Quick Answer
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks into Disney World. Disney allows guests to bring snacks, foods, and non-alcoholic beverages into the parks. There are some restrictions on items like coolers and glass containers, but general food items are permitted. Bringing your own meals and snacks can save money compared to buying food inside the Disney parks.
Full Policy on Outside Food and Drink at Disney World
Disney World’s policy allows guests to bring their own snacks, foods, and non-alcoholic drinks into the theme parks. There are just a few rules that visitors need to follow:
- Foods must be wrapped, bagged, boxed or in some type of container.
- Bottled water and drinks are allowed.
- Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited.
- Coolers are allowed but cannot be larger than 24 quarts in size.
- No wagons, carts, or rolling bags allowed to transport food and drinks.
As long as you follow these guidelines, you can bring your own meals, drinks, and snacks into any Disney World theme park. This policy applies to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Some examples of allowed items are:
- Sandwiches
- Chips, pretzels, and snacks
- Fruits and vegetables
- Yogurts and cheeses
- Bottled water and juices
- Granola bars and protein bars
Disney has these rules to prevent items that may pose safety or hygiene issues. Outside food also helps control portion sizes and reduce waste in the park. But overall, Disney World strives to provide flexibility for families’ dietary needs and budgets.
Where Can I Eat My Food at Disney World?
Disney has designated dining areas throughout its theme parks where you can sit down and enjoy your own snacks and meals. Here are some of the best places in each park:
Magic Kingdom
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
- Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
- The Plaza Restaurant
- Casey’s Corner
- Columbia Harbour House
Epcot
- Electric Umbrella
- Liberty Inn
- Kringla Bakeri Og Kafé
- Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie
- Tangierine Cafe
Hollywood Studios
- Backlot Express
- Catalina Eddie’s
- PizzeRizzo
- Baseline Tap House
- Rosie’s All American Café
Animal Kingdom
- Flame Tree Barbecue
- Pizzafari
- Satu’li Canteen
- Restaurantosaurus
- Harambe Market
You’ll find ample seating and space to enjoy your home-packed meal at any of these designated Disney World restaurants. Keep in mind that dining areas are shared with other guests purchasing Disney food too.
Best Foods to Bring to Disney World
Packing your own food for Disney World allows you to save money and eat foods your family enjoys. Here are some of the best homemade meal and snack ideas:
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are portable,filling and easy to make ahead of time for Disney trips. Great options include:
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Turkey, ham, or other lunchmeat
- Egg salad
- Grilled cheese
- Chicken salad
Use freezer packs in your cooler to keep sandwiches fresh during your day in the parks.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies are healthy, hydrating snacks for Disney parks. Good choices are:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Grapes
- Baby carrots
- Snap peas
- Celery sticks
These are all easy finger foods that pack well for day-long park adventures.
Trail Mix and Granola Bars
Dry snacks like nuts, seeds, and granola bars are excellent options since they won’t spoil in the hot Florida weather. They provide energy between meals.
Chips and Pretzels
Chips, pretzels and crackers make satisfying salty snacks at Disney World. Convenient travel packs or individual bags are best for packing.
Yogurts and Cheese
Dairy products like yogurt, cheese sticks, and cottage cheese are filling and offer protein. They hold up fine for several hours in a cooler.
Basically, any easy-to-eat and portable foods make good choices for DIY Disney World dining. Get creative and pack a variety of your family’s favorites.
Money Saved by Bringing Your Own Food
Here’s a look at how much money you can potentially save at Disney World by providing your own meals and snacks compared to buying food in the parks:
| Food Item | Park Price | Your Food from Home | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottled Water | $3.50 | $1.50 | $2.00 |
| Snack (Popcorn, Chips, etc) | $6.50 | $0.50 | $6.00 |
| Quick Service Lunch | $15.00 | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| Daily Total | $25.00 | $7.00 | $18.00 |
*Based on approximates for a family of four. Your actual savings may vary.
As you can see, just a few meals and drinks from home instead of purchased in parks can equal nearly $20 per day in savings for a family. That can really add up over the course of a 4-5 day Disney World vacation.
And packing your own lunches allows you to eat healthier foods like fruits and veggies versus relying solely on Disney quick-service items. Plus you can customize meals to satisfy picky eaters in the family.
Tips for Bringing Your Own Food to Disney World
If you plan to pack meals and snacks for Disney World, here are some useful tips:
- Pack a variety – Include sweet and salty snacks, fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, yogurt, cheese, etc. Variety keeps kids happy.
- Use an insulated cooler – Keep foods properly chilled with freezer gel packs in an insulated, soft-sided cooler.
- Pack disposable items – Bring disposable plates, bowls, utensils and napkins to minimize waste while dining in the parks.
- Make portions portable – Cut large fruits, veggies and sandwiches into smaller pieces that are easy to eat while walking around.
- Hydrate! – Bring a reusable water bottle and drink frequently to stay hydrated in the hot Florida sun.
- Avoid perishables and mayo – Pack items that don’t require refrigeration or sit out longer safely like peanut butter sandwiches.
- Check storage policies – Some Disney rides may not permit coolers or large bags, so you may need lockers.
- Save treats for after – It can be nice to buy Disney snacks, ice cream etc for *after* you eat your packed lunch!
A bit of planning goes a long way in making your own Disney World meals successful. Your whole family will appreciate the ability to eat favorite foods, control portions, and save money on dining costs.
Disney World Restaurants with Exceptions
While you can bring outside food into Disney parks, some exceptions apply at select table service restaurants:
- Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom)
- Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
- Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios)
- Victoria and Albert’s (Grand Floridian Resort)
Due to their upscale dining experiences, outside food is prohibited at the above full-service restaurants.
However, the policy remains intact for quick service and most other table service eateries at Disney World. You can enjoy your own snacks before and after dining at one of these exceptions.
Other Disney World Venues With Food Rules
While the open food policy applies across the main Disney World theme parks, rules vary for some other venues:
Water Parks
At Disney water parks Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, outside food is not allowed. You must buy food, snacks and drinks from vendors inside the water parks.
ESPN Wide World of Sports
No outside food is permitted at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. All food must be purchased on-site.
Disney Resort Hotels
You can bring your own snacks, foods and non-alcoholic drinks into Disney resort hotels. The same rules apply as the theme parks.
If you want to dine at a sit-down hotel restaurant, some venues may restrict bringing in outside food beforehand, similar to park restaurants.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs shopping complex allows outside food and drinks, following standard rules against glass containers and alcohol. You can bring snacks from your Disney hotel or park visit to enjoy.
Homemade Meals at Disney World Resorts
Many families opt to prepare some homemade meals during Disney vacations, especially breakfast, to save a bit of money. All Disney resort hotels provide mini fridges in the room along with coffee makers, microwaves (except on Disney Cruise Line), and basic utensils.
You can easily whip up simple breakfasts like cereal, oatmeal, and bagels before heading to the parks each morning. Some easy make-ahead breakfast ideas include:
- Hard boiled eggs
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Burritos or breakfast bowls
- Muffins and breads
- Yogurt parfaits
Disney resorts also have fitness centers with vending machines for drinks and snacks you can stock in your room. Grocery delivery services are available as well, though you’ll pay marked up prices.
Overall it’s very convenient to have DIY breakfast and snacks in your hotel, saving time and money during your stay. Then you can focus on restaurants and treats in the parks!
Should I Bring Food on Disney World Rides?
When it comes to thrill rides, it’s best to avoid bringing food and drinks on board at Disney parks. Loose items could potentially fall out of trains or cars on roller coasters and water rides.
Disney’s policy states that only small purses, bags or items that fit fully under your legs are permitted on rides. For this reason, it’s not recommended to board with open food or beverage containers.
Instead, take time to finish your snacks and meals in one of the designated dining areas before getting in line for your next Disney attraction. You’ll want to have empty hands to hold on tight!
Some Disney rides like PeopleMover or Dumbo are slower moving with food permitted onboard. But check for signs or ask a Cast Member when in doubt.
Conclusion
One major perk at Disney World theme parks is the flexibility to bring your own food and drinks. With just a few simple guidelines, you can pack nutritious snacks and meals for your family to enjoy between rides, activities and restaurants.
Taking advantage of Disney’s open policy significantly cuts down on food costs and gives kids healthier options. With tasty homemade sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, and snacks on hand, your crew will stay fueled for long park days. Convenience foods also help little ones avoid getting “hangry” meltdowns mid-day.
While full service restaurants in select locations prohibit outside food, for most quick service dining and casual meals you can rely on your own provisions. Getting creative with homemade foods at Disney resorts and in the parks makes vacation simpler and more affordable.