Okay To Bring Snacks Into Parks?

[mesaboy2]

I'm about to hit DLR for the first time after many WDW visits and came across something that said that food was not allowed to be brought into the DLR parks. I know to distrust information on the web that doesn't sound right, and at WDW we have no trouble bringing in cheesesticks, a small bag of gummies or pretzels, water, etc.

Is the DLR policy the same as WDW or do they really not allow any food brought into the parks?

Thanks!

 

[crystal1313]

We've never had an issue bringing in snacks to the parks. I usually bring an entire backpack full of snacks, plus a soft sided cooler! Only things not allowed are glass containers, and sandwich makings (i.e., entire loaf of bread, jar of PB, etc). Pre-made sandwiches are ok. I've seen people carry in Subway and McDonalds too.

 

[mesaboy2]

We've never had an issue bringing in snacks to the parks. I usually bring an entire backpack full of snacks, plus a soft sided cooler! Only things not allowed are glass containers, and sandwich makings (i.e., entire loaf of bread, jar of PB, etc). Pre-made sandwiches are ok. I've seen people carry in Subway and McDonalds too.

Very good, thank you. I would think the policy would be the same at both resorts, but you never know.

 

[planningjollyholiday]

We always bring our own water bottles, and usually a granola bar each and have never had a problem.

 

[Blue32]

You should be fine. Many have reported here that snacks and food brought from outside are OK to bring in. We never had any trouble.

 

[figment_jii]

As others have said, you'll be fine bringing in snacks and drinks into the park as long as they are not in glass containers (baby food and baby bottles are exempt from this rule). Drinks are also fine, but no alcohol or large coolers. As the PP said, no sandwich makings (e.g., bread, spreads, meats, knife), but pre-made sandwiches are fine.

Just note that there are no general public microwaves in DL or DCA (there is a microwave available to heat baby food/milk in the baby center, but you can only heat food for infants/toddlers). There are also no places to store food to keep it cold, so plan accordingly.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Actually the "official" policy as it is listed on the web site has indeed changed. It used to say something to the effect food that fits inside a "six pack" size cooler is OK...now it says no outside food is permitted.

In reality though they only enforce no coolers, no glass, and no "ingredients" to make a meal...snacks, drinks and premade sandwiches have not a problem. Be willing to bet they made the language change to help enforce those that bend the rules a little too far.

 

[FryingPansWhoKnew]

Actually the "official" policy as it is listed on the web site has indeed changed. It used to say something to the effect food that fits inside a "six pack" size cooler is OK...now it says no outside food is permitted.

In reality though they only enforce no coolers, no glass, and no "ingredients" to make a meal...snacks, drinks and premade sandwiches have not a problem. Be willing to bet they made the language change to help enforce those that bend the rules a little too far.

Yesterday, I went in with a small plastic container of jelly and peanut butter, and a half loaf of bread. I even asked the CM if these items were ok fully expecting them to say "no" and they said "yes, no problem". As I have said in other threads, I have done this many times and have been upfront and honest about it always. If they are being stricter, they don't seem to be consistent.

 

[bcla]

I'm about to hit DLR for the first time after many WDW visits and came across something that said that food was not allowed to be brought into the DLR parks. I know to distrust information on the web that doesn't sound right, and at WDW we have no trouble bringing in cheesesticks, a small bag of gummies or pretzels, water, etc.

Is the DLR policy the same as WDW or do they really not allow any food brought into the parks?

Thanks!

The official policy is that no food is allowed unless necessary because of medical conditions or for a baby. The reality is that they'll allow a reasonable amount of snacks or beverages. I've dropped my own snacks in the park or spilled a can of soda, and in no way did a CM act as if I did anything wrong. In fact they were either picked up and handed to me or the CM said no problem - they'd clean it up.

Most suspect that the official policy exists to allow CMs to bring down the hammer for something egregious - like a picnic lunch.

The official policy does allow a small cooler to be brought in, so that's sort counter to the official policy that beverages can't be brought in. We had this tiny soft-sided cooler - barely large enough to squeeze a six pack in there. Security had no issues at all.

 

[shocker]

Very good, thank you. I would think the policy would be the same at both resorts, but you never know.

Well welcome mesaboy2 to the DLR threads

You have truly helped many over on the WDW threads

I've actually been working on these links over on the WDW threads and here's the deal...

WDW does allow guests to bring in their own food and drink
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/parks/outside-food-and-drink/

and DLR does not allow guests to bring in their own food and drink unless a special need exists
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/dining/#dining-outside-food

Now, don't shoot the messenger but this is the 'official line' from Disney at each park and is surprising since last I knew it was the same company.

Now, all this being said, as others have reported, food and drink has successfully been brought into the parks. You should know, however, the rules are not the same from park to park and that you may not be allowed with your food/drink.

 

[shocker]

Actually the "official" policy as it is listed on the web site has indeed changed. It used to say something to the effect food that fits inside a "six pack" size cooler is OK...now it says no outside food is permitted.

In reality though they only enforce no coolers, no glass, and no "ingredients" to make a meal...snacks, drinks and premade sandwiches have not a problem. Be willing to bet they made the language change to help enforce those that bend the rules a little too far.

I looked at the DLR website today. They do still state 'six pack size cooler' is allowed to be brought into the park but does not state anything about food that fits inside that size cooler and it also states 'no outside food' they are just stated in separate areas of the website.

 

[californiamomof4grls]

I was there last week. I brought in a small six pack cooler that was filled with 5 frozen juices boxes a package of salami, 5 string cheese, 5 gogurts, three packages of apples and 3 danimals. The bottom baskets was filled with snacks. The only thing that was said was how the cast member wished they were eating with us. I have done it this way every year since 2008 with no issues. We also each brought I 7 refillable water bottle That Rancho let us fill with ice and water. I wouldn't worry about it at all.

 

[mesaboy2]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to risk it.

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm about to hit DLR for the first time after many WDW visits and came across something that said that food was not allowed to be brought into the DLR parks. I know to distrust information on the web that doesn't sound right, and at WDW we have no trouble bringing in cheesesticks, a small bag of gummies or pretzels, water, etc.

Is the DLR policy the same as WDW or do they really not allow any food brought into the parks?

Thanks!

DLR policy has always seemed to me to work the same as WDW in this regard. I doubt you will have any trouble.