Help w/ my food strategy

[diane1102]

This may be kinda long, but I was hoping I'd find some people in similar situtation to give me advice.

First, some background: myself, SO, and 2 DD's (aged 8&12) heading down in early Dec. Staying in BWV.

For health reasons, there are quite a few things that I don't/can't eat . I pretty much have to pack my foods and bring with me wherever I go-- it's usually easier than making special arrangements, although I've heard that Disney is VERY good at special diet accommodations-- I plan to do that for dinner time.

I figure as long as I am eating a packed lunch, we may as well pack everyone's food. So, are there places we can sit and eat? I figure Disney wants people to eat in their restaurants, but are there picnic table areas. I've read other people talking about packing lunches for budget reasons or time-savings (why waste time in a restaurant), so what do you guys do?

Or is this a bad idea, and we should just head back to the villa to eat?

Thanks,
diane.

 

[SeaShelley]

It's my understanding that Disney does not allow you to bring meals with you into the park. Snacks are ok, but meals for everyone would not be allowed.

I'd suggest letting your family eat where they like in the park and bring your meal/snack with you.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[dvc guy]

What are you planning on bringing for lunch?
Disney will let you bring food into the park. They will not let you drag a hugh cooler and a BBQ grill into the parks. We have brought sandwiches and drinks in a backpack, into the parks for years. The last trip was 12/02.

They do have security that will check your bag, but no one has ever said a word to us. DW has special food needs and nothing they serve for counter service would be OK for her. BTW we always have dinner in the parks or somewhere in WDW. Call in advance to discuss for specfic food needs.

Go ahead , pack a lunch and save time and a lot of money.

 

[escapetodisney]

DS has multiple food allergies and the Disney chefs are wonderful at accomodating them. This is the one place I feel safe taking DS on vacation.

We have packed lunches in MK and AK. I don't recall any picnic tables but there are lots of benches in the shade. Camp Minnie-Mickey in AK has some nice spots especially if characters are out and you can hear the Lion King music in the background. In MK we ahve eaten in Fronteirland and Fantasyland. There are tables in Fantasyland but we always purchased drinks and/or snacks for at least half our group when using these tables because I think they really are for those purchasing food at the stands. If we are having counter service for lunch I usually pack lunch for the two kids then buy food for the rest of the family. Then we opt for table in air-conditioned comfort.

 

[susy]

I wouldn't bother packing a lunch. I wouldl eat breakfast in the villa, then go to a park and go back to the villa for lunch around 1. In between , the others can get a snack and maybe you can just bring a small snack in your bag. You will really save big on lunches and everyone will be able to eat a little healthier. Have lunch, go for a swim, take a nap and go back to the parks refreshed for dinner. I know that you can call the restaurants ahead of time to let them know you are coming and what is is you need them to do.