How To Save Money at Disney World With Kids' Meals (For Adults)

Want to save money at Disney without sacrificing delicious park food? Order off the kids’ menu! In fact, it’s one of my favorite ways to save money on food, and some of the best meals at Disney World are actually kids’ meals!

With nearly 40 years of experience visiting the most magical place on earth, we know a thing or two about how to save money, especially when it comes to affordable dining options at Disney! And one of the easiest ways to save is by ordering kids’ meals – but for adults.

With dishes like grilled salmon over rice, empanadas, and a memorable farro salad, you’ll save money without sacrificing a thing. We’re foodies after all, and we aren’t eating mediocre food. So if you’re planning a Disney vacation, jot down the meals you want to try!

Kids’ meals have come a long way; they’re no longer just chicken nuggets and burgers. Many options are unique, elevated, and so satisfying that they feel like they were made with adults in mind. If you’re going to Disney on a budget, ordering kids’ meals is the ultimate hack. In this post, we’re sharing our favorites from our most recent trip!

With each review, I’ve included a link to the current Disney menu, but the website isn’t updated in real time, and Disney restaurants constantly change their menu options. For the latest options, check the My Disney Experience app’s mobile ordering. It’s perfect for seeing what’s available without placing an order. The app also shows more options than online menus, especially for sides and drink options. This is important, especially for adults ordering kids’ meals. The right sides can make or break the meal.

Save Money At Disney With Kids Meals

Before we dive in, let’s answer a few of the most commonly asked questions about saving money on food at Disney World, specifically related to ordering kids’ meals.

Can Adults Order Kids’ Meals at Disney?

Yes! Disney has confirmed that adults can order from kids’ menus at quick-service restaurants and kiosks via mobile ordering and the walk-up window. At table-service locations, however, it depends on the individual cast member. This question has been answered many times over on the planDisney website.

Are Kids’ Meals Portions Enough For an Adult?

I’ll dive into this a little bit more under each review, but we think so. Disney is hot, like real hot! Rather than getting overly full, which will only make you feel more uncomfortable when it’s 95 degrees outside, you’re eating just enough. Don’t worry, that just leaves room to try more – like these $5 Disney snacks.

How Much Money Can You Save?

Quite a bit. Here’s an example. The cinnamon French toast pictured below is $7.99 with the kids’ meal. It also comes with a drink. The same exact meal is available in an adult size for $12.99. The only difference is one extra piece of French toast, but you don’t get a drink. The cheapest drink, assuming you don’t get a free cup of water, is $4.79. That’s a difference of $9.79, and that’s breakfast, the cheapest meal of the day.

Best Kids Meals to Save Money at Disney

We’re starting off strong with two of the best kids’ meals on Disney property, and both are available at Satu’li Canteen. Every kid’s meal on this list comes with your choice of drink. Options vary by location.

Cheeseburger Steamed Pod at Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom – $8.59

Everyone says this steamed pod tastes like a McDonald’s Big Mac—and they’re absolutely right! The bun is soft and pillowy with just the right amount of meat filling. The kids’ meal comes with one pod and two sides, while the adult version includes an extra pod. You can choose vegetable chips or a Cuties mandarin, but I always double up on the chips since you can’t get them anywhere else. Pro tip: ask for sauces on the side. I love dipping my chips in the creamy chimichurri! Satu’li Canteen Menu

Cinnamon French Toast at Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom – $7.99

Satu’li Canteen’s new breakfast menu is full of unique options you won’t find anywhere else at Disney, but the French toast stole the show for our crew. It’s thick, perfectly grilled, and topped with blueberry cream cheese, passion fruit anglaise, and a savory sausage link on the side. Soft yet not soggy, sweet yet balanced. It’s the perfect blend of flavors. It’s filling enough that I’d skip the adult portion. This feels like an elevated, grown-up breakfast I’d happily order again.

Note that the picture above is the adult portion. The only difference between this and the kids’ portion is you get one thick piece of French toast and one sausage link. Satu’li Canteen Menu

Macaroni & Cheese at Regal Eagle Smokehouse in Epcot – $6.99

I’d heard fantastic things about the mac and cheese here, and it totally lived up to the hype! It’s rich, cheesy, and tastes completely homemade with the perfect savory flavor. What really sets this kids’ meal apart are the side options. You can pick from watermelon, onion rings, baked beans with burnt ends, seasoned fries, or even more mac and cheese. We went with onion rings and coleslaw. Pro tip: add extra mac and cheese on the side for an even more filling meal! Regal Eagle Smokehouse Menu

White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese at Wailulu Bar & Grill / Polynesian Resort – $10.50

Dole Whip at Wailulu Bar and Grill Disney Polynesian Resort

We couldn’t wait to try the new Waihili Bar and Grill, especially the kids’ menu, and it didn’t disappoint! The side options make it stand out: steamed veggies, jasmine rice, fries, or the star of the show, a Dole Whip. We tried the mac and cheese, which was creamy but needed a bit more flavor. The Dole Whip, though, was perfection, topped with macerated pineapple, berries, hibiscus meringue, and passionfruit crispies. Beautiful, refreshing, and an absolute must-try! Wailulu Bar & Grill Menu

Fried Chicken Tip Yip Youngling Meal at Docking Bay 7 in Hollywood Studios – $10.49

I’m not usually a fan of chicken nuggets, but these totally surprised me! The chicken was juicy inside with crispy, flavorful breading. The broccoli was simple and well-cooked. The amount of rice they give you is huge! My husband and I shared this meal and couldn’t finish it all. You can swap the rice for mac and cheese if you prefer. For $10.49, it’s a flavorful, filling meal that’s definitely worth trying! Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Menu

Empanadas con Queso or Chicken Tacos at La Cantina de San Ángel in Epcot – $9.50

La Cantina de San Angel in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion is always a must-stop for us! This time, we tried the kids’ chicken tacos and empanadas con queso. The tacos were very basic, just chicken and tortilla, but you can grab free salsa from the salsa bar to jazz them up. The empanadas don’t look like much, but we loved them. They are crispy, cheesy, and so satisfying. Each meal comes with chips and fruit, and we loved the grapes as a fresh option. Pro tip: add a side of queso for just $0.75. It’s the perfect amount to drizzle over your tacos! La Cantina de San Ángel Menu

Grilled Salmon or Shrimp Skewer at Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom – $8.59

Seafood fans will love the kids’ meals at Columbia Harbour House. I’d go with the salmon, which was flavorful and surprisingly cooked perfectly. It’s a better portion and tastier than the shrimp, which we found to be small and overcooked. Tartar sauce, malt vinegar, and lemon wedges are available upon request. Sides include green beans, rice, fries, or a mandarin orange. Don’t skip a side of hush puppies. They’re so good! Columbia Harbour House Menu

Cheese Pizza at Connections Eatery in Epcot – $7.79

After hearing so many rave reviews, I had to try the pizza here, and it lived up to the hype! You get a huge slice with flavorful sauce, a chewy-yet-crispy crust, and that perfect cornmeal bottom. For sides, you can pick a Cuties mandarin, coleslaw, or fries. We opted for the fries, and they were hot, crispy, and well-seasoned. If you’re craving a solid slice of pizza, this kids’ meal totally delivers! Connections Eatery Menu

Chicken Arugula-Farro Salad at ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios – $8.29

I’m pretty sure the chefs at ABC Commissary made this salad with adults in mind. It was the biggest surprise of our trip! Marinated chicken, arugula, farro, Granny Smith apples, dried cranberries, pecans, and plant-based Parmesan are tossed in a tangy Dijon vinaigrette. Every bite had the perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and savory flavors. The chicken was juicy and flavorful. For sides, you can pick from chips, carrots, apple slices, a mandarin, or fries. ABC Commissa r y Menu

Kids’ Breakfast Bowl at Woody’s Lunch Box in Hollywood Studios – $6.49

We’re big fans of totchos, so of course I had to try the breakfast taco bowl at Woody’s Lunch Box, and it didn’t disappoint! Crispy potato barrels are topped with smoked brisket country gravy, scrambled eggs, and scallions, plus you get a Cuties orange and a full-size Minute Maid OJ on the side. It’s hearty, cozy comfort food that totally hits the spot. My only gripe? It’s served in a tall cup that’s tricky to eat from. Next time, I’m grabbing an extra plate to make it easier. Woody’s Lunch Box Menu

Kids’ Turkey Sandwich at Woody’s Lunch Box in Hollywood Studios – $8.29

Made with smoked turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, and a Dijonnaise spread, this is another kids’ meal I think was made for adults, mainly because most kids aren’t going to love sunflower multigrain bread lol.

If you love a hearty sandwich, this one hits every time. The ingredients are always fresh, and the turkey is lightly smoked and savory. Pair it with two sides of your choice, and I highly recommend making one of those sides tomato soup. It pairs perfectly with the sandwich, and if you get tater tots as your other side, it makes for a great little dipping situation! Woody’s Lunch Box Menu

Citrus-Chipotle Chicken Nacho Bowl at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn in Magic Kingdom – $9.29

Here’s a fun hack at Pecos Bill’s in Magic Kingdom! If you love beans and rice as we do, the citrus chipotle chicken rice bowl is a healthier, protein- and fiber-packed option, but you can make it even more filling. The meal already comes with beans, rice, and a generous amount of chicken. As with all the kids’ meals on this list, you get to pick two extra sides.

Here’s the hack. For your two sides, choose more cilantro lime rice and Charro beans. Then, ask for an extra (big) bowl when you pick up your mobile order. When you combine the kids’ meal with the two sides, you get a huge meal of beans and rice, which is hearty, filling, comfort food! Hot sauce is available at the condiment bar, and you can ask for sour cream when you pick up your food. This hack turns a kid’s meal into a massive, satisfying dish that adults will love too!

Kid’s Vegetable Sushi at Kona To Go at Kona Cafe in Polynesian Resort – $10.50

I’m obsessed with the kids’ sushi from Kona Café at Polynesian Village Resort. It’s fun, filling, and perfect for adults. You can place a to-go order through the new Table Service To-Go program in the My Disney Experience app, which is exactly what we did while hanging out at Tambu Lounge. The sushi is made to order and includes two sides: green beans, fries, fresh fruit, or yogurt with strawberries. We doubled up on the green beans. You’ll pick up your meal at a stand right outside Kona Café, and the hostess can provide soy sauce, chopsticks, and any other needed items. It’s an easy, delicious, and playful meal that turns a kid’s option into a shareable treat for adults. Kona Cafe Menu

Be aware that the sushi options change. I believe they’ve switched to a vegetarian version, but as I mentioned above, the most up-to-date menu options are available in the My Disney Experience app, not online. Perfect for a relaxing snack or light meal while enjoying the resort vibe!

Disney Table Service To Go

Table Service To Go, available right through the My Disney Experience app, lets you order from select table service restaurants without a dining reservation. Pick your spot, choose a pickup window, and grab your food to eat wherever you’d like around the resort. Availability changes, but it’s a great option when you want table-service-quality food without the wait.

I hope you enjoyed this round-up of our favorite Disney kids’ meals! If you have a favorite you’d like to share, please leave a comment below, and I’ll add it to my list to try on our next trip! Looking for more ways to save money at Disney, check out our other tips and tricks!