Taking food into parks?

[buckler]

When we go to WDW we usually pack a lunch a few of the days to save on money (and time waiting in lunch counter lines!). Can we take something like PBJ sandwiches, carrots and juice boxes into the park? I know hard sided coolers and glass are not allowed.

 

[CalGal]

It shouldn't be a problem. The Disneyland guide/map states "We request that no food or beverage be brought inside either theme park", but I don't think that "request" is enforced. I have frequently brought in bottles or water, juice boxes, and snacks. I've never been questioned and know of nobody who has been stopped for bringing in food or beverages unless there is a safety issue. The policy is probably the same as at WDW,.

 

[lisadoll93]

We have never had a problem. I usually use a backpack or a soft sided lunch case.

Glass is not allowed.

 

[Leofoenget]

We have never had a problem. I usually use a backpack or a soft sided lunch case.

Glass is not allowed.

The bag checker asked me what was in the cooler, and I said drinks and stuff. Then he asked me if I had any glass and I said no and he waved me through....

 

[buckler]

Great! I have a picky eater in tow so it's easier to bring our own. My DH wasn't convinced until I read him a few posts about the long lines to buy food.

 

[DisQueen]

We do it all the time - uncrustables, snacks, juice boxes, water. We've never been asked, but I did see a CM question a woman in front of us last week. The CM conferred with the other CM at security and they told the guest that she had "a lot of food in there," but would let her go through. After the woman left, the CM's had a discussion about how much is too much. I think the first CM was still in training and was trying to follow her rulebook carefully in front of her supervisor. I have no idea what was in the backpack. Probably tastier than my PB&J!!

 

[squirrel]

Well it's nice to know that they don't confiscate the food or make you eat it before entering the park.

I'm sure most of us don't take advantage of the request. It would be interesting to know what was in that bag!

 

[jiminy1]

Although I've heard they frown on coolers, I've never had a problem bringing food in a backpack. CMs have clearly seen me bring pb&j's, fruit, granola bars, plastic bottles of water, etc. into the park, and they've never once said a word. I think the general rule to follow is to be realistic. A backpack with a few sandwiches and snacks isn't going to create a problem, but if you bring in a cooler loaded with ice and a ton of food, like you were going tailgating or something, then I can see how that might be questionable.

 

[cyberdeb]

When we go to WDW we usually pack a lunch a few of the days to save on money (and time waiting in lunch counter lines!). Can we take something like PBJ sandwiches, carrots and juice boxes into the park? I know hard sided coolers and glass are not allowed.

Now it has been about 5 years since my last trip to WDW, but at the time, we had a collapsible cooler with sandwiches, snacks and drinks. It was small enough to carry over your shoulder. At the time, all bags were inspected when entering the parks. (do they still do that?) All anyone ever said, was that looking at everyones lunch made them hungry.

 

[jiminy1]

At the time, all bags were inspected when entering the parks. (do they still do that?)

Yep, they still do it. However, it's clearly more routine (for show) than actually thoroughly checking. I have a backpack with about 10 different zippers and compartments in it, and they only checked the biggest compartment. They didn't check any of the other 9. Honestly, I find that a bit disconcerting, considering weapons, etc. could just as easily be hidden in those other compartments. Maybe I look too innocent to be considered a threat?

 

[Barbday62]

The bags are inspected when you enter the esplanade not the parks. They dont know if you are going to Disneyland, DCA or just passing through to the other side. I dont know how they could ever stop you from carrying a small amount of food not knowing where you are going.

 

[Barbday62]

Yep, they still do it. However, it's clearly more routine (for show) than actually thoroughly checking. I have a backpack with about 10 different zippers and compartments in it, and they only checked the biggest compartment. They didn't check any of the other 9. Honestly, I find that a bit disconcerting, considering weapons, etc. could just as easily be hidden in those other compartments. Maybe I look too innocent to be considered a threat?

If you had a weapon wouldnt you keep it in your pockets which are never checked not the bag? Security is a cruel joke in my opinion.

 

[kuusimo]

It also depends on who you get. I have had to open ALL of my compartments before and othertimes the main one was good enough. That is what is frustrating to a mom with small children. How many compartments will I need to open each time?

We have never had a problem bringing in our own snacks or water bottles though.

 

[Leofoenget]

The bags are inspected when you enter the esplanade not the parks. They dont know if you are going to Disneyland, DCA or just passing through to the other side. I dont know how they could ever stop you from carrying a small amount of food not knowing where you are going.

See, why couldnt' you say that you will be putting it all in an outside locker? No "food in the parks" ( ahem...) but they shouldn't have an issue with an outside locker right?? Then once you are past the rent a cops, do what you want.

 

[skbaker]

We quite often bring "Subway" sandwiches into the park. There is a Subway on the corner of Harbor and Katella that opens very early (before 8:00 a.m.) We put the sandwiches in a backpack, along with several "Capri Sun" drinks that we've frozen in our hotel refrigerator. The drinks keep the sandwiches cool and are slushy by the time we're ready for lunch sometime in the afternoon. If we happen to rent a locker, we keep the backpack in it until we're ready for lunch. Security always looks at the sandwiches in the backpack and waves us on through.

 

[Leofoenget]

If you had a weapon wouldnt you keep it in your pockets which are never checked not the bag? Security is a cruel joke in my opinion.

At Great America, they have actual security guards, and you must pass through a metal detector like at the airport. If you beep they make you empty pockets etc. Plus they really wont' let you take in outside food. But you can refill drinks for 99c and they are like 32oz so it's a good deal.

 

[squirrel]

Where is Great America?

 

[VegasMike21]

Where is Great America?

Northern Cali

 

[jiminy1]

If you had a weapon wouldnt you keep it in your pockets which are never checked not the bag?

Ha! Good point!

 

[Rapunsel]

The only time I have seen someone denied entry was when they were taking in the stuff to make sandwichs. Like deli meats and bread. They had to assemble the sandwiches before letting them in.

Lots of time we take lunchables and Pepsi with us. As my DBF is upset that DL is all Coke products...

Personally we take advantage of the picnic lockers and take huge salads and stuff. The locker is $12 for the entire day, but what we save is so worth it..