New here with a question about sack lunches...

[Chica650]

I never knew that they HAD an OFFICIAL policy on it. We've done it the past two times we've gone and nobody has ever stopped us...we don't even try to CONCEAL that we have a cooler with us.

As far as "taking" tables away from paying customers, no we have never done that. I, too, feel uncomfortable eating inside somewhere if we're not purchasing something, so I usually go order some fries or a drink just so I can justify sitting inside My IL's on the other hand....don't do this. I do it out of courtesy for Disney and the nice air conditioned tables they have inside and I ALWAYS do this. So with my lovely soggy sandwich I at least have something I PURCHASED as well


It's interesting to see where people stand on this issue. I had no idea it would generate such comments when I started it, I just wanted to see if anyone else did this.

Anyhow, as of now we ARE still planning on taking our lunches and if they stop us at the gate...then they stop us. Not much we can do other than try, I guess.

 

[pilgrimage]

I've never seen the security folks react negatively to food in coollers, In fact, they asked one lady what was in her bag. She said sheepishly " Peanut butter and jelly." HE replied"Yum. Got an extra for me!!"

Definitely not a problem during my frequent visits.

 

[Twende]

We have done this many times in the past and we try to freeze the sandwiches the night before and put them in plastic bags with frozen drink boxes next to them. This way they are still cool but not frozen by lunch time.

No one at park security has even questioned it. We ususally rent a locker and put the food in there and return at lunch time to eat quietly and not in a fluanting way.

For example many times we eat on the benches under the train station in MK. It is right by the lockers and no one has ever bothered us. We clean up our mess and put anything we don't need back into our locker and go on our merry way!

Our last trip we shared Q & C vouchers and found that it did not change our budget much but the quality of the food was much better!

We still took snacks into the park with us like cookies and granola bars and juice boxes. Again no problems!

 

[Chica650]

I'm ignorant so I'll ask What are Q&C vouchers and where can I get them?

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by Chica650

I, too, feel uncomfortable eating inside somewhere if we're not purchasing something, so I usually go order some fries or a drink just so I can justify sitting inside My IL's on the other hand....don't do this. I do it out of courtesy for Disney and the nice air conditioned tables they have inside and I ALWAYS do this. So with my lovely soggy sandwich I at least have something I PURCHASED as well

---------------------------------------------

This I would definitely NOT do if I brought a packed lunch.. Eat "inside" the establishment? Outside tables (after purchasing a beverage or fries) - yes - if it wasn't terribly crowded..

Bringing a "packed" lunch and sitting at a table INSIDE? Nope - not even if I purchased a beverage to go "with" my packed lunch.. I think those tables should definitely be reserved for those who are purchasing their actual meal from the restaurant..

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by mkcp91
Hi Maggie,

I would be interested in hearing the official Disney language, because I think that the policy has a huge loophole - they allow coolers into three of the four major parks!

Only Animal Kingdom has a policy that coolers are for medication use only and not allowed in the park - hence, the "no outside food and drink" rule holds up there.

At the other three major parks, small coolers (that one person can carry) are allowed. They are inspected for alcoholic beverages and glass, not for food. I have heard, though, that baby food jars are allowed, though they are sometimes made of glass.

I think the whole "no outside food or drink" rule is bunk if they state that they allow coolers! What on earth do they think people are putting inside the coolers? At any rate, they are not enforcing a "no outside food or drink" rule at all.

Here's the "Official Cooler Policy"

Just some food for thought . . .
(I couldn't resist!)

~Heather

Actually the link you so renamed is not the official cooler policy and you shouldn't name it as such. WDW's official policy if you were to look on their website states that only the waterparks allow coolers. There is no place on the WDW that states that 3 out of the 4 parks allow coolers. Personally I don't care what anyone brings but just felt that the site you posted was wrong and that you shouldn't be spreading false info.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by summerrluvv
Everyone is a paying customer at DisneyWorld regardless if they bring their own munchies or not

Don't think so. You are not a paying restaurant customer if you aren't eating their food.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by captJack88
I see nothing wrong with this, we just took in some snacks and bottles of water in our packs, but I wouldn't have a problem with it. Heck, I went to Pinochios Village haus for dinner and made a salad from the toppings bar. Another tip that might work for you guys, if you're driving, take a crock-pot, and some pre-made frozen meals. We had sloppy-joe's, roast beef, even sausage gravy and biscuits one day for breakfast. It worked out well for us, and nobody said anything about it, or anything we took into the parks with us! Hope this helps!

Sorry but I think it is downright dishonest to make a salad for yourself out of the fixing bar unless you have PAID for the burger that you are supposed to fix. Now you say you had dinner there so I'm assuming you paid to eat at Pinnochios. You wouldn't believe the posts I've read where non paying people come into the place and make a salad! I also think it is the ultimate in cheap to crockpot in your room. I do not think WDW allows cooking in their rooms and I know I don't want to smell your sloppy joes simmering all day!

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by Rachelcay
For those who have recently visited what is universal and sea world's policy concerning bring in food?

Universal wouldn't even let me take in a bottle of water! They even questioned a pack of Gerber fruit snacks I had in DD's stroller cup holder.

 

[summerrluvv]

Originally posted by skiwee1
Don't think so. You are not a paying restaurant customer if you aren't eating their food.

Did you actually read my post are you just in a "I am right, you are wrong, pick everyone apart" mood again today?

I said everyone is a paying customer at WDW....I said nothing about sitting in a restaurant eating food that you brought from home.

The post I was replying to said something along the lines of it's okay to bring your own food to the parks as long as you aren't taking a seat from a "paying" customer. If I'm sitting outside on a bench or at a table and I got there before someone who bought a meal at a WDW establishment, then I (being a paying customer) have every right to sit there and eat my meal as the next person

 

[Aisling]

Universal wouldn't even let me take in a bottle of water!

Universal must like me because we had a back pack with 10 Capris juice drinks with us everyday when we were there. Our bags were checked, and we were let in with a "have a great day!"

Must be my smile!

 

[Aisling]

We always bring drinks with us into WDW inm a back pack, as well as granola bars. We never brought a cooler or home-made sandwiches.

But at Typhoon Lagoon, at the outdoor restaurant tables, we sat next to a family who brought a jar of peanut butter, a jar of jelly, a knife, and a loaf of bread! The mom made sandwiches, and I thought it was odd that she just didn't have them pre-made. I guess they like their PB&J fresh LOL! But to carry in jars??

 

[Twende]

Check your PM's!