Is Eating Allowed in the Festival of the Lion King Theatre?

[candygirl75]

I just got my FP+ and touring plan worked out for our AK day. We have FOTLK at lunch time for my family and not a lot of room on either side of the show for eating. I'm wondering if I can bring food in to the theatre and eat it while we're waiting and watching. I don't want to assume it's ok then have cranky, hungry kids on my hands if it's not. I couldn't find any "theatre rules" posted anywhere. I realize this might be a stupid question but it's been 6 years since our last trip.

 

[wilkeliza]

I don't think you are allowed to eat and drink in the theater. There is not much space in there to do it anyways.

 

[tobikaye]

I do not know the official stance as I have not been able to work Lion King into my plans during my trips in a while. I know most go with the rule of thumb that if it is an open air theater (Beauty & the Beast, Indy) then food is okay. If it is an enclosed theater (Lion King, Finding Nemo), then food may not be allowed in.

 

[GBBTomorrow]

I have never seen any rules on this that I can recall, but it's hard to imagine anybody would say anything if you would whip a few granola bars and apples out of your backpack. If you set up a full picnic, I think that would be a little different. Keep in mind that they really load that theatre tightly. You won't have much room to navigate.

 

[softball chick]

The announcement is made multiple times while you are waiting in line to go into the theatre that food and drink are not allowed in and must be finished before entering. I've also seen Cast Members stop guests and have them wait outside the door while they finish their Mickey Bars or drink.

 

[candygirl75]

I'm glad I asked!! Thanks everyone for your responses. I'll have to plan a break in before hand.

 

[AngiTN]

Funny that they make that announcement. During Harambe Nights, held in that very same theater, the gave out water and a dried fruit and nut mix to eat while watching the performance held in the theater. While not a full meal clearly eating of some sort was allowed for that. Granted, this was a single performance each night. Not several shows. I can fully understand why they don't want drinks/snacks inside during regular operating hours. The turn around for performance is too quick for them to be able to clean up between shows. If people were better at cleaning up after themselves it may not be such an issue.

 

[wilkeliza]

Funny that they make that announcement. During Harambe Nights, held in that very same theater, the gave out water and a dried fruit and nut mix to eat while watching the performance held in the theater. While not a full meal clearly eating of some sort was allowed for that. Granted, this was a single performance each night. Not several shows. I can fully understand why they don't want drinks/snacks inside during regular operating hours. The turn around for performance is too quick for them to be able to clean up between shows. If people were better at cleaning up after themselves it may not be such an issue.

I think you hit the nail on the head that it is less to do with food inside the venue and more to do with clean up time needed between shows. So on regular operating days it is not allowed in the venue but for a once a night ticketed special event they may have different operating rules.

I mean Great Movie Ride doesn't allow food but if you rent out DHS you could how your wedding reception or work party dinner in the Wizard of Oz section.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Food and drink are not allowed in the theater (they will allow in a closed bottle of beverage though - but make you finish anything in a cup before entering). It's also way too close in there to eat a meal while you are watching the show.

This is true of most, if not all, of the regular shows presented in an enclosed theater, and I agree that it has more to do with cleanup between sets than anything else.