Homemade sandwiches in the parks

[Mersmom98]

We are planning on bringing sandwiches into the parks a few days to cut down on costs. Would it be frowned upon if we ate them in a quick service place like Cosmic Rays instead of just a shady spot outside to soak up a little a/c?

 

[jel0511]

We are planning on bringing sandwiches into the parks a few days to cut down on costs. Would it be frowned upon if we ate them in a quick service place like Cosmic Rays instead of just a shady spot outside to soak up a little a/c?

That depends, if it's REALLY busy inside they won't allow you to sit down without food from Cosmic Rays. They've started checking and stopped seat saving as well during busy times.

 

[Marionnette]

We are planning on bringing sandwiches into the parks a few days to cut down on costs. Would it be frowned upon if we ate them in a quick service place like Cosmic Rays instead of just a shady spot outside to soak up a little a/c?

Would you take your packed lunch into McDonald's to eat it? If I purchased a meal at a CS location and couldn't get a table because there were picnickers occupying them, then yes, I would frown upon it.

There are plenty of places to sit and soak up the A/C...Mickey's Philharmagic, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Tikki Room, etc. You just can't picnic in those venues.

Consider eating your sandwiches in a shady spot and then ducking into one of those cool places to rest and digest.

 

[wolf29]

I would think it is inappropriate. I cannot imagine walking into any dining establishment anywhere with my own food. I understand that if it isn't crowded you are not taking space from anyone, but it still seems wrong.

 

[Teresa Pitman]

We did one trip where we bought no food in the parks - just ate sandwiches, etc. we had made in the house we were staying off-site. It was not a busy time of year, so there were plenty of empty tables and the CMs did not seem to have any problems - at least, nobody said anything to us. There are also some areas where you can eat (like Tomorrowland Terrace) where it is cool and they aren't serving food anyway.

If you're worried, just ask a CM. They'll let you know if it is okay.

You could always go up to the counter and ask for your (free) glasses of water and then take them to your table.

Teresa

 

[POOHsie]

On one side, people patronizing a CS place need to sit at a table. On the other hand, Disney allows people to bring in food, it's extremely hot in Orlando, and everyone benefits from a cool break. I'm especially thinking of those traveling with elderly folks, young kids, and the ill. I don't believe just paying folks are entitled to an air-conditioned place to sit down, for goodness sakes

Tomorrowland Terrace is worth looking at. Someone correct me if this area is not available. As OP stated, plenty of people with food trays at popular CS restaurants can't get a seat at rush times, and Disney's response has been to admit only those with trays during these times -- no table-saving in advance of purchase, or picnickers. Other than rush, which I would generally say is 12-1, you should be OK. Cosmic Rays also has an shaded outdoor area around the corner from the main entry.

When I visited in November, I went to Columbia Harbor House for lunch. I was fortunate(unfortunate) to get the last table, which was next to the cashier station. All others were filled, and it was open seating at that time. Perhaps there was seating upstairs available. I can't climb stairs, so I can't say for certain. But upstairs is a real nice spot, with windows looking out, that's a bit of a secret place.

 

[smcabee]

We are planning on bringing sandwiches into the parks a few days to cut down on costs. Would it be frowned upon if we ate them in a quick service place like Cosmic Rays instead of just a shady spot outside to soak up a little a/c?

If its not busy in the restaurant go for it. Enjoy the AC.

 

[debsays]

We have just returned from visiting with the mouse. This visit when eating at one of the counter service restaurants you are not allowed in the seating area until your entire party is present and you have your tray of purchased food. Guess there are many people bringing their lunch and taking tables away from those who purchase their meals. Which is only right.

 

[kellyg403]

We have just returned from visiting with the mouse. This visit when eating at one of the counter service restaurants you are not allowed in the seating area until your entire party is present and you have your tray of purchased food. Guess there are many people bringing their lunch and taking tables away from those who purchase their meals. Which is only right.

When we went in Dec, I noticed a family that had bought a round of drinks and couple dessert items seated at a table at Cosmic Rays. They were eating their packed lunch as well.

I didn't think twice about them sitting there and eating. I happened to notice because the little one was wanting dessert first!

I would think that would be a middle ground, you have purchased from them so seating should be available to you.

Kelly

 

[capegirl]

We have just returned from visiting with the mouse. This visit when eating at one of the counter service restaurants you are not allowed in the seating area until your entire party is present and you have your tray of purchased food. Guess there are many people bringing their lunch and taking tables away from those who purchase their meals. Which is only right.

This is why CM's must enforce the 'no table saving' policy. Although I think there are probably more 'table savers' than picnickers. As a PP mentioned; if you buy drinks and dessert, you would be fine.

 

[smcabee]

This is why CM's must enforce the 'no table saving' policy. Although I think there are probably more 'table savers' than picnickers. As a PP mentioned; if you buy drinks and dessert, you would be fine.

The problem is there is no consistency as to when the CM's enforce this rule. Thats why I say if its not busy go ahead and eat in the A/C.

 

[Mersmom98]

Thanks for all the responses. We are going in July. I was making some plans today and this thought just popped n my head, so I figured I would ask. I have a toddler this trip so I am worrying about details I never would have even thought about before. We aren't rude people, so we would never sit somewhere that was full of paying customers with not enough tables.

 

[BuddyThomas]

Disney lets you bring picnic lunches into the park now? When did this start?

 

[vicki_c]

Disney lets you bring picnic lunches into the park now? When did this start?

I don't know but it's been what I would call "years and years."

 

[Mersmom98]

Disney lets you bring picnic lunches into the park now? When did this start?

Yes you can bring a soft sided cooler in the parks. There is a size restriction though, but I can't remember what it is.

 

[ICF]

We have just returned from visiting with the mouse. This visit when eating at one of the counter service restaurants you are not allowed in the seating area until your entire party is present and you have your tray of purchased food. Guess there are many people bringing their lunch and taking tables away from those who purchase their meals. Which is only right.

At pecos bill on Sunday, they wouldn't let us to the tables without our food.

Monday at Electric Umbrulla, my wife was able to grab a table, while I got the food.

So it really just depends.

 

[cymbaldiva]

Years and years ago my exDH and I packed peanut butter sandwiches to eat in the parks - my goodness we were "bless our hearts" broke! lol Wonderful trips though, we always had a good time

That said, I can honestly say it never occured to us to go to eat our packed lunch in one of the counter service spots - it just doesn't seem like the right thing to do; just kind of...tacky?

 

[TiggerTails57]

If you get free ice waters at the counter it will 'look' like you bought a drink.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Years and years ago my exDH and I packed peanut butter sandwiches to eat in the parks - my goodness we were "bless our hearts" broke! lol Wonderful trips though, we always had a good time

That said, I can honestly say it never occured to us to go to eat our packed lunch in one of the counter service spots - it just doesn't seem like the right thing to do; just kind of...tacky?

We were (and still are at times) "bless our hearts" broke love that term but have to agree tacky and totally unfair to "paying for meal" guests

Plenty of shady places to eat ...then go see a show & get a/c

 

[MSSANDRA]

In July it will be very busy so I would not count on being allowed to go into the seating area without purchasing food. The rule is enforced when it is busy and it will be busy. I would consider purchasing part of your meal and caring part of it. It will be a nice break to eat in an air conditioned place with your toddlers. Maybe pack fruit and chips and cookies and purchase a sandwich or two to share and drink water.