Theme Park Foodie

The best response I can offer is “maybe.” The list below, provided by Universal Orlando Resort, outlines acceptable and prohibited items. You’ll notice that soda is included in neither list. My recommendation would be to try bringing the can of soda. If they ask you to discard it, it will not be an expensive loss.

Acceptable items:

• 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

Prohibited items:

• 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

Source: Universal Orlando Resort

Hello! I think that you’re asking me about whether or not tipping at Walt Disney World restaurants is mandatory, and also about whether or not certain restaurants turn people away for only ordering an appetizer.

At most full-service restaurants at Walt Disney World, tipping is not mandatory. When your check comes to the table, it will have a suggested tip amount. Most checks come with both the 18% and 20% gratuity calculated as a suggestion. Still, you are not required to leave a tip in most situations. At prepaid dining experiences, including Cinderella’s Royal Table, Hoop Dee Doo Review, Spirit of Aloha Luau, and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, an 18% tip is mandated on your bill.

That being said, tipping at restaurants is an expected practice in the United States. Though it may seem high, 18% is the typical amount tipped for good service. If you have exceptional service, it is a good practice to leave more than 18%. To not leave any tip is to be rude to your server. If you experience poor service, ask to speak to a manager and address the problem. When dining at a full-service restaurant in the United States you should account for an 18% tip in your budget.

While it is true that one “could go broke” through tipping, if you account for the tip in your dining budget, you shouldn’t have many problems.

As far as restaurants turning people away for an appetizer, that likely occurred on a day when the restaurant was only seating guests with Advance Reservations. I’ve never had a problem with only ordering an appetizer or dessert at a full-service restaurant as long as there was seating available or I had reservations.

I hope that I’ve addressed your questions! If not, please “Ask” again and I’ll be happy to help in any way that I can.