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Are you looking for the best places to eat at Disney World on a budget? Believe it or not, there are plenty of affordable restaurants at Walt Disney World! Don’t worry, you won’t have to sacrifice quality for affordable prices. With so many different options, it’s easy to find meals that fit your budget and taste.
So, how do you find the cheapest places to eat at Walt Disney World Resort? In this post, we’ll talk about where to eat at Disney World on a budget. Trust me, I’ve done a lot of eating at Disney World and I’ve found the best food items at Disney World parks that won’t break the bank.
If you want to learn what it means to be a budget traveler check out my post on how to travel on a budget.
Let’s eat!
How can I eat at Disney for cheap?
- Bring your own food and drinks.
- Buy discounted gift cards.
- Order kid’s meals when you can.
- Order appetizers.
- Annual Passholder discounts.
- Pay with a travel credit card and charge everything to the room.
- Get a Landry’s Club Card
- Don’t be afraid to share!
With the ever-increasing costs of a Disney World vacation, it can be difficult to figure out how to feed your family while still sticking to your budget. Luckily, there are plenty of options for eating cheaply at the Disney World parks!
From quick-service restaurants to snack stands, there are plenty of ways to get delicious food at a fraction of the cost. Keep reading to learn how to save money on meals, snacks, and even special treats so that you and even your wallet will have a great time at Disney World!
Bring your own food and drinks into Walt Disney World Theme Parks – Yes, you can absolutely bring your own food and drinks into the theme parks. You must make sure that you follow Disney guidelines for bringing food and drinks. For example, you can bring a small lunch box with cold sandwiches, snacks, water, and soft drinks.
I suggest that you also bring a refillable insulated water bottle. All Disney quick-service restaurants will give you free tap water cups (as many as you want). When available, you can also walk right up to the soda fountain machine and refill your cup with water. A 20 oz bottle of water at the theme parks will cost around $3.75 each. You should be drinking about 4-6 of those a day. That adds up!
Buy discounted Disney gift cards – Sam’s Club sometimes will have discounted Disney gift cards. If you are a Target Red Card member you can save 5% when purchasing gift cards. You can also use a credit card that will get you the most points/cash back when making your gift card purchase. If you’re making a purchase online, you should also make sure you’re using a shopping portal like Rakuten so you can stack rewards and save money.
Using gift cards can also be a great way to help budget for your trip. For more ways to save you can check out my posts on ways to save for your next vacation or how to plan a weekend trip on a budget.
Order kid’s meals when you can – When ordering food from quick service restaurants, it’s really easy to order from the kid’s menu. Some places have very similar (if not even more appetizing) options but in smaller portions and for cheaper. If you’re not a big eater, it can be a good money-saving tip.
Order appetizers – Sometimes the appetizers are nicely portioned and cost less than ordering an entrée. If you’re at a table service restaurant that is not “pre fixe” or a buffet it’s perfectly acceptable to order a few appetizers instead of entrees. You can save some money and you won’t leave hungry!
Annual Pass holder discounts – if you’re a Disney annual pass holder don’t forget to ask for your discount! Most Disney restaurants and some quick service spots will offer discounts, but you have to ask. It doesn’t hurt to always ask even if they say no. You may be surprised.
Pay with a travel credit card and charge everything to the room – if you are staying at an onsite Disney-owned and operated resort and are using a magic band, you will have the option to charge whatever you spend at the parks to your room. If you’re using a travel credit card to pay for room charges this can give you a good amount of points because all of your purchases will code as travel. If you used your credit card directly in the parks, it would probably code as entertainment which would likely not earn you as many points.
Get a Landry’s Club Card – You may not know about the Landry’s Club card, but Landry’s owns many restaurants around the country including Rainforest Cafe and Yak & Yeti which have locations in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.
It’s $25 to join the club, but you’ll receive a $25 welcome reward to use immediately at any of their locations. You’ll also receive rewards points, discounts, and another $25 reward to use during your birthday month. Also, if you don’t have a reservation and flash your card, they will do their best to get you seated right away! You can’t charge to the Landry’s card so it’s also a good opportunity to stack with a credit card that will earn you points on dining.
Don’t be afraid to share – The portion sizes in the parks vary, but if they are too big for you alone don’t be afraid to share. You will definitely be able to find plenty of options for sharing at quick service spots. If you’re doing a la carte table service restaurant, it’s totally ok to order a couple of lower-priced items and share.
Pro Tip – To save time you should always use the mobile order option within the My Disney Experience App when available. You’ll see the option available for most quick-service restaurants.
Which Restaurants Offer the Cheapest Table Service at Disney World Parks?
Below are the best places to eat at Disney World on a budget for table service.
Magic Kingdom
- Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen (Adventureland)
- The Diamond Horseshoe (Liberty Square)
- Tony’s Town Square Restaurant (Main Street)
- The Plaza Restaurant (Main Street)
EPCOT
- La Crêperie de Paris
- Nine Dragons Restaurant (China)
- Rose & Crown Dining Room (UK)
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italy)
Hollywood Studios
- 50’s Prime Time Cafe (Echo Lake)
- Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (Grand Avenue)
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (Commissary Lane)
Animal Kingdom
- Nomad Lounge (Discovery Island)
- Yak & Yeti Restaurant (Asia)
*Menu items and pricing listed in this post are subject to change and do not include applicable tax or service charges. Please visit The Disney World Website for the latest information.
What can you eat at Magic Kingdom on a budget?
Magic Kingdom has a ton of places to eat, some places you’ve heard of and some you probably had no idea existed. Here’s a list of the Magic Kingdom restaurants and their full menus.
Magic Kingdom Quick Service or Carts
Casey’s Corner (Main Street)
Casey’s Corner’s outdoor seating has a great view of Cinderella’s Castle and from some select seats inside you can see the fireworks show as well. I love that they have a variety of hot dogs and also offer plant-based options.
Snacks will run you between $4.50 and $6.50. Entrees will run you between $10-$15. Get the corn dog nuggets!
The Lunching Pad (Tomorrowland)
The Lunching pad is centrally located in Tomorrow Land right in front of Space Mountain. It’s a quick-service spot with only outdoor seating, but some of it is covered. You’ll want to get the cream cheese stuffed pretzel and Walt’s chili-cheese foot-long hot dog.
It will cost you between $6.50-$8 for a snack or $9.50 to $15 for an entrée.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (Tomorrowland)
Cosmic Ray’s is located in Tomorrow Land on the border to Fantasy Land. They have a ton of indoor seating so it’s a good spot to get away from the sun. The outside seating is also covered. They have a great variety of items so it’s a perfect spot for lunch or dinner.
They have some great options on the kid’s menu that can work for an adult lunch. It’s also a great pick for food allergies and plant-based options.
Kid’s meals will be between $7-$8. Entrees will run between $11-$15.
Sleepy Hollow (Liberty Square)
Sleepy Hollow is definitely one of the hidden gems on this list. They have so many yummy cheap eats at Disney World. I will say that for the corn dog alone it’s one of the best places to eat at Disney World on a budget.
It will cost you between $5.50-$8.50 for a snack. An entrée or sandwich will be around $11 to $13.
Liberty Square Market
Liberty Square Market looks like they only have fruit, snacks, and soft drinks but they also offer Turkey Legs and Hot dogs after 11:00 am. It’ll run you between $9-$13.
Columbia Harbour House (Liberty Square)
Columbia Harbour House is the place if you’re in the mood for some seafood. It’s located right outside of the entrance to The Haunted Mansion attraction.
They have some great options on the kid’s menu that can work for an adult lunch if you don’t mind a smaller portion. It’s also a great pick for food allergies and plant-based options.
Kid’s meals are under $9 and entrees are between $13 to $17.
The Friar’s Nook (Fantasyland)
If you want some breakfast, but want to skip busy Mainstreet The Friar’s Nook has a pretty tasty breakfast sandwich. Do a mobile order and it will be ready for you when you arrive! They have some yummy tater tots and doughnut holes as well. For lunch, grab a burger, a hot dog, loaded tater tots, mac and cheese or a hot dog with mac and cheese on top. Yum!
Breakfast and kid’s meals are $6-$8. Entrees are between $11-$14.
Pinocchio Village Haus (Fantasyland)
Pinocchio Village Haus has a lot of indoor and outdoor seating. If you like flatbread pizzas and want a variety of kid’s menu items then this is the place for you. It’s also allergy friendly.
Prices for the kid’s menu are $7-$9 and entrées range from $9-$12.
Gaston’s Tavern (Fantasyland)
Gaston’s Tavern is mostly for beverages, but they do offer a yummy ham and cheese sandwich. You’re looking at $7-$12.
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (Frontierland)
Pecos Bill is the place where you go for Tex-Mex, they have a lot of indoor and outdoor seating. If not all of your party likes Tex-Mex, don’t worry there are burgers too.
They have some great options on the kid’s menu that can work for an adult lunch. It’s also a great pick for food allergies and plant-based options.
Kid’s meals will be between $7-$9. Entrees will run between $10-$16. Don’t forget to mobile order!
Golden Oak Outpost (Frontierland)
If Pecos Bill looks too busy, check out Golden Oak Outpost right next door. Their menu is small, but it may fit your needs. Get the Pecos Pico Tenders – Loaded Chicken Strips with Sour Cream, Cheddar, and Pico.
You’re looking at $6-$11.
Westward Ho (Frontierland)
Westward Ho is a small kiosk, but with some yummy breakfast and snacks. You can get coffee and tea here as well. You can also grab corn dog nuggets here!
Breakfast is $6-$8 and other snacks range from $3-$11.
Tortuga Tavern (Adventureland)
Tortuga Tavern has chicken strips, burgers, and hot dogs but with a twist.
These will run you between $11-$13.
Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurants
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen (Adventureland)
Skipper Canteen is the Jungle Cruise themed table service restaurant. The atmosphere is great and the menu is unique. It could be a nice break from burgers, mac and cheese, or hot dogs. They have many allergy-friendly options as well.
Appetizers will run between $9-$15. Kid’s meals are pretty substantial and are between $11-$14. Entrees will range from $21-$40.
Here’s a review of Skipper Canteen with pictures of the food selections!
The Diamond Horseshoe (Liberty Square)
Are you looking for a Thanksgiving or Christmas-style comfort meal? Look no further! The menu at The Diamond Horseshoe is all you care to enjoy, so come here hungry. There are allergy-friendly options as well. Adults are $39++ and Kids are $21++.
The Plaza Restaurant (Main Street)
The Plaza is a beautiful place for a sit-down lunch or dinner on a budget. It’s one of the cheapest places to eat in Magic Kingdom when it comes to table service restaurants. It’s American-style food with plant-based and allergy-friendly options.
Appetizers and entrees range between $9-$25. There are some tasty options and don’t forget the dessert!
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant (Main Street)
I love Lady and the Tramp, so I think the theming is super cute and fun. You’ll find Tony’s on the right when you enter the park. It’s usually pretty easy to walk into if you try outside of peak lunch or dinner hours. They serve your typical Italian fare. They have a good kid’s menu, plant-based, and allergy-friendly options as well.
Kid’s meals are $11 and $12. Appetizers and Entrees will run you between $9 and $36. You can make a meal out of appetizers, but also entrees are pretty large and can be shared.
What can you eat at EPCOT on a budget?
Epcot is known for its festival kiosks. The kiosks will have smaller portioned delights ranging from around $4-$12 in price depending on the item.
But what you may not know is that Epcot is also home to some of the best places to eat at disney world on a budget, which can be visited all year long. Here’s a list of Epcot restaurants and their full menus.
EPCOT Quick Sevice or Carts
Connections Eatery (World Celebration)
Connections Eatery is probably the best quick service spot in Epcot. They have a variety of really good food and a lot of seating. They have a good kid’s menu, and plant-based, and allergy-friendly options as well.
It’s also conveniently located near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and across from Creations Shop and Club Cool. Club Cool is Sponsored by Coca-Cola and you can taste soft drinks from all around the world for free. That’s right, I said FREE.
Kid’s menu is around $8-$9 and Entrees are between $11-$14.
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (France)
I love French food so much. It speaks to my soul. If you love croissants, quiches, and French-style bread, sandwiches, and desserts this is the place for you. It’s a wide range and it will cost you between $3-$10.
Crêpes À Emporter at La Crêperie de Paris
If you like sweet and savory crepes, but don’t need to sit down then you should venture down to the Ratatouille section of Paris for a delight! I think the savory crepes make for a perfect lunch.
Sweet crepes will run you $6-$8 and savory crepes will cost between $10 and $12.
The Land Cart (The Land)
If you’re riding Soarin’ and want a healthy snack, look no further than The Land Cart. You’ll find cheese and vegetable plates as well as Mickey pretzels with cheese. It costs between $5-$10. Oh, and they also have beer :).
Sunshine Seasons (The Land)
Sunshine Seasons is the food court inside The Land. It has a ton of options including American and Asian cuisine. They have snack options, a great kid’s menu, and plant-based and allergy-friendly options. The cost ranges, but you won’t find anything costing more than $15.
Fife & Drum Tavern (America)
Fife and Drum is a small kiosk located near the American Pavilion. You’ll find turkey legs, hot dogs, pretzels, and popcorn. It will cost you between $6-$13.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse (America)
For good ole American BBQ cuisine come to Regal Eagle Smokehouse. You’ll find kid’s meals for under $10 and more BBQ entrees between $10-$17.
Kabuki Cafe (Japan)
Right outside of Japan, you’ll find this little kiosk. It’s got reasonably priced sushi and other Japanese snacks. Sushi will cost you around $6-$7.
Katsura Grill (Japan)
Katsura Grill is tucked away up in Japan, but once you find it you’ll be happy! It has sushi, noodles, and other entrees. You’ll find a good kid’s menu too. It’s pretty small but has some indoor seating. Sushi and other entrees will run you between $10-$16.
Refreshment Port (Canada)
You’ll find chicken nuggets (8 pc.) and traditional poutine for $8-$11.
La Cantina de San Angel (Mexico)
La Cantina de San Angel has some tasty tacos and other snacks and entrees that will run between $10-$16. It’s also got a pretty tasty kid’s menu that will cost around $10.
Lotus Blossom Cafe (China)
If you’re in the mood for Chinese you can grab some chicken fried rice or sweet and sour chicken from the kid’s menu. The kid’s menu is around $10 and other entrees are between $13-$15.
Sommerfest (Germany)
You’ll find brats and pretzels at Sommerfest for around $11.
Yorkshire County Fish Shop (UK)
You can satisfy your craving for fish and chips at the Yorkshire County kiosk next door to Rose and Crown. It’ll cost you around $13.
EPCOT Table Service Restaurants
La Crêperie de Paris
If you want a savory or sweet crepe, but want a sit-down experience then you will love the quaint vibe of La Crêperie de Paris. I’ve had success walking in, but reservations are not as hard to get here as in other Disney World Table Service restaurants.
Sweet crepes cost around $10 and savory crepes cost around $18. The savory crepes are big enough to share!
Nine Dragons Restaurant (China)
Nine Dragons restaurant is probably one of the best places to eat at Disney world on a budget. It’s not too hard to get a reservation either.
Appetizers start at $6 and entrees start at $18.
Rose & Crown Dining Room (UK)
Rose and Crown has indoor and outdoor seating and is a great place for cheap eats at Disney World. They have a good kid’s menu with plant-based and allergy-based options. Keep in mind they only serve dinner.
Entrees are between $22-26, not bad!
Tokyo Dining (Japan)
Tokyo Dining is closed until 2023 for refurbishment, but when it reopens I think it will have a great menu that is reasonably priced.
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italy)
Via Napoli is located in the back of Italy. It has a large menu of pizza, pasta, and other Italian cuisines. The prices are a wide range, but pizza starts at $21 for a 10-inch pie.
What can you eat at Hollywood Studios on a budget?
If you’re visiting Hollywood Studios chances are it’s because you’re going to visit Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge or Toy Story Land. What you may not know is that they have some pretty tasty and unique options and some cheap places to eat at Disney World. You will find a full list of Hollywood Studios restaurants on the Disney World Website.
Hollywood Studios Quick Service or Carts
Backlot Express (Echo Lake)
Backlot Express is a nice big food court with some yummy offerings at a great price. You’ll find bowls, burgers, sandwiches, and other snacks. They have a kid’s menu, plant-based, and allergy-friendly options.
It’ll run you around $7-$15.
Dockside Diner (Echo Lake)
Grab a hot dog and a beer at Dockside Diner. It’ll cost around $10-$13.
BaseLine Tap House (Grand Avenue)
On your way to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll pass by Baseline Tap House. I love to grab a drink, and a snack and sit outside. They have pretty unique and tasty snacks like cheese and charcuterie or Coffee-rubbed Rib-Eye Beef Puff. It is yummy!
It’ll run you around $10-$13, but the portions make for a pretty hearty snack.
PizzeRizzo (Grand Avenue)
Perfect place to grab a pizza or a meatball sub. There’s a bunch of seating inside or outside. They have a good kid’s menu, and plant-based and allergy-friendly options.
The cost is between $7-$12.
ABC Commissary (Commissary Lane)
ABC Commissary is another food court-like spot. They have a lot of indoor seating. They serve your typical menu of sandwiches, salads, burgers, and even tacos. Their kid’s menu is not bad plus they have plant-based and allergy-friendly options.
The cost will range between $8-$15.
Catalina Eddie’s (Sunset Boulevard)
Well, it’s not a big variety but if you’re in the mood for pizza you can find it at Catalina Eddie’s. There are kid’s portions and allergy-friendly options as well.
It will cost around $8-$12.
Fairfax Fare (Sunset Boulevard)
You can grab bowls at Fairfax Fare, they have a plant-based option. It will cost you around $15.
Rosie’s All-American Café (Sunset Boulevard)
You’ll find hot dogs and burgers here that will cost between $9-$15.
Ronto Roasters (Galaxy’s Edge)
Ronto Roasters is an outdoor venue, but with some covered seating. It can sometimes be hard to find a spot, but most dishes are portable. It’s a good spot for breakfast or lunch. The Ronto Wrap is pretty popular. They have a couple of kid’s items and offered plant-based and allergy-friendly options.
The menu items here will cost you between $7-$13.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (Galaxy’s Edge)
Unlike Ronto Roasters, Docking Bay 7 has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. However, I would check the menu if you have picky eaters because it does have some interesting options. They have plant-based and allergy-friendly options.
The menu items here will run you between $10-$20.
Woody’s Lunch Box (Toy Story Land)
Woody’s is one of my favorites because I love tater tots. You can grab a variety of tot bowls for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They have plant-based as well! They also have good sandwiches and you should definitely grab one of the Daily Lunch Box Tarts (like homemade pop tarts).
Tarts are around $5 and the rest will cost between $7-$15.
Hollywood Studios Table Service Restaurants
50’s Prime Time Cafe (Echo Lake)
50’s Prime Time Cafe is a (you guessed it) 50’s themed table service restaurant. It offers all the American comfort foods that will keep you full at a great price. You’ll expect to see Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, and Pot Roast. They’ve also got a good kid’s menu and allergy-friendly options.
It will run you around $12-$30. There are plenty of good portioned options around the $20-$25 range.
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (Grand Avenue)
Mama Melrose is tucked deep into Grand Avenue, but it’s worth the detour. You’ll find typical Italian-style food with a good kid’s menu and allergy-friendly options.
The kid’s menu starts at $11 and the entrees start at $23.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (Commissary Lane)
Sci-fi Diner has a fun atmosphere. It’s a great option for either lunch or dinner. Items will cost from $11-$27. They have a great kid’s menu and allergy-friendly options. I will warn you that they seat you in “cars” so it can be a tight fit if you have more than 6 in your party.
What can you eat at Animal Kingdom on a budget?
It’s true that Animal Kingdom is the least popular park, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have some of the best places to eat at Disney World on a budget. You will find a full list of Animal Kingdom restaurants and their menus on the Disney World Website.
Animal Kingdom Quick Service or Carts
Pizzafari (Discovery Island)
You come here for pizza, sandwiches and some other kid-like food items. They have plant-based and allergy-friendly options as well.
It will cost between $7-$12.
The Smiling Crocodile (Discovery Island)
The Smiling Crocodile is where you go for some tacos. They will cost you about $10 for 2 tacos.
Flame Tree Barbecue (Discovery Island)
Flame Tree is where you get (you guessed it) bbq. You’ll find all your favorites there and a couple of good choices on the kid’s menu. Kid’s meals are $7-$8 and entrees will cost you between $12-$17.
Terra Treats (Discovery Island)
You can grab a slice of pizza here too for under $7.
Eight Spoon Café (Discovery Island)
This is where you’ll find yummy mac and cheese and the Pulled Pork – Jelly Doughnut Sandwich! Expect to see prices as low as $5-$7.
Satu’li Canteen (Pandora)
You would come here if you want a choice of bowls. They have plant-based and allergy-friendly options as well. It will run between $8-$15
Pongu Pongu (Pandora)
Come here for breakfast because not only do they have the biscuit sandwich, but they have french toast sticks! You can grab a couple of other yummy snacks here too. The breakfast will run you around $7.
Restaurantosaurus (DinoLand)
They’ve got the typical hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a good kid’s menu with plant-based and allergy-friendly options. You’re looking at it costing between $10-$15.
Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes (Asia)
Yak and Yeti cafe is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Breakfast bowls run around $11-$13 and lunch or dinner starts at $13. They have good kid’s menu options too.
Harambe Market (Africa)
Harambe Market has bowls, salads, and allergy-friendly options. It’s $7-$9 for kid’s meals and $11-$15 for entrees.
Tamu Tamu Refreshments (Africa)
They have the breakfast biscuit sandwich here too! So definitely stop here for breakfast, they have pastries as well. The cost is between $4-$8.
Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery (Africa)
Kusafiri is perfect for breakfast or a light lunch. You can get a sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit, or a flatbread for lunch.
Breakfast starts at $4, the breakfast biscuit will be around $7. A flatbread will run you around $11.
Animal Kingdom Table Service Restaurants
Nomad Lounge (Discovery Island)
I have to put Nomad Lounge on the list because it’s one of my absolute favorites. I love sitting outside on the water, but when it’s too hot (thanks Florida) the indoor seating is really nice too. They have more of a snack menu, but if you order a few it’s enough for a light lunch.
The items here will cost between $9-$16. They do not take reservations, but there is a walk-up list. If you get there around the opening time you’ll likely have your pick of seating.
Yak & Yeti Restaurant (Asia)
Yak and Yeti are perfect for a late lunch or dinner and it’s not that hard to get a reservation. Plus if you have a Landry’s Club card you’ll get rewards and may even be able to get in without a reservation.
Menu items start at $11 for kid’s food and entrees range from $20-$37, but It’s quite a large menu.
Bottom Line
It’s totally possible to eat at Disney World for cheap. So, now that you know the best places to eat at Disney World on a budget, it’s time to get planning! You should also check out my post about Disney Genie+ and what you need to know before you buy it.
Want to Travel More for Less?
Become a Budget Traveler! Head over to my start here page and grab my free budget travel cheat sheet – it’s packed with valuable tips to help you create your own winning budget travel strategy.