If you are not on a Disney Dining Plan, then food will be the biggest expense while at Disney World. It is possible to save on dining at Disney, with some creative thinking. Think outside the box and try one of these 5 dining ideas to save money on your next Disney trip.
1. Eat breakfast in your room
Guests do not have to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in the parks. Instead consider having your first meal of the day in your Resort room. By saving on 1 meal per day, per person, the savings can add up over a week long vacation. Read more tips for breakfast in your Resort room, including items to pack that travel well. Another pro-tip is to pack your food items in a small box so snacks/food do not get crushed.
2. Have a picnic at the Hub in Magic Kingdom
Did you know Disney World allows guests to bring in coolers? As long as it fits within the guidelines: no larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high. Therefore, consider ordering food to have delivered to your resort room and then pack a lunch for the parks. Magic Kingdom has a beautiful grassy area called the hub, in front of Cinderella’s Castle, perfect for a picnic. Below are food delivery ideas, and how to address your package.
Food Delivery Ideas:
- Garden Grocer – They deliver groceries directly to your hotel.
- We Go Shop is another grocery delivery service in Orlando.
- Ship items from Walmart.com to your Disney resort.
- Amazon – ship water, food and more.
How to Address Your package:
Your first and last name
c/o Your resort
Hold for guest arrival on: 00/00/00
Resort Address
City, State, Zip
3. Order A Kids Meal
Disney food portions are known to be generous. Instead of ordering a full meal, consider ordering from the children’s menu. Sit-down restaurants will not allow this, however any guest can order a kid’s meal from a Quick Service menu. This is a great way to save on lunch or dinner.
4. Popcorn
Popcorn buckets at Disney Parks sell for $10, while the initial price is not a great deal, the refill price is. Pay $10 for a Souvenir Popcorn Bucket and refill as many times as you please for just $1.50. Popcorn is a perfect light snack to have for long lines, parades and shows, plus you keep the souvenir bucket. If purchased on the first day ($10), and refilled 5 times, at any park ($1.50 ea), price becomes just $3.50 each.
5. Know Where to go
Knowing where to find frugal food prices at Disney World can also help you save. This is a big downfall for guests who do not do any planning prior to their trip. With a little planning and research guests can find the best deals. For guests reading this post, the work has been done for you with the list below.
Find Best Food Deals:
- Breakfast For Under $10 At Disney World Parks
- 20 Best Food Finds Under $5.00 At Disney World
- 5 Frugal Snacks Found At Walt Disney World
- Cheapest Table Service restaurants at Disney
- Magic Kingdom frugal options for 2
- Earl of Sandwich in Disney Springs has great prices, plus join the Earl of Sandwich Club.
Learn more about Walt Disney World Dining and get suggestions for where to eat, how to use the Disney Dining Plan and more.