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Bringing food into Disney?

Walt Disney World: How strict are the bag searchers at Disney when it comes to snacks?

From Pyra Dong
Posted March 8, 2010 at 9:28 PM
Hi TPI readers

I'm planning a trip to the Orlando Disney parks again and I'm wondering how strict the bag searchers are with snacks. I've gone several times in the past-- but since I just brought the typical "girl stuff" I never paid attention to what you can and can't bring. I'm not talking a buffet in the bag-- a tacklebox filled with grilled shrimp anyone?-- but a juice bottle and sandwich. I noticed that Busch Gardens seemed to be letting anything in that couldn't explode.


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Anthony Murphy
Posted March 8, 2010 at 9:50 PM
Disney does not let you bring in food unless its for a child (baby formula, cherios, etc) or if there is a medical need. They do check bags, but mostly for weapons.

From Dan Babbitt
Posted March 8, 2010 at 11:52 PM
Disney isnt to strict of course they frown on it but they will not, especially with this economy, turn you away.

They have now setup "picnik" areas where you can sit and eat your food.

From Don Neal
Posted March 9, 2010 at 6:20 AM
Last year we packed granola bars, fruit, and bottled waters in a small collapsible cooler and they inspected it and let us in with no problems. We have three kids ages 6, 8 , and 10 so not sure if they were just being loose with the baby rule or not worried about it.

From Anthony Murphy
Posted March 9, 2010 at 9:33 AM
Fruit, Granola Bars, and water is not much of a meal to be brought into the park. I think they might not want you to bring in a sandwich. I really do not know because I have never tried it except with bottled water.


As for food in the park, they have started doing an event at AK called "Picnic in the park" in which you can get a picnic lunch for a pretty good price for your entire family.

You have also inspired me to make a discussion about where in Disney can you eat "cheap" or gives you the best deal!

From Pyra Dong
Posted March 9, 2010 at 2:00 PM
Thanks Anthony! I'll def read your discussion. In the past I would go with my boyfriend who pretty much threw money on anything (hee hee i'm so spoiled!!!). as for "sneaking" in food-- I was thinking more like granola bars and little healthy stuff since I've been on a sudden health food kick. and thanks everyone else! Keep advice coming!

From Anthony Murphy
Posted March 9, 2010 at 3:28 PM
I mean, I really do not know for sure. I think its based more on the person checking bags and how close they are checking.


I do not think they are going to freak out if you bring in some granolas (since I am always tempted by the bakeries, yum!) and some water. Just do not bring a regular sized lunch for example.

But thanks for the question on the site. It got me thinking to what is the "best food for the money" at WDW

From Charles Reichley
Posted March 9, 2010 at 3:54 PM
If you were trying to take a sandwich in, and wanted to "sneak" it in, I think the best place is to put it inside a theme park season cup. They are pretty big, have a snap-closed lid, and I doubt they are going to ask you to open the lid. And if they do, you say you were protecting your sandwich from being smashed -- which is why I put it in the cup, to keep it from getting smashed.

On the other hand, I do think theme parks have a right to not allow food into the park, so I don't actually take sandwiches in if they have a posted policy. If I'm feeling like not spending money, I go out to the car to eat lunch.

From Ted Heumann
Posted March 9, 2010 at 5:26 PM
At least at Disneyland, it is my understanding that Disney will let you bring in any kind of food of want. The only restriction I heard was they won't allow coolers.

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