Debate rages as Shanghai Disneyland tightens food rules

Shanghai Disneyland has toughened the rules on taking food into the theme park.

Shanghai Disney Resort has announced that visitors will no longer be allowed to take more than a drink or a nursing bottle on entry, sparking a mixture of complaints and approval.

The changes took effect from November 15.

The park is prohibiting visitors taking in food, liquor or more than 600 milliliter "virgin" drinks and from participating in any form of exchange of goods or service for any purpose.

In common with other Disney parks around the world, Shanghai had allowed the entry of snacks or pre-made food items but has now ended that flexibility.

A heated debate online followed the announcement, with some netizens complaining about "overpriced food" at Shanghai Disneyland, while others said they hoped the restrictions would mean an end to indiscriminate littering.

"I believe it is an action of necessity," one contributor said.  "Leaving the park noticing that the park has litter thrown about, it was quite embarrassing." The netizen suggested that some uncivil visitors who had brought in snacks actually rejected the courtesy they were given by contaminating the environment with trash.

"I can afford the entrance ticket, but I can't afford the food there," one person complained. "78 yuan for a cuttlefish meal and 98 yuan for ribs; moreover they taste awfully overpriced."

"If the price is reasonable, I don't think people would rather take their own."  

A proper meal in Shanghai Disneyland costs around 80 to 90 yuan (about 14 US dollars), according to reviews on Mafengwo, a Chinese TripAdvisor-like travel site. A dinner in California Disneyland Park costs between eight and 15 US dollars, according to online menus.

Those siding with the park said visitors are allowed to go out for food and return. The parks' administration has said that it is upgrading the quality of meals to meet visitors' needs.

Shanghai Disneyland Park provides 70 percent Chinese food, 20 percent Asian choices and 10 percent Western-styles. 

The park has attracted over 27 million visits since it opened on April 26, 2016.