If you bring food into the parks, where do you eat it?

[kaytieeldr]

Unless Disney makes a "rule" preventing me from using a table at a QS establishment to eat my lunch that I brought into the park as a result of a Disney rule that allows me to do so, then I will continue to eat there. I have never been asked to leave a table by a CM for over 20+ years even during busy times. Just my humble opinion!

Disney doesn't have a rule allowing anyone to bring food into the parks. They allow it, but it's not a rule. Please don't confuse permissions with rules (or "rules") or conditions. Because one person hasn't experienced something doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

 

[aprincessatlast]

I would never bring food into the parks. Eating homemade sandwiches and drinking kool aid isn't how I wanna spend my vacation. I could do that at home (except I don't drink kool aid).

I used to think the same thing. On our last visit I remember eating QS for lunch every day and getting so tired of the "Disney" food. I started to notice a few families eating a packed lunch. I must say it looked so good!

I was like you and thinking homemade sandwiches and kool aid but honestly there is more to packing a lunch than PBJ's. Sometimes I don't think it is always just the money aspect but not wanting what they offer at QS. I think this is especially true at certain parks where the dining options are limited. After tons of visits and never taking anything so much as a granola bar, this next trip we are making a big stop at a grocery store!

 

[labattblue]

I don't think it's right to take up a table at a QS location(during busy times) to eat a brown bag lunch. On the other hand, if eating at a time when open tables are plentiful...whatever floats your boat.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Disney doesn't have a rule allowing anyone to bring food into the parks. They allow it, but it's not a rule. Please don't confuse permissions with rules (or "rules") or conditions. Because one person hasn't experienced something doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

Correct. Unlike movie theaters that have signs expressly forbidding food into the theaters there is not sign up to prohibit it but I don't think it is a written "rule" allowing it.

I have seen CM's not allow people to sit without food or to save seats but that is only during the busy time of year. I've been in the position of juggling a food tray, two small kids and a stroller and struggling to find a table to so I have sympathy for those customers and try to be courteous and leave when I am finished with to open up a table.

 

[MommaBerd]

On our trip 3 years ago, my plan was to eat lunches in the park. The adults (or almost adults) did eat sandwiches. But, for my younger ones, I found it was best to have "snack" items - hummus and pita chips, cheese sticks, peanut butter crackers, fruit, granola bars, etc. They did NOT want to sit and actually eat a meal - too many distractions. Just something to think about...(of course, this has nothing to do with WHERE to eat in the parks )

 

[kanw]

I read on another blog people sometimes eat lunch on the train at MK, I was thinking that may be nice for a snack like some grapes but not sure would like that for an actual meal. Can people eat on the riverboat at MK? I'm thinking for Hollywood studios we are just going to eat lunch while waiting in the standby line. At AK we will probably eat by Tamu Tamu so we can get some dole whip, soooo excited try it.

 

[jeepnjudy]

Correct. Unlike movie theaters that have signs expressly forbidding food into the theaters there is not sign up to prohibit it but I don't think it is a written "rule" allowing it.

I have seen CM's not allow people to sit without food or to save seats but that is only during the busy time of year. I've been in the position of juggling a food tray, two small kids and a stroller and struggling to find a table to so I have sympathy for those customers and try to be courteous and leave when I am finished with to open up a table.

Au contraire, Although not listed as a "rule", it is addressed on Disney's website...

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/parks/outside-food-and-drink/

Disney Theme Parks & Water Parks – Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I bring my own food into theme parks and Disney Resort hotels?

A. Guests are allowed to bring food items—such as snacks or foods that do not require heating—into Disney theme parks. Inform a Security Cast Member of any food items when you enter the park.

And if you look here...

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/

There is nothing prohibiting bringing your own food into the parks.

 

[lovethattink]

During peak crowd levels, some QS don't allow anyone to be seated until they've gone through the line and have food in hand. I've seen this at Pinochio Haus and Pecos Bill's first handed, over July 4th week and Christmas/New Year's week. And I've heard about it most recently during Christmas season at the Backlot Express.

 

[mrzrich]

With the dietary restrictions that many people have, whether medical, personal or religious, Disney will likely always allow food and drinks in.

In our litigious society, it is easier for Disney to allow food in than have grandma pass out from dehydration or low blood sugar because she couldn't bring in her special spring water from the peak of Mount Fiji or the banana that she has to eat every day at 1:35 pm

 

[maxiesmom]

With the dietary restrictions that many people have, whether medical, personal or religious, Disney will likely always allow food and drinks in.

In our litigious society, it is easier for Disney to allow food in than have grandma pass out from dehydration or low blood sugar because she couldn't bring in her special spring water from the peak of Mount Fiji or the banana that she has to eat every day at 1:35 pm

I don't think that matters. If so there wouldn't be sooo many places that don't allow food and water in.

 

[maxiesmom]

I read on another blog people sometimes eat lunch on the train at MK, I was thinking that may be nice for a snack like some grapes but not sure would like that for an actual meal. Can people eat on the riverboat at MK? I'm thinking for Hollywood studios we are just going to eat lunch while waiting in the standby line. At AK we will probably eat by Tamu Tamu so we can get some dole whip, soooo excited try it.

There is very limited seating on the riverboat. Odds are you would be eating standing up.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

In Epcot, I saw a family eating their brought in lunch outside of Mission Space. There is a wall area there and they sat on the ledge and were eating. That area was shaded too.

It looked really good - they had fried chicken, some sort of salad, chips and brownies. I wanted to ask if they had enough to share. I was waiting for my family to finish riding Mission Space and chose that area to wait for them.

 

[Legendteri]

We ate on benches or planters. I think we might have eaten at a QS since it was slow and there was lots of available seating. We might have also bought something small like a drink or dessert to help us not feel so guilty.

 

[MamaLema]

We have made and brought lunch every single time. I could never eat fast food every day, and even salads can be high in fat. We eat at any QS table. We always go in off season so there have been plenty of tables.

 

[gap2368]

I would never bring food into the parks. Eating homemade sandwiches and drinking kool aid isn't how I wanna spend my vacation. I could do that at home (except I don't drink kool aid).

I got to go to disney for about 7 more days last year because I brought my food with me so for me it is a no brainer

 

[Legendteri]

When we do bring in our own food, we spend a little bit extra so it is more special. For instance, instead of getting our usual Bunny Bread we pay for a loaf of country white at Panera. Instead of cheap Oscar Meyer deli meat, we pay to have it sliced in a deli. We also give the kids Capri Suns as that is a special treat for them. We find this is a happy compromise between bringing in our own food and paying $50 for hambugers, fries and sodas.

 

[china mom]

Slightly off topic but.... I would love to take one of those amazing trips like I book for my clients (I am a Disney Travel Agent). You know, the ones where they stay at moderate or deluxe hotels and buy the meal plan. But, my kids and I made a deal a long time ago that if we went cheap, we could go often. Breakfast of cold cereal from our luggage and sandwhiches from our carry on sized cooler.

Due to the spontenaety of this past weekend's trip, we brought no food with us and it almost killed me to pay for three meals a day.

 

[jsmla]

I usually bring my own food but decided to go with the QSDP this trip. It's Friday, I arrived on Sunday and am really getting tired of Disney eats 24/7. It was fun at first (Cupcakes for breakfast, anyone?) but is definitely getting old.

 

[aaarcher86]

During peak crowd levels, some QS don't allow anyone to be seated until they've gone through the line and have food in hand. I've seen this at Pinochio Haus and Pecos Bill's first handed, over July 4th week and Christmas/New Year's week. And I've heard about it most recently during Christmas season at the Backlot Express.

Heck, we've had them do this during the off season at Cosmic Rays and Pinochio. I was kind of surprised!

 

[Nancyg56]

Heck, we've had them do this during the off season at Cosmic Rays and Pinochio. I was kind of surprised!

Yes, it seems arbitrary, but it happens.