Travel and Places

Disney Eating on a Budget (10 Cafes + Own Food Tips)

After years of thinking about it, you have finally decided to take your dream vacation to Walt Disney World. You are prepared to spend the money on getting to the resort and into the parks, but have you accounted for meals? Food is the biggest cost of a Disney visit, just after transportation and tickets. Dining at Walt Disney World is great for you, not for your wallet.

You can save on your dining experiences at Walt Disney World, and the more time you are willing to put into preparation and planning the more you can save. The two biggest ways to save are to eat at counter-service restaurants and to bring in your own food.

If you plan to eat in the parks save your table dining experience for one or two meals and look for more wallet-friendly options. There are cheaper restaurant options at each park if you do not mind carrying a tray of food and eating outside. One tip that will save you a lot: there are no age restrictions on ordering children’s menus at most counter service restaurants.

1. Magic Kingdom – Cosmic Ray’s Cafe

Photo: cindyzexplorations

Some of the cheaper options at the Magic Kingdom include Cosmic Ray’s Cafe, a large counter-service restaurant between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland that serves the typical fast-food fare. Probably the cheapest meal is a chicken Caesar salad with toppings of your choice. But if you skip the chicken, you salad will be even cheaper. Cosmic Ray’s also offers the option of chicken meals that feed two or three.

2. Tomorrowland – Lunching Pad


Photo: matthewcooperphoto

The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland is a wonderful place to grab a quick meal or snack. For less than $15 you get a huge gourmet hot dog covered in toppings that is big enough to qualify as a meal.

3. Frontierland – Pecos Bill Cafe

Eating a whole turkey leg is a Disney World tradition, and it is a frugal meal option. Turkey Leg Carts are mobile carts that are usually found in Frontierland. These carts sell delicious (and large) smoked turkey legs, during the summer they also sell roasted ears of corn. One turkey leg provides a decent portion for two adults. Egg roll and noodle carts are one of the newer options at the Disney parks and offer another cheap, portable meal option.


Photo: coheteboy

Pecos Bill Cafe in Frontierland is a good option for those wishing to fill their stomachs without spending a fortune. Entrees at Pecos Bill are in the $8-12 range and after a visit to the toppings bar can qualify as a full meal. Several of the entrees are large enough for an adult and child to share.

4. EPCOT – Sunshine Seasons

The EPCOT resort is the paradise for foodies! EPCOT boasts everything from your typical American Burger to exotic vegetarian dishes, some for as little as $5. Some of the best places to eat on a budget are:


Photo: coheteboy

Sunshine Seasons, a cafeteria-gone-gourmet located in The Land pavilion. Your family can eat really good, really fresh food for around $10 per person. The best values are the kid’s meals, which include a hot or cold entree, a drink, veggie, and two snacks, all for around $6. Those with sophisticated palates will enjoy the exotic salads and seafood dishes.

5. Epcot’s China – The Lucky Combo


Photo: brandyanddave

Each country in the World Showcase offers its own version of a fast-food restaurant with affordable food, both traditional and surprising. The Lucky Combo at the Joy of Tea shop just outside of China is a favorite! For around $10 you get a meal complete with a drink and ice cream. This is also a prime spot to watch the acrobat show in the China Pavilion without the hassle of being part of the crowd.

6. Morocco – Tangerine Cafe


Photo: orangeblossomtravels

The Tangerine Cafe in Morocco is another great place to eat. In addition to delicate pastries, you can purchase a large platter for under $15, that’s perfect for sharing. The Tangerine Cafe offers covered seating, which is great when the summer showers start. Try to eat here while the outside entertainment is happening and you’ll be treated to a show with your meal! The Tangerine Cafe is also a great option if you follow a vegetarian diet.

If you are going to visit EPCOT during the Food and Wine Festival, you’re exceptionally lucky to get cheap food. Around the World Showcase, you’ll find booths set up with food options from hundreds of countries around the world, with portions starting at just $2.

7. Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Yak & Yeti

When you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom your options for affordable food are a bit slimmer than at the other parks but no less delicious. In addition to turkey leg and egg roll carts, you have several counter service options.


Photo: dlponline

The Yak & Yeti counter service, just outside the restaurant of the same name in Anadapur, offers Asian favorites with portions suitable for two people. Eating here at night is a special treat as there are a DJ and free dance lessons.

8. Dino World – Pizzafari


Photo: theintentionalmouse

A family-favorite is Pizzafari, located in Dino World. A pizza here can easily serve 2 small kids and includes a side salad, ask to skip the salad and it’s even cheaper.

9. Hollywood Studios – Backlot Express


Photo: disney_galactic_hero

Hollywood Studios offers The Backlot Express and the ABC Commissary for frugal dining options. The Backlot Express is located near the play area and offers sandwiches. The ABC Commissary is a television-themed counter service restaurant that offers more exotic entrees, like curried chicken, as well as family favorites like chicken nuggets.

10. Tables in Wonderland


Photo: karensusaadventures

For those who plan to purchase most meals on property take a look at the Disney Dining Plan. There are several plans available but they all work the same and allows guests who stay at a Disney hotel to pre-purchase meals and drinks at a discounted rate. Florida residents and annual pass holders can purchase Tables in Wonderland, an annual program that gives you dining discounts. Both options are available for purchase by calling the Walt Disney World resort.

11. Outside Food and Drink

The best way, by far, to save money on eating at Walt Disney World is to bring your own food. Walt Disney World is quite liberal with their policy of bringing in outside food and drinks. You can bring in anything you want, as long as nothing needs to be heated, aren’t in glass containers, and are non-alcoholic. You are allowed to bring a soft-sided cooler to store your food.

Bringing in just one meal, or snack, each day can save you a lot of money but carrying your food can be a bit of a burden, especially if you’re bringing in multiple meals. There are ways to make the experience easier, try some of these tips:

A Walt Disney World vacation is sure to be a magical experience! Thanks to the many dining options available, and Disney’s relaxed stance on outside food, your vacation eating can be affordable!