6 Fabulous Frugal Tips for Eating at Disney World on a Budget (Without Compromising on Quality)

Have you seen the high prices, and wondered if eating at Disney World on a budget is even possible? 

As someone who visits Disney World regularly, I’ve learned it is possible. 

You just need to have a handful of dependable, go-to strategies.

On the surface, eating at Disney World on a budget seems difficult (and it is if you’re not mindful of this reality), but it doesn’t need to be.

Disney provides more affordable alternatives to some of its crazy expensive dining options, and there are other ways to save money while enjoying food at Disney World.

So, let’s talk about how to eat at Disney World on a budget!

This post is all about 6 practical strategies for eating at Disney World on a budget (without compromising on quality). 

Eating at Disney World on a Budget

1) Ditch the Disney Dining Plan

The Disney Dining plan is a essentially just a prepaid meal package.

While the Disney Dining Plan may seem like a convenient option for pre-paying your meals, it’s not always the most budget-friendly choice. 

In many cases, the cost of the dining plan can outweigh the savings – whether you opt for the “Standard” Dining Plan or the Quick Service dining plan.

Here are both options and the differences between the two:

The “Standard” Disney dining plan includes:

• 1 table-service meal per night that you stay at a Disney World Resort

• 1 quick-service meal per night that you stay at a Disney World Resort

• Drinks are included with each meal – and guests aged 21+ can choose from various alcoholic beverages).
• 1 snack or nonalcoholic drink per night that you stay at a Disney World Resort

• 1 refillable drink mug with unlimited refills at Disney World Resorts – not the Parks – for the duration of your stay (which costs $21.99 + tax if you purchase it without the dining plan).

This costs $94.23 per adult per night and $26.69 per child (ages 3-9) per night, including tax.

(The prices above include tax).

It is also worth mentioning that gratuity is NOT included in the price of the dining plan at table service restaurants.

The Disney Quick Service dining plan includes:

• 2 Quick-Service Meals per night that you stay at a Disney World Resort

• 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink per night that you stay at a Disney World Resort

• Drinks are included with each meal – and guests aged 21+ can choose from various alcoholic beverages).
• 1 refillable drink mug with unlimited refills at Disney World Resorts – not the Parks – for the duration of your stay (which costs $21.99 + tax if you purchase it without the dining plan).

 This costs $57.01 per adult per night and $23.84 per child (ages 3-9) per night, including tax.

As you can see, neither of the Disney Dining Plan options are exactly ideal, if dining at Disney World on a budget is a priority for you.

But that’s fine. Instead, you can consider paying out of pocket for your meals. 

By ditching the Disney Dining Plan and paying for meals individually, you’ll have more control over your dining budget. You can make choices that align with your financial goals while still enjoying delicious food at the parks.

(If you want to pre-plan your dining expenses, check out point #6 on this list).

2) Skip the Table Service Restaurants

While dining at Disney World’s table service restaurants can be a fun experience, it often comes with a hefty price tag (it’s often AT LEAST double the price of quick service meals). 

Opting for table service meals (especially every day) can really add up.

Alternatively, consider focusing on quick-service dining options. 

Disney World offers a plethora of quick-service eateries scattered throughout the parks and resorts, serving up a variety of delicious and affordable meals.

The majority of quick-service meals are under $14.99.

Quick-service restaurants also offer a wide range of menu items – not just your typical burgers and fries.

Many of these locations also participate in Disney’s mobile ordering service, allowing you to skip the line and save time during busy periods. This is so helpful if you’re aiming to maximise your time at the Disney Parks.

RELATED POST: How Much Can You Save by Dining Exclusively at Disney World Quick Service Restaurants VS Table Service Locations?

3) Don’t neglect the bars at Disney World

When it comes to dining at Disney World on a budget, it’s easy to overlook the affordability of bar service options. 

While table service restaurants and quick service eateries may dominate the dining landscape, Disney’s bars and lounges offer a more budget-friendly alternative for those looking to save money without sacrificing quality.

Disney’s bars and lounges can be found throughout the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. They offer a diverse selection of appetizers, snacks, and drinks at pretty reasonable prices. 

Whether you’re craving a specialty drink or a light bite to eat, these venues provide a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind and refuel without breaking the bank.

In some cases, bars can offer food at similar prices – or even cheaper than – quick service locations.

For example, I stayed at Coronado Springs, and went to their quick service location, El Mercado de Coronado. It is not operated by Disney, and is quite expensive for a quick service location.

The Market Nachos were $14. For a similar meal and portion size, you can get the House-made Guacamole or Roasted Corn Dip with Tortilla Chips at Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago for only $12. 

(And you can mobile order from Three Bridges, so you don’t have to eat at the bar). 

Additionally, bar service venues often have a more casual vibe compared to traditional table service restaurants, making them an excellent choice for a laid-back meal or snack. 

4) Kids’ meals may be more filling than you’d think

When dining at Disney World on a budget, don’t underestimate the value of kids’ meals. 

While these smaller-sized portions are designed with younger guests in mind, they can often be surprisingly filling for adults as well.

Quick service kids’ meals often come with 1 main, 2 sides and a small drink. 

Kids’ meals usually costs between $6.99 and $9.50.

This is often the best value you’re going to find at Disney World, and because of the sides, in addition to the main, the portion sizes very reasonable!

5) You’re allowed to take food to the Disney Parks

If you’re wondering, ‘Is food allowed in Disney World?’, yes, it is. 

You can take food (and drinks) into Disney parks (as long as they’re not in glass containers, don’t require heating or refrigeration. See the full list of requirements here).

This can be one of the most cost-effective ways to save on food.

If you’ve got your heart set on having Mickey Pretzels and Dole Whips every day, then this isn’t a great alternative.

But this is ideal if you want to save money by bringing a couple of your own snacks here and there.

Or, if you’re not fussed about trying the different food at Disney at all, you could bring suitable snacks/meals with you and save lots!

6) Decide how much you want to spend on food ahead of time

The easiest way to stick to your Disney World food budget, is by knowing your “terms and conditions” well before your visit.

Maybe you set a daily budget for how much you want to spend on food each day. Or maybe you have a set price limit for each snack/meal.

Either way, it can help you to plan ahead, and ensure you don’t get distracted and overspend. (Which is VERY easy to do at Disney World!).

Ta Ta For Now

So, eating at Disney World on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing delicious dining experiences. 

What are your favourite ways to enjoy food at Disney World on a budget?!

This post was all about 6 practical strategies for eating at Disney World on a budget (without compromising on quality). 

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