally spilled your beverage and someone got wet - or someone sat next to you right where your childs jelly dripped off their PBJ..

(C) The curb that you want to rest on because all of the benches are being used by people eating their food they brought in from the outside?

I don't think this one applies because it sounds as though you don't need to rest during the day.. Sure wish I had your stamina!

(D) On the sidewalk on Main Street where they can disrupt the flow of foot traffic?

Someone trips over you and gets injured because you're sitting there with your lunch disrupting the flow of traffic.. Let us not forget how incredibly crowded Main Street is..

(E) On the grass - which Disney prefers you not sit, walk or trample on?

This might work - until Disney tells you to get off the grass or some greenery lover goes bonkers about it..

(F) Any show that isn't posted "no food or drinks permitted"?

Beverages spill, food crumble and some odors are not tolerable to certain individuals..

(G) Standing next to you in line waiting to get on a ride?

My DH used to eat garlic and onion sandwiches.. How well do you think that would go over with the others waitng in line? Or do we get to tell people "what" they can eat as well?

What the heck has this to do with someone searching for a table?