Picnics at Disneyland

[Lawlessones420]

Our family is going to Disneyland on January 1st through the 3rd and want to save money by picnicking for lunch. I know a little about it but wanted as much info as possible before we go, (lockers, picnic area, getting through security, Disneyland's policy on this issue, the best time to get a locker, etc.). Any and all information will be helpful.

Thanks so much.

I know you can't bring outside food into the park but what about the picnic area outside the parks?

 

[skiingfast]

You can't bring ingredients to make sandwhichesor drinks, this is a simple way to put it.

So you can bring in apples and sanwhiches and buy drinks. There are lockers on the right half way down mainstreet. Eat where ever you want.

 

[Raindown]

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/plan/guest-services/picnic-area/

 

[specialks]

We have had no problem bringing in drinks and sandwiches and snacks. It can't be in a rolling cooler, no glass containers, and as skiingfast stated - no separate ingredients. So just premake your sandwiches in baggies and only pack drinks in boxes or plastic bottles.

 

[Miss Peach]

Hi--

The official Disneyland policy is that there is a (very cute) picnic area on the DtD side of the entrance Plaza, prior to the security check point.

If you are having a large get together, or having items that need to be prepared--sandwich fixings, or a cake to be cut--that is the best place for it.

But, unofficially you may enter the Park with food, with a very few restrictions. No glass, no hard sided coolers, no pull coolers, and a few others I cannot remember.

You may bring your own drinks (no glass), depending on the weather we pre-freeze several.

People have many dietary restrictions, and although Disneyland has improved the choices in the Park, a lot of people NEED to bring their own food. And they are not going to ask to see a note from your doctor to prove you NEED your own sandwich!!

We bring, on very hot days, frozen juice cubes, in a soup thermos, by lunch time it is a great wholesome slushie desert!!

The lockers don't really fill up too early except during high peak times (summer, holidays, etc.)

There isn't anywhere to spread out a blanket for a picnic, but there are some great areas with tables and chairs--the Fantasia Gardens is my favorite, but there are others.

Enjoy, Cathy

 

[JH87]

There are lockers in DL, DCA and outside the gates to DL. There are different sizes of lockers as well. Last weekend I rented one in the area outside the gates to DLR. I thought it was perfect because it was easy to get to whether I was in DCA or DL. Locker rental is easy and self service so you don't need to wait in a long line. We rented ours first thing in the morning, right when we got to the gates before DL was open.

You can bring your own food, security never has an issue with that. Like others said, you can eat wherever you want, and you just can't have ingredients with you. If you wanna have sandwiches make sure they are made prior to arriving at DLR.

I'm pretty sure you can bring your own drinks too, we took a few water bottles before and never had issues at bag check.

 

[jlmarr]

Locker sizes:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35204802&postcount=6

 

[Lawlessones420]

Thank you all so much. Your advice will help us greatly when we get to the park. I'm wondering how much we'll save by not eating lunch in the parks anybody have any ideas?
Also we have a soft sided cooler but it is about twice the size of a lunch box. Is there any restrictions, we are going to use the lockers and picnic area outside the parks.

Again thank you all so much!

 

[LavenderPeach]

Here's a link with the menus and prices at DLR so you can see how much you will save: http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm#dl

If you're using the lockers and picnic area outside the parks then I don't think you should have any trouble bringing what you want.

 

[SplashMo]

Where are the fantasia gardens?

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Here is the information on the picnic area. There are lockers available outside the gates.

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/plan/guest-services/picnic-area/