There are SO many tasty snacks to try at Disney World, but unless you’ve got an endless supply of gold coins just sitting in a safe somewhere 💰 you’ve got to make some critical decisions when picking the food that fits your budget.
Mickey Waffles
There are snacks that might be big enough to be meals, limited-time snacks that’ll disappear before you know it, and iconic snacks. And there are tons of restaurants off Disney property that could save you some cash. So HOW do you save money on Disney dining? Fear not, we’re here to help. We’ve got a TON of savings tips in the post below.
If you’re headed to Disney World soon and need more guidance about where and what to eat, how to save precious vacation dollars, what events to consider, reviews for every restaurant, and more, we’ve got all of that for you in the DFB Guide to WDW Dining e-Book we publish!
This critically acclaimed guide is fully updated with ALL the latest information and news, and is absolutely the Disney food resource you need for your vacation.
Take the DFB Guide with you to Disney World!
It’s got just about everything we know…and that’s a LOT. Pick yours up at DFBStore.com!
OK — here we go to the BIG TIPS!
Eat Offsite
First up, consider eating offsite. Yes, we love Disney food (obvs), but Disney restaurants are VERY expensive. Don’t feel like you’re trapped dining IN Disney World when you could dine NEAR Disney World.
PDQ!
Eating offsite is very likely to cost you less, even for food of similar quality and portion size. Take a look at nearby restaurants and consider spending dinnertime off property once or twice. Your wallet will thank you. If you didn’t drive to Disney World in your own vehicle, you can use a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber to easily get to any restaurant you like!
Jumbo Hot Dog from Portillos!
For some reviews and information about off property restaurants, check out our posts below:
- See our full review of PDQ — a chicken spot located off property
- Should you leave Disney property for…a hot dog?! See our review!
- 4 unique fast food spots to visit just outside of Orlando
Thinking about staying off property? Click here!
Split Your Meals
If you DO dine in a Disney restaurant, remember that those portions are often HUGE (though portion sizes are subject to change, as Disney’s own executives have indicated). We usually consider them large enough to share whether you’re at a fast food or a sit-down table service spot. For those of us who don’t eat as much, sharing is often a no-brainer.
The Famous Cobb Salad
Some places have absolutely MASSIVE platters like Flame Tree Barbecue in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Not sure if you’ll be able to share? Scope out dishes that other guests are ordering or ask a Cast Member about the portion size prior to ordering. OR check out our reviews here on Disney Food Blog to see the actual portion size!
So Much Meat!
At some table service locations, Cast Members will even plate a shared meal separately so that it feels like you’re each getting your own portion. Be wary though, sometimes splitting isn’t accommodated so ask your server if that’s an option.
Click here to see our picks for some of the best shareable meals in Disney World!
Don’t Get Sides You Don’t Want
When you’re ordering at a quick-service restaurant you may be able to get certain things a la carte. Don’t want that side of mac and cheese? Ask to see if you can get your meal without it! Think that that sandwich will fill you up on its own? See if you can forego the sides!
Heads up, though — this modification is generally not available to guests using Mobile Order. It may not always be available even when ordering with a Cast Member, so that’s why we say to ask first.
Regal Eagle Sides
If you skip out on sides you don’t want, your meal can cost less (again, provided that option is available). This is a great tip for those with picky eaters in their family. If you don’t think you or a kiddo will end up eating part of the meal, don’t waste your money paying for it! On the flip side, you can always fill up on a few a la carte sides instead of a full meal if you aren’t too hungry.
Click here to see the BEST snacks to carry in your park bag (and what to avoid)
Order Off the Kids’ Menu at Quick Service Locations
Speaking of kids, did you know that they’re not the ONLY ones who get all the fun of ordering off the kids’ menu? At quick-service (fast food) locations, typically anyone can order from the kids’ menu! Yep, that means you, Mom and Dad.
Remember what we said about portion sizes? Kids’ portions are usually big enough for an adult and if you have a big meal coming up later, chowing down on a kids’ meal is a great way to hold you off until then. Plus, kids get some AWESOME options like the Cheeseburger Pods at Satu’li Canteen!
Cheeseburger Pod
FYI — At table service restaurants, your experience will vary. Sometimes a server will be able to bring you a larger, adult-sized portion of a kids’ menu item if you don’t care for anything on the adult menu, but it likely will cost the same as a full-sized adult entree. So there are probably no money savings from a table-service kids’ menu perspective, but you can always ask!
Click here to see the BEST kids menus in Disney World
Bring Your Own Food
Another option is to bring your own food! Of course, you don’t need to DIY EVERY meal but it can be a really nice pick-me-up for your wallet if you eat in or picnic sometimes.
If you know you’ve got a big lunch planned in the parks, eat breakfast in your hotel room. Pack or pick up some cereal or granola bars to get that burst of energy before you head to the parks — without dishing out any extra cash.
Mandalorian Goldfish!
You can take this tip even further, too! Grab some snacks to take into the park so that you can pay for fewer meals or share entrees when you DO eat at a Disney World restaurant. If you’re worried about being able to pack food, you can use a grocery delivery service to deliver goodies to your hotel.
- Click here for our step-by-step guide to ordering Kroger grocery delivery to Disney World
- Click here for our step-by-step guide for Instacart grocery delivery
- And see what items from Amazon you can have delivered to your hotel
You can even bring a picnic to the Disney parks. Just remember — Disney has some specific rules concerning bringing coolers and ice into the parks. Click here to brush up on all the rules.
Grocery Delivery
If you stay in a Disney Vacation Club Villa or other location with a kitchen, you can even cook your own meals. Just remember, if you want a kitchen in your Disney World hotel, things might get pricey. Weigh out the savings from being able to eat in versus the upcharge for a kitchen when you consider this option.
Click here to see everything you need to know about having food delivered to your Disney World hotel
Tables in Wonderland
UPDATE: Walt Disney World is not currently selling new Tables in Wonderland Memberships, and the Walt Disney World website states that all existing Tables in Wonderland cards have expired as of September 1, 2021.
This next tip is only available to certain guests but if it’s an option for you, it could be a great way to rack up some savings. Tables in Wonderland is a discount card that is typically available to Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and Florida Residents.
Tables in Wonderland Membership Card
The card (when available) can net you 20% discounts at most Disney World table-service restaurants, and even some quick-service locations and lounges (including pricey alcohol). You’ll also get free 3-hour valet parking at Disney Resort Hotels when you show your receipt after dining at the hotel. All in all, your discounts will typically be higher than you would get with your Annual Pass or as a DVC Member.
The pass (when available) cost $175 for Florida residents and $150 for DVC Members or Annual Passholders and is good for a year.
Click here to learn everything you need to know about Tables in Wonderland!
Eat a Big Breakfast or Lunch
PRO TIP ALERT! Breakfast at Disney tends to be cheaper than lunch and dinner. Keep this in mind when you’re planning your table service meal for the day!
Breakfast Skillet
If you eat a big breakfast or lunch, especially at a table service spot, you’ll save a few bucks as opposed to if you opted to do dinner as your big meal. Plus, with portion sizes in Disney, eating a big breakfast or lunch can usually hold you over for a large chunk of the day, meaning you can skip a meal (or two!) and save some cash.
Breakfast at ‘Ohana
Wanna take this tip to the next level? Consider booking a breakfast buffet as late as you can in the morning. You’ll get to chow down on breakfast favorites and, in some cases, they’ll switch the buffet over to lunch while you’re there so you might be able to get your fill of a totally different meal as well! (Again, you’ll have to see whether this is available during your trip.)
We tried this at Tusker House back in 2019 and, while we practically had to be rolled out the door when we finished, it was an awesome experience.
Click here to see our experience tackling breakfast AND lunch in one meal!
Don’t Dine at More Than One Table Service Restaurant a Day
Speaking of picking your table service meal, choosing a sit-down dinner is about more than just “when.” It’s also about how many times you should dine on a table-service meal. If you’re looking to save some money, we recommend limiting to just one table-service restaurant each day.
Snow White
Remember, portions are huge so unless you’re a BIG eater, it’s hard to get your money’s worth if you sit down at two nicer meals in one day. Quick service locations have some great options, too! Plus, all that time you’d spend sitting and eating will be yours for touring around the parks instead!
Click here for our picks of the 10 best fast food values in Disney World!
Sam’s Club and Target RedCard Gift Cards
And finally, we’ve got one more tip that is available for specific groups. If you’re a Sam’s Club member or have a Target RedCard, you can get discounts by purchasing Disney gift cards before your trip. Sam’s Club sometimes has Disney gift cards at a discounted price and buying Disney gift cards at Target (with that RedCard) will net you 5% back on the purchase.
©Disney Gift Card
If you use these gift cards to pay for your food (or anything else for that matter), you’ll end up getting discounts on everything you buy! This is a pretty simple way to save yourself some cash!
Click here for 5 Disney World snack hacks for $5 or LESS
You don’t need to despair when planning your dining budget. There are lots of ways to stay on budget and still have a delicious time.
For more money-saving tips, check out our posts below:
- Sneaky ways you can save money in Disney World
- Cheap but filling snacks for when you’re ballin’ on a budget!
- Best value quick service restaurants for 2023 in Disney World
- How to feed a family of 4 for under $100 a day in Disney World
And stay tuned for more news!
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WE KNOW DISNEY.
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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Unless you get the DDP for free, you don’t necessarily save money using it. Last time I tracked our food and drink spending. For two adults for eight days we saved $300 paying as-you-go instead of using the DDP. We were there during the Festival of the Arts and snacked our way around the world. We also ate a lot of snacks that weren’t DDP-eligible.
DDP is very expensive and I never did it. It’s like going to an all-inclusive resort. The food and drinks are always way overpriced than if you just ate out on your own. There are so many better choices off site both in price and quality of food – and without going to chain restaurants. Of course we eat at a few Disney Springs locations and will have lunch in the park (its vacation!), but even if we ate eveything in Disney, it would still come out cheaper than doing the DDP. Like Charlene said, unless you are getting this as a “free” add on, its not worth it. Also, even a “free” dining plan is not free since the cost of staying on site is double than staying off site so you pay for it that way. Stay and eat off site. Better quality and better value all around.
Will the DDP be coming back in the future? We plan to come next summer, 2021.
I had a holiday booked for the middle of July but it’s going to be moved to next year. Will the dining plan return or has Covid taken this away forever?
I took the $they refunded us for the dining plan and put it on a prepaid starbucks debit card! This way here I still can use it as my “dining plan” and if there’s cash left over I dont have to burn it on gummies or trail mix etc…I also get Starbucks points on purchases that I can use for Starbucks food/coffee! With no fees at all it was a win win!
The DDP is really only a savings for families that want to do a lot of character meals. Otherwise, you will usually come out ahead if you avoid the DDP. Really, I think the DDP is making Disney money, however, right now, they can’t offer enough Table Service meals to guests to allow for all the credits to be used. Once everything is back up and running, I predict the DDP will be back, but at a higher price since, you know, Disney.
Okay this giftcard deal is really really good. It can be a few free meals. But I am hesitant because I do not know if Disney will take cards. It sounded like they want us to pay electronically. And what if I’m using mobile order?
We love the DDP. Any idea if it’s a permanent cancellation or a temporary one?
Marilyn, Disney has said it’s a temporary suspension. We’ll be watching to see when it’s reinstated.
Tiffany, My Disney Experience now accepts gift cards as a form of payment for Mobile Order (you’ll add them to the app, and they appear as an option for payment now). Disney WILL take cards, but they highly recommend contactless payment. You could achieve that by charging to your MagicBand and then using gift cards to pay off the balance.
Corrie, DDP is expected to be reinstated eventually; no timeline has been released, however.
Sharon, Disney has indicated that DDP will return. No timeline for that, though.
We are DVC and it’s never free for us but we found the plan worth our money. We basically go to Disney to eat and shop. To each his own!
Surely, there are numerous great non-chain restaurants in the Orlando area–do we really need a picture of a Chili’s???
Is the Tables in Wonderland card available again now?
Shannon, we’ve had luck using in some places but not others. It is not currently available to purchase, however.
Will it be back at all or canceled forever?
Amber, thank you for asking. Disney has indicated it’s temporarily suspended. We’re hoping for news of its return!