Eating at Disney World is an experience in itself. There are so many great restaurants and dining options to choose from, Disney really does re-define what it means to eat theme park food. Did you know it’s possible to eat at Disney World for under $35 a day?
That’s right. To one cheap eater to another, it’s actually a lot easier than you might think. While Disney World is notorious for expensive food, that doesn’t mean there aren’t affordable options waiting around the corner.
I was inspired to write this post based on the popularity of my how to visit Disney World for under $1000 post which shares how to stay at Disney for 4 days without spending over $1000. Basically, I’m a Disney budgeting pro.
So let’s get right down to it. Here’s how you eat at Disney World for under $35 a day. In this guide, I’ll share tips for eating on the cheap as well as ideas for snacks, meals, and more at each of Disney’s parks. This guide won’t include the extra savings you could have by eating outside the park, though that’s also something to consider if you’re planning on saving even more.
Note: All prices included are from April, 2019. I’ll update these as-needed!
Tips for Eating at Disney on a Budget
First, let’s start with some basic food budgeting tips. I’ve already talked about how to save money on dining at Disney World, but here are a few important reminders.
BYOF – Bringing your own food to the parks is a great way to save big. If you’re driving to the parks, you can stop at a local Publix or Walmart to pick up some non-perishable foods. Otherwise, consider using Amazon or another delivery service to bring what you need to the resort.
Share Meals – Some of the meals at Disney World are pretty huge! If you’re not super hungry, it’s usually possible to share a meal with your partner or kids. Most sit-down restaurants also will split your meal at an added fee of around $2 which is worth it for the savings.
Quick Service – Finally, take advantage of the quick service food options at Disney World. Most of these options are beyond the traditional theme park fare, so you can find some really delicious choices that are high value.
Magic Kingdom
First, let’s talk about how to eat at the Magic Kingdom for under $35 a day per person. For kids, this can easily be even less.
- Breakfast: Warm Cinnamon Roll at Gaston’s Tavern $5.29
- Lunch: All-Beef Hot Dog Meal with fries at Casey’s Corner $9.99
- Snack: Pineapple
DOLE Whip Cup at Aloha Isle $4.99 - Dinner: Chicken Rice Bowl at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe $11.99
- Total: $32.26
These are all super yummy spots, and you can easily swap out many of these meals for similar-priced items on the menu. The cinnamon roll at Gaston’s Tavern is perfect for sharing, and so is the hot dog from Casey’s Corner.
Epcot
Epcot is a wonderland of cheap eats. The best way to enjoy food at Epcot is to taste some of the sample sizes from around the World Showcase. That’s what I’ve set up for lunch on your Epcot day so you can try a bit of everything as a group.
- Breakfast: Chocolate Croissant at Les
halles Boulangerie-Patisserie $3.35 - Lunch: Pork & Veggie Egg Rolls at Lotus Blossom Cafe China $3.99 and Baked Macaroni with Cheese Custard at Sommerfest Germany $4.49
- Snack: Victoria Sponge Cake with Jam and Buttercream at Yorkshire Country Fish Shop U.K. $4.29
- Dinner: Vegetable Platter at Tangierine Cafe Morocco $14.00
- Total: $30.12
Epcot is the perfect park for exploring different foods. Definitely focus on eating around the World Showcase. You can easily swap out any of my options above for another sample sized food in the World Showcase. The Veggie platter in Morocco is MASSIVE, so plan to share!
Hollywood Studios
There are a lot of hidden food options you’ll be surprised to find at Hollywood Studios! Every time we try something here I’m pleasantly surprised. Here’s how to eat at Hollywood Studios for under $35 a day.
- Breakfast: Rasberry Lunch Box Tart at Woody’s Lunch Box $4.29
- Lunch: The Famous Cobb Salad at Hollywood Brown Derby $11.00
- Snack: Num Num Cookie at Neighborhood Bakery $5.79
- Dinner: Mojo Pulled Pork Sandwich at Fairfax Fare $11.79
- Total: $32.87
Note that the Hollywood Brown Derby is a sit-down restaurant, so remember to bring some extra funds to tip. However, everything else is easy to grab and go or even mobile order so you don’t have to lose time waiting in line.
Animal Kingdom
- Breakfast: Cheese Danish at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery $3.99
- Lunch: Vegetable Tikka Masala at Yak and Yeti Local Foods Cart Asia $11.50
- Snack: Hummus with Vegetables $4.99
- Dinner: Chopped Wood-Grilled Chicken Bowl at Satu’li Canteen Pandora $12.49
- Total: $32.97
Yum! I love the picks at Animal Kingdom the most. There’s a lot of exotic variety to choose from here, and a lot of healthy options as well which is needed after so much snacking.
Disney Springs
Of course, I can’t leave out Disney Springs. With so many restaurants in one place, it’s easy to think Disney Springs is the most expensive spot to visit. Nope! You can still swing a day of meals for under $35.
- Breakfast: Vegan Coffee Cake Slice at Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC $6.25
- Lunch: The CG Classic at Chicken Guy $6.49
- Snack: Small Ice Cream Float at Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop $6.95
- Dinner: Taco Cone at 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck $11.99
- Total: $31.69
All of these are winners! I had a hard time choosing the best stuff since there’s so much yummy food to choose from at Disney Springs.
Eating on a Budget at Disney World
No matter your budget, you can save money at Disney World. Don’t be afraid to check out the Disney World Dining website for more information about menus and offerings during your visit. I always recommend using the app to check prices before choosing a place to eat, especially if you’re concerned about price.
Don’t believe the hype. Theme park food means something different at Disney World. Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t try new, exciting food that tastes amazing! This guide proves you can eat at Disney World for under $35 a day. What are your favorite cheap eats at Disney World?
