Homemade sandwiches in the parks

[MrBean]

If you go by that logic, the resorts are just places for guests to sleep while visiting WDW. Maybe if we just show up with our own pillows and blankets they'll let us use one of the rooms.

Apples to apples, a WDW resort is just like any other resort. You pay to sleep in the rooms there. Do you have the same requirement to purchase food at a value resort food court in order to eat there?

An amusement park has a captive audience, with designated eating areas around the park (aka tables at the counter services). I really doubt they would rather you sitting in their fenced lawn.

 

[luvmy3]

Apples to apples, a WDW resort is just like any other resort. You pay to sleep in the rooms there. Do you have the same requirement to purchase food at a value resort food courts in order to eat there?

An amusement park has a captive audience, with designated eating areas around the park (aka tables at the counter services). I really doubt they would rather you sitting in their fenced lawn.

No they would rather you pay for something at the CS counter and use the tables, however as it has been pointed out, there are places around the park to sit and eat if you choose not to purchase your meal and/or drinks and snacks at the CS restaurants. WDW provides guests places to sit throughout their parks without them having to sit in the fenced lawn areas. NIce try though.

 

[MrBean]

Even the folks over at the DFB agree:

Where can I eat the food I’ve brought

Anywhere you like. Stop on a bench and pull out your snack. Or if you have a full meal, you’re welcome to eat at any table at a counter service restaurant, indoors or out.

I like eating at the outdoor tables near Casey’s in the Magic Kingdom. There’s great people watching and a view of the Castle.

Check out the full blog post on bringing your own grub here: http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/...bringing-your-own-food-to-disney-theme-parks/

 

[chicagoshannon]

Disney removed quite a bit of picnic table seating when they rearranged Fantasyland.

I would suggest eating in the Tomorrowland Terrece for A/C. I believe there are also shaded tables near the Barnstormer/Dumbo area, Small World, and Hall of Predidents. Another shaded area is on Tom Sawyers island facing the Haunted Mansion. If all else fails go to the Baby Care centers. It will be nice and cool in there and they usually have high chairs you can use.

 

[MrBean]

I was trying to let this thread die but it doesn't seem to be going away...So I have to say THANK YOU to everyone who gave kind answers to my question no matter whether you were for or against it. However, for those of you that were unbelievably condescending and rude, why? I have been called tacky and not exactly sure but possibly "bless your heart poor"...We are a large blended family with teenagers and a toddler (both difficult ages) and I am just trying to take us on a decent family vacation on a decent budget. We make plenty of money to support our family and are actually very nice people. I will definitely think twice before I post any other questions, and I would never reply to someone the way some of you have replied to me. You would think that I asked about hiring a person on a scooter to get me through the lines quicker. I can promise you that nobody will see my family eating in any QS place without a purchased meal.

I wouldn't worry about all the responses here, Disney gets enough of our money that bringing a few meals into the park and enjoying them at a counter service isn't going to hurt them. Just like others, we like to sit at a table with our little one, put him in a high chair or booster, and enjoy some family time in the A/C.

It's not Disney's policy that you have to buy something in order to sit down, unless it's an extremely busy day, which they'll give priority to those who purchase meals there. So we'll just leave it at that, otherwise have a great trip!

 

[burnurcomputer]

I end up buying drink and a side or two so I can feel comfortable sitting at the seats There are 7 of us when we go, so it helps to take some food and round it out with some quick service items!

 

[crisi]

And if it is a busy day and you notice people walking around with food trays, looking to sit down and you have your picnic lunch, the polite thing to do is leave.

Actually, many of the restaurants get full over lunch and dinner even at non-busy Disney times. We never go during "crowded" times and we eat at 11am to avoid the lunch rush.

 

[eliza61]

So as a general rule I have no idea why people think because you're at Disney the general rules are some how excused.

Now generally restaurants don't like when you bring outside food into their establishments. At home do you go into mcdonalds or applebees with home food to save money?

why would cosmic rays be any different? Would you sit down at the Plaza and pull out your sandwhiches?

I agree with previous posters, there are tons of spaces in MK that you can cool off at.
I also think the "ask a cm" is a cop out. MOst cm's are not going to tell a patron no because 1) it's easiest and 2) they don't want to bother with the hassle if the guest gets upset.
I wish Disney would start enforcing the rules more often.

But that's another story.

So, in fairness to the other patrons who are paying for the food there, find some where else to eat and then go enjoy the a/c in the hall of presidents.

 

[Mama Who]

If the place is largely empty, I can see it being no big deal. If you'd be taking a table away from someone buying food there, best not.

 

[Mersmom98]

Please everyone let this die!!! I think this has been blown way out of proportion and again I apologize for starting such a hot topic. Oh and if you are at Disney between July 13-20, please don't pay attention to the family of 7 spread out on their picnic blanket under a tree. We will just be enjoying our free shady spot.

 

[brymolmom]

You can't take a huge cooler in just a small soft one that fits under a stroller or so. Think a couple bottles of drink, some sandwiches and a couple of snacks, I wouldn't say enough for a huge real picnic meal.

Not sure what the actual size restriction is...but it's way larger than just a couple drinks and sandwiches. I usually bring a soft sided cooler that is about 18'' by 10'' by 6''. And we stock it full of maybe 4 water bottles (a few frozen ones to keep everything cold), 2 - 4 bottles of soda, couple juice boxes, 4 sandwiches, a container of Pringles, some grapes and strawberries, cookies or another sweet and maybe a few snack like things to restock our backpack for the afternoon - like granola bars, cheese sticks, etc.

Definitely large enough for a full picnic meal for our family of 4.

I love bringing in our own food...Especially at busy times as you can eat as soon as you're hungry and not worry about lines. We have eaten at CS places before...but never when all the tables have been full. We eat on benches a lot too - but when it's especially HOT or especially COLD and we've needed a break from the weather...we have gone inside a CS location. I guess if WDW stopped allowing this - we'd probably buy one or two drinks to be 'allowed' to sit down if it is 95 or 45 outside.

And to the pp with the McDonald's analogy...It's apples to oranges...You don't pay $100 per person to get onto McD's property to begin with. Now I agree that you should never take a table from someone who has paid for food at that location...But being WDW restaurants, and that I paid $100 per person to get on WDW property...I do not have any moral issue with sitting at one of their tables while enjoying my own food. But would leave without argument if at anytime someone asked me to do so.

 

[Marionnette]

Not sure what the actual size restriction is...but it's way larger than just a couple drinks and sandwiches. I usually bring a soft sided cooler that is about 18'' by 10'' by 6''. And we stock it full of maybe 4 water bottles (a few frozen ones to keep everything cold), 2 - 4 bottles of soda, couple juice boxes, 4 sandwiches, a container of Pringles, some grapes and strawberries, cookies or another sweet and maybe a few snack like things to restock our backpack for the afternoon - like granola bars, cheese sticks, etc.

Definitely large enough for a full picnic meal for our family of 4.

I love bringing in our own food...Especially at busy times as you can eat as soon as you're hungry and not worry about lines. We have eaten at CS places before...but never when all the tables have been full. We eat on benches a lot too - but when it's especially HOT or especially COLD and we've needed a break from the weather...we have gone inside a CS location. I guess if WDW stopped allowing this - we'd probably buy one or two drinks to be 'allowed' to sit down if it is 95 or 45 outside.

And to the pp with the McDonald's analogy...It's apples to oranges...You don't pay $100 per person to get onto McD's property to begin with. Now I agree that you should never take a table from someone who has paid for food at that location...But being WDW restaurants, and that I paid $100 per person to get on WDW property...I do not have any moral issue with sitting at one of their tables while enjoying my own food. But would leave without argument if at anytime someone asked me to do so.

WDW cooler policy:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/coolers.htm

For the MK:

Small coolers (that one person can carry) that will fit into the lockers under the Train Station are allowed. Coolers will be inspected for glass and alcoholic beverages which are not permitted.

The large locker measures 17"H x 12"W x 16" deep.

Apparently none are permitted in AK, I don't know how strictly this is enforced. I imagine that it is done for the safety of the animals.

 

[smcabee]

So as a general rule I have no idea why people think because you're at Disney the general rules are some how excused.

Now generally restaurants don't like when you bring outside food into their establishments. At home do you go into mcdonalds or applebees with home food to save money?

why would cosmic rays be any different? Would you sit down at the Plaza and pull out your sandwhiches?

I agree with previous posters, there are tons of spaces in MK that you can cool off at.
I also think the "ask a cm" is a cop out. MOst cm's are not going to tell a patron no because 1) it's easiest and 2) they don't want to bother with the hassle if the guest gets upset.
I wish Disney would start enforcing the rules more often.

But that's another story.

So, in fairness to the other patrons who are paying for the food there, find some where else to eat and then go enjoy the a/c in the hall of presidents.

At Home my McDonalds and Applebees have signs that say no outside food or drink permitted. Never saw one of those at any of the Disney CS restaurants. Nor could I find anywhere on the WDW website that prohibits it.

 

[Bob NC]

Does every.single.Dis.member have to get their kicks in on this woman for asking this question.

Jesus people, there are 4 pages of the same answer, why do you ALL have to keep piling on?

Is it just fun?

 

[mikehn]

Please everyone let this die!!! I think this has been blown way out of proportion and again I apologize for starting such a hot topic. Oh and if you are at Disney between July 13-20, please don't pay attention to the family of 7 spread out on their picnic blanket under a tree. We will just be enjoying our free shady spot.

You are not going to get off so easy. I predict at least another three pages.

 

[luvmy3]

Does every.single.Dis.member have to get their kicks in on this woman for asking this question.

Jesus people, there are 4 pages of the same answer, why do you ALL have to keep piling on?

Is it just fun?

You are not going to get off so easy. I predict at least another three pages.

The OP is free to not come back to this thread, but that doesn't mean the rest of the people on the DIS have to stop discussing the topic she started. If all threads were made up of one post answers, this wouldn't be much of a discussion board.

 

[sweetdana]

No it is not. It is for the patrons of the restaurant.

Or patrons of the park... ? Like you'd spend much under 100$ for your family to get in for the day.

Do you think Disney let's coolers in soley for medicine and water bottles?
Do you think park admission is free...?

So although I think it would be rude if swamped, paying peeps waiting for tables... I cannot imagine they would not just invite you in if there is room.

I wouldn't think twice. If there were open tables. I wouldn't hesitate to lay a blanket out and have a picnic either. Picnic at the mk... Nope doesn't sound bad at all.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Even the folks over at the DFB agree:

Check out the full blog post on bringing your own grub here: http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/...bringing-your-own-food-to-disney-theme-parks/

Disney Food Blog is just a bunch of Disney fans. Not an official arm of Disney.

 

[Kay1]

I really prefer to have lunch at a theme park restaurant then picnic at the house or hotel for dinner, especially in the summer. We can shower, cool off, have some wine, then just eat when we feel like it.

 

[robinb]

Or patrons of the park... ? Like you'd spend much under 100$ for your family to get in for the day.

Do you think Disney let's coolers in soley for medicine and water bottles?
Do you think park admission is free...?

So although I think it would be rude if swamped, paying peeps waiting for tables... I cannot imagine they would not just invite you in if there is room.

I wouldn't think twice. If there were open tables. I wouldn't hesitate to lay a blanket out and have a picnic either. Picnic at the mk... Nope doesn't sound bad at all.

I guess I don't get your point. Are you saying that because WDW allows coolers and you spent $100 to get into the MK you are entitled to eat your picnic lunch where ever you want? Everyone has paid close to $100 to enter the park, so the amount of money you spent to get in doesn't really set you apart or make you special.