food in San Diego Zoo (storage, parks, permit)

[ShelbyGirl1]

Originally Posted by ChrisFromChicago

FYI Old Thread I just did both Zoo and Legoland over the week. Did San Diego Sea World last trip

1 - Legoland/Zoo don't search. So regardless of the "rules" you are safe to go.
2 - Zoo allows food specifically (per FAQ on website) Legoland does not. If you like rules, there you go
3 - seaworld does search. Though small things can be allowed. Though seaworld says no snacks, they let me bring in fruit. Maybe a personal decision of the guard


Legoland knows full well that people bring food into the park (there was a question on why you didn't eat at the park in survey and one option was bring my own food).

Not so. My son and his GF had food taken from them last week at the Zoo. They checked her backpack.

[bloom]

Originally Posted by ChrisFromChicago

FYI Old Thread I just did both Zoo and Legoland over the week. Did San Diego Sea World last trip

1 - Legoland/Zoo don't search. So regardless of the "rules" you are safe to go.
2 - Zoo allows food specifically (per FAQ on website) Legoland does not. If you like rules, there you go
3 - seaworld does search. Though small things can be allowed. Though seaworld says no snacks, they let me bring in fruit. Maybe a personal decision of the guard


Legoland knows full well that people bring food into the park (there was a question on why you didn't eat at the park in survey and one option was bring my own food).

I liked the survey guy when leaving - he would give you a complementary mini-lego-set for your time.

[ShelbyGirl1]

Food is not allowed, for the protection of the animals. People can't seem to resist in throwing things at the wildlife. The same reason why you find straws.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

I have a pair of binos that has screw off lens caps to hold rum and coke for the zoo I mean, Meerkats and a mixer, what more do you need.

[ShelbyGirl1]

Originally Posted by 1AngryTaxPayer

I have a pair of binos that has screw off lens caps to hold rum and coke for the zoo I mean, Meerkats and a mixer, what more do you need.

I tried to Rep ya, but it says I have to spread the love around first

[thepinksquid]

You're 100% fine to bring food in the Zoo and Safari Park, just no alcohol or large coolers.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Most people don't know there are parts of Balboa Park you can legally drink in. I've never done it (really) but there are. It has to be in non-glass containers, though.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by The Flying Dutchman

Most people don't know there are parts of Balboa Park you can legally drink in. I've never done it (really) but there are. It has to be in non-glass containers, though.

There are actually about a dozen parks you still can.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Shhhh....

[Bakeneko]

Originally Posted by ShelbyGirl1

Not so. My son and his GF had food taken from them last week at the Zoo. They checked her backpack.

Wow, I've never had that happen. years - lunch for two has been a couple of deli sandwiches and maybe something crunchy (like crackers or chips), piece of fruit, and a cookie. Packed in a insolated lunch sack so not as noticeable as a "cooler" and usually stashed underneath the stroller. Been a member for 10+ years - although we haven't been to the zoo in a little over a year so maybe they are cracking down on the rule or perhaps they don't pay as much attention to member since we go in a different gate.

In any case, the zoo is within Balboa Parka and there are lots of places to picnic right outside the zoo in Balboa Park (no need t move the car). Dining options are pretty limited inside Balboa - other than the Prado restaurant and that hamburger joint, all the other options are museum cafes. I think that the Art museums café is about the best of that lot - although still pricy and limited in selection. Daniels coffee cart - also good.

The Wild Animal Park has designated picnic grounds inside the park.

For drinks - I'd recommend buying the refillable plastic cups that they sell at the park. They are a little spendy - but refills are free for the day with the receipt and only 99 cents afterwards (without the receipt). We have been using ours for several years now (I put a sticker on my park id that says "don't forget your cup!) - you can use the same cups interchangeably at both parks.