Where to eat bagged lunch at the parks?

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Not sure Gem, but, it is still listed on their site.
I write every so often asking them to enforce the no outside food policy, but, to no avail.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
I write every so often asking them to enforce the no outside food policy, but, to no avail.

I guess I don't understand the *why* behind a no-outside-food policy?!?! My feeling is that if someone chooses to carry their own snacks/lunch around with them that's their choice. I don't see where that would have an adverse effect on MY day at the park?!?

As for us, we usually carry only water bottles, and a few light snacks.....but that's because we aren't willing to lug a whole load of stuff around the parks with us.

 

[singitalto]

The reason I was asking for an "out of the way place to eat" was because I don't want to eat at the tables belonging to a restaurant. I was thinking of a nice park bench in a quiet area. I guess a few people don't care and sit at the outdoor restaurants tables and make it look bad for the rest of us who want to eat a quick lunch in the shade!!

I have never brought lunch into the parks(we were in the parks 25 days from 9/00 to 9/01 due to our first AP's). I just wanted stay within budget so we could buy the AP's again and have another 25 days in the parks this year!!!

 

[Ethelina]

If Disney does take the advice from concerned patrons about "NO OUTSIDE FOOD"and make it policy, I wonder what the babies will eat??? LOL.... I can't see how Disney could enforce it!! But maybe they sell baby food in the parks?? I don't know. I have never looked.

 

[Colleen A.]

I, personally, do not think there is anything wrong with bringing food into the park...as long as you are not eating it on an attraction (like Small World), you are not sitting at a table meant to be used by a patron of a restaurant or counter service, or not bringing in a 5 course meal! I have seen people a few years ago with a blanket, spread out under a tree, and having themselves a picnic! That's a bit much! We have brought in juice boxes for the kids, bottled water and PBJ sanwiches and have eaten them on benchs or that umbrellaed table outside of TomorrowLand (not near any counter service area! ). When you are talking about buying lunches, on a daily basis, for 5 people, it does add up. The day we bought hog dogs and sodas cost us over $20.00!! Disney should realize that people do have to budget their money to be able to bring a family on vacation to their parks. And, if they would think about it, whatever money parents don't spend on lunches will end up buying souveniors!! Either way, their "hand" is in the parents pocket!!

Colleen

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I guess I don't understand the *why* behind a no-outside-food policy?!?!

Because many people make a mess, in addition to the comments here.
Yes, it is expensive to eat in the parks, however, in the good old days, people used to stash the food in a locker and when meal time came, used to leave the park and eat the food.
As to baby food, that has always been exempt from the rule, as has water and baby bottles. But, they do sell baby food at the nursing stations.
It is very annoying to purchase food and try to find a place to sit when you have many people eating outside food at tables intended for use by people who actually purchased food at the restaurant.
BTW, the guards are not there to check for food, their purpose is security, food, poses no threat. It is not their job, (nor are they interested), to "police" for food.
Coolers on wheels is really pushing the issue, IMHO.

 

[the4moores]

I agree that I would not sit at a table intended for patrons of a restaurant but if Disney enforces the no outside food rule then that doesn't mean that it will be easier for you to find a table. It just means longer lines at counterservice and more people trying to find seats. Since these people can't bring their own food in then they have to eat somewhere.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I agree that I would not sit at a table intended for patrons of a restaurant but if Disney enforces the no outside food rule then that doesn't mean that it will be easier for you to find a table. It just means longer lines at counterservice and more people trying to find seats. Since these people can't bring their own food in then they have to eat somewhere.

That does not necessarily follow. Disney would open more service counters and add seats if that presented a problem.

 

[Debbie]

Well, since I saw several different people with the tag along backpacks/square coolers on wheels last week, it doesn't appear that Disney has any intention of enforcing the "no food" (or coolers) allowed. I couldn't be bothered to d. . .r. . .a. . .g something along (what to do on rides?) but obviously some people don't mind. (but I agree, Gail, it was a bit much!)

As to seating, I've never had a problem finding a place to eat my meals (counterservice) even in the middle of summer. As to the snacks, they are usually eaten in line; sandwiches maybe on a park bench, or, if we have bought drinks, at an outside table. Sounds a lot like what you've done, Colleen.

I did notice last week that there appeared to be more garbage around, but I don't think that that was because more people are taking in food, but rather, there seems to be fewer cast members to do the clean up that we are used to.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

While I see what you are getting at Gail, I'm not sure I fully agree. People who are inconsiderate enough to drop their trash and leave a mess in the parks will do so regardless of where their food came from!

I still feel that if someone is willing to haul their *stuff* around with them all day, that should be their choice. Some people have dietary limitations where it may just simply be more practical to pack their own rather than deal with Disney dining. Some may wish to have a healthier more varied selection at a reasonable cost, while others simply may not be able to afford it. And if you have a kid (or spouse!) that will only eat yogurt or cereal for lunch every day (I know - extreme, but believe me!!!) what are you supposed to do?

And as previously noted, it's still money in Disney's wallet. Either thru more $$ spent on souveniers, longer stays at resorts, pricier dinner meals, photos from rides (such as Splash for example.....)

Just one persons opinion....

 

[figgy4me]

Originally posted by Debbie
I did notice last week that there appeared to be more garbage around, but I don't think that that was because more people are taking in food, but rather, there seems to be fewer cast members to do the clean up that we are used to.

Sounds like to me just more patrons that have no manners. Trash/garbage should be place in the available trash cans. Why do people think that they are just supposed to throw it on the ground?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

AKASnowWhite
I respect your opinion. Honest. However, while I agree with you to a certain extent on littering, the thought was to confine food consumption because of litter, food crumbs and bird attacks (which we have ALL seen).

And if you have a kid (or spouse!) that will only eat yogurt or cereal for lunch every day (I know - extreme, but believe me!!!) what are you supposed to do?

I have never had that problem, nor would I have tolerated it. Sorry, that is just me. My kids ate what was put in front of them or they did not eat. They were not picky eaters.
I do, indeed, see the point about expense, but, I also think they need to draw the line somewhere. Like I said before, the roller coolers are way over that line. Who wants to trip over one of these things ( I assume they are the ones you drag behind you)?

Sounds like to me just more patrons that have no manners. Trash/garbage should be place in the available trash cans. Why do people think that they are just supposed to throw it on the ground?

Because it is too much of an effort for many to walk that 12' to a trash can. They walk by it anyway, but, I guess the litter is just too heavy to carry. Littering is one of those things that really annoys me. You cannot believe the looks I get when I tell someone they have dropped something. Hey, it gets their attention. LOL.

 

[Kay1]

Maybe my post is off topic, but what about the people who actually make it to the trash can then stick gum to the side of it? Please don't do this, it tempts some kids and they may stick it in their mouths.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Oh, that is gross!!!!! I can see where it would tempt a child, but, I guess the parents need to be really vigilant. I hate it stuck under the tables at restaurants too. I guess it is better stuck to the sides than spit out on the sidewalk, not much, but ...........

 

[abbyndrewmom]

I happen to agree if people are going to litter they are going to litter whether they bought their food in the park or out, don't tell me you have never seen a tray of food or plastic cups left on a table from within one of the counter service restaurants.

 

[Wiggle]

Innocent question here...I'm truly curious, and I hope I'm not coming across as ignorant, but aren't we Americans used to throwing away our own meal trash in fast food restaurants....but in European fast food restaurants, the trash is usually left on the table and then bussed by the restaurant workers? (How does it work in Canada?) If that is the case, could that explain the issues with trash at the seating areas in the parks? Not that people are lazily leaving their trash behind, but that is the norm in their culture?

 

[cinlee3]

It seems that some here have the opinion that if you bring your own food, you are more apt to leave your trash. (in other words, you can't afford Disney (because you must bring your own food) therefore you are a pig).

As for walking around or having the food not contained in certain areas, haven't you seen people walking with purchase popcorn, turkey legs, hot dogs, etc? I suppose those people never drop anything or leaves their trash, Do they?

Turn it around another way - I think people who bring their own food are more conscientious - they don't want their children to get hungry or thirsty and would like something quickly available so they don't get cranky - Just another way to look at it



There, I said it. Now I will duck for cover.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Originally posted by cinlee3
There, I said it. Now I will duck for cover.

I'm ducking with you! I'm feeling a bit sorry for the original poster...I'm willing to bet they didn't expect this big of a debate!

Anyway, the way I see it is, this is the Budget Board. People here are looking for ways to cut costs....to get the most for their money. I don't see it as being cheap, or unable to *afford* to eat park food....I see it as being frugal, and even responsible with the resources we have. (And in this case, much more nutritionally sound!)

While I have never packed and carried an entire meal into a park, I really see nothing wrong with it. Even if someone chooses to haul around a wheeled cooler. I own one, and find it to be a great convience when we go to the kids ball games, the beach and family outings. However, pulling it thru WDW is not my idea of *vacation fun*!!! (But again, that's my choice) Quite honestly I think a park patron has as much right to pull a wheeled cooler as anyone with a stroller or wagon heaped with kids and all their various belongings. At least with the cooler you won't have some toddler/preschooler pitching a fit and tossing their *stuff* out into an innocent bystanders legs!

And everyone, no matter who they are (or who they THINK they are!!!) has a personal responsibility to pick up after themselves. I would hope that they would not throw their wrappers and garbage on the floor at home, or leave gum stuck to their own picnic table......

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Snowwhite,
Perhaps a moot point here, but, wagons are not allowed. I don't think that coolers on wheels should be either. I think things that you push in front of you are allowed, dragged things are not.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

hmmmm.....perhaps I am mistaken about the wagons...but I recall seeing people with the big plastic Little Tykes-style wagons with 2 seats in them (one front facing, one rear....)....maybe it was at a different park.

But you know, if *ankle-bruiser-stroller-pushers* had to PULL wagons instead, then they'd have no one to run over but themselves!!! (another post, I'm sure..... )

BTW...I really do hope you enjoy your upcoming trip....