Tickets and hotel bookings usually take up most of one’s expenses when planning a Walt Disney World vacation.
However, there’s always a hidden threat lurking that can beat up your budget plans, and that’s food!
You might not think too much of it at first, but if you’re not inclined to plan in advance, you could very well end up spending a small fortune on just meals, snacks, and drinks.
We understand how food costs at Disney parks can quickly add up, so we’re here to help you figure out how to eat at Disney World on a budget.
Here is a list of basic tips and tricks to enjoy dining at Walt Disney World on a budget while making the most of your trip:
- Buying groceries
- Packing your own snacks or meals
- Eating at cheap restaurants at Disney World
Some of these tips can be combined to save more money while you’re busy chowing down.
Budgeting Tips for Eating at Disney World
Below are some budgeting tips for eating at Disney World:
1. Buying Groceries
If you want to limit the number of meals inside the parks right off the bat, you might want to consider going grocery shopping as soon as you arrive.
As a matter of fact, it’s best that you stock up on groceries if you’re planning to stay at a villa or hotel that has a kitchenette. That way, you can prepare meals right at your hotel.
Now admittedly, grocery shopping is much easier if you have access to a car, but that doesn’t mean that you have to waste time shopping.
It’s the digital age, after all! Thanks to modern technology, many apps, such as Instacart, Garden Grocer, UberEats, and Amazon Prime Now, allow you to get your groceries delivered straight to the place where you’re staying.
2. Pack Your Own Snacks or Meals
In case it wasn’t obvious enough, grocery shopping will also let you pack snacks and meals. Walt Disney World allows you to bring food into the parks as long as you stow it in a day pack or stroller.
Remember, Disney World is known for offering great snacks, but they are proven to be a little expensive over the course of a whole trip.
3. Cheap Restaurants at Disney World
Of course, not everyone wants to go through the hassle of bringing their own food with them, so we’ve listed a few restaurants that provide mouth-watering yet budget-friendly meals.
Casey’s Corner
Casey’s Corner is one of the cheapest joints to enjoy corn dogs, nuggets, hot dogs, and classic plastic cheese.
It is famous for its affordable food, quick service, and unique baseball theme.
Although an all-beef hot dog is the most affordable option here, guests can opt for specialty hot dogs like chili cheese, plant-based, or foot-long hot dogs and split the meal with their families to reduce the total cost.
You might want to book a table in advance since getting a spot during peak hours can be a bit daunting.
Columbia Harbour House
Looking to eat some seafood without going broke?
Located at the intersection of Liberty Square and Fantasyland, Columbia Harbour House is a convenient pit stop when touring Magic Kingdom.
Most of the menu items here are pretty affordable, so you can keep your wallet and stomach full!
We recommend trying out the Trio Platter. Consisting of seafood and chicken, it’s a favorite for many visitors.
Flame Tree Barbecue
Flame Tree Barbecue is a special entry in this list since it differs from the usual fast-food joints at Disney World.
A great place to grab dinner after a long day at Animal Kingdom, it has amazing barbecue options, including roast chicken and smoked pulled pork sandwiches.
You probably think the high quality of the food would mean that it is pretty expensive. As it turns out, the food here is not only affordable but also sizeable, so you could share portions with friends if you’re looking to save an extra buck.
Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
It’s not an easy task to find a better place to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings than the Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery.
Sitting between Kilimanjaro Safaris and Tusker House Restaurant, it’s the perfect place to have some coffee, pastries, and cupcakes in Walt Disney World.
Fair warning, though: there aren’t many seats in the shop, so you might have to look around for a place to sit.
Despite that, their Zebra Cupcake is definitely worth the hassle.
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe is a Norwegian bakery with budget-friendly menu items mainly consisting of drinks and Norwegian specialties.
Although the traditional Norwegian school bread is a favorite of guests here, we recommend trying out a Gideon’s Bakehouse cookie when you come here on your next visit to EPCOT.
Sommerfest
If you want to add a bit of German flair to your experience at Disney World, look no further than the Sommerfest restaurant.
The beer here is pretty cheap, and you have a variety of traditional German favorites to choose from, including Bratwurst and Nudel Gratin.
Dining here comes with a scenic view of the statue of St. George killing a dragon.
PizzeRizzo
Although it’s somewhat new, this family-themed restaurant gives Via Napoli a run for its money.
Known for its wide variety of pizzas, the restaurant offers budget-friendly food alongside amazing sides like yogurt smoothies.
Summary
Not only is it possible to eat at Disney World on a budget, but you can have some really delicious food.
You can make your dining experience at Disney cost as much as you want without breaking the bank!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Products From Home Be Prepared by Disney Chefs?
No. State Law prohibits Disney World Culinary members from preparing, cooking, or reheating any foods brought in by their guests.
They will not be able to heat or reheat any food item not prepared by member chefs.
How Far in Advance Can You Cancel a Disney Dining Booking?
All table service locations at Walt Disney World Resort will charge a cancellation fee of $10 per person if the cancellation isn’t made at least one day in advance.
