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  • On May 8, 2019
    Philip from NS Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Can you have a picnic lunch in the parking lot?

    Hello Philip! Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question! 

    You can absolutely have what my family calls as a "car picnic" while you are visiting Walt Disney World but I'll do you one even better. As long as you follow a few guidelines, bring your food into the Walt Disney World Theme Parks with you and have an unforgettable picnic with a view! When packing your bag for the day, here are a few things to keep in mind:
    • No glass containers except for small baby food jars 
    • No outside alcohol 
    • There is not a place to heat up food at the Theme Parks so I'd recommend room temperature or cold food only
    • No loose ice in your cooler bag. I suggest packing the reusable gel packs instead
    • Bags or coolers with or without wheels larger than 24" (61 cm) long x 15" (38 cm) wide x 18" (46 cm) high are not permitted
    As long as those simple rules are followed, you are free to bring in whatever your heart desires. If you don't want to carry it around all day, send one person back to the car while the other members of your group scout out a fun dining spot. You can have your picnic pretty much anywhere outside or even inside at any Counter Service dining location. My very spot to have a picnic is in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. You'll find two sections of astroturf grass called by many the "hub grass" to the right and the left when facing the Castle. Many people lounge there in the afternoons and I don't think you could find a better spot to enjoy your lunch. If you'd rather just eat in your car, no problem. Keep in mind there is very little shade in the parking lot areas and does get pretty hot. Also, the parking lot for Magic Kingdom Park is not close to the park entrance. You'll need to exit the park and either take the boat or the monorail over to the Transportation and Ticket Center before hopping on the tram to your car. That might be a day you'll want to bring your lunch with you. The other Parks have a much closer parking lot and will be much easier for you to access your car. 

    I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, please feel free to come back and ask. 
thumbnail image for Jackie

Meet the Panelist: Jackie, North Carolina

I love all things Walt Disney World.  In fact, since becoming Annual Passholders, my family of 3 is always hopping in the car for a quick trip to visit with Mickey Mouse!  I've been known to make the 8 hour each way drive to Walt Disney World (in one day!) to indulge in a Mickey Waffle or enjoy a sunny day at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.  I may have a small family, but we are always up for some BIG fun at the Walt Disney World Resort.   Learn More About Jackie

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