We believe that every family needs time to get out of the house together–to strengthen their relationships, explore something new, and, quite simply, have fun.
While the location could be a park down the street, a museum in the city, or a lake on the other side of the country, we’ve found that there are some basic principles that make family outings work.ย (You know, so you’re not grumpy the whole way home, threatening to never take your children anywhere again.)
Today’s episode of Power of Moms Radio consists of two parts:
Part One is a 15-minute podcast Saren and April recorded after spending the day with their families at the Disney Parks in Southern California.
You’ll hear ideas about preparation, flexibility, and savoring the moments. Hopefully you’ll go away with some new ideas for making your own family outings just a little bit more meaningful.
Part Two is a 10-minute podcast recorded by April Perry and Power of Moms Board Member, Mary Jenkins, after a Disney Moms’ Night out. They share their favorite Disney “hidden gems,” their favorite places to go when it’s hot at the park, and lots of other little tips you won’t want to miss.
Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks
Audio Editing by Christy Elder
jokingviolin says
So fun! We are planning our first trip to Disney with kids and I’m loving going through your guide and listening! I’m even more excited to go now and use your tips. I was bummed though to see on the Disneyland website they don’t allow outside food or drink anymore (except in the picnic area outside the park) because I was super excited for candy in long lines and your other snack ideas. But, I know other things you shared are going to make our trip so much nicer. Thanks so much for your hard work in putting so many helpful tips together.
April Perry says
Okay, your comment sent me off looking to see what policy I could find about outside food or drink, and from what I can see, it is still totally okay for you to pack food like I mention in my guide.
Here’s what I found on a “Mouse Savers” website:
“Officially, Disney asks that no outside food or drink be brought into the theme parks. The official policy reads: ‘With the exception of food items for Guests with specific dietary restrictions, food or beverage items are not permitted into either of the Disneyland Resort theme parks.’ You absolutely will NOT be allowed to bring in the following: hard-sided coolers, large coolers, glass containers, or alcoholic beverages.
“Unofficially, the ‘no outside food’ policy is not stringently enforced. Bags are searched, but a few items in a small (6-pack sized) soft-sided cooler (such as sandwiches, crackers, granola bars, juice boxes, sealed/unopened plastic bottles of water) will be ignored. For some reason they will not allow you to bring in unassembled sandwich makings (such as bread and peanut butter, even in a plastic jar) but preassembled sandwiches seem to be no problem.
“If you eat your snack/meal very discreetly, without using park resources (e.g. taking up a table at a restaurant without buying anything) and you donโt make a mess, no one will say anything to you. If you would rather not risk it, there is a designated picnic area outside the gates of Disneyland, and there are lockers available that are large enough to store a moderate-sized cooler.”
So…as a former cast member and someone who totally supports Disney dining and spends quite a bit of money at the parks, here’s what I would say:
Definitely pack snacks, sandwiches, candy, fruit, etc. When you go through the bag check, the people there mainly want to know if you have any glass bottles in your bag. I always smile and say, “No glass!! Just some snacks for my kids.” They have been fine with that 100% of the time. Make sure you don’t have a hard cooler or anything like that.
Then when you’re eating, just eat in line or while walking through the park. They don’t want people sitting at their tables with outside food, but I have not ONCE been asked not to bring in or eat my food there.
Then, of course, you’ll most likely want to purchase food there and enjoy a lovely dinner or a special snack. (They have delicious food.) I just make absolutely sure I’m being fair to their business–because obviously I want them to stay in business! But it is SO handy to have healthy snacks and a few treats with you in line so your kids won’t be cranky and hungry. Otherwise, the lines can get really long, and you’ll find your children are fussy and hot and hungry.
So, really, for anyone reading this, I definitely recommend packing great food to take with you. If I hear otherwise, I will definitely change it in the guide–because bringing my own food in is the only thing that helps me make it through the whole day. ๐ Enjoy!
jokingviolin says
Thanks April!