Bringing Your Own Food Into Disney and Universal

Even though there are many different options for kosher food at the parks many people bring in their own food for any number of reasons: cost, taste, unable to get a reservation, allergies, etc.

All Disney parks are actually quite accommodating when it comes to bringing in your own food.  You are allowed to bring in your own food as long as they meet the Disney rules.  Items you cannot bring in include:

• Alcohol
• Suitcases, coolers or backpacks with or without wheels larger than 24″ (61 cm) long x 15″ (38 cm) wide x 18″ (46 cm) high. Coolers required for medication may be stored in a locker or at Guest Relations.
• Glass containers (excluding baby food jars and perfume bottles)
• Straws are not permitted in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park (for the safety of the animals)

Otherwise, you are free to bring in as you please! However, do not expect any of the restaurants to heat up your food as generally that would be an issue.

Universal has a bit of a stricter policy and they specifically outline you can bring in:

• Bottled water
• Small snacks that do not require heating
• Any food required for medical purposes and medically–indicated nutritional supplements
• Any food required for special dietary needs
• Baby food/baby formula
• Soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep

and they specifically prohibit:

• Picnic lunches
• Food that requires heating or refrigeration
• Alcohol and glass containers
• Hard-sided coolers
• Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep
• Coolers, suitcases, and bags with wheels

In reality these policies are very close, but don’t be surprised if Universal tries to deny you bringing in a huge lunch for your entire party (although people have not had issues in the past).

Remember, all bags will be inspected prior to entry in all Disney and Universal locations, and it is worth noting Disney has recently “beefed” up the security and added metal detectors (no body scanners…yet), so make sure to give the security guard a heads up to make their life, and yours, easier.