(More) Alcohol Coming to MK

[DoryGirl1963]

My first post!

Little background: My husband and I are middle age Florida resident AP holders. It's a rare week that goes by that we don't visit at least one of the parks -- livin' the dream! Neither one of us drinks alcoholic beverages because we both consumed several lifetimes worth in our earlier years - ha!

However, we don't feel others don't have the right to make their own choices in regards to drinking alcohol whenever & wherever they choose to do so. Reality is, most folks can drink alcohol with little issue & especially associate it with vacations. Onsite transportation also offers the opportunity to have a drink or how ever many, and not have to worry about that pesky potential DUI situation. Not to mention, maybe some folks wouldn't be so stressed out & grouchy if they could have a drink with their meal!

I have had a few situations with getting alcohol dumped on me, though, so yes, it does happen & is very unpleasant. Oddly enough, twice was at Animal Kingdom of all places. Neither time were the other individuals drunk, it was just an "unfortunate series of events" where they got knocked into & then knocked into me with full beer cups (beer squishy shoes + hot Florida weather = blech!) The other time was a lady at Epcot that definitely had had a few too many wine samples (she was stumbling & slurring her words) at Food & Wine, missed her footing & dumped her latest thimble full of wine on me. Considering she'd have face planted into the concrete if I hadn't broken her fall, I was OK with taking one for the Disney team, especially since when I popped into a shop to buy a replacement shirt, the CM gave it to me for free due to the circumstances -- score! And they all felt very bad about it & were very apologetic. My husband jokes that I must have an invisible "dump your booze on me" sign somewhere on my person! I think that statistically speaking the fact we're in the parks WAY more than most folks get to be is just the luck of the draw so to speak. It certainly didn't ruin my day in any of the instances.

It DOES make me concerned about if they extend the alcoholic beverage purchases outside of the restaurants at MK, though. Let's face it, crowd density wise, MK is the tops, & I could foresee a far greater potential for such incidents there than anywhere else. That'd be my only concern. I took it in stride but I could definitely see tempers flaring with the wrong mix of individuals.

 

[Sweettears]

Well I know that, I meant the little stands thay have liquor they are tiny kiosks (no food) and they only have alcohol. I just don't recall seeing those until this year

Stands have been there for several years. That's why I have said before that they are hardly noticeable and won't intrude on anyone's experience.

 

[TropicalDIS]

I'm fine with it and if having dinner etc I'd love a glass of wine or fun spirit. I'm 50 and earned the right and enjoynment of an adult beverage with or without anything I want. In fact it's something we do more on vacation because we are not driving.

A few points brought up here make me smh. Ive seen many MANY more seriously rude ignorant parents screaming, yelling, publicly shaming, and even slapping their kids in MK as I have anyone that's had too much to drink in Epcot.

Save your " protect my innocents from drunken behavior" spiels. There is alcohol is 99% of restaurants in the real world. I'm gonna guess you don't limit your dining experiences outside MK to places that do NOt serve alcohol. And at least they can't drive down Main Street in MK.

Something no one has mentioned here so far , and that I find a rather odd habit of the younger generation of parents is hauling your kid to bars. I have not been to a lounge or bar in WDW property yet that didn't have kids in it. Zero. 100% of the lounges I have visited had children. Some well behaved , some not. Many of them running, playing, and sitting in seats paying adults could have occupied. Varying times of day and night. It's also seen in many more places in the outside world. Take your little munchkins with you to the sports bar or breweries . I raised two kids and didn't feel the need to drink while on parental duty. We paid for sitters for the rare privilege of going out for adult evenings and or going to lounges or bars. Of course now that they are grown it might explain why I feel free to indulge in wine. And plenty of it.

I should be able to have wine in the park if you can bring your kid in the bar.

Get off your high horse. You're 50 and have earned the right to enjoy an adult beverage, and there are others who are 40, 50, 60, have earned the right to take their children or grandchildren to a park where people don't chug their drinks simply because they are on vacation and aren't driving.

You're right, there is alcohol in 99% of restaurants around the world. But i wouldn't go to a restaurant with my kids expecting any different. I also wouldn't tell my kids to look forward to seeing Mickey, Donald, and Goofy at any of these restaurants you mention.

Kids go to Disney World to see Mickey Mouse and all of their favourite characters, and rides, and magical shows. I'd imagine most parents take their kids there to see the smile on their kids faces, and how many great memories are made.

These memories aren't made by seeing 4 guys huddled in a corner encouraging each other to drink as fast as they can so they can get another before the lines gets too long. Happens at Epcot all the time, and the drinking is accepted there, and I have no problem with it. Seen a couple people spiral out of control, but as many times as I've been there, that's not bad.

I don't necessarily have a problem with dinner at TS in MK, i doubt that will cause too many issues, although there will always be one who abuses it. That's just the nature of the human race. The issue for me is where do they go from there. What if revenues are still hurting in 24 months? and they are still looking for extra cash streams? Do they put alcohol stands in the park? That's where I draw the line, and that's where you would see what I described above.

I agree with you on bringing your kids to bars, that's not what I would classify as good. But a lot of people don't do this, so why should they fall under your reasoning as well?

I don't get why so many people who love their alcohol feel so entitled. I.E. "Cold beer(s) are just what I need, and I should be able to enjoy my vacation, so if you don't like it, then go somewhere with no alcohol"

The same thing could be thrown right back, I should be able to enjoy my vacation, and if you desperately need alcohol, Mexico awaits.

Both are quite extreme. Most people like a drink or two on vacation, why not? and there many times, and places to go have drinks. If you need booze to make it through 1 day at Magic Kingdom? There's a problem. Either pull yourself together, or take a vacation where everybody drinks everyday.

 

[Sweettears]

Get off your high horse. You're 50 and have earned the right to enjoy an adult beverage, and there are others who are 40, 50, 60, have earned the right to take their children or grandchildren to a park where people don't chug their drinks simply because they are on vacation and aren't driving.

You're right, there is alcohol in 99% of restaurants around the world. But i wouldn't go to a restaurant with my kids expecting any different. I also wouldn't tell my kids to look forward to seeing Mickey, Donald, and Goofy at any of these restaurants you mention.

Kids go to Disney World to see Mickey Mouse and all of their favourite characters, and rides, and magical shows. I'd imagine most parents take their kids there to see the smile on their kids faces, and how many great memories are made.

These memories aren't made by seeing 4 guys huddled in a corner encouraging each other to drink as fast as they can so they can get another before the lines gets too long. Happens at Epcot all the time, and the drinking is accepted there, and I have no problem with it. Seen a couple people spiral out of control, but as many times as I've been there, that's not bad.

I don't necessarily have a problem with dinner at TS in MK, i doubt that will cause too many issues, although there will always be one who abuses it. That's just the nature of the human race. The issue for me is where do they go from there. What if revenues are still hurting in 24 months? and they are still looking for extra cash streams? Do they put alcohol stands in the park? That's where I draw the line, and that's where you would see what I described above.

I agree with you on bringing your kids to bars, that's not what I would classify as good. But a lot of people don't do this, so why should they fall under your reasoning as well?

I don't get why so many people who love their alcohol feel so entitled. I.E. "Cold beer(s) are just what I need, and I should be able to enjoy my vacation, so if you don't like it, then go somewhere with no alcohol"

The same thing could be thrown right back, I should be able to enjoy my vacation, and if you desperately need alcohol, Mexico awaits.

Both are quite extreme. Most people like a drink or two on vacation, why not? and there many times, and places to go have drinks. If you need booze to make it through 1 day at Magic Kingdom? There's a problem. Either pull yourself together, or take a vacation where everybody drinks everyday.

Talk about a high horse. Sheesh

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Talk about a high horse. Sheesh

Get off of your high horse and go to Mexico and chug your drink.

 

[Nurse Sully]

I never had a problem with the Magic Kingdom getting alcohol at the sit down restaurants, but the carts around the park I think is a bit too much. I am 25 years old and yes I enjoy an Adult Beverage from time to time, but while I'm at Disney I choose my time for that sort of activity. If I want to have a few drinks I will go to Disney Springs or even Epcot, but there is just something about the Magic Kingdom that screams children and I don't need to be walking around the Magic Kingdom or waiting to get on Peter Pan's Flight with a beer in my hand. Just my opinion.

 

[gwynne]

I never had a problem with the Magic Kingdom getting alcohol at the sit down restaurants, but the carts around the park I think is a bit too much. I am 25 years old and yes I enjoy an Adult Beverage from time to time, but while I'm at Disney I choose my time for that sort of activity. If I want to have a few drinks I will go to Disney Springs or even Epcot, but there is just something about the Magic Kingdom that screams children and I don't need to be walking around the Magic Kingdom or waiting to get on Peter Pan's Flight with a beer in my hand. Just my opinion.

Just to be clear, there aren't beer carts in MK.
You'll be stopped if you try to leave a restaurant with an adult beverage and head to Peter Pan's Flight.

Certainly everyone can speculate, but I think it can get confusing between the "might happen" and what actually is.

 

[Nurse Sully]

Just to be clear, there aren't beer carts in MK.
You'll be stopped if you try to leave a restaurant with an adult beverage and head to Peter Pan's Flight.

Certainly everyone can speculate, but I think it can get confusing between the "might happen" and what actually is.

So this is something they are strongly considering?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

So this is something they are strongly considering?

The beer carts? No indications they are coming people are just playing it forward ...

Nothing -> BOG only -> multiple table service .... so if things keep going one could assume beer carts would eventually make their way to MK but that is just assumptions, no indications his will happen

 

[Nurse Sully]

The beer carts? No indications they are coming people are just playing it forward ...

Nothing -> BOG only -> multiple table service .... so if things keep going one could assume beer carts would eventually make their way to MK but that is just assumptions, no indications his will happen

Don't really understand why people get so worked up over speculation than. I thought it was weird, because I was at WDW back in June and there were no Beer Carts. Of course there was alcohol served at Be Our Guest which I find okay, but no beer carts.

 

[Missyrose]

Most people like a drink or two on vacation, why not? and there many times, and places to go have drinks. If you need booze to make it through 1 day at Magic Kingdom? There's a problem. Either pull yourself together, or take a vacation where everybody drinks everyday.

No

Most people like a drink or two on vacation, why not? and there many times, and places to go have drinks. If you need booze to make it through 1 day at Magic Kingdom? There's a problem. Either pull yourself together, or take a vacation where everybody drinks everyday.

No one said they needed booze to get through a day at Magic Kingdom. No one.

 

[disneydizzy2]

Get off your high horse. You're 50 and have earned the right to enjoy an adult beverage, and there are others who are 40, 50, 60, have earned the right to take their children or grandchildren to a park where people don't chug their drinks simply because they are on vacation and aren't driving.

You're right, there is alcohol in 99% of restaurants around the world. But i wouldn't go to a restaurant with my kids expecting any different. I also wouldn't tell my kids to look forward to seeing Mickey, Donald, and Goofy at any of these restaurants you mention.

Kids go to Disney World to see Mickey Mouse and all of their favourite characters, and rides, and magical shows. I'd imagine most parents take their kids there to see the smile on their kids faces, and how many great memories are made.

These memories aren't made by seeing 4 guys huddled in a corner encouraging each other to drink as fast as they can so they can get another before the lines gets too long. Happens at Epcot all the time, and the drinking is accepted there, and I have no problem with it. Seen a couple people spiral out of control, but as many times as I've been there, that's not bad.

I don't necessarily have a problem with dinner at TS in MK, i doubt that will cause too many issues, although there will always be one who abuses it. That's just the nature of the human race. The issue for me is where do they go from there. What if revenues are still hurting in 24 months? and they are still looking for extra cash streams? Do they put alcohol stands in the park? That's where I draw the line, and that's where you would see what I described above.

I agree with you on bringing your kids to bars, that's not what I would classify as good. But a lot of people don't do this, so why should they fall under your reasoning as well?

I don't get why so many people who love their alcohol feel so entitled. I.E. "Cold beer(s) are just what I need, and I should be able to enjoy my vacation, so if you don't like it, then go somewhere with no alcohol"

The same thing could be thrown right back, I should be able to enjoy my vacation, and if you desperately need alcohol, Mexico awaits.

Both are quite extreme. Most people like a drink or two on vacation, why not? and there many times, and places to go have drinks. If you need booze to make it through 1 day at Magic Kingdom? There's a problem. Either pull yourself together, or take a vacation where everybody drinks everyday.

Thanks for the chuckle to ring in my new year

My horse is pony sized at best, and MK and the Disney parks are made for ALL, not just kids. Lord you need to take it down a notch. Just because a couple sit down restaraunts are serving alcohol you've turned it into a Vegas style nude sports bar. You're funny.

You're reasoning about " most people don't do this " is spot on. And MOST will not take 3 buddies, huddle up in a corner in a MK eatery and get sloppy. Over exaggerate much?

 

[Lothlórien]

I really wish they would have left this park alone. This is the best park for smaller kids and families in general. (I do not have any smaller kids, personally)
It would be nice to have one park where people cannot get crap-faced and barf in the bushes or walk around hollering profanities because they are too inebriated to care.

I cannot stand to walk through World Showcase after sundown. The entire walk through the countries reeks of alcohol....it is like a bar or brewery. I have no issues with people drinking if that is how they like to spend their vacation time, but I personally do not like the smell and behavior that comes with it (not all guests drink to get drunk, of course).

 

[kc1798]

I really think it's fine to have alcohol in some of the restaurants - from our experience at dinner at BOG, it's a pretty civilized experience and a nice addition for adults. It's not like they are serving shots and people are chugging drinks at BOG. I imagine they will look to create similar experiences at the other restaurants.

 

[Missyrose]

It would be nice to have one park where people cannot get crap-faced and barf in the bushes or walk around hollering profanities because they are too inebriated to care.

Yep, because THAT'S what will happen with beer and wine at TS meals.

 

[ncc1701]

I just bummed that I still can't have a Sam Adams with my meal at Columbia Harbour House

 

[aristocatz]

I'm not thrilled about the increase in alcohol at MK, but I don't think its a big deal at this point. If they did add the beer carts people are speculating, I would be irritated. For me, its not about shielding my kids. I guess I'm just traditional. Walt wanted to preserve MK to be a certain kind of atmosphere. I don't believe a few sit down restaurants with some alcoholic beverage options are going to change that. I do believe that taking it a step further, such as adding full bar seating or beer carts would change that atmosphere, so I hope Disney proceeds with caution on this one.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I really wish they would have left this park alone. This is the best park for smaller kids and families in general. (I do not have any smaller kids, personally)
It would be nice to have one park where people cannot get crap-faced and barf in the bushes or walk around hollering profanities because they are too inebriated to care.

I cannot stand to walk through World Showcase after sundown. The entire walk through the countries reeks of alcohol....it is like a bar or brewery. I have no issues with people drinking if that is how they like to spend their vacation time, but I personally do not like the smell and behavior that comes with it (not all guests drink to get drunk, of course).

I've never smelled alcohol walking through World Showcase. Of course, I've not seen people "crap faced" or "barf in the bushes," either. And the only time I've heard someone "hollering profanities" was the mother that was screaming at her husband. It was 9:00am at Magic Kingdom. No one was drinking or drunk that I could tell, and if they were it wasn't because they had been served at Disney. She was just being a witch.

 

[Bunless]

I didn't know about the news re. wine and beer being sold. We showed up at Skipper's Canteen last week and found it to be a pleasant surprise. DH and I view a sit down dinner at the park the same way a lot of people view going back to the room for a nap in the middle of the day... a blessed respite. The two glasses of wine I had with dinner were lovely and helped me to enjoy the last hours of MK during the holiday break. I can't see tropical drinks going with the foods that are served at Skipper's Canteen, with the theming, yes, but not with the food. i was surprised that there was not a Saki on the menu, considering that there were so many Asian dishes available.

 

[jlundeen]

I really wish they would have left this park alone. This is the best park for smaller kids and families in general. (I do not have any smaller kids, personally)
It would be nice to have one park where people cannot get crap-faced and barf in the bushes or walk around hollering profanities because they are too inebriated to care.

I cannot stand to walk through World Showcase after sundown. The entire walk through the countries reeks of alcohol....it is like a bar or brewery. I have no issues with people drinking if that is how they like to spend their vacation time, but I personally do not like the smell and behavior that comes with it (not all guests drink to get drunk, of course).

I too, have NEVER smelled alcohol walking through the WC, nor have I have seen people barfing in the bushes. I have see some pretty drunk and obnoxious people after dark during Food and Wine Festival, and some of them had young children in strollers that should have been in bed hours earlier.

Since EPCOT does have much more encouragement to drink, especially during the Festivals, I don't believe this is a fair comparison.

Just curious, have you EVER smelled alcohol or seen drunk disorderly behavior at Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios where alcoholic drinks are readily available? I think those would be better examples.

And in my mind, as has been stated over and over in this thread, the issue is not that people have the opportunity to drink alcohol, it is the fact that SOME irresponsible people over indulge, and there are no consequences for their bad behavior. Why should everyone be punished for the actions of a few?