When you are budgeting for a Disney vacation, you can save money in lots of ways and one important way is on food. It is a vacation and you don’t want to feel deprived. On the other hand, you can enjoy your meals for less, if you know where to eat, how to use discounts and what to avoid.
1. Never get the Disney Dining Plan
I said what I said. I have listened to all the pros and cons, but the bottom line is this: the Dining Plan sounds good on paper. You will rarely, if ever, save money on the Dining Plan. If you want the convenience of pre-paid meals, buy a Disney Gift Card.
2. Do “get” the Low Key Disney Dining Plan
What is the Low Key Disney Dining Plan? I am glad you asked. This is my free, printable chart that shows how you can eat well at Disney World, like I do, for less than $45/day. That includes three quick service or table service meals a day AND a snack AND a refillable resort mug AND tax. You’re welcome. Download Google Doc here. PDF: Copy of Budget Meals at Disney World.
3. Get the Kid’s Meal. Yes, the Kid’s Meal
If you check out my Low Key Disney dining plan, you’ll notice that a lot of the meals are kid’s meals. Yes, adults at Disney World can order kid’s meals at quick service locations. Kid’s meals are much more affordable. Although the portion size may seem small at first, they are often satisfying, especially if you eat three meals and a snack a day. There is a trick to making it work for you. Purchase kid’s meals from moderate and deluxe quick service location, when you can. Pick kid’s meals with a good balance of protein and carbohydrates so you’ll feel satisfied. Protein is especially important. Add a fruit side, when offered. Kid’s meals in the parks are not all the same; some have a better value than others. For example, the kid’s meal at Regal Eagle at Epcot is satisfying — you won’t feel hungry after you eat it (and I have a bigger appetite than most people). The kid’s meal at Connections Cafe is a generous slice of pizza plus two sides and a fountain drink that allows up to three refills. But the kid’s meal at La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico, while tasty, has small portions and may not fill you up (and no free refills on drinks).
4. Always bring a lightweight, refillable water bottle everywhere you go
The best water bottles, I have found, are plastic and hold 20 oz. These will fit into the side pocket of most backpacks and park bags and are not too heavy when full. Fill your water bottle at the Elkay filling station in the lobby before you get on Disney transportation and while you are in the parks. If you want, add a little Powerade or Vitamin Water to flavor it.
5. The refillable mug ($23) is almost always a good idea
Disney drinks are expensive. The refillable mug allows you to get unlimited drinks at any resort: coffee, tea, hot chocolate, iced tea, lemonade, Vitamin Water, Power Ade and a selection of Coke products. Some resorts have Freestyle Soda machines.
There is no shame in the soda game. For example, I had a burger and fries at Wailulu Bar & Grill at the Polynesian Tower ($24). I wasn’t staying there but I knew from experience to always put my resort mug in my park bag. Walking to the restaurant, I passed by a Freestyle machine and filled my mug with my favorite, Peach Sprite. If I had bought a drink to go with my meal, I would have paid an extra $6.
6. Eat no more than one Table Service/Lounge Meal a day (including Character Meals)
If you want to save money, you’re going to have to make some choices. But your budget can still allow for some table meals. The best table service meals that are a good value for adults, in my opinion, are
- Bar Riva (Riviera) – Mediterranean-style Pool side bar with delicious food, including this burrata salad.
- Sebastian’s Bistro (Caribbean Beach Resort) – Dinner only. All you care to enjoy island-style food and dessert: pineapple bread pudding with caramel sauce and ice cream. Considered one of the best at Disney World and still only $39 per adult.
- Spice Road Table (Epcot – Morocco). Order a la carte. With mint tea, my dinner meal came to just under $30. It was delicious and healthy. The service was friendly and attentive. The decor and view were beautiful and I had the dining room practically to myself. I felt like Jasmine from Aladdin.
- Cape May Character Breakfast (Yacht and Beach Club) $52 per adult. The best value for a character meal, lots of interaction and a delicious buffet.
7. Pick high quality quick service meals
I like to stay at Value resorts but I often eat at moderate or deluxe quick service resorts for better quality food and nicer settings for the same prices . Don’t forget to bring your mug! My favorites include
- Primo Piatto at the Riviera Resort. Their lemon blueberry pancakes are wonderful.
- Kidani Village Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge). You can order the kid’s meal and get a good breakfast with silverware and a savanna view for less than $10.
- Contemporary Cafe (The Contemporary). I’ve only had the kid’s pasta with turkey marinara sauce and wasn’t expecting much…but it was to die for! It was also a generous portion with sides and a drink for less than $10.
- Gasparilla Island Grill (Grand Floridian). There are outdoor tables where you can dine. You can also take your food upstairs to eat on the balcony. The kid’s roast turkey sandwich with two sides (e.g., fries and grapes) is very good. It tastes like roast turkey sliced from a Thanksgiving turkey. This quick service location also has amazing pastries and treats.
- The Earl of Sandwich (Disney Springs). Good quality sandwiches for around $10; one of the more affordable options at Disney Springs.
- The Riverside Mill Food Court (Port Orleans Riverside). Very good jambalaya, corn bread and roast chicken.
8. Purchase as little food as possible in Magic Kingdom
It is known for having expensive, disappointing food. It is one park where you should bring your own meals or snacks, eat before, or leave and eat at a resort and return later.
If you are hungry and need a meal at Magic Kingdom, there are 3 places I recommend with terrific atmosphere and indoor and outdoor tables:
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland (Kid’s Meal grilled chicken sandwich with fries, apple slices and a drink $8.30. It is really good.)
- Pinocchio’s Village Haus in Fantasyland (Kid’s Meal cheese pizza, side Caesar salad and a drink $9.50)
- Columbia Harbor House in Liberty Square (Kid’s Meal grilled shrimp, two sides and a drink $9)
9. Pick high value snacks like Dole Whip
Skip low-value snacks sodas, like Mickey pretzels, Mickey ice cream bars, rice krispie treats and popcorn. You can buy 6 of the same Mickey ice cream bars at Target for less than one Mickey ice cream bar at the park. The same is true of the soft pretzels. Ask yourself if you would pay $8 for a rice krispie treat at the grocery store. The turkey leg is loaded with sodium and costs more than $15. Just buy a turkey sandwich and pack it with you.
Dole Whip is the exception because it is one treat you can’t really get at home (the grocery kind is not the same at all). It is refreshing, low sodium and not very expensive. The soft ice cream snacks at Auntie Gravity’s in Tomorrowland are also delicious and a good value. 
10. Don’t buy (many) alcoholic drinks at Walt Disney World
Drinks will put a big hole in your wallet at Disney World. Cocktails at Disney cost between $17 and $24 each. Mocktails run $6 to $10. If you are going to a lounge with expert bartenders, music and lovely decor, like the Enchanted Rose or the Scat Cat Club, sure, get one drink and enjoy it.
The one place that I would recommend if you really want a beer, glass of wine or martini is Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs. They have a great happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm with drink and food specials.
Bonus tip: Take advantage of your discounts
If you have a Disney Visa card, an annual pass, an AARP card or a AAA card, you may be able to find discounts at some Disney World restaurants. For example, you can get 20% off drinks at Joffrey’s Coffee locations with your Disney Visa card.
