Disney World is absolutely jam-packed full of incredible eateries. But sometimes, it is much more convenient and straight-forward to pack your own lunch when you’re heading out for a day trip, particularly if you have a young family or specific dietary requirements. This begs the question; can you bring food into Disney World?
Can you take food into Disney World?
Simply put, yes! With a few exceptions, you are allowed to bring your own food into the Disney Parks as long as it does not need to be heated. You are required, however, to inform security staff about any food items or picnics you are bringing into the park. So feel free to pack a sandwich for your lunch, or a couple bags of chips if your little ones are likely to want a snack. Just let staff know what snacks you have as you go inside.
Where can you go to eat your food?
There are benches located around the parks where you can sit to enjoy your lunch. Alternatively, you are allowed to eat your own food in any outdoor or indoor seating area that is used by the quick service counters. It may feel unusual eating your own food when others may be eating food from the restaurants, but it is allowed so don’t feel uncomfortable.
How much food can you bring in?
There are no quantity limits when it comes to bringing your own food to Disney World, so you can relax knowing your whole party will be well-fed. However, you may find it difficult to carry large quantities of food around with you, so be sure to make good use of the lockers around the Disney Parks, available for your use.
What kind of food should you bring?
You can’t heat up any food in the Disney World parks so anything you can enjoy at an ambient temperature is perfect. For example, you could bring sandwiches, cold pizza, and snacks such as chips and candy bars. If you are carrying your food in your bag around the park, it might be a good idea to bring light food so you’re not uncomfortable after carrying it for too long. However, if you are bringing a picnic or food to feed a whole family, there are lockers available for hire where you can deposit your lunch and collect it later when you’re ready to eat.
Is it worth bringing your own food?
The Disney World parks are renowned for its incredible choice of food; its stunning themed restaurants, and character dining, just to name a few. However, you may find it beneficial to bring your own food on some or all days of your vacation.
If you have any specific dietary requirements, bringing your own food means you don’t need to worry about searching for a meal you can enjoy whilst your belly is already rumbling. Though the restaurants at Disney World cater to a huge range of requirements and diets, you may be happier knowing that you have your own food with you.
Another good reason why it might be more beneficial to bring your own food is if you want to save a little bit of money. You can visit one or two restaurants as a special treat if you like, but bringing your own food means you’ll be kinder to your purse strings.
Another good reason is if you have a large or young family. Whipping out the little ones’ lunch as and when they need it, rather than searching for a restaurant you can all agree on, may be a better and easier way to nip any hunger-induced tantrums in the bud so you can continue enjoying the perfect family vacation together.
Can you bring baby food with you?
Yes, of course – you can bring your child’s baby food and formula into the parks with you. Keep in mind, though, that it is not possible to heat food up in the Disney Parks, so plan accordingly. You can also bring baby food in glass jars as, even though glass is not permitted into the parks, an exception is made for baby food.Top tip: there are Baby Care Centers located around the parks where you can buy baby food and formula if you happen to forget or run out.
Can you bring a cooler into Disney World?
Yes! In fact, suitcases, coolers or backpacks with or without wheels are allowed in the park. However, these cannot be larger than 24″ (61 cm) long x 15″ (38 cm) wide x 18″ (46 cm) high, so make sure you check the size of your cooler. For your convenience, lockers for storing personal items are available to rent on a daily basis throughout the Disney parks. So don’t panic – you won’t have to try and fit your cooler on the rides with you!
It might be a good idea to bring a cooler with you, as temperatures can rocket in the summer months. If you don’t have a cooler, a waterproof bag with ice packs will also help to keep your food cool.
Can you bring drinks into Disney World?
Yes, you can bring your own drinks into Disney World so make sure you remember to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, particularly in the warm summer months. You will be doing lots of walking, so it’s always great to have a drink on hand. You can bring drinks in plastic bottles, or your own reusable bottles. You can also request tap water from stations and staff members around the park for free, so don’t worry about running out. Paid bottled water is also available at the quick service stations if you aren’t keen on tap water.
What can’t you bring into Disney World?
Although you are allowed to bring most food and drink into the Disney World parks, there are, however, some restrictions in place. This includes; no glass (with an exception of baby food jars), no alcohol and, in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, plastic straws and balloons are not allowed for the safety and happiness of the animals. If you want to bring something and you are not sure if it is allowed, make sure you head to the Disney website to review their complete park rules ahead of time, so that your trip is not disrupted.
