Park Picnics

[Momtastic]

Depending on when you are going, "away from other people" may be a rather subjective concept -- check out posts on the TPAS forum about this week!

Yes, I did see the TPAS forum posts. Thanks for pointing that out- I suspect it will be especially busy the week we go (first week of April). All the more reason to pack a lunch, in my opinion. One less long queue to have to stand in.

 

[disney144]

I don’t think bringing food in is weird, but the idea of setting up a picnic with a blanket is. We brought food and just found little areas tucked away to eat, but that was before Covid.

 

[Aimeedyan]

The tables near Casey's and the ice cream shop are open to anyone and there are often families eating food they brought in. Since both of those food spots are closed, there isn't really a food option open anywhere near by so it's perfect for a packed meal. Just note some tables are blocked off and they often fill with people relaxing.

The hub grass is also open and many eat there. It's our toddler's favorite attraction at MK so we hang out there often

Tom Sawyer is a problem only due to long waits to and from right now. It would take a lot of time just to eat a sandwich (unless you're planning to spend time there anyways).

 

[FloreedaGal]

are you looking to do this with young kids? not sure if you can sit at counter serve tables without ordering food with reduced seating. might be some tables in mask relax stations but not sure. know my young grandkids would not do well sitting on a bench to eat without a table

You are allowed to eat outside food at any table and chair areas in the park. We are budget minded and also have allergies so are used to doing this whenever we travel and it works fine at Disney too. We were there March 13-15, and ate our picnic at quick service table areas at Hollywood Studios Sunset Blvd, The Land at Epcot, and across from Pirates of Caribean at Magic Kingdom (wish we'd gone to terrace near tomorrowland, forgot it's my favorite). It was crowded and we had to hover for a table, but not long, not different than anyone else or any other time.

We carried a backpack cooler of food and a water bottle backpack for our family of 5. We planned to get a locker, but never did, was no problem having the pack on the rides and we were not bothered carrying it.

We bring sandwich bread in boxes so it does not get smashed, put ice from the hotel in plastic bags for cool packs, and put packages of meat n cheese at bottom or pack. We assemble sandwiches at the table using knives from the park. We brought:

Hummus n carrots n crackers
crackers, cream cheese, smoked salmon
Apples n cheese
peanut butter n honey sandwich
ham and cheese (mayo n mustard packs from park)
My husband is on a special diet so brought his cooked white sweet potatoes and roasted meat and guacamole
Pringles (pack well, special junk food) , small bags of snacks like crackers, bars, chips

Buy things in containers that pack well. I shopped at Aldis and they have small containers of hummus and guac and hard sided pre sliced cheese slices and resealable meat pacs that pack well, and then seal things in gallon size ziplocks in case the ice leaks. You can get ice water from any cashier counter, or large cups of ice if you need to refresh the ice.

We do this then splurge on interesting snacks and drinks.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

You are allowed to eat outside food at any table and chair areas in the park. We are budget minded and also have allergies so are used to doing this whenever we travel and it works fine at Disney too. We were there March 13-15, and ate our picnic at quick service table areas at Hollywood Studios Sunset Blvd, The Land at Epcot, and across from Pirates of Caribean at Magic Kingdom (wish we'd gone to terrace near tomorrowland, forgot it's my favorite). It was crowded and we had to hover for a table, but not long, not different than anyone else or any other time.

We carried a backpack cooler of food and a water bottle backpack for our family of 5. We planned to get a locker, but never did, was no problem having the pack on the rides and we were not bothered carrying it.

We bring sandwich bread in boxes so it does not get smashed, put ice from the hotel in plastic bags for cool packs, and put packages of meat n cheese at bottom or pack. We assemble sandwiches at the table using knives from the park. We brought:

Hummus n carrots n crackers
crackers, cream cheese, smoked salmon
Apples n cheese
peanut butter n honey sandwich
ham and cheese (mayo n mustard packs from park)
My husband is on a special diet so brought his cooked white sweet potatoes and roasted meat and guacamole
Pringles (pack well, special junk food) , small bags of snacks like crackers, bars, chips

Buy things in containers that pack well. I shopped at Aldis and they have small containers of hummus and guac and hard sided pre sliced cheese slices and resealable meat pacs that pack well, and then seal things in gallon size ziplocks in case the ice leaks. You can get ice water from any cashier counter, or large cups of ice if you need to refresh the ice.

We do this then splurge on interesting snacks and drinks.

was this since covid or before? been reading reports of only being allowed in seat areas of counter serves when order is ready and you have food with CMs there stopping you, few have said outside seating also affected

 

[FloreedaGal]

was this since covid or before? been reading reports of only being allowed in seat areas of counter serves when order is ready and you have food with CMs there stopping you, few have said outside seating also affected

This is this week's experience. During March 2021 we had to show our mobile order to go into the Pinocchio counter serve area in Magic Kingdom (which you could do if you order fries, a drink, anything), but ate at tables in other areas (Sunset Blvd Hollywood Studios, Across from Pirate of Caribean, and The Land) without anyone questioning us, or raising any eyebrows. I believe it has long been park policy you can eat outside food anywhere, and it seems to be still be the case. As a family with multiple people with different food allergies, this is a big help to us to be able to manage our food by bringing it. Its a huge pain to find a place that can accommodate all of our needs and have appealing options for the majority of our party. I imagine it's worth it to keep this policy to accommodate complicated folks like us. There are very few things in the park my husband can eat.