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

[ellie05]

We have never brought food to the parks only water. Last February in AK they were checking when you came into QS. They wanted everyone to get in the line and get food before grabbing a table. Honestly it just made more of a mess in the line. There was 16 of us including my 2 85+ year old grandparents. We asked if they could just go take a seat so they wouldn't be in the crazy line with us. The CM said no, but the manger was near by and overheard us. He came and took them off the line to a table and told the CM to start moving tables to accommodate our big party (we didn't care if we ate in separate tables or even ask for it). Everyone in line was able to get a table no problem but there wasn't any extra ones.

We can't eat QS everyday it just makes me feel heavy (I don't really know how to explain it). We do at least one TS a day and that helps. We usually eat breakfast in the room we just can't eat that much junk. Most QS do offer salads and some are good and some are awful. Last October I order the Greek salad at cosmic rays it was so good and fresh, probably it tasted better because I had been eating junk for so many days. The pizza planet salad not so good. It is possible to eat healthy and there are alternatives in most places at the parks. I do find it funny people say they can't eat junk, but then they say they eat lunch meat . It seems counter productive.

I totally understand that this saves money and maybe if you are local or are staying at a place with a kitchen might be worth, but for us it seem more trouble than what is worth. I also enjoy not having to cook on vacation.

I don't see a big problem with people that bring their food taking a table at a QS unless it is busy. I know that this is totally a cultural thing, but I couldn't eat at a bench. I need to be able to sit down relax and enjoy my meal. I don't even like eating in the car. DH on the other hand can eat anywhere and it drives me crazy . I would discourage people to eat on a queue specially if you have children, crumbs go all over the floor, people step on them and make a huge mess. CM at attractions shouldn't have to be cleaning up after people eating because it is not a place to eat. Also on benches at shows unless the show offers snacks. I don't enjoy having ketchup drops and crumbs in my seat when I am going to seat to watch a show.

 

[RubySlippers]

No picnic areas, I'm afraid. There are benches and planters that double as benches scattered around the parks. You can't count on eating at a quick service restaurant's table as sometimes CMs will be stationed and only allowing guests who have purchased food in hand to sit. Typically that happens when the parks are crazy busy, and I'm betting if a restaurant was that busy you wouldn't take a table anyway.

I'm guessing you know that you can't roll your cooler along with you? You need one you can carry, or one that would fit into the bottom of a stroller, should you have one. Or a cooler that fits into a locker.

This past week I saw a few people with coolers/backpacks on wheels being pulled through Magic Kingdom. I thought it wasn't allowed but they made it through bag check so I guess it is no longer a rule.

 

[maxiesmom]

This past week I saw a few people with coolers/backpacks on wheels being pulled through Magic Kingdom. I thought it wasn't allowed but they made it through bag check so I guess it is no longer a rule.

It is still a rule. I think sometimes they are let in and sometimes they carry their cooler until they are past security and then unfold and drag it.

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

We have never brought food to the parks only water. Last February in AK they were checking when you came into QS. They wanted everyone to get in the line and get food before grabbing a table. Honestly it just made more of a mess in the line. There was 16 of us including my 2 85+ year old grandparents. We asked if they could just go take a seat so they wouldn't be in the crazy line with us. The CM said no, but the manger was near by and overheard us. He came and took them off the line to a table and told the CM to start moving tables to accommodate our big party (we didn't care if we ate in separate tables or even ask for it). Everyone in line was able to get a table no problem but there wasn't any extra ones.

We can't eat QS everyday it just makes me feel heavy (I don't really know how to explain it). We do at least one TS a day and that helps. We usually eat breakfast in the room we just can't eat that much junk. Most QS do offer salads and some are good and some are awful. Last October I order the Greek salad at cosmic rays it was so good and fresh, probably it tasted better because I had been eating junk for so many days. The pizza planet salad not so good. It is possible to eat healthy and there are alternatives in most places at the parks. I do find it funny people say they can't eat junk, but then they say they eat lunch meat . It seems counter productive.

I totally understand that this saves money and maybe if you are local or are staying at a place with a kitchen might be worth, but for us it seem more trouble than what is worth. I also enjoy not having to cook on vacation.

I don't see a big problem with people that bring their food taking a table at a QS unless it is busy. I know that this is totally a cultural thing, but I couldn't eat at a bench. I need to be able to sit down relax and enjoy my meal. I don't even like eating in the car. DH on the other hand can eat anywhere and it drives me crazy . I would discourage people to eat on a queue specially if you have children, crumbs go all over the floor, people step on them and make a huge mess. CM at attractions shouldn't have to be cleaning up after people eating because it is not a place to eat. Also on benches at shows unless the show offers snacks. I don't enjoy having ketchup drops and crumbs in my seat when I am going to seat to watch a show.

February was the first time I can recall having to keep everyone together instead of letting the family go sit down while I ordered and brought food. CHH wasn't that crowded. DW got upset because we were directed to a line with 4 people in it instead of a line with two people in it. The four people all ordered separately so we were fifth in line...the 2 ordered together so 3 other groups behind us ordered before we did. It was the first time I had ever heard her complain to a CM!

 

[GabBeFit]

I normally eat my food in line for rides. We always bring things that are super easy to eat on the go... Saves time!

 

[onenursebrandy]

Thanks for all the suggestions....I'm totally surprising my DS9 (who just finished reading Tom Sawyer) with lunch or dinner on the Island!!!

 

[HopperFan]

We often bring in lunch and then eat dinner at TS.

MK:
- A large area full of tables, many with umbrellas next to the water playground in Storybook Circus.
- Tomorrowland Terrace is a large area and when closed, which is often, free to sit at.
- Tortuga Tavern has tables that when closed, which is often, free to sit at.
- Tomorrowland next to the Speedway has a long row of tables, some with umbrellas.
- There are several other smaller spots that are fine to use and not attached to QS
- Tables and chairs on Center Street (the street to East of Main Street)
- Upstairs at Train Station

DHS:
- Tables some with umbrellas along Echo Lake by 50's Prime
- Tables by where Mike & Sulley meet but that may be closing
- Lots of benches that we have sat at and had our lunches. Once we sat on benches and watched LMA from behind buildings.

AK:
- Many Tables and Chairs in hidden spots/trails between Africa and Asia and through out the park
- The farthest patios for FT closest to Asia are usually completely empty and not used
- Picnic tables in Dinoland by no food stations


Epcot:
- TONS of benches that work for lap eating. We pack our sandwiches in tupperware and they make great plates.
- Tables Chairs by the outpost are often empty and not being used
- Tables and Chairs in plaza of Italy not for any restaurant
- Tables in front of America Pavilion are for the QS but I have NEVER seen more than a couple tables in use there. They way overbuilt.
- Lots of spots along lake are easy to eat at.

You would be surprised at all the nooks & crannies, with ledges or places to sit away from it all and enjoy your lunch or snack.

 

[dreiwhit]

When we were at Epcot two weeks ago, we ate our packed lunch at the tables in the downstairs QS area near the Nemo ride and Turtle Talk with Crush (can't think of the name right now.) There were only two other families eating in there, so it was deserted. Liberty Inn was the same way - nearly empty.

In the MK, we had a snack sitting in the outdoor seating area across from Pirates of the Carribean. Except for us, no one else was there.

Now if the QS seating area was busy, like Cosmic Ray's in MK, I wouldn't eat our packed lunch there. But, if its almost deserted or 1/3 full, we'll go ahead and eat there.

When in doubt, ask the CM.

 

[dreiwhit]

- Upstairs at Train Station

The indoor benches are also a good place to rest and watch the fireworks.

 

[hookedonears]

I see everyone raving about bringing outside food into the parks and it sounds like a great way to save money... but if I bring in a cooler of sandwiches where do we sit and eat it? I assume QS tables are for paying guests, are there picnic areas for the BYO people?

There are benches near the cement pond in Frontierland.

 

[pampam]

hookedonears, I'm trying to picture it. Do you mean at the fountain beside Pirates of the Caribbean?

 

[CarolynU]

I'm sorry if this offends, but if my hot meal that I purchased in a QS establishment was completely cold because I was traipsing around unable to find a table to sit down and eat it because the tables were taken up with folks eating their sandwiches I wouldn't be happy. I'd probably go back to the counter and ask for the meal to be replaced with hot food as I can't understand why I would be expected to eat standing up or on the ground while others ate their own food that hadn't been bought there.
Non busy periods no problem.

 

[cavepig]

When we were at Epcot two weeks ago, we ate our packed lunch at the tables in the downstairs QS area near the Nemo ride and Turtle Talk with Crush (can't think of the name right now.) There were only two other families eating in there, so it was deserted. Liberty Inn was the same way - nearly empty..

In the Land, Sunshine Seasons?

 

[HopperFan]

hookedonears, I'm trying to picture it. Do you mean at the fountain beside Pirates of the Caribbean?

Not sure who you are asking but if you mean tables/chairs by Pirates of Caribbean - across from the ride is Toruga Tavern. An outdoor but shaded QS that is rarely open, only during the busiest times of year. All other times those tables are open and available to anyone to sit at. It's shaded and has a bathroom nearby. We like to eat/rest there.

 

[PlainJane]

While I would find it hard to give specific examples, there really are a lot of places to sit down and eat a picnic lunch at Disney. Beyond benches and low walls, there are often seating areas outside near small outdoor QS locations/food carts. During non-busy times, eating at an indoor QS/large outdoor QS will most likely only pose a problem if there are limited tables available. Like some have mentioned, a CM could choose to ask you to leave even with many tables available, and you would just have to accept that this could happen.

I cannot remember any instance where I really wanted to sit down and was unable to at Disney, except for some instances during parades/fireworks.

I've only ever brought snacks in, so this has never really come up for me, but in the future with my husband we might decide to do it for medical reasons. While I know we can probably work around his needs, the variety in his diet would probably greatly suffer that week.

Edited to add: For those that eat in line, please be courteous to those around you. Be cognizant that some foods are more likely to either cause discomfort to others because of strong smells or could induce allergies in severe cases. I, personally, would really prefer if people would only eat snacks and drink in line.

 

[ktate82]

We have never brought food to the parks only water. Last February in AK they were checking when you came into QS. They wanted everyone to get in the line and get food before grabbing a table. Honestly it just made more of a mess in the line. There was 16 of us including my 2 85+ year old grandparents. We asked if they could just go take a seat so they wouldn't be in the crazy line with us. The CM said no, but the manger was near by and overheard us. He came and took them off the line to a table and told the CM to start moving tables to accommodate our big party (we didn't care if we ate in separate tables or even ask for it). Everyone in line was able to get a table no problem but there wasn't any extra ones.

We had an issue in AK last June similar where they said we all had to go through the line together (there were 6 of us). We had my MIL with us who can't stand for very long due to bad hips, but I told the CM the rest of us would wait if she could just come in and sit down. The CM told us she would have to stand in line with us or we could leave her outside while we got food. I told him she wasn't a dog to be left outside the restaurant while we ordered. We left and went to Yak & Yeti. It was not a good trip and that was the step too far for us.

 

[hookedonears]

hookedonears, I'm trying to picture it. Do you mean at the fountain beside Pirates of the Caribbean?

Sorry, that was an attempt at humor.

 

[aquabone1109]

I'm sorry if this offends, but if my hot meal that I purchased in a QS establishment was completely cold because I was traipsing around unable to find a table to sit down and eat it because the tables were taken up with folks eating their sandwiches I wouldn't be happy. I'd probably go back to the counter and ask for the meal to be replaced with hot food as I can't understand why I would be expected to eat standing up or on the ground while others ate their own food that hadn't been bought there.
Non busy periods no problem.

This happened to use this past weekend in AK. There were 3 of us plus a baby. We were to the BBQ place which is decent and proceeded to walk around and look for a place. Place was packed. Found one area used us by a big group (group of tables directly behind the place where you get the food (about 4 small tables). They were all taken up by a group of people eating their sandwiches and chips that they took into the park (they had those big soft coolers on wheels). Went back to the place where you get the food to speak with someone about allowing people who bring in their own food to use the tables. She went to the people at these tables and informed them that these tables are means for diners of the BBQ restaurant. No one budged. She went around and found a table for use. Had it cleaned and brought us a few desserts for our trouble. Fortunately the food was still hot.

 

[hookedonears]

In the Land, Sunshine Seasons?

Believe they were talking about The Living Seas Pavilion

 

[cavepig]

Believe they were talking about The Living Seas Pavilion

Yes, but there's no quick service in the Living Seas Nemo Pavillion, so the Land is next door which is why I asked if that's what they meant.