Security checks and snacks?

[storybookmum]

I was reading about the security checks at the gates since 9/11, and that they are (quickly and efficiently) going through diaper bags and backpacks....we were planning to bring in food most days - we're staying at the Fort Wilderness cabins for most of our stay, and were hoping to use the full kitchen to save on meals. Also, my daughter has a milk allergy, and feeding her when we're out gets downright complicated....do you think we're going to have a problem?

New (and very excited to find!) these boards, I am really enjoying reading through everything. It's the icing on my obsessive-compulsive Disney planning cake!

Kris
Mom of Caroline (6) and Meredith (3)

Heading for WDW this fall for 6 nights, 4th visit, first good long stretch!

 

[Amirah95]

No need to worry. Just don't take in any beers or booze. Don't take a rolling cooler either. I heard those were forbidden too. I know my fellow Disers have more to say about this issue.

 

[LMC]

Here is what we do. We still rent strollers for our kids (9,6,3) so we have a place so stow our backpacks. Our backpacks (one for DH and one for myself) have dry storage on top and a cooler on bottom. DH usually lugs around the heavy drinks (we take everything from sodas, to water -freeze some water to use as ice packs then drink them as they melt) I carry the sandwiches with one or two "ice" bottles, chips, napkins, wipes, etc. If we didn't have a stroller to put the bags on top of, I wouldn't be able to do it though. These things get heavy after a while! Then, as the day goes on and we empty the food/drinks, we have room for any souveniers that we have picked up. We usually get souvie's last so I don't have to keep up with them. I have never had a CM say anything about the amount of food/beverage that we take in.

 

[storybookmum]

We're definitely bringing out stroller. I prefer ours to a rental, and it folds well for bringing along, so our backpack/cooler will get tossed in there for most of the day; it worked well before.

I'm glad to hear they're being relaxed about it....I'm having kittens trying to figure out how to feed Meredith on this trip. The milk allergy is a newish discovery, and we're still adjusting to it. If I couldn't have food with us, I'd be twice as stressed.

Thanks a lot, both of you!

Kris

 

[bcinohio]

We just returned from WDW on sunday. We took in snacks, juice boxes and water. Never had a problem. When you get up the the security check have the zippers on your backpack open and ready to be checked. Someone said that you couldn't bring a cooler on wheels but people did have them when we were there. They were small ones that held maybe 12 pop cans or a little bigger. If what you need to bring for your child needs special treatment I bet they will work with you on it. We had to be guaranteed a non smoking room because of my son's allergies and it wasn't a problem.

I hope you have a great trip. We did.

 

[storybookmum]

nt

 

[TINK61]

When DH comes along - he insists on filling our backpack w/snacks and sandwiches and even a coke or two - which makes it pretty heavy for a while. He's such a spend thrift on vacation. I say fine - if you carry it - you can pack it. The security guard even commented something like - you all are going to have a picnic, aren't you

 

[earldale97]

I emailed about the food and was told they do not allow any UNLESS you are on special requirements.

I'm sure people get away with bringin in food- but I would hate to count on bringin it in then end up throwing away at the gate.


"Small coolers (that one person can carry) that will fit into the lockers are allowed. Coolers will be inspected for glass and alcoholic beverages which are not permitted.

With the exception of food items for guests with specific dietary restrictions, we do not permit guests to bring food and beverage items into our theme parks. Generally, however, plastic bottles for water, juice, etc. are allowed."

I received this email today.

 

[Amirah95]

Welcome to the DIS earldale97!!!

 

[LMC]

I have never had a problem taking in food; not to say they won't crack down on it one day but so far I haven't had a problem. I only take sandwiches and snacks and bottled water, it's not like I'm taking the whole kitchen! So IF they do make me throw it out, it's just turkey or PBJ sandwiches and IF I get to keep it, then I just saved about $40 on lunch!

 

[jeancbpugh]

Originally posted by storybookmum
my daughter has a milk allergy, and feeding her when we're out gets downright complicated

My son has food allergies, so I understand. Is your daughter intolerant or anaphylactic?

Disney policy of no-snacks doesn't apply to those who need to bring snacks FOR MEDICAL REASONS. I contacted Guest Services years ago and got a letter clarifying that policy.

I carry two epi-pens for my son and no guard has ever noticed them. You'd think they would at least ask about needles. Maybe they are only looking for machine guns??

Are you going to make any PSs for WDW restaurants? If so:

1) Tell them about the milk allergy when you call for the priority seating.

2) They will give you a direct phone number to the restaurant and suggest you call a week or so ahead of your visit to talk directly to the chef. Do it. When you call, make note of which chef you talked to and the date of the call.

3) When you arrive at the restaurant, remind the host/hostess of the allergy. Then tell the server about it again. The chef will probably come out to talk to you about it.

Good luck. WDW is the best place on earth to deal with food allergies when you travel.

 

[storybookmum]

So I'm going to expect we'll be okay; we won't be bringing in $$$$ worth of stuff, and with the combination of tolerance and our special dietary needs, then I think it's worth it.

Meredith's intolerant, not anaphylactic, but it's still impossible for me to give her milk. Ever since we went on the elimination diet, her reactions are much more severe. Within 20 minutes of eating milk (or anything with very much soy), she gets fierce cramps and explodes in diarrhea. Not what I think anyone at Disney wants to witness or have to cope with along with us, because she doesn't have a lot of control when it happens.

I've been reading about how fantastic Disney is for the allergies; it's been such a reassurance to know. I'm really looking forward to anxiety free dining!

Thanks, everyone,

Kris

 

[Julia M]

We stayed at the AKL two weeks ago. When you arrive, there is a small phamplet called, "Your Handy Guide to all the Magic".

In there it specifically states, in a FAQ's section at the end of the book:

Q: What can I take into the parks with me?

A: You can bring your typical sunscreen, snacks and non alcoholic beverages along (although coolers are not permitted). Just be mindful that all packages , parcels, handbags, backpacks and the like may be inspected at the park entrances. So you may want to leave any unnecessay items behind. Thanks for your cooperation.

Small, soft sided coolers that would fit in a bag or backpack are usually fine, in my experience........what they don't want (I think) are huge, hard coolers that would be a hassle to take around and might bump into other guests.

Julia