Can You Bring Food Into Disney World? (Complete Guide!)
Many people ask, “can I bring food into Disney World?”. The answer is not as straightforward as you might think!
I am not a foodie, and while there are many restaurants and snacks at Disney that I love, food is not my main focus at the parks. To save time and money, I bring snacks to have while in lines and I buy some food there.
There are many reasons why someone may want to bring their own food weather it’s to save money, food allergies, or diets. While the answer is yes, you may want to double check that what you want to bring is allowed. We’ll cover all of that below!
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
Can You Bring Food Into Disney World Parks?
Yes! You can bring your own food into all of the Walt Disney World parks and Disney Springs. There are still some restrictions on what you can and cannot bring so let’s start with what you can’t bring.
What Can’t You Bring?
Alcohol. Disney keeps it’s family friendly atmosphere by not allowing outside alcohol into the parks. There are select locations around the parks and resorts where you can purchase alcoholic beverages.
Other than alcoholic beverages, there aren’t really any restrictions on specific foods that you can’t bring into the parks. There are more restrictions on items that will affect what foods you bring.
What’s prohibited:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Coolers
- Glass Containers (with the exception of baby food)
You also won’t be able to heat any food up and there’s no place to store food that needs to be kept refrigerated.
What Can You Bring?
Any food that does not need to be warmed up or kept cold. Think crackers, granola bars, fruit, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, anything you can think of!
Don’t forget a water bottle! There are a few water refill stations around the parks but you can also ask for cups of water at any restaurant or quick service dining to fill your water bottles.
Most Disney resort hotels have a beverage cooler so you can store minimal food and drinks throughout your stay.
If you have an extended stay or like having the comfort of a kitchen on vacation, villas are equipped with a kitchenette and a mini fridge or full kitchen and full fridge.
Grocery delivery is an option through Instacart so you can keep your hotel fridge stocked for the duration of your trip and maybe even make a few home cooked meals!
Photo Credit: Miranda Oliver
Baby Food
Baby food in glass jars is an exception and allowed into the parks. Same would be true for a small cooler if you need to bring breastmilk.
When my toddler was a baby our diaper bag had a small “cooler” section of the bag where we kept an ice pack and baby food.
For breastfeeding moms, you can do what is most comfortable for you for where you want to nurse your baby.
There are family centers at the front of each park where you can sit in an air conditioned room and take a well deserved break from the Florida heat. Or you can find any bench or seating around the park that works for you.
I would sit in quick service restaurants and eat a snack while nursing my baby.
The only issue I had was in Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios. There are not many benches or areas to sit down if the quick service restaurant, Woody’s Lunch Box, is busy. And it typically is busy.
When you know it’s close to feeding time, I recommend mobile ordering at an indoor quick service restaurant so you can sit in air conditioning and nourish yourself while nourishing your baby!
Pack lighter by renting baby gear at your destination!
Baby Quip
Here’s What I Bring to the Parks!
My typical day is Starbucks for breakfast, unless we have a reservation at a restaurant with Mickey Waffles of course. Then I have snacks and sometimes a sandwich to have while in long lines. Then I also plan to buy a snack during the day and dinner.
Here’s what’s often in my Loungefly or in the stroller for me and my toddler:
- GoMacro Bars
- Uncrustables
- Made Good Bars
- Annie’s Fruit Snacks
- Mandarin Oranges
- Applesauce Pouches
- Water bottle
- Liquid IV
Photo Credit: Roc Bauman
Navigating Food Allergies
This is a tough topic because everyone’s food allergies are different. My husband and toddler are both allergic to different types of nuts and seeds and their reactions vary depending on which nut or seed they accidentally eat.
If you or your child has severe allergies, I totally understand bringing your own food for peace of mind.
Disney has strict allergy protocols. When ordering food at any restaurant, let the cast member know that you or someone in your party has an allergy.
Some quick service restaurants will have an allergy friendly menu. Sit down restaurants will usually have a chef come out and talk to you.
We have eaten at buffets with no issue but if you are dealing with severe allergies, I recommend skipping buffets due to the restaurant having less control over cross contamination, but you probably already know this and skipping buffets is a normal part of your life 🙂
Special Diets
All Disney Restaurants typically have meals to fit every diet.
For example, I am mostly plant-based in my eating habits and every restaurant, even quick service restaurants, have at least one plant-based or vegan meal.
Kosher meals can be requested in advance by calling (407) 939-3463.
Recap: Can You Bring Food Into Disney World?
Yes! You can bring any food that fall withing Disney’s restrictions of no alcohol, no coolers, and no glass containers.
Bring what you need to save money or for dietary purposes but if you can, do budget to enjoy some of the delicious food that Disney has to offer!
Also check out:
