Walt Disney World can be EXPENSIVE. Surprising…I know! 😉 Depending on how you plan, that price tag can skyrocket. We’ve shared lots of tips on how to save money on your Disney vacation, but there are some unavoidable expenses that you’ll run into along the way.

Once you’re at Disney World, you’ll probably be eating all of your meals there. Avoid sticker shock by looking at menus before you arrive! Disney has over 400 restaurants to choose from and there’s a pretty big variety of options and costs.

Price increases continue to impact a lot of food options throughout the restaurants at Walt Disney World. (In early 2022, we saw HUNDREDS (literally, hundreds) of price increases impact restaurants and snack spots throughout Disney World. Popcorn refills & popcorn buckets, DOLE Whip floats, Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars, Mickey waffles, alcoholic drinks, and MORE all went up in price.)

These were some of the most sweeping price increases we’ve seen. So, what are the average food costs at Disney World?

BEST Value Restaurants at Disney World for 2023

We breakdown food prices into Snack, Quick Service, Table Service, Character Meals, and Signature Meals. Grab your wallet — we’re taking a closer look now!

Average Snack Costs

The beloved Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar is an iconic Disney parks treat. Did you even go to Disney World if you didn’t eat one?

As much as people complain about the continual price increases, many just don’t seem willing to skip their favorite Disney snacks. We certainly understand.

On average, snacks will cost $6.

There are some bites that are a bit less. For example, the Pretzel Bread Pudding at Sommerfest is currently under $5.

Of course, you can easily pay $8+ for snacks like a Dole Whip Float, Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich, or even $12+ for candied apples, but generally speaking, $6 is what you should plan for.

Vacation sometimes means splurging on delicious snacks!

23 Snacks You CANNOT Miss in Disney World in 2023

Average Quick Service Cost

And then there’s Disney World’s fast food (counter service restaurants), which have a large range of prices throughout the resort. You can typically get a meal with a drink for under $20 per person at these locations. The menus often feature standard American fare. You won’t have difficulty finding hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, or pizza.

Salads and/or at least one other vegetarian/vegan option are almost always available.

While these quick eats are typical, there are some venues that showcase more adventurous bites. You’ll find a greater variety in EPCOT’s World Showcase, Animal Kingdom, and even Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Most adult entrees are approximately $12 (with a range of $10-$15 typical), while the kids’ meals ring up at about $7-$9.

With the exception of kids’ meals, beverages are not included. Figure $3-5 per fountain drink or non-alcoholic beverage in a bottle. Quenching your thirst isn’t cheap!

Still feeling hungry? Additional Side dishes will add another $3-$7, while desserts could be an additional $4–$6.

How much will lunch cost? If a family of four orders two adult entrees, two kids’ meals, and beverages, the bill can easily add up to $50-$60. Add on two desserts, and the cost rises to near $60-$70.

BEST Value Fast Food Restaurants at Disney World for 2023

Average Table Service Cost

Entrees at 50’s Prime Time Cafe (and similar Table Service restaurants) mostly vary from $15 – $38 for both lunch and dinner. Got kids? Their meals will often cost you $10-$14.

Appetizers generally range from $9-$15.

Desserts are often too hard to pass up — if you partake, it’ll cost an extra $8-$10.

Add in beverages that usually cost between $5-$9 (milkshakes are pricier!).

We’ve seen some restaurants switch to prix fixe menus, such as lunch at Be Our Guest.

These menus can make your meals more expensive because you are unable to order cheaper entrees. Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill at Disney Springs has a prix fixe option priced at $39 per person. Be Our Guest is currently charging $39 for kids and $67 for adults at lunch and dinner.

See why Disney World is SUPER obsessed with Prix Fixe menus right now!

Average Character Meal Cost

Although they are quite costly, character meals are popular dining experiences at Disney World! Character dining prices are approximately $45-$79 for adults and $29-$47 for kids ages 3-9, plus tax and gratuity.

Breakfast is FINALLY returning to Garden Grill Restaurant in EPCOT and it will be priced at $42 per adult (plus tax and gratuity) and $27 per child (plus tax and gratuity).

If you are looking to save money and still enjoy some character interaction, go for the cheaper meal of the day — breakfast!

Ranking the Best Character Dining in Disney World for 2023

Average Signature Meal Cost

There are some places in Disney World where you can get REALLY expensive food. We’re talking $295-$425+ for a single meal at Victoria & Albert’s in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

Other restaurants (often called “signature” restaurants) are more reasonable but still not easy on the wallet. While these restaurants are really nice for a date night, places like Le Cellier Steakhouse, Tiffins Restaurant, and The Hollywood Brown Derby also offer kids’ meals anywhere from $9 to $19 per person.

Le Cellier, for example, serves dishes like Filet Mignon and Bison Strip Loin. Signature Dining entrees tend to be in the $34 – $65 range.

Appetizers at Table Service restaurants typically cost $13 -$21 and desserts average in the $10 – $19 range.

You can easily see that dining at a Signature Restaurant will be very expensive for a family!

These Will Be the Hardest Disney World Dining Reservations to Get in 2023

All these prices have us feeling nostalgic about the cost of a Disney vacation way back when. However, we’re here to remind our readers of ways to save! One way that Disney World is different than some entertainment venues is that you are welcome to bring in outside food and drink if you don’t want to pay for food in the parks.

For those who want a meal all to themselves, adults usually can order off the kids’ menu at Quick Service restaurants, which gives you a slightly smaller portion for a much cheaper cost.

To see more cost-saving tips on your next Disney World vacation, check out our posts below:

• Take a look at the things you can get for FREE in Disney World
• Check out some SNEAKY ways you could save money in Disney
• 9 of the Best Budget-Friendly Lunches in Disney World
• How to Feed a Family of 4 for Under $100 a Day in Disney World
• What to Eat at the CHEAPEST Restaurants in Disney World
• 19 Disney Snacks for Under $10 that We Like MORE than $50 Meals

So, yes, Disney World food is pricey. But there are still ways to make it more affordable for your family if you’re hoping to vacation at the “most magical place on earth.”

How Much Does It REALLY Cost To Go To Disney World? — The BRUTALLY HONEST Truth

How does your family budget for Disney food costs? Chime in below!