Food Ban Isn’t Unusual, Shanghai Disneyland Says After Disgruntled Student Sues
TANG SHIHUA
(Yicai Global) Aug. 12 — A policy stopping visitors from bringing their own food and drink into Shanghai Disneyland Park is in line with theme parks across China and other Disneylands in Asia, Shanghai International Theme Park said after a university student sued it because she was forcibly prevented from taking in her own snacks.
The plaintiff seeks compensation of CNY46.3 (USD6) for the wasted food and is asking the court to rule that the amusement park’s policy is invalid. The case is ongoing at the People’s Court in Pudong New Area.
Visitors can bring their own food and beverages, but must consume them in the lounge area outside the resort, broadcaster CCTV reported yesterday, citing Shanghai International Theme Park. The policy is consistent with industry practice, the Pudong district-based company added.
The student told CCTV that Shanghai International Theme Park is forcing visitors to buy food sold in the theme park. It should be up to the individual to decide if she wants to bring her own food or buy refreshments in the resort.
The park has forbidden visitors from bringing their own unsealed or unpackaged food and drinks since it opened in 2016 because of what it claims are potential food safety issues. Many believe the ban is just a means to boost revenue.
Beverages bought inside can cost four times the amount paid outside. Fizzy drinks such as Coke and Sprite cost CNY20 (USD3) a bottle, while they can be bought for less than CNY5 outside the park. Bottles of mineral water sold by Tingyi Cayman Islands Holdings are priced at CNY10.
Food is also expensive, with snacks like corn dogs and popcorn costing between CNY35 and CNY50. The average price of a lunch or dinner set in the resort’s restaurants is between CNY80 and CNY100.
