Packing Lunch and Parking -Advice Needed

[hbrady77]

OK, so now I'm headed to Disney in May with my 'blended' family and of course my budget isn't what it was last time I went. Last time we stayed in the contemporary, ate every meal out and blew a bundle, those days are over

This year we are staying at a condo about 30 minutes from MK. My plan was to pack lunches in a cooler each day and picnic in the park. Some people suggest it would be better to picnic in the parking lot. Any advice here? Will they even let us in the parks with a soft-side cooler?

Also, it's been years since I've driven to the parks so I'm not even sure where to park. I was originally going to park at the ticket and transportation center but someone told me each park has its own lot. I already have my park hopper passes so I shouldn’t need to go to the ticket center right?

Any advice would be appreciated!!

 

[wdwmagic]

OK, so now I'm headed to Disney in May with my 'blended' family and of course my budget isn't what it was last time I went. Last time we stayed in the contemporary, ate every meal out and blew a bundle, those days are over

This year we are staying at a condo about 30 minutes from MK. My plan was to pack lunches in a cooler each day and picnic in the park. Some people suggest it would be better to picnic in the parking lot. Any advice here? Will they even let us in the parks with a soft-side cooler?

Also, it's been years since I've driven to the parks so I'm not even sure where to park. I was originally going to park at the ticket and transportation center but someone told me each park has its own lot. I already have my park hopper passes so I shouldn’t need to go to the ticket center right?

Any advice would be appreciated!!

Park at the TTC for the Magic Kingdom, and take either the ferry or monorail to the MK.

Parking for the other parks is at their own parking lot at the actual park.

A soft side cooler shouldnt be a problem, but they will look in it at security.

have a great trip!!

 

[hbrady77]

Thanks Much! I'm strating to think late May would be a good time to picnic in an air conditioned van rather than in the park. How long do you think it takes to get from MK to a car in the TTC?

 

[wdwmagic]

Thanks Much! I'm strating to think late May would be a good time to picnic in an air conditioned van rather than in the park. How long do you think it takes to get from MK to a car in the TTC?

If you go on the monorail and its a regular trip (no big queues to get on, no safety checks or anything like that), it will take around 5 mins to get from the MK to the TTC. Then around 5 - 10 mins to get from the monorail to the car (depending where you are parked)

 

[rsoxguy]

Just some food for thought (I know, shame on me for the bad pun). Try eating your food at the Terrace Noodle Station at the entrance to Tomorrowland. It's breezy and much cooler than sitting on an open bench. I have eaten my own food there before with no CM complaints. It could save you all of the travel time to the parking lot.

 

[hbrady77]

Great tip, thanks!! Oh... one question, will a soft side cooler actually fit in the lockers there? It's about 10"x"12"x14". I don't want to lug it around all day :hammer:

 

[rsoxguy]

Great tip, thanks!! Oh... one question, will a soft side cooler actually fit in the lockers there? It's about 10"x"12"x14". I don't want to lug it around all day :hammer:

Try this link:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/Lockers.htm

 

[hbrady77]

Thanks a bunch... now you know this was coming...

Where would you advise lunch packers picnic in Epcot, AK and Disney Studio?

...and GO SOX!! 4 Days and 30 min to first pitch

 

[rsoxguy]

Epcot: This will sound cheap, but I would go to the Land Pavilion, buy a soda or snack to justify my presence, and eat at one of the tables in air-conditioned comfort.

Hollywood Studios: The outdoor eating area in front of RnRC and TT is full of shaded picnic tables. Its not as cool as a Northerner would hope, but it is shaded and roomy. (I live in South Florida- no biggy for me)

Animal Kingdom: Good luck! I can think of few places that would provide free and cool comfort. Maybe you could sit in the back row of It's Tough To be A Bug and stay through several shows while you eat.

BTW, aren't the 2000's a great time to be a Red Sox fan after decades of misery and heartbreak? Go Sox!

 

[TinkerChelli]

Hi there :sohappy:
Honestly I think you will have issues bringing a cooler into the park, they will have to check the whole thing before entering and then also the idea of carrying that around hurts my back already.
What you can do, is take snacks with you and put them in a back pack, put bottles of water in the freezer the night before and take those in the back pack too as the day progresses the ice will turn right into water. Then at lunch just go to your car in the lot, put the a/c on and enjoy your lunch there, or better yet, go back to you place where you stay and eat there and take a nap then head back to the parks refreshed.
Just my opinion hope it helps some. take care and enjoy your trip to WDW. Tinkerchelli

 

[marypoppins68]

I, too, would just leave the cooler in the car and eat there. It's easier than trying to lug the cooler around or paying for a locker. If you do decide to bring a cooler, or drinks into the park, remember that Disney won't allow glass bottles brought into the park. Last week when I was at Epcot the security guard took 2 Snapple bottles from someone. I guess the person didn't want to take them back to their car or whatever, but, the guard had 2 bottles and then another guard came over to get them.

 

[hbrady77]

Well, I hope the gaurds enjoyed the tea :ROFLOL:

Thanks for the advice everyone!!