Disney World Food Prices + Ways You Can Save

Disney World food prices can definitely cause a bit of sticker shock, but after more than 40 years of visiting the parks, doing Disney on a budget is kind of our thing. We’ve picked up plenty of tips for keeping food costs under control without missing out on the fun!

Disney trip planning can feel overwhelming once you start adding up the biggest expenses like travel, lodging, and food, which are necessary expenses on ANY vacation. When we look at those big expenses, food is the area where you have the most control.

Saving money on food at Disney is one of my favorite topics to discuss because it always surprises people how much you can save without sacrificing. In fact, some of the best Disney dining is also the cheapest. Let’s dive in!

My perspective on Disney World food prices is a little different from others. Is the food at Disney World expensive? Yes, it can be. But so can the food at every other theme park, concert, attraction, and big event. I expect the food to be more expensive at any of those places. People act like Disney World food prices are shocking when, in reality, no one should be surprised by that.

Since we know food will be one of the main expenses, let’s explore what to expect and ways to save. Before we dive in, let’s get two things out of the way. I always get questions about the dining plan and bringing food into the parks. Here are my thoughts.

Is The Disney Dining Plan Worth It?

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I do not recommend the dining plan. There are better ways to save money, like simply sharing meals. Some people do it for convenience, but we like the flexibility to go wherever we want without being tied down by reservations. Regarding pricing, you’ll be lucky to break even on the dining plan, and that’s only if you drink alcohol. I’ve written many articles on how to save money on food at Disney World for you to check out.

Can You Bring Food Into Disney?

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Yes. You can bring food into Disney World, and this article covers what’s allowed and what’s not. Disney World snacks are one of the things I look forward to, but they can add up. To save money without feeling like you’ve sacrificed, bring a few snacks to the park and budget for your favorites (like the honey pistachio croissant at Animal Kingdom or a Mickey affogato in Epcot). If you’re traveling with kids, having some snacks ready to go is a great way to avoid meltdowns and occupy them in long lines.

Disney World Food Prices

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While planning your Disney trip itinerary, you’ll have a rough idea of where you’ll be each day. Once you know that, you can plan your meals. To make it even easier, the Walt Disney World website has every menu posted online. You can review the menus and plan your meals to get a rough idea of how much you will spend. For more help with planning, check out my 4-step Disney plan.

What’s Your Dining Style?

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We have a very relaxed approach to eating that allows for spontaneity. However, that can backfire on you when you’re standing in the middle of the park with no plan and end up eating somewhere more expensive than you budgeted for. Having a plan, even if it’s a loose plan, will save time, stress, and money.

Disney World Snacks

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Snacking your way around the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs is not only super fun, but it’s also a great way to enjoy some of the most unique food at Disney World while saving money. This is especially true for the resorts since the food there often reflects the theming. Disney World snack prices range from $2.75 for a half-baguette with French butter and jam at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in Epcot to $11.49 for the Na’vi-sized Pretzel with beer cheese sauce at Pongu Pongu in Animal Kingdom.

Related: $5 Snacks At Walt Disney World

Disney World Quick Service Food

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I’ve seen a lot of change at Disney World over the last 40 years, and the food has been the most significant and exciting, in my opinion. I vividly remember the days when quick-service dining meant choosing from burgers, chicken strips, and corndogs. That is no longer the case. Quick-service dining is where you will find some truly hidden gems and some of the best food on Disney property!

Prices range from $4.99 for this Baked Macaroni and Cheese to $12.79 for a Cuban sandwich large enough to share—and higher. Quick-service restaurants are a nice compromise. You can still rest and enjoy a relaxing meal without the hassle of a reservation or the expense of table service. Typically, you place your order, pick up your meal at a window, and then find seating, which is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Table Service Restaurants At Disney World

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We don’t do many table service meals. These meals can be very expensive, and the focus of our trips (and my site) is to save money. We’ve had some fabulous table-service meals, but many have left us unsatisfied. That’s a tough pill to swallow after spending $200+ on a meal. That said, a table-service meal can be a wonderful experience. Here are a few tips to maximize both the experience and your money:

• Choose a restaurant with great theming. The theming at some table-service restaurants, like Steakhouse 71, is underwhelming, while others, like Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater in Hollywood Studios, are an experience in themselves. You can go wrong sitting outside The Boathouse at Dockside Bar (pictured above) or Three Bridges Bar and Grill.
• Share meals. We don’t want to pay for food we can’t eat, especially at a table-service location where prices can be high. Be aware that when you share meals at table-service restaurants, some locations charge a split-plate fee, though we have never personally experienced it.

You can check the menus for nearly every restaurant to find the most current Disney World food prices. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments. Happy planning!!