Picnic tables outside Parks?

[Dan Pronovost]

Hello:

I'm wondering which Disney parks, if any, have picnic tables available for public use outside of the park, near the front gates. My idea being to pack the family lunch, leave it in the car, and return to get it and eat it somewhere, then return to the park. But with small children, picnic tables and/or shaded lawns would be very helpful! I understand MK has public tables at the transportation center, for example. I'm primarily interested in Animal Kingdom, and DS.

Dan Pronovost

 

[SammieG]

are there public tables at the transportation centre? I cant think where they are.

Ive never seen any picnic tables anywhere on Disney Park property..
There is definitely not anything like that at AK - and I cant think of anything at the studios either. They dont really want you hanging around outside the park to be honest... they want you IN, and spending money!

If i were you I would bring my picnic in with me, put it in the locker and there are plenty of places inside the park where you could eat.

At MGM there is the restaurant near star tours (cant think of the name!) or the one near the Honey i shrunk the kids playground. _ all shaded or under cover.

At AK you could eat inside the Dawa Bar or the one nearby the flame tree BBQ

Hope that helps!

 

[Dan Pronovost]

Thank you for the information... much appreciated! I had only read in the Unofficial Disney Guide in a reader comment that there were picnic tables at the TTC... I suspect it is not correct.

Based on the many comments from readers here (and in effect in the Unoffical Disney Guide), I think we'll just try our luck with bringing in our lunch in a backpack or folding lunch pack. Sounds like it's generally tolerated (and, our daughter does have severe dairy/egg allergies, which mandates us bringing in food which I doubt they'd argue with).

Dan Pronovost

 

[SammieG]

no, its absolutely fine to take food in with you. Lots of people do.. and you will see lots of people having their picnic at tables around the place. No problem at all.

Particularly in your case, which is really important.

Are you aware that you can contact any disney restaurant before hand and speak to the chef who will make something especially for your daughter to eat. I know a number of people who have had great stuff prepared in this way.

They do need a few days notice though usually.. but it might be fun to try!

Sammie x

 

[Dan Pronovost]

Thanks again Sammie... good to know I can get away bringing in food, despite the 'posted' policies on this.

Indeed, I have already started to make food plans (for evenings) with specific restaurants that can cater to our daughter's allergies. It appears that the Disney DINE phone reservation system has this information about restaurants, incredibly, and a bit of common sense helps further reduce the restaurant choices. For example, 'Ohana's in the Polynesian is a super choice for us since they cook the food right there on the grill, and dairy/egg is an unlikely additive anyway.

Dan Pronovost

 

[Colinsmom]

Depending on which park you are at and how busy it is that day, the trip back to the car could be quite long!! You'll make the most of your time at Disney by bringing your food into the park and eating it there - plus, like others have said, there will be plenty of places to sit and eat inside the parks.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Just make sure that you don't take the tables meant for people who are purchasing food from Disney. If there are lots of empty tables, it might not be too bad to use one; but if tables are limited you might need to find a bench somewhere to eat your outside food. It's real upsetting to wait in line to get your food and then not be able to find a place to sit and eat it. Especially if someone who is eating outside food or not even eating is taking up a table where you could sit if it were vacant.