Has the policy of bringing foods into the parks changed?

[C.Ann]

This was posted on a thread over on the Budget Board:

The Family Fun Weekender newsletter from Disney has a section this month on money saving tips for theme park vacations including a section on "Portable Park Treats" recipes that are easy to carry with you. Just thought I would absolve anyone who had "Snack-sneak guilt"

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Is this Family Fun Weekender an "official" newsletter sanctioned by Disney and therefore accurate?

Or is Disney "condoning" this practice without actually changing the "rules"?

I could see where it might be very confusing to some people..

 

[2angelsinheaven]

I am not sure on the rules, however when we take the girls we always pack snacks and waters/drink boxes for them. I only pack myself some gum or Atkins bars, for the pure fact that I feel it it isn't sold in the park I don't see why I can't bring it when thats what I eat. Never had a problem with anyone saying anything.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

We are just back and I saw loads of people in the bag check line with entire meals and drinks in their carryons. While Disney is not encouraging it they do not seem to be enforcing the no outside food rule. I see people having picnics a lot nowadays. I even saw some picnic tables set up right outside the garden grill and two families were eating and watching the characters from there.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[Tink]

Ever since my girls were little I have brought food. First it was formula and baby food and now it's snacks. They are picky eaters so I carry cereal and stuff. I have always opened my bag and showed security and they have never stopped me.

 

[ugadog99]

We always bring our own snacks and drinks in the parks. When we get counter service meals, we just ask for cups of ice and use our own cokes. I wish I could afford to purchase all our food in the parks, but I just can't.

 

[C.Ann]

Is anyone else bothered by the fact that Disney posts these "rules" about not being allowed to bring food into the parks and then condones it more or less with this article in the newsletter?

I'm the type of person who believes in following the rules that they have posted and then they do something like this to confuse people even further.. I guess when it comes to their rules, I would prefer that they be black and white - either enforce them or do away with them entirely.. I hate having to "second guess"..

 

[Traveliz]

Ok - refresh my memory here - where does Disney post the rule about not bringing food into the park? I actually don't bring food into the park but am amazed at all the conversation it generates and am wondering about a few things.

Thanks
Liz

 

[judi]

I just pulled out our guide map to EPCOT that we brought home in Jan. 2004. In it they talk about the smoking policy and no profanity, wearing proper attire but there is nothing about bringing in food.

I know on our Cedar Pt. guides they say NO FOOD may be brought into the park.

Don't know if this bit of info will help or not.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by Traveliz
Ok - refresh my memory here - where does Disney post the rule about not bringing food into the park? I actually don't bring food into the park but am amazed at all the conversation it generates and am wondering about a few things.

Thanks
Liz

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That's a good question! I've never looked at my brochures to see if it's listed there but I believe people have posted emails they received from Disney in response to this question..

Wouldn't it be a hoot if all this time it was nothing more than an "urban legend"?

Can anyone provide an official DISNEY link where these rules are posted?

 

[bhillier]

I saw a few people bringing their own food into the parks. It seemded to me that they were able to do so whith out being bothered.


I saw a few women walking around in bikini tops and one young say mid 20's female wearing, I kid you not, a very small, tight football top. This was one of those tops with a bunch of little holes all over. She had no bra. You could see her bare chest. I have to wonder if sec. got a hold of her. It looked bad. I can't believe that she wore that into the park you know exposing herself.

 

[Baloo]

I checked my brochures from last month too and didn't find anything about food and I've never really been aware of seeing No Outside Food written anywhere at the park gates or tickets on my many trips to WDW so I called.

I just got off the phone with a very nice CM and told her the discussion going on here.She told me "to be quite honest the No Food policy is not written down anywhere!" Disney does discourage big coolers,those on wheels coolers, ya know big cumbersome things that could get in the way while in line or just walking around the parks.

Like she said some people need certain foods for medical purposes and you also have the whole baby/toddler issue.Water is a must in the summer mths having your own containers is okay.

So "officially" WDW theme or water parks,do not have a no food policy written in stone anywhere!


bhillier...OMG!!! It does say on the park maps proper attire,including shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.I'm surprised she made it through the gate,she must have been covered up then! OY!

 

[Miniefan]

C. Ann, I kind of agree with you on this one, I have only been to WDW twice in my adulthood and on my own dime but the past two trips were before I joined the Dis, and we pretty much relied on the info from the Birnbaum's Guides I have bought each time, and because I did read each of them from cover to cover I can tell you that it does state that Disney does not allow any outside food. I all of my books, 2001, 2003,2004 It is briefly mentioned in the Money-saving tips section, and it says, under the Food section- Carry sandwich fixings and have lunches alfresco when possible(keeping in mind that outside food is not welcome inside Disney theme parks). Other than that I didn't see it anywhere else, but still when we went we assumed it was the rules, and bought everything or left and ate elsewhere. Now, the past March when we went we realized they were doing bag checks, and before anyone tries to tell me why, My dh and I did realize they were checking for guns, weapons, contraband in general, however we also assumed they would be checking for the Food that was not to be let inside, so we couldn't understand how everyone was able to "sneak in" their food. After I joined the Dis I realized they obviously don't enforce this rule, or even if they do have it somewhere, it seems they are adopting a don't ask, don't tell standpoint on it. Oh well, I know one thing, next time I will definitely be bringing at least something for us all to drink.
Kim

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

My take is that Disney realizes that it would be almost impossible to prohibit all outside foods as people could bring in stuff in their pockets or whatever, don't want to alienate guests by making a big deal, figure it is better to make something off admissions even if they lose out on some food (how much would people buy if they are willing to sneak or carry around food anyway?) or recognize that their prices are too high for many.

I figure that as long as they are not taking tables away from the paying customers in the DW restaurants and clean up after themselves it is no problem. I may join them one of these days. Being retired the income does not increase but the bills sure do. LOL

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[jcemom]

I'm sure that I read somewhere in the Unofficial Guide that there was a rule about not bringing in food. Now I'll have to go look to see exactly what it says...

...I think that's great if it's okay to bring stuff in. I'll be able to carry some snacks for DD next year without feeling guilty, lol. I still would definitely NOT be bringing an entire picnic lunch, it wouldn't be worth saving a few bucks to have to lug it around all day, lol.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

cemom, I have personally seen people with small rolling backpacks, suitcases and even coolers so I would not sweat the small stuff. I imagine that a lot of them are repeat customers who know their way around. I see a lot of retired people with small coolers eating their hard boiled eggs and other healthy foods as well.

I read somewhere that it was reccomended that small children each wear a small fanny pack with small snacks and a small canteen for drinks with the parents carrying some Kool Aid or whatever to flavor the water. Sounded like sage advice to me as you not only save money, give your kids healthier choices but you do not have to lug the stuff around yourself. Would probably tickle the kids to have some control over their food as well.

We eat before we go into the parks and afterward and eat lunch as our main meal in the parks. Works for us but we are a retired couple. If I were to take the grandkids I would go with the former advice.

Good luck and have a blast!

SG/Linda

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by SlightlyGoofy
Good luck and have a blast!

SG/Linda

Thank you, I will...snacks and all, LOL.

 

[Schmeck]

Originally posted by SlightlyGoofy

I read somewhere that it was reccomended that small children each wear a small fanny pack with small snacks and a small canteen for drinks with the parents carrying some Kool Aid or whatever to flavor the water. Sounded like sage advice to me as you not only save money, give your kids healthier choices but you do not have to lug the stuff around yourself. Would probably tickle the kids to have some control over their food as well.


SG/Linda

Uh, I don't consider Kool Aid a healthy choice - sugar, artificial coloring, and the token Vitamin C. Why not just drink plain water?


We'll be bringing water, and a granola bar in our fanny packs, this August. I do expect that we'll be buying more water, and lots of popsicles and lemonade as well. Gotta keep hydrated!

 

[cudworth]

We went at Easter and took our lunch in our backpack everyday with no problem.

 

[wdwdvcdad]

The only people I have EVER heard of having a problem with it are the self-appointed WDW police on these boards. The people who actually make the rules & enforce them are much more practical about most situations. We have a soft WDW cooler that we bring. We freeze a bottle or 2 of water & then put in some water, juice boxes, fruit, fruit snacks, rice krispie treats...whatever we happen to bring. It woeks out very nicely, as we usually only snack for lunch. by the end of hte day, the frozen water is ready to drink, & everything has stayed cool. Don't know what we'll do when the 2-year old is out of the stroller in a couple of years...probably won't want to carry the cooler that we now put in the stroller.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi Smeck, you got me. As a grandma who does not give her grands sodas (other than an occasional Diet Rite) and serves 100% fruit juices and Crystal Light I shoulda known better.

SG/Linda