From Cuban sandwiches to a Reuben sandwich piled high with corned beef, these are our favorite sandwiches at Disney World. The Pepito de Ternera steak sandwich at Pepe by José Andrés in Disney Springs was life-changing and is now a Disney must on every trip!

You may also like our top five salads and this round-up of totchos (aka crispy deliciousness). They strike a good balance between healthy and indulgent meals. If you are traveling on a budget, these cheap Disney quick-service meals will help you save money without sacrificing!

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Over the years, we’ve eaten countless sandwiches at Disney World, with a lot of hits and misses. In this post, I’m sharing the ones we’re still thinking about and can’t wait to have again. Some of the best Disney World food can be found at quick-service restaurants. In fact, most of our all-time favorite meals are found at kiosks and quick-service locations.

Sandwiches are a great choice when you want to eat a little healthier while also saving money. We always recommend sharing food at Disney. It helps keep your Disney budget in check and prevent food waste and overeating. We were truly blown away by some of the sandwiches on this list!

Related: Disney World Food Prices + How To Save Money

Best Disney World Food – Sandwich Edition

Since Disney is constantly changing things, it’s impossible to keep up with current offerings and menu changes, so I’ve included links to each eatery so you can confirm the menu item is still available. I can’t stress enough how important it is to check the menus online (or in the My Disney Experience app) before your trip.

Pepito de Ternera at Pepe by José Andrés – $18.00

Pepe by José Andrés is located atDisney Springs on the West Side and is open for lunch and dinner. View the Pepe by José Andrés Menu.

I’m starting with the Pepito de Ternera at Pepe by José Andrés. This is the sandwich I have not stopped thinking about. It begins with Pan de Cristal (also known as “glass bread”), a thin, airy, chewy bread with a light, crispy crust. The filling is shaved ribeye steak with caramelized onions, cheese, roasted green peppers, and a mayonnaise mustard sauce. It’s decadent, well-balanced, and an absolute flavor bomb. If you add any sandwich on this list to your Disney must-try list, this should be it!

Ronto Morning Wrap at Ronto Roasters – $12.99

Ronto Roasters is located at Hollywood Studios in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and is open for breakfast and lunch. View the Ronto Roasters Menu.

The breakfast wrap at Ronto Roasters is unique, flavorful, and a great way to start the day. The pita bread is soft and tender, stuffed with an egg patty, a generous-sized sausage link, and an excessive amount of cheese. Fluffy, tender egg, savory sausage with a good snap, and the same creamy peppercorn sauce was a total flavor bomb. The cheese is just meh, and I may even ask for them to leave it off next time!

Related: Olivia’s Cafe at Old Key West – A Hidden Gem

Ronto Wrap at Ronto Roasters – $13.99

Ronto Roasters is located at Hollywood Studios in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and is open for breakfast and lunch. View the Ronto Roasters Menu.

As delicious as the breakfast version is, the lunch version of the Ronto Wrap is even better! I’m a sucker for slaw on a sandwich. It adds flavor and crunch, helping cut through the fattiness of the sausage. Again, we’re starting with warm, chewy pita bread, then filling it with a tangy slaw, grilled pork sausage, and the same peppercorn sauce served on the breakfast version. This is savory, flavorful, and filling!

Holiday Turkey at Earl of Sandwich -$9.49

Earl of Sandwich is located in the Marketplace at Disney Springs and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. View the Earl of Sandwich Menu.

If we’re talking about the best food in Disney World, most would agree that the Holiday Turkey sandwich deserves mention. It tastes like Thanksgiving leftovers but better. All of the sandwiches at Earl’s start with their famous bread, which is soft and fluffy with a tender crust. The filling includes roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and mayonnaise. It’s savory, saucy, and delicious. A side of tomato soup is a must!

Related: Where to Get Breakfast at Disney Springs

Cuban Sandwich at Backlot Express – $12.99

Backlot Express is located at Hollywood Studios in Echo Lake and is open for breakfast and lunch. View the Backlot Express Menu.

If you love a good Cuban sandwich like me, you’ll appreciate that they’re having a moment at Disney World. We saw them on numerous menus. This was very good, and although there was a little too much cheese, I would order it again. The pork was tender, smoky, and plentiful, with just the right amount of ham, pickle, and Dijon. It comes with plantain chips, which are a nice change from the standard Disney chips served everywhere else.

Croissant Salé at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie – $9.75

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie is located at EPCOT, in the France Pavilion of World Showcase. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. View the Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie Menu.

Les Halles offers some of the best food at Disney with an extensive menu. There’s something for everyone. It’s also one of the few places in the World Showcase where you can get breakfast before 9 AM. The Croissant Salé at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie is perfect and straightforward, with a soft, flaky croissant, buttery eggs, thinly sliced crispy bacon, and melted cheese. It’s warm, savory, and a must for us on every trip.

Related: Eating Healthy at Disney World + Where to Find The Best Salads

Everything Bagel Sandwich at Boardwalk Deli – $9.29

BoardWalk Deli, located at The Boardwalk Inn, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. View the BoardWalk Deli Menu.

The Everything Bagel sandwich at Boardwalk Deli is a basic bagel breakfast sandwich, which isn’t a bad thing. For just $8.99, it’s hearty and flavorful. An everything bagel is filled with cage-free eggs, a sausage patty, and cheddar cheese, plus you can choose a side, which was bacon, an apple, a banana, or an orange the day we were there.

Warm Corned Beef Reuben at Boardwalk Deli – $15.19

BoardWalk Deli, located at The Boardwalk Inn, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. View the BoardWalk Deli Menu.

If you want a great Reuben sandwich that can easily be shared between two people, head straight to Disney’s Boardwalk Deli! Marbled rye bread is filled with a generous amount of savory, succulent corned beef and sauerkraut, with a zippy Thousand Island dressing. It’s big, messy, and wonderful! At $10.69, this is one of the best values on Disney property, and you can choose a side item. The sandwich is 90% pure protein from the corned beef, making it filling and very satiating.

BBQ Brisket Melt at Woody’s Lunch Box – $13.99

Woody’s Lunch Box is located in Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. View the Woody’s Lunch Box Menu.

I was so excited to try this sandwich, and it didn’t disappoint. The beef was tender and flavorful with the perfect amount of barbecue sauce. It’s grilled with both cheddar and Monterey Jack on sourdough bread. Chewy beef, crispy bread, and gooey cheese – what’s not to love?! This was in January, so we chose tomato soup for dipping.

Breakfast Cuban at Spyglass Grill – $9.49

Spyglass Grill is located at Caribbean Beach Resort in the Trinidad pool area and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. View the Spyglass Grill Menu.

The breakfast Cuban at Spyglass Grill was a pleasant surprise on the last day of our trip. The sandwich consists of slow-roasted pork, ham, eggs, and Swiss cheese, grilled on what appeared to be ciabatta, served with breakfast potatoes, for $8.99. It was well-balanced, flavorful, and absolutely delicious, and a fantastic value. The same sandwich is served on the lunch and dinner menu, minus the egg.

Turkey and Brie Croissant at Amorette’s Patisserie – $13.50

Amorette’s Patisserie is located at Disney Springs in the Town Center and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. View the Amorette’s Patisserie Menu.

As soon as I saw the new croissant sandwiches at Amorette’s, I couldn’t wait to try them! The sandwich starts with a croissant bun, which was tender, flaky, and not dry at all. We chose the roasted turkey breast with brie, pepper bacon, arugula, spiced walnuts, and garlic-herb cheese spread. It was delicious and well-balanced, and while the walnuts may seem like an odd choice, they just work, adding crunch and a touch of earthiness. Highly recommend! My only note is that I would have liked more garlic-herb spread and would ask for that next time.

No family trip is complete without a Dole Whip Mickey-shaped pretzel, but the Disney snacks on this list may surprise you. From a Mickey Affogato that’s a Disney must for us on every trip to smoked paprika chips that are totally addictive, you’ll want to add these to your Disney itinerary!

In this post, I’m sharing some of our favorite snacks at Disney World, along with a few Disney World tips and tricks to help you enjoy them while keeping your Disney food budget in check.

Our last trip to Disney was in January, and we are still thinking about the food we ate. We’re foodies, and trying new Disney treats is one of the things we look forward to. On our last trip, we had some of the best food we’ve ever had. So, let’s dive right into the best Disney World snacks!

While we love a good table service meal, we typically focus on quick-service meals and snacks. Eating this way allows us to try more throughout the day while saving money. Speaking of saving money, we just posted our favorite quick-service meals for less than $10.

Related: The Cheapest Way To Do Disney World

Best Disney World Snacks, 2024 Edition

Typically, most of my posts are about saving money, but it’s nice to treat yourself, especially on vacation. Some of the snacks on this list didn’t make the cut for our favorite Disney snacks under $5 list, but they’re some of the best we’ve had and are worth going out of your way for!

Affogato Espresso Gelato $12.75

Gelateria Toscana

• Location: Epcot > Italy Pavilion
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Gelateria Toscana Menu

I have to start with the Affogato Espresso Gelato because it’s my all-time favorite snack at Walt Disney World! It begins with Italian espresso, then vanilla gelato is added, creating a classic affogato. Then, to add some Disney magic, they top it with two little amaretto cookies to mimic Mickey’s ears. It’s bitter and sweet and absolute perfection!

Chicken Dumplings With Ponzu $6.99

Mr. Kamal’s

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Asia
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Mr. Kamal’s Menu (no official menu posted)

These dumplings are gloriously crispy without being greasy and filled with a tender, flavorful chicken filling. The Ponzi sauce that comes with them is tangy and bright without being overly sweet. You’ll want to slam-dunk your dumplings in it. This is one of our favorite little savory snacks at Animal Kingdom!

Honey Pistachio Croissant $6.49

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Africa
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Tamu Tamu Refreshments Menu

The honey pistachio croissant at Tamu Tamu was another pleasant surprise on this trip. The croissant itself is buttery and flaky. Then, they drizzle it with honey and top it with toasted pistachios. I love the texture of the pistachios, and the honey adds the perfect sweetness!

Indian-style Bread Service $23.00

Sanaa Lounge

• Location: Animal Kingdom Lodge > Kidani Village
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Sanaa Lounge Menu

I’ve raved about the Indian-style bread service at Sanaa Lounge for years. It’s available at Sanaa restaurant, but many guests don’t know you can also get it at the lounge, where you don’t need a reservation. The bread service includes five Indian-style breads, along with a variety of sauces and chutneys. This is one of the best Disney World snacks because it’s a relaxed and fun way to eat, perfectly suited for sharing with friends.

Wookiee Cookie $7.49

Backlot Express

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Echo Lake
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Backlot Express Menu

My husband has a huge sweet tooth and loves the Wookiee Cookie at Backlot Express. First of all, this thing is humongous. A few people could easily share this as a snack. The oatmeal cookie is chewy without being overly sweet and filled with a vanilla cream frosting that’s smooth, not gritty like some frostings. The garnish is milk chocolate and made to look like Chewbacca’s sash. This is a snack we look forward to every trip, and at just $7.49, it’s a fantastic value!

Churros With Dipping Sauces $11.00

Nomad Lounge

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Discovery Island
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Nomad Lounge Menu

It’s no secret among Disney regulars that the churros at Nomad Lounge are the best on Disney property. They are light and fluffy on the inside, with the perfect amount of cinnamon sugar coating the outside. They’re delightfully crispy and screaming to be dunked into one of the dipping sauces they come with. These are also available gluten-free upon request. On this trip, we received vanilla crema and a seasonal sauce, which was chili-strawberry. Both were absolutely delicious! Nomad Lounge is a hidden gem and one of our favorite places to hang out.

Bavarian Pretzel $12.00

BaseLine Tap House

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Grand Avenue
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• BaseLine Tap House Menu

Since relaxation is the goal on every Disney trip, we have a few favorite spots to take a break, and Baseline Taphouse at Hollywood Studios is one of them. The Bavarian pretzel with beer, cheese, and mustard is a must. The pretzel is well known as one of the best on property, and the beer cheese fondue is a flavor bomb. Grab a couple of beers and a pretzel, and relax for a while!

Half Baguette $2.95

Les Halles Boulangerie-Pâtisserie

• Location: Epcot > Les Halles Boulangerie-Pâtisserie
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Menu

The half-baguette at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France pavilion at Epcot is easily one of the best snacks at Disney World and the cheapest. In the photo above, I had just torn off a piece, but you get an entire half-baguette for $2.95, and a whole baguette (which is huge) is only $3.95. I’ll be honest: as someone who doesn’t love bread, I only tried this because I had heard it was a good value – but – WOW. It was so so good! Pro tip. They will give you salted butter and jam upon request, so you should definitely ask for them!

Edamame With Chili Salt $5.00

Geyser Point Bar & Grill

• Location: Wilderness Lodge > Outside
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Geyser Point Bar & Grill Menu

It’s a simple and healthy snack that pairs perfectly with a couple of cold beers. Geyser Point is a vibe, and we’re here for it. It’s located along the waterfront at Wilderness Lodge, with gorgeous views of Bay Lake. We’ve tried almost everything on the menu, but keep returning for the edamame and chili salt. We love this spot so much that I wrote a blog post all about it!

Made-To-Order Artisan S’mores $9.00

The Ganachery

• Location: Disney Springs > The Landing
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• The Ganachery Menu

The artisan s’mores at The Ganachery aren’t just any s’mores. They’re special and must be on our best Disney World snacks list! After you place your order, you can walk over to the glass windows and watch a chocolate artisan handcraft your s’more. The top is dusted with powdered sugar in the shape of Mickey. It’s almost too cute to eat, but you’ll want to eat it – quickly – because it’s melty, messy, and delish!

Maple Popcorn $6.99

Canada Popcorn Cart

• Location: Epcot > Canada
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Canada Popcorn Cart

Shannon and I love popcorn, but the popcorn at Disney never blew us away until we tried the maple popcorn in the Canada pavilion. You can find this at the cart/kiosk in front of the La Cellier restaurant gardens. The popcorn was fresh and crisp, with just the right amount of maple flavor. If you like maple and a sweet-and-salty combination, you’ll love this. At $6.50, it’s a fun little snack for kids and adults alike!

Best Disney World Snacks, Honorable Mentions

Casey’s Corner on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom

• Chipotle Barbecue Loaded Fries $8.29: Topped with pulled pork, slaw, and chipotle barbecue sauce. We loved the combination of flavors and textures in this dish. You can read more about these here. Casey’s Corner Menu

Karamell-Küche in World Showcase at EPCOT

• Dark Chocolate Caramel with Sea Salt $4.49. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at Karamell-Küche, but the dark chocolate balances the caramel’s sweetness, and I love the sea salt on top. Karamell-Küche (no posted menu)

Adventureland Spring Roll Cart in Magic Kingdom

• Cheeseburger Spring Rolls $9.50: Choose from two seasonal spring rolls, including sauces. These spring rolls have a cult following for a reason. They taste like a cheeseburger wrapped in a light, crispy spring roll wrapper and come with a burger-style dipping sauce. The seasonal spring roll rotates. The day we were there, it was a pizza flavor.

That wraps up our roundup of the best Walt Disney World snacks. Please share your favorites in the comments so I can try them on our next trip!

If you’re a foodie, add this to your vacation bucket list immediately. Olivia’s delivers on food, service, and atmosphere, offering up familiar favorites as well as unique options with an island flair.

One of my favorite Disney tips is to visit other Disney World resorts. It’s a fantastic way to spend a day outside of the Disney parks, especially if you’re on a family trip with kids. There are typically fun (and free) things to do, not to mention it’s a great way to sample all the amazing Disney World food specific to each resort!

If you’re heading to Disney and looking for more dining options to add to your itinerary, I just shared our favorite sandwiches and some of the best salads you can get on property. And if you’re heading to Disney Springs early, here’s where you can get breakfast before 10 AM! Let’s dive in.

The food at Disney World has come a long way in the 40+ years we’ve been visiting. Disney restaurants have stepped up their game, and Olivia’s Cafe is no exception. Brunch at Olivia’s is actually breakfast. It’s served from 7:30 AM to 2 PM, seven days a week, and the menu stays the same.

Old Key West is a smaller Disney resort hotel, but it is highly underrated. It’s small but charming, unpretentious, and inviting. Olivia’s is no exception. Imagine a beach house with a warm and cozy vibe. There are nautical touches throughout the restaurant, large paddle ceiling fans, mismatched chairs, and an overall casual and welcoming atmosphere. It makes you want to stay a while.

The inspiration for the restaurant came from Olivia Farmsworth, a resident of Old Key West who was well known for inviting strangers and friends into her kitchen to eat. As you enter the restaurant, the lobby walls are covered with real photos of Disney Vacation Club members (who often return to update them). This is meant to make you feel welcomed, and it does. It’s the first thing I noticed, and I LOVED looking at all the photos. 

Olivia’s Cafe At Disney’s Old Key West

On our last few trips, we’ve been staying at the Drury hotel in Orlando, which is actually a Good Neighbor Hotel located right outside Disney Springs. We absolutely love this Disney hotel and the location. In fact, we love it so much that I wrote a full review here.

Shannon and I love getting up early and walking to Disney Springs. There are some early-morning breakfast options worth waking up for, and it’s a relaxing way to start on a non-park day. Once at Disnsye Springs, you can follow the path over to Saratoga Springs, which takes you all the way to Old Key West Resort. It’s a long but beautiful walk, as most of this path runs along the water. The morning we did this, we had one goal in mind: to have breakfast or brunch at Olivia’s café, and it did not disappoint.

Related: Geyser Point Bar and Grill Review @ Wilderness Lodge Resort

Olivia’s Cafe Menu

The menu at Olivia’s is one of the things that makes it unique. You’ll find familiar favorites like pancakes and omelettes as well as island-inspired dishes like the wildly popular conch fritters, banana bread French toast with Bahamian banana rub syrup, and unique condiments like Key lime hollandaise sauce and a Key West-inspired ketchup. Shannon and I rarely go out to a Disney breakfast or brunch because the menus don’t excite us. We’re always looking for something a little more unique that entices us to go, and Olivia’s café does that!

If you’re on the Disney dining plan, Olivia’s Café counts as one table service credit for both breakfast/brunch and dinner. I always recommend that you look at the prices for each table-service restaurant you plan to visit. Use your credits at the most expensive restaurants to get the most bang for your buck! You can access all the Disney restaurant menus on their website and via the My Disney Experience App. I’ve also noticed the app is updated more often than the website.

Disney Brunch Review

We started with a cocktail, the blackberry orange spritz, made with Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom Vodka, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, for $17.50. I don’t typically order bubbly drinks, but after the walk from our hotel, it sounded refreshing, and it was. This was light, refreshing, not too sweet, but also alcohol forward, which I didn’t mind. Adult beverages at Disney World are expensive, so I want my money’s worth. 

We started with the famous Olivia’s Cafe conch fritters, served with key lime mustard for $16, which I was so excited to try. I had heard nothing but good reviews about them, and they were not wrong. The texture was spot-on for a fritter, and I loved the visible chunks of conch, which added nice texture. You’ll also want to slam dunk these in the Key lime mustard. It was fantastic!

I had already scoured the menu and knew I wanted to order the crab cake Benedict ($26). Eggs Benedict is one of my all-time favorite dishes, and this was another home run! The crabcakes themselves are full of crab without too much breading, but the Key lime hollandaise makes the dish. It’s light and tangy, with a hint of lime, giving it a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the crab cakes and rich egg yolks. Unfortunately, I was not a fan of Olivia’s breakfast potatoes. They taste like scallop potatoes made with canned soup. The next time we go, I will choose a different side.

My husband ordered the bacon jam cheeseburger for $26 and loved it. Specifically, he commented on the quality of the beef, and I agree. You can tell it’s a good-quality beef patty. My only note, though my husband disagreed, is that the avocado is not necessary. I love avocado, but I don’t think it meshes well with the jam and pickles’ flavors. Speaking of the pickles, they’re delicious and come from The Land Pavilion at Epcot, so that’s a little Disney fun fact. The ketchup is their Key West ketchup, which has a bit of citrus. It also comes with an aïoli. This was unique and flavorful! (he also did not care for the potatoes)

Pro tip. You can find the menu for Olivia’s Cafe here. It’s always a good idea to check Disney menus right up until you leave for your trip, as they change often.

Related: Polite Pig @ Disney Springs Review

Final Thoughts

Aside from the potatoes, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Olivia’s Café! With so many fantastic Disney restaurants to choose from, I ask myself three questions before recommending one.

• Would I go out of my way to go back?
  • As I mentioned above, brunch doesn’t usually excite us, but we will absolutely go out of our way to go back to Olivia’s Café (and I’ll be ordering the conch fritters every time!)
• Is it memorable?
  • I have already forgotten many of the things we tried on our most recent trip, but I’m still thinking about our meal, so yes – it’s memorable!
• What would I recommend to other people?
  • I recommend Olivia’s to anyone looking for a breakfast that is a little more unique, who loves exploring other Disney resorts, and anyone traveling with kids. The menu has something for everyone, including Mickey waffles.

If you’ve dined at Olivia’s Café, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Disney Springs can be hectic, but it can also be quite relaxing if you know the right time to go. Most guests wake up early and head straight to the parks, but during your Disney trip planning, it’s a good idea to carve out some time to visit Disney Springs early, especially on a family trip when everyone could use a more laid-back morning.

We spend a lot of time at Disney Springs. If you haven’t tried the Hop Salt Pretzel at Polite Pig or the Chipotle Cobb Salad, both are fantastic. And the Made-To-Order Artisan S’mores at The Ganachery are a must! Be sure to add them to your Disney itinerary!

If you’ve never been to Disney Springs before the stores open in the morning, I highly recommend it. It’s so relaxing, and no-stress Disney vacations are kind of our thing. They pipe the music in, and you get a rare opportunity to explore, snag some fantastic photos (without people in the background), and beat the crowds when stores start to open. Once you’ve gotten a few steps in, you’ll want something to eat, and there are solid options for an early breakfast at Disney Springs!

Breakfast At Disney Springs

Brunch at Disney Springs is hugely popular, but for the sake of this post, we’re focusing on breakfast before 10 AM, as those options are limited and many guests are unaware they’re even available. From sweet and savory options at Everglazed to the newly opened “grab and go” breakfast at Summer House On The Lake, you can’t go wrong. Before we dive in, let’s discuss how and where to get into Disney Springs.

What Time Does Disney Springs Open

Disney Springs officially opens at 10 AM, but unofficially at 9 AM, which is the same time all the eateries on this list open. If you look at the Disney website, the posted opening time is still listed as 10 AM, which makes me wonder how many people don’t realize they can enter an hour earlier. Planning an early trip to Disney Springs is 1000% worth it. (and as soon as The Ganchery opens, the made-to-order s’mores are a must!)

Disney Mickey + Pluto Retro T-Shirt

This super soft Disney t-shirt is one of our favorites! The lightweight material is comfortable in the Florida heat, and one of our favorite money saving Disney tips is to buy your Disney apparel and souvenirs before you get there. (it comes in various color and sizes)

Shop Here

Parking At Disney Springs

Disney Springs offers numerous free parking options, including surface lots and covered parking garages. These are spread out from one end to the other, which is nice because you can park as close as you need to be. The Disney website states parking at Disney Springs starts at 9 AM, but many guests report being able to park earlier, and we’ve witnessed it ourselves many times. If you’re heading to breakfast at Disney Springs, it’s helpful to know which parking option is closest to your destination, which I’ll provide below. 

Related: Food Prices at Disney World + Ways To Save

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

Starting at the West End of Disney Springs for breakfast, Everglazed Donuts is a must, especially if you’re a donut lover. They offer both fun and unique options like maple double bacon, peabut butter explosion, and fruity pebbles, as well as glazed and cake for donut purists. If you prefer a savory breakfast like me, there is something for you, too!

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew
Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: West Side
Closest Parking: Orange Garage or Strawberry Surface Lot

I was sad when they removed the donut burger from the menu, but I can’t be mad about the breakfast sandwich. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Hearty, cheesy, and customizable with your choice of donut, it’s a delicious and filling breakfast for $10.  I recommend a glazed donut as it adds just the right amount of sweetness. Seating is limited, but there is seating both inside and in a small area outside. We love taking our breakfast down to the water and enjoying the sights and sounds of Disney Springs waking up.

Summer House On The Lake

Staying on the west side, the Summer House on the Lake offers a new grab-and-go breakfast at Disney Springs. The options here are limited, and they can sell out quickly. Once they sell out, that’s it for the day. On the day we visited, everything was already sold out except for the breakfast sandwiches and breakfast tacos. I had already seen videos of the breakfast sandwich, and that’s what we were excited to try!

Summer House on the Lake
Grab & Go Breakfast Hours: 9:00 AM (until sold out)
Location: West Side
Closest Parking: Orange Garage or Strawberry Surface Lot

This is a perfect example of how something so simple can be so delicious. Made with high-quality, flavorful ingredients, this sandwich would make me return again and again. For just $7.95, it was flavorful, well-balanced, and very filling. The bread itself is very soft and subtly sweet, and the bread-to-filling ratio is spot-on. The bacon was smoky and flavorful, and the Fresno pepper sauce added good flavor without being overpowering. 

As you can see in the picture, the egg patty is thick and gives a Starbucks egg-bite vibe. It’s creamy, custardy, and the whole sandwich is perfectly balanced – flavorful, not dry, and satisfying. Each item is individually wrapped and packed nicely, giving you the choice to sit on their patio or take it elsewhere.

Related: New (Quick Service) Kuamsha Breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Earl Of Sandwich

Earl of Sandwich is one of our favorite spots for an early breakfast at Disney Springs. Their breakfast sandwiches do not disappoint. Ranging from $7.49 to $8.99, they are just as delicious as the lunch and dinner options. You can customize them with extra veggies, avocado, protein, etc. This was the sausage, egg, and cheese, and we added avocado, red onion, and tomato. It was hearty and filling!

Earl of Sandwich
Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Location: Marketplace
Closest Parking: Lime Garage

The second and newer option at Earl’s is their breakfast bowls. These are also customizable. They’re basically a tater tot bowl, and we have a profound love for totcho bowls at Disney World. We ordered ours with eggs, cheese, tomatoes, onions, sausage, and sour cream for $8.99. It was savory, hearty, and shareable. My only note is that I don’t love the tall and narrow bowl. Most of the toppings are actually under all that cheese, which made it difficult to mix them up. On our next trip, I will ask for a plate to transfer it. 

Disney Vacation Planner

This handy little Disney vacation planner includes pre-filled sheets for your travel details, resorts stay, packing list, dining reservations, Lightning Lane and Multi Pass times, and so much more!

Shop Here

Starbucks

Last but not least, two Starbucks locations open at 9 AM. One is located on the west side, just in front of the Aerophile Ballon (pictured above). This is the larger of the two locations, offering a full bakery case with options you’re already familiar with. It has ample indoor and outdoor seating. Closest parking is the orange garage.

The second location is a walk-up window located in the Marketplace near the Disney Store. It offers a smaller selection of pastries and no seating. The closest parking would be the lime garage. (When I’m at Disney, I’m skipping Starbucks and getting Joffrey’s over in The Landing at 10 AM!)

And that’s a wrap on where you can find an early breakfast at Disney Springs. I can’t encourage taking advantage of the quiet to sip coffee and enjoy a peaceful morning!

Whether you’re hunting down the very best food at Disney or just browsing for unique offerings, this place is a serious contender. From smoked brisket to hop salt pretzels and the largest bourbon bar on Disney property, it’s quickly become one of our favorite places to eat at Disney Springs.

Let’s dig into what makes Polite Pig at Disney Springs a must for your next Orlando vacation!

I like barbecue, but it’s not my first choice, and with so many other fantastic restaurants at Disney Springs, we had overlooked this gem for far too long. I was expecting typical barbecue classics like pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw, which are fine but not my favorites. However, with offerings such as barbecue meatballs, Caesar salad, a smoked turkey BLT, and cedar-planked salmon, continue reading to learn why The Polite Pig Disney Springs has become one of our Disney musts! (psst. you can often find us hanging out at the outdoor bourbon bar)

Related: Geyser Point at Wildnerness Lodge – A Disney Must

Polite Pig Disney Springs

The Polite Pig is a fast-casual barbecue restaurant with an upscale feel. The food is elevated but not in a pretentious way. It’s also home to one of the largest bourbon selections on Disney property, which features a fantastic Sweet Tea Old Fashioned, pictured below. Once you place your order, you find a seat, and a server will bring your food to you. They go a step further by checking on you and sometimes refilling drinks and sauces, making it feel more like a full-service experience.

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Before diving into the food, here are some fun facts and tidbits. 

Who owns the Polite Pig?

• The Polite Pig is actually not owned by Disney.  It’s owned by James Beard award nominees James & Julie Petrakis, who also own the Ravenous Pig gastropub in Winter Park. The Polite Pig in Disney Springs is the only location of its kind in the world. This, along with the unique food and bourbon bar, is part of what draws people in. It’s been a hit since the doors were opened.

Polite Pig Menu Options

• The Polite Pig offers a variety of options, including appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, and platters. It’s a meat-forward menu, with all meats smoked fresh on-site, including brisket, ribs, chicken, and pork. There is also an unlimited sauce bar. A personal pet peeve of mine is when my meal is pre-sauced, so I appreciate having some control there.

Where is the Polite Pig located?

• The Polite Pig is located in the Town Center section of Disney Springs. When parking a car, you’ll want to park in the lime garage, which will bring you practically right to the door. When you exit the garage via the escalator or elevator, it’s just a few steps in front of you on your right.

The Polite Pig Reservations

• You do not need reservations, so it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. It gets crowded quickly, and there is almost always a line out the door before it opens, so plan accordingly. I suggest arriving early and eating between busy meal times.  There is also a small outdoor bourbon bar where you can find us hanging out!

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Without further ado, let’s discuss the real reason everyone is here – the food at Polite Pig Disney Springs! As always, I recommend checking the menu to verify the dish you’re interested in is still available. Disney is constantly changing menus! Polite Pig Menu

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Chipotle Cobb $14.00

If you think salads are boring, this is the salad that will change your mind. In fact, we have two roundups of our favorites from our 2024 Disney trip, as well as the most recent one from 2025.

The Polite Pig’s Cobb starts with mixed greens topped with chopped eggs, roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, and cheddar cheese, and is served with an avocado chipotle dressing. You have the option of adding any of their smoked meats, so we chose to add brisket. The combination of flavors and textures is absolutely amazing. Chewy, smoky brisket, fresh veggies, crisp lettuce, and a creamy, flavorful dressing—perfection. The salad is humongous and served in a stainless steel mixing bowl. Two people can easily share it, especially if you add the extra protein!

Related: Best Totchos at Disney World (aka – loaded tater tots!)

Hop Salt Pretzel $11.00

It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to something that is bread-heavy. I’d rather fill up on meat and veggies. Not only did I love this pretzel, but it surpasses every other pretzel on Disney property, including the pretzel at the Baseline Taphouse, which we also love.

The inside is tender and fluffy, and the outside is crispy, chewy, and salty. It’s served with a beer cheese fondue and an IPA mustard, both of which are incredibly flavorful. The beer cheese fondue was a pleasant surprise. Instead of being thick and gloppy, which I find many beer cheeses to be, this was a little runnier, but in the best way. Additionally, it’s enormous, which is a recurring theme at Polite Pig Disney Springs. Every dish in this post is shareable!

Pulled Pork Plate $18.00

Everything on this platter exceeded our expectations. The pork was perfectly smoked without being overpowering. It was tender, free of fat and gristle, and not at all dry. You shouldn’t have to smother your smoked meat and sauce to be able to eat it. Do you feel me? It should be delicious on its own, and the sauce is an enhancement.

The sides we chose were coleslaw and potato salad, and they were both fantastic. Coleslaw with barbecue is a must for us. We love the bright and crunchy salad as an accompaniment to a heavy meal, and my husband is always going to order potato salad if it’s on the menu. The potato salad was the standout. As someone who typically doesn’t get excited about potato salad, I thoroughly enjoyed this and found it to be very flavorful. 

Related: Kuamsha Breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge (new quick service option!) 

Polite Pig Allergy Menu

In addition to gluten-free options, Polite Pig Disney Springs caters to several dietary needs. They have two allergy menus. One is dedicated to gluten-free options, and the other is incredibly detailed, listing each menu item with common allergens. This is highly unique for a restaurant to do, making it much easier to make modifications. You can always speak with the manager and/or the chef if you need more help.

I hope you enjoyed our review of Polite Pig Disney Springs! I’d love to hear your experience!

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I say this all the time, but Disney World food keeps getting better. Thirty years ago, you would have never seen a spinach salad with beets and fennel or a Niçoise-style salad with fresh tuna on the menu. If you think salads are boring, it’s because you’re eating boring salads, and these salads are unique, flavorful, and delicious!

If you’re planning a Disney trip and looking for more deliciousness to add to your itinerary, I recently shared some of my favorite sandwiches, as well as the best quick-service options at Disney if you’re on a budget.

As promised, we’re back with another round of our favorite salads at Disney World! If you missed our last post, we shared our favorites from 2024, including an excellent shrimp and cabbage salad at the Polynesian Resort. Finding healthy food at Disney World is surprisingly easy. Most menus clearly list options for common allergens—such as eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat—as well as gluten-free choices. Eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, and Disney does an excellent job accommodating dietary needs. You’ll find plenty of salads on menus throughout the parks and resorts—and they’re anything but boring.

Healthy Food At Disney World

The first—and most obvious—question is: why bother eating healthy at Disney World? For some people, it’s a necessity due to dietary restrictions. For others, like us, it’s all about balance. Eating well simply helps us feel our best. If I splurge all day, every day, I end up feeling pretty awful—and that’s not how I want to feel on vacation. I genuinely crave fresh, nourishing food, and with salads like these, I never feel like I’m missing out!

Related: MORE Favorite Disney Salads (From 2024)

Spinach with Beets @ Terralina Crafted $17.00

I’m starting with our favorite salad of the trip. We loved it so much that we went back for it twice. Terralina Crafted is located in The Landing at Disney Springs. It’s often overlooked and highly underrated. People walk right past this outdoor bar without noticing it, but it’s one of our favorite spots to grab a drink and a bite to eat. They have a fantastic happy hour at both the indoor and outdoor bars. You can read more about Disney Springs’ happy hours here.

The base of the salad is fresh spinach, and a generous amount of it! It’s tossed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette that is perfectly balanced and not too sweet. The shaved fennel is crunchy and fresh, and adds amazing texture. If you’ve never had fennel before, it has a subtle licorice flavor. The Gorgonzola adds an earthy creaminess that is the perfect finishing touch. This salad is truly SO delicious and a fantastic combination of flavors. It was an 11 out of 10 for us, and I’m already excited about having it again on our next trip.

Caesar Salad With Chicken @ The Artist’s Palette $11.99

On our last trip, we did a split stay. Our kids joined us for the first half of the trip, so we got a two-bedroom villa at Saratoga Springs. I have a full review coming soon, but in the meantime, I can’t recommend this resort enough, especially if you’ve ever been interested in staying in a villa. We loved having so much space, a kitchen to cook in, and the huge soaking tub after walking 20,000 steps! 

However, Saratoga could benefit from additional dining options, especially given its large size and spread-out layout. We found a few gems, including the Caesar salad at The Artist’s Palette. It’s simple, with just romaine, chicken, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and packaged dressing. I love a Caesar salad, and if it’s on the menu, I’ll order it. Caesar salads are supposed to be simple. In fact, if you add other ingredients, it’s no longer a Caesar salad. That said, I appreciated the simplicity and enjoyed this salad both times I had it!

Enjoying healthy food at Disney World in between all the splurges helps you stay on track with any nutrition goals you may have. For us, that’s protein and fiber, so my favorite thing about it was the generous amount of chicken. It’s easily enough for two people, and I would estimate that there’s at least 8 ounces of chicken, which is approximately 75 grams of protein!

Niçoise-style Salad + Seared Tuna @ Connections Eatery $11.19

The Niçoise-style Salad with Seared Tuna at Connections Eatery impressed us as much as the General Tso’s Chicken Salad we enjoyed last year. Wow, wow, wow! It’s not difficult to enjoy healthy food at Disney World, especially with a salad like this. I don’t know what I expected, but this tuna was perfectly cooked, and you could taste the quality and freshness. If you’ve never had a Niçoise Salad, it’s a classic French dish that typically includes tuna, olives, and anchovies. Adding a bunch of other ingredients to a Niçoise salad makes it an entirely different dish, so I appreciated that Disney stayed as close to the authentic version as possible.

The salad comes with mixed greens, romaine, potato wedges, tomatoes, green beans, olives, white beans, and a Dijon vinaigrette. You can order it with or without the tuna. Without the tuna, this is an excellent, healthy plant-based food option at Disney World. We opted to add it, and we’re so happy we did. The added protein helped us feel full and satisfied. The vinaigrette was incredibly flavorful. We asked for extra on the side, and the cast member happily obliged. My only note is that I would have liked more green beans and white beans. I think we counted two green beans and had to go looking for the white beans. 

Related: Best Sandwiches At Disney World From 2025

Garden Salad @ Dockside Bar (at The Boathouse) $9.00

The garden salad at The Boathouse is simple and basic, but in the best way. When you’re craving something light and refreshing, a simple salad hits the spot. The base is iceberg lettuce, and it’s topped with carrots, grape tomatoes, and cucumbers. It’s usually served with an herb vinaigrette, but we asked for blue cheese dressing and added blue cheese crumbles. Disney is great about accommodating you, so don’t hesitate to ask if you see something you want to omit or add. This salad and the clam strips behind it are my go-to meal at the boathouse! 

Pro tip. When it comes to finding healthy food at Disney World, don’t be afraid to make a request. You’ll notice I made changes to most of these salads. More often than not, the cast member is more than happy to accommodate your request!

Combination Bowl @ The Mara $15.79

Lastly, the Combination Bowl at The Mara inside Animal Kingdom Lodge was a total flavor bomb! Chermoula-spiced shrimp and oak-grilled chicken with pilau rice, kale slaw, cucumber-tomato salad, and chermoula sour cream. We requested more kale slaw than rice, which is why it’s on the list. It was fresh and crisp and felt like we were eating a salad. They make this right in front of you, so as I said above, don’t hesitate to make a request. The line moves quickly, so I suggest asking politely and quickly.

Pilau rice is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish typically cooked with a blend of Indian and African spices. One thing to note about the food at Animal Kingdom Lodge is that it is not lacking in flavor. The Chermoula-spiced shrimp and chicken are cooked perfectly with warm, earthy spices. The kale salad and cucumber salad are bright and zippy, and the chermoula sour cream was cool and creamy. This was hearty, flavorful, filling, and so delicious! For $15.99, this is an excellent value and easily shareable between two people.

I hope you enjoyed this roundup of healthy food at Disney World – 2025 salad edition. If you missed our 2024 edition, you can find it here. If you have any favorites you’d like to share, please comment below, and we will add them to our list to try on our next trip!

Many associate Disney World with crowds and chaos, but it doesn’t have to be that way. As Disney adults, we embrace slowing down and prioritizing relaxation. We allow ourselves to have slow days, hanging out at one of our favorite Disney lounges or renting a pontoon boat.

Continue reading for our Disney non-negotiables, why visiting the resorts is a Disney must-do, and everything you need to know about resort hopping via the Disney monorail!

We’ve been visiting Disney World for nearly 40 years and have experienced it through every stage of life. As our kids grew older and were able to do things on their own, my husband and I realized that doing Disney as adults was a completely different experience. It’s slower and more relaxing, and if you want to sit in a lounge for two hours, you can do that, ha! In fact, resort hopping at Disney World is one of our favorite things to do. It offers a break from the heat, a chance to explore other resorts, enjoy unique food, and ride the monorail!

Each resort has a variety of drinks and food options geared toward the theme of the resort, so you’ll find something different at each stop. Don’t sleep on checking out the pool bar menus. In our experience, this is where you’ll find some of the best food at Walt Disney World!

Resort Hopping At Disney World

Let’s start with some of our non-negotiables and answer a few commonly asked questions. When it comes to relaxing at Disney World, there are a few things you will never find us doing as a Disney couple. Gone are the days when we are going to swelter in the sun, wait in long lines, or be crammed into Disney buses.

1. We will not use the buses. I can’t think of anything less relaxing than being crammed onto a hot bus to start and end the day, not to mention the time it wastes. Even the boats can take a long time and be crowded. When we’re in our Disney bubble, we use rideshare and our vehicle. They both get you from point A to point B quickly and with no stress. 
2. We will not wait in long lines. Time is money at Disney, and waiting for hours is wasted time that you could be doing other things. We budget for Lightning Lane, full stop. Not to mention, some of these lines are incredibly long and have you baking in the sun the entire time. No, thank you.
3. We do not over-plan. We love the freedom of not having a rigid plan. It allows for spontaneity and eliminates the stress of feeling rushed to get to the next destination. If we wake up and feel like having a slow day, we can do just that.
4. Disney Springs at night. This is where most people go after a day at the parks, and it is packed! It’s also where many locals in Florida come to eat and drink, and I don’t blame them. If I lived that close to Disney Springs, I’d be there all the time, too. Go in the morning when no one is there. It’s glorious!
5. We do not rope drop. You will never catch us in a cattle herd of people trying to get in first thing in the morning. We sleep in, have our coffee and breakfast (usually my favorite breakfast pizza), and arrive when we feel like it. However, since we visit during the slowest times of the year, we have no problem getting everything done!

Now that our non-negotiables are out of the way, let’s discuss why we love hanging out at the resorts! For this post, we’ll be focusing on the resorts along the monorail route, often referred to as the “monorail loop.” 

Related: How To Have A Peaceful Disney Vacation

Walking Path From Magic Kingdom To Grand Floridian

Disney World Monorail Stops

The monorail loop connects the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center) to the Contemporary, Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian Resort. You can stay on the monorail or walk from the Contemporary to the Polynesian Resort along a scenic, peaceful path by the water, offering a beautiful view, pictured above.

You can start at any resort, but be aware that Disney has been cracking down on guests parking at deluxe resorts. The main reason for this is that people were parking there and using Disney transportation to the parks to avoid paying for parking. This is not consistently enforced, and it’s causing a lot of confusion. Some guards at the entry gate will let you in, while others don’t. To be on the safe side and avoid stress, I suggest using Lyft, as we do. If you’re not parking a car, you typically won’t have any issues. We discuss this in detail in this post.

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Disney’s Contemporary Resort

We start our day by taking a Lyft to the Contemporary.

• At the Contemporary, we head straight for Contempo Café and split the breakfast pizza. This is Shannon’s favorite breakfast pizza. Mine is at the Polynesian, and you can read more about that here. Sometimes, we start our day there and come back to the Contemporary. The nice thing is that backtracking is easy because the monorail runs constantly throughout the day, and the ride is very short.
• After breakfast, we enjoy exploring the resort, especially the area at the back that overlooks the water. There are oversized games to play, ping pong tables, a pool table, cornhole, and a marina where you can rent a boat. We LOVE renting a pontoon boat and riding around Seven Seas Lagoon, and it’s surprisingly affordable! I have a full review of that here.
• Once our food settles, we make our way up to the Steakhouse 71 Lounge, with one goal in mind: ordering the Twisted Fig, pictured above. It’s our all-time favorite Disney cocktail, and I don’t even like Scotch. The Twisted Fig features Monkey Shoulder blended Scotch, Cointreau Noir liqueur, fig simple syrup, and orange bitters. It’s perfectly balanced without being too sweet and goes down way too easily! 

Bonus. You can’t go wrong with the Steakhouse 71 onion rings. They’re consistently fresh, hot, and crispy without being greasy and served with a spicy ranch dipping sauce. Highly recommend! 

Related: How To Rent A Pontoon Boat At Disney World

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

From the Contemporary, we hop on the monorail over to the Polynesian. Depending on which direction the monorail is heading, you may have stops at Magic Kingdom and Grand Floridian, but you can stay on the monorail. You don’t have to get off. Once we arrive at Poly, there is a lot to see and do, including several of our favorite meals and cocktails. 

• After exploring a bit and taking in the beauty of this resort, we head to Tambu Lounge, located on the second floor of the lobby. We order a drink, find a seat by the window, and stay a while. The Polynesian Mai Tai is my go-to! If you love the Ohana but not the insane prices, you’ll be happy to know that Tambu Lounge offers a small food menu, including some popular favorites like the Ohana noodles and bread pudding.
• When we’re ready for lunch, we make our way down to the Oasis Bar & Grill, an outdoor pool bar that we absolutely love. The menu here is unique, featuring fresh, vibrant dishes we crave after a few days of indulging in vacation food. We’ve tried just about everything on the menu, and there are no bad choices. The black pepper Parmesan wings and the Oasis salad are absolutely delicious!

Pro tip. If you can’t get into the Oasis Bar & Grill, the Barefoot Pool Bar offers the same menu, as well as a walk-up window located outside the pool gate. Resort hopping at Disney World usually goes smoothly, but be aware that some areas may be restricted to resort guests only. There seems to be no set rules on this. My best advice is to be super nice and ask. All they can say is no!

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Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

After lunch, we slowly make our way over to the Grand Floridian via the monorail or the walking path. They added a new section to the path, so now it connects the Polynesian Resort to the Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom, and the Contemporary Resort. It’s a beautiful and relaxing walk.

• Once we arrive at the Grand Floridian, the Enchanted Rose Lounge is usually open. This lounge is gorgeous but not in a fancy, pretentious way. It feels cozy and inviting. We’re usually lucky enough to get a table by the window and will stay here for a while. Dinner here usually consists of snacks, and we love the Artisanal Cheese Plate, truffle fries, and hummus with grilled pita. After Enchanted Rose, we explore the resort and the walkway over to the Magic Kingdom, where we call a Lyft and head back to the resort.

Resort Hopping At Disney World – FAQ

Does The Monorail Go To Epcot?

• Yes. From the Magic Kingdom, you would board the express monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). From there, you do a quick transfer to the Epcot monorail and enjoy the ride!

Does The Monorail Go To Hollywood Studios?

• No. The only parks that the Monorail connects to are the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. To get to Hollywood Studios, you can use Disney transportation via the buses or the Disney Skyliner. You can also drive your own car or take a rideshare, which is what we prefer to do.

Disney Resort Hopping With Kids?

• Visiting each resort offers its own unique experience. If you’re traveling with kids, this is such a fun and nearly free way to enjoy the day. All three levels of resorts (value to deluxe) offer games and activities for the kids to enjoy.

That’s a wrap on resort hopping at Disney World! Stay tuned for round two, where we will focus on the non-monorail resorts. Hint. Our favorite stop is Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge.

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In this post, we discuss visiting Walt Disney World in May, covering everything from weather to events to crowd levels—plus personal tips and tricks we have learned over the years. After several months of lots and lots of crowds, expect to finally see some reprieve in May at Disney World. Along with fewer crowds, the weather is pretty beautiful this time of year. May is one of our favorite times to visit Walt Disney World. We have you covered on what to do, see, and more while visiting Disney in May!

As always, we can hardly keep up with Disney’s changes, but we try our best to update these posts. If we missed something, please comment, and we will fix it ASAP!

Weather At Disney World in May

Although the crowds are dropping, expect the heat to rise at Disney World in May. That said, temperatures won’t be as brutal as summer. Averages range from a high of 88°F and lows of 66°F. Plus, hurricane season won’t start until June 1st, so the rain and humidity should be minimal for Florida standards.

May’s weather makes packing clothes easy. Just throw in your summer clothes, and you are good to go! You may want to add a light jacket if you are cold-natured (especially in those heavily air-conditioned queues!) and/or a raincoat just in case!

May Crowds at Disney World

Overall, the crowds at Walt Disney World in May are average or below average – hooray! This is because Spring Break is officially over and school is still in session. Parents want their kiddos to finish their school year strong and be part of the festivities, skipping the trip to Disney World until the summer months. This is GREAT news for those visiting Walt Disney World in May.

The busiest time of the month will definitely be Memorial Day weekend, from May 22nd to May 27th this year. Because Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off for summer vacation, expect an increase in crowds at the Walt Disney World resort, and expect it to continue to grow in the summer months. We would plan your Disney trip before Memorial Day to avoid the elevated crowds if you can.

One caveat to note. This year, the much-anticipated Universal Epic Universe opens on May 22nd, 2025, the Thursday before Memorial Day. This may impact park crowds in a positive way for Disney goers, with more visitors heading to Universal. Time will tell how Epic crowds influence Walt Disney World.

Another thing to consider is that EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival is still taking place. You can expect EPCOT to be more crowded on the weekends, as locals love to spend their days off at the festival. Also, several sporting events are taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. This may impact theme park visitors, guests at Disney Springs (especially in the evenings), and/or room availability at the value resorts.

Below are the weekly highlights for Disney World in May:

• March 5 – June 2, 2025: EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
• May 22 – May 27, 2025: Memorial Day weekend
• May 22, 2025 – Universal Epic Universe opens
• May 27, 2025 – The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After debut.

Events At Walt Disney World

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Dates: March 5th – June 2nd, 2025
“Bee” transported into a springtime wonderland at this floral-themed festival! Guests can enjoy springtime foods, tunes, topiaries, and more! A personal favorite of ours is the butterfly garden and Spike the Bee scavenger hunt.

Cool Kid Summer
Dates: May 27th – September 20th, 2025
Disney World celebrates summer with family-friendly events, like “kid zones” in the parks, dance parties, games in the resorts, and more! Plus, Disney offers many discounts this summer—read below in the “Tips” section for more details.

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports:

• The Summit Championship (May 1st – May 4th, 2025)
• The D2 Summit (May 9th – May 11th, 2025)
• Special Olympics Florida Summer Games (May 16th – May 17th, 2025)
• AAU Basketball Memorial Day Classic (May 24th – May 26th, 2025)
• Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament (May 24th – May 26th, 2025)

Find more details about these events here.

Closures and Refurbishments

The following will be closed during May:

In The Parks:

• Magic Kingdom – Big Thunder Mountain (returning in 2026)
• Magic Kingdom – Astro Orbiter (returning summer 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – Hall of Presidents (returning sometime late 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – children’s playground inside Dumbo the Flying Elephant (returning spring 2025)
• EPCOT – Test Track (returning date TBA; sometime in 2025)
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach (closing for a brief refurbishment and reopening May 21st, 2025)

At The Resorts:

• Yacht and Beach Club – Stormalong Bay (returning June 2025)
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf (undergoing refurbishment until June 16th, 2025. FYI: Although reservations cannot be made during this time, one course will remain open so guests can visit via walk-ups.)

Disney Springs:

• Starbucks: West Side Disney Springs (March 3rd, 2025 – TBA)
• Recent Permanent Closures in 2025
• Hollywood Studios – Mama Melrose (permanently closing May 10th, 2025)
• Animal Kingdom – Work on Dinoland USA continues (retheming to Tropical Americas Pueblo Esperanza, opening 2027)
• Animal Kingdom – TriceraTop Spin (permanently closed)
• Animal Kingdom – It’s Tough To Be a Bug (permanently closed)
• BoardWalk – Jellyrolls (permanently closed)

Tips For Visiting Walt Disney World In May

For the first time in many years, both of Disney World’s water parks will be open this May and into summer! As a reminder, Typhoon Lagoon will already be in operation and Blizzard Beach will open on May 21st, 2025. Both water parks will remain open until September 8th, 2025, when either temporarily closes. Which park is yet to be determined.

To combat the projected Epic crowds, Disney has been offering various discounts! These include discounted 3-day park tickets, 50% off select children’s tickets, free dining, and more! See them all here!

To put on your radar. Expect Magic Kingdom’s brand-new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, to debut late this summer 2025! Until then, those visiting Walt Disney World in May can enjoy TWO new shows at Hollywood Studios: The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. Both shows premiere on May 27th, 2025.

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save Walt Disney World In May To Pinterest

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but sadly, that’s not always the case, especially when traveling with kids. Both my kids were under five when we took them to Disney for the first time, and I was wiped out when we got home. We had a great time, but I certainly didn’t feel like I had been on a relaxing vacation when we got home – ha! In this post, we’re sharing what we’ve learned in our 30+ years of traveling with kids and now as adults with our kids and grandkids. Peaceful vacations can be a reality with the right mindset and strategies!

When someone tells me they hate Disney World, the first thing I ask is when they went. It was usually in the summer when the heat and humidity were horrendous or during a major holiday when the parks were packed wall-to-wall with people. But that’s true for all tourist destinations. Gatlinburg, for example, is a nightmare during the holidays. It can take hours to get down the parkway, and restaurant reservations are impossible – not my idea of a peaceful vacation. The time of year you visit any vacation destination will significantly impact your overall experience. To have a relaxing Disney Trip, you first need to know when to go! Let’s dive in.

Peaceful Vacations At Disney

As we discuss finding more peaceful moments, remember there are no rules. Do what feels relaxing to you. For my husband and me, that’s spending a couple of hours at Nomad Lounge or Geyser Point, strolling around our resort, hanging out at Baseline Taphouse, sharing a pretzel and a beer, or riding the friendship boats. For others, that might look like sleeping in or spending the day hanging out by the pool. There is no right or wrong, but don’t go home without doing at least some relaxing things you wanted to do. This is your vacation, after all!

Most of these tips can be applied to any vacation destination, not just Disney.

When You Visit Matters

When Disney World is packed with people, it’s simply not enjoyable, in my opinion. There will be long lines for rides, restaurants, and even Disney transportation. Rather than repeating myself, I recently posted the best times to visit Disney World. I know many people are unaffected by crowds, but in the spirit of peaceful vacations, crowds and long lines should be avoided, if possible.

Most families with school-aged children can only visit during holidays or when school is out, which are the most crowded times. If that is your situation, don’t be discouraged. We have visited Disney many times when the crowd levels are high, and you can still have an enjoyable vacation by following some of the tips below.

Don’t Over-Plan

We’ve been going to Disney World since my kids were toddlers. They are adults now, and we travel with our children and young grandchildren, so I can relate to visiting Disney World at every stage of life. This is the advice I would give to anyone going to Disney World looking to have a relaxing and peaceful vacation.

• Your overall experience will be profoundly affected by how much you try to fit in. If you hit the ground running first thing in the morning and go-go-go all day long, especially if you have young kids, that’s a recipe for being stressed out and exhausted by mid-afternoon. Disney veterans call it the 3 o’clock meltdown.

Instead of doing that, cut some things out of your plan. This is hard, but you will not be able to do it all, at least not without feeling rushed and stressed. Trust me on this. We’ve gone more times than I can count, and we still can’t fit everything in. Everything at Disney World takes more time than you think it will. Embrace that you won’t get it all done, and look forward to doing new things on your next trip!

By slowing down, you change the whole dynamic of your trip. Instead of feeling rushed and chaotic, you can relax and enjoy the little moments that too many people miss. There is pure joy in those moments, like watching your kids run around the hub green in front of the castle, or riding the monorail and exploring resorts. That’s what vacation is all about! Life is already rushed and chaotic enough. Your vacation shouldn’t be.

Time Is Money

Time is money at Disney World. Waiting in long lines, Disney transportation, and getting from point A to point B will take longer than you think. If you have to wait an hour or more for just 3 to 4 rides, that’s 3 to 4 hours of your day waiting in line. Depending on how many days you have at Disney World, this could consume precious hours, possibly making you feel rushed and stressed. 

Take Advantage Of Rideshare

• You will never find us riding a bus. A peaceful vacation is not being crammed onto a bus like cattle and stuck on it for 45 minutes to an hour. Nope! We are huge fans of rideshare. The picture above was from last year. We had just arrived at Magic Kingdom in our Disney Minnie Van, no ticket and transfer center, no monorail or ferry, and no stress. Just a peaceful trip to the front of the park and $45 WELL spent! You do not have to take a Minnie Van. Regular Lyft options are available, but Minnie Vans are perfect if you have a child in a car seat. They come fully equipped, and the drive does everything for you!
• The first thing people say is, “It’s too expensive,” but hear me out. Rideshare saves time and stress. I added up all of our rideshare receipts from our last 14-day trip, and the total was $228, including tips (and I’m a very generous tipper). That averages out to $17 a day. That’s the cost of a beer in most places, a Mickey pretzel, or a turkey leg. The price is a non-issue as far as I’m concerned, especially if less stress getting to and from the parks matters to you.
• Disney World encourages rideshare, so multiple vehicles are usually lined up outside virtually every parking resort. You rarely have to wait more than five minutes, and you’re taken directly to your destination. Instead of being crammed into a bus or monorail with long lines that take forever, you’re starting and ending your day relaxing while also saving a ton of time. If you prioritize rideshare, you will have a much more relaxing trip!

Purchase Lightning Lane

Who wants to spend half their day waiting in long lines? Not me! Purchasing Lightning Lanes passes is another way to save valuable time, have a more relaxing vacation, and ensure you can ride your favorite rides!

• When you purchase a Lightning Lane pass, you essentially book a time to return to the ride. It allows you to skip the standby line, which can sometimes be a very long wait. You can read how the Lightning Lane system works here, but I highly recommend budgeting for it. It can save hours, not to mention the stress of not having to wait in long lines, especially in the heat and/or if you have young kids.
• Some people like to ride as many rides as possible at the beginning of the day and then have a slow and relaxing afternoon. While others want to space their ride times out, which is what I like to do. Booking ride times an hour to an hour and a half apart gives us plenty of time to leisurely make our way to the next ride without feeling rushed. This is when you can stop and enjoy a Micey pretzel, or let the kids play. The overall trend here is no rushing because rushing = stress! 
• Depending on who you’re traveling with, sometimes Lightning Lane isn’t necessary for all four parks. If you have kids, for example, you will need it at Magic Kingdom, especially if it’s a busier time of year. But if you’re visiting with low crowds, you may not need it at Animal Kingdom. We purchase it for every park. At this point, we are so spoiled by not waiting in lines that it’s just something we budget for every trip, and the time and stress it saves us is well worth the expense! Having said that. We save a TON of money in other ways. You can read my Cheapest Way To Do Disney post for some ideas.

Peaceful Vacations Are Slow Vacations

It’s OK to go slow and take a break. As discussed above, you won’t be able to do it all anyway, so embrace going slow. Slowing down also means you won’t miss the little details. Most people have blinders on when they arrive at the park. They hurry to get to that first ride and blow past everything around them. Disney spends millions of dollars on the details, so slow down and pay attention to the magic around you.

Sometimes, you may need to feed your kids, take a break from all the stimulation, or escape the heat. Even on the most crowded days, there are quiet spots all over Disney property. Some are more secluded, while others have beautiful views, like the stadium in Animal Kingdom. Although it’s not shaded, it is almost always empty. We like to grab a drink or a coffee and hang out here for a while. If you want more peaceful moments like this, be intentional about making them! Here are some of our favorite spots.

Animal Kingdom

• Harambe Market or Flame Tree BBQ has tons of seating before the lunch crowds set in.
• Discovery River Amphitheater (no shade but beautiful views and ample seating)
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek (especially in the morning)
• The not-so-secret little pathway that runs parallel to the main walkway from Africa to Asia. 

Magic Kingdom

• Center Street near Uptown Jewelers on Main Street offers seating perfect for people-watching.
• The courtyard behind the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square.
• Ride the train and stay on it. It’s a beautiful, breezy ride that keeps the kids happy!
• Hall of Presidents is quiet, has air-conditioning, and is a great place to cool off and decompress.

Hollywood Studios

• Backlot Express, before opening, has tons of seating, which is mostly shaded.
• The tables and chairs in front of ABC Commissary are perfect for sitting and people-watching.
• Sunset Boulevard is a vibe. Most eateries are closed in the morning, with plenty of open seating.
• There is a seating area outside the Tower of Terror exit that most people miss. It’s secluded and quiet!

Epcot

• The Morocco Pavilion (pictured above) has secluded seating areas and the Fez House.
• Waterfront seating in front of the France Pavilion. It’s not shaded but typically empty and peaceful.
• Japan Pavilion offers serene gardens and ample seating. We love sitting in the bamboo trees.
• Connections Eatery is pretty empty before lunch. There is TONS of air-conditioned seating.

• Disney Springs

• The walking path along the water on the West Side is our favorite place to relax at Disney Springs!
• Terralina Crafted has an outdoor bar we LOVE. It’s relaxing, covered, and the drinks are great!
• The tables behind The Art Corner on the Marketplace side are a little hidden and quieter.
• In my opinion, nothing beats sitting at the Dockside bar behind The Boathouse. Hanging out here is a whole vibe. It’s casual, the servers are incredible, it’s breezy even on hot days, and you can watch the Amphicar Water Taxis go by as you relax and enjoy the company around you. It’s our favorite way to start and end a vacation in a relaxing and peaceful way!

Pro tip. Several restaurants around Disney property have seating that can be accessed even when the restaurant isn’t open. For example, the Rose and Crown dining room in the UK at Epcot has ample indoor and outdoor seating that you can enjoy when the restaurant is closed. We often get fish and chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop and eat inside Rose and Crown, which is air-conditioned. Another favorite is Harambe Market in Animal Kingdom. It’s enormous, and most of it is covered. Before it opens at 11 AM, it is virtually empty and relaxing!

Do The Opposite Of Everyone Else

One of the most enjoyable times to explore the World Showcase at Epcot is first thing in the morning. Most people have one thing on their mind, and that’s to get to their first ride. This is when you want to go! On our last trip, we arrived through the international Gateway (the back entrance) as soon as it opened. As you can see in the photo above, it was practically empty. We slowly strolled around, exploring the countries while drinking our coffee, and it was one of the most enjoyable mornings of our trip!

This tip can be applied to every park. While they might not be as empty as the World Showcase, if you do the opposite of what most people do, which is hurrying to get to the rides, you can usually find these little peaceful moments on your vacation.

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I hope this post has given you some helpful ideas for a peaceful vacation. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

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More Posts You May Enjoy

• Disney World Baby Care Center Guide
• Healthy Eating at Disney World + The Best Salads!
• Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month
• How to Save Money When Traveling
• Disney World Food Prices + Ways You Can Save

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What are the best totchos at Disney? We sampled dozens of variations on our last trip. Here are the ones that we’re still talking about!

I wasn’t a totcho lover before I noticed them popping up all over Disney menus. Curiosity finally got the best of me, and we set out to try as many variations as possible on our last trip. As I discussed many times in my posts about saving money at Disney, sharing meals is one of our favorite ways to save money, and you’ll be happy to know that many of these were very generous in size and very shareable!

My daughter made an excellent point about sharing meals. I often talk about how much money it saves, but it also helps you feel better. Eating a heavy meal before spending a day at the parks, especially when it’s hot, sets you up for a disappointing day. You’ll be ready for a nap, and that’s not the energy you need for a busy day at the parks! If you’re looking for a substantial meal, that’s a great way to end the day. 

By no means am I saying totchos are a healthy choice, but sharing them – not overeating – is a great way to indulge a bit without feeling yucky. We’ll usually share fresh fruit to round out the meal. Since most kids’ meals come with a mandarin orange, I typically have one or two in my bag, so we’re not even paying for the fruit. These little choices save money, help you feel better, and have more energy throughout the day.

Related: Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World

Best Totchos At Disney World

This list is very small compared to the dozens of totcho variations on Disney property. Our next trip is nine months away, and I’m already compiling another list to try! If you have a favorite, comment below so I can add it to my list. I’ll tell you one thing. This has inspired me to make my own totcho creations at home. Be sure to follow me on Instagram, where I share cooking videos almost daily in my stories. Let’s drive in! 

Loaded Totcho Bowl $10.99

Roaring Fork

• Location: Wilderness Lodge
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Roaring Fork Menu

This was the most basic combination we tried on our last trip, and I don’t mean basic in a bad way. There’s nothing not to love about potato barrels, scrambled eggs, cheddar, sausage gravy, bacon, and green onion. This is the version you will find on most menus. We loved it!

This bowl is enormous and the largest one on this list. At just $10.99, this is an incredible value! The sausage gravy was plentiful without being too much, the sharp cheddar added a nice flavor, and I loved the scallions. In fact, after this bowl, I started asking for extra scallions whenever I could. I love the pop of freshness that they had.

When I first saw the bowl, I thought the bacon would be an issue. As I get older, thick-cut bacon hurts my sensitive teeth. Sometimes, it simply doesn’t get crispy. Instead, it’s hard to chew, at least for me. There’s a LOT of bacon on top of this bowl, so I was pleasantly surprised by how light and crispy it was. We thoroughly enjoyed this bowl. It was absolutely delicious, hearty, and shareable!

Breakfast Bowl $10.79

The Lunching Pad

• Location: Magic Kingdom > Tomorrowland
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• The Lunching Pad Menu

After seeing several Disney foodies rave about this bowl and declare it the best totchos at Disney, I couldn’t wait to try it. Once again, we start with the base of super crispy and perfectly salted tater tots. If nothing else, Disney knows how to do tater tots. Whether in a taco bowl or as a side dish instead of fries, they’re always fried to crispy perfection and never undercooked.

This bowl is unique because it’s topped with a cheese omelet instead of scrambled eggs. Then, it’s bathed in chili con carne queso and a dollop of sour cream. The combination of flavors was genuinely delicious. The chili con carne was giving pico de gallo vibes, so I appreciated the pop of freshness. We also enjoyed the creaminess that the sour cream added, and the only thing we would change is that we wish there were more of it.

I first noticed its smaller size, but don’t let that fool you. This one is very filling, flavorful, and unique!

Related: Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition

Breakfast Totchos $10.99

Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Africa
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast
• Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery Menu

We’ve already reviewed this one on the site, and it remains a favorite, especially if you’re a fan of cheese curds. While this one isn’t as shareable on its own, we will also do this with a honey croissant and African coffee, all from Kusafiri.

Crispy tots are topped with scrambled eggs, cheese sauce, crispy bacon, scallions, and cheese curds. There’s a lot of cheese going on in this one between the cheese sauce and curds, so if you’re a cheese lover, you’ll love it! While I’m not usually a fan of cheese curds, I enjoyed the texture they added to this bowl, especially when you get a bite of everything together. They’re also high in protein, which helps keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Pro tip. As you stroll through the parks and resorts, you’ll notice that many restaurants have beautiful, ample seating that is practically empty before they open. I was blind to this for years until I wasn’t, and now we can almost always find quiet and peaceful seating away from the crowds by taking advantage of open seating areas and restaurants that haven’t opened for service. Kusarifi has very little seating, so we always head to the covered seating right next door outside Tusker House. My other favorite areas at Magic Kingdom are Harambe Market, which is always empty in the morning, Flame Tree BBQ (tons of seating towards the back), and the outdoor amphitheater across from Everest. This used to be the viewing area for the Rivers of Light show, but it hasn’t been used for years. It’s one of our favorite spots to relax!

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Kilimanjaro Bowl $10.79

The Mara

• Location: Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• The Mara Menu

Like the Wilderness Lodge bowl, it starts with a ‘mountain’ of potato barrels topped with scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, cheddar, bacon, and chives. But the chakalaka makes this one unique, and it’s a total flavor bomb!

What is chakalaka? It’s a spicy South African condiment typically made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, vegetables, and beans. Disney’s version was tomato-heavy and so flavorful! We asked for an extra side, and they were happy to oblige. Trust me when I say you will want more!

It’s hard to pick a favorite out of all these bowls. If a dish makes it to the blog, we loved it. If I were forced to choose a favorite, the Killamanjaro Bowl is the best totchos at Disney! I love big flavors and a good sauce, and the chermoula sets this one apart. It adds brightness, complexity, and a little heat. It was delicious! As for value, it’s similar in size to the bowl at Wilderness Lodge – very large and shareable at just $10.99.

“Totchos” $10.49

Woody’s Lunch Box

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Toy Story Land
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Woody’s Lunch Box Menu

Woody’s has a breakfast totcho bowl and a lunch totcho bowl. Since we had already tried so many breakfast bowls, we opted for the lunch version, and I’m happy we did. Crispy tots are topped with beef and bean chili, shredded cheese, signature queso with tomatoes, and finished with corn chips, sour cream, and green onions.

This one is savory, hearty, and full of flavor. I loved the textures with the addition of crunchy corn chips and creamy beans. The only thing I would change is the way it is served. I’m very particular about food being challenging to eat, and this is served in a small bowl, which doesn’t allow for an even distribution of the ingredients. It was awkward to eat, but still delicious!

Breakfast Bowl with Bacon or Sausage $13.49

Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Asia
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes Menu

This is another one I’ve already reviewed on the site, and it’s one of my all-time favorite breakfasts at Disney World! While it’s not a totcho bowl, it’s similar enough, and I thought I’d throw in a healthier option. Instead of fried tater tots, the base is made from breakfast potatoes, and they’re topped with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, peppers, onions, and a choice of bacon or sausage. This bowl is huge, flavorful, and filling! 

I hope you enjoyed this roundup of the best totchos at Disney World! If you have any favorites you’d like to share, please comment below, and we will add them to our list to try on our next trip!

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In fact, most quick-service spots and restaurants offer a surprising variety of healthy snacks and lighter meals, with options for specific dietary needs such as gluten-free or plant-based eating. It’s all about balance—mixing in a few feel-good meals between the splurges

Personally, I LOVE salads, especially at Disney, where the Orlando, Florida, heat shows no mercy. Today I’m sharing some of my favorites. There are no boring salads here. They’re hearty, fresh, and flavorful! If you’re Disney-bound and in full trip planning mode, be sure to add these to your itinerary!

Add Plain Everything Blog As A Trusted Google Source

When I’m at Disney World, I’m in my happy Disney bubble, and you better believe I will eat and drink anything I want. I’m on vacation, after all. However, sometimes you need a break from the indulgence, and healthy eating at Disney World does not mean you have to sacrifice. The culinary team at Disney World is always working to improve things by providing high-quality, diverse offerings across the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. 

On our last Disney trip, I made it my mission to find the best salads on Disney property, and these were at the top of the list. You know a meal is good when you’re not only still thinking about it a year later but can’t wait to have it again. Let’s dive in!

Related: Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition

Healthy Eating at Disney World

We’ve been visiting Disney World since the 70s, when your only food options were corn dogs, burgers, and chicken nuggets, so we couldn’t be happier with all of the changes over the years. These days, there is something for everyone, and if you love salads as much as I do, be sure to add these to your Disney must-haves!

Also, when it’s over 100°, and you still have a full day at the parks, the last thing you want is something greasy and heavy. These salads will fill you up, keep you satisfied, and won’t weigh you down. Most of them are shareable, which will also save you some money. We’re big fans of sharing food to save money at Disney, as we discussed in this post.

Chipotle Cobb Salad At The Polite Pig – $13.00

The Polite Pig is located at Disney Springs in Town Center and is open for lunch and dinner. View the Polite Pig Menu.

First of all, can we acknowledge that you’re getting this salad served to you, along with a big silver mixing bowl? Love that! The base of the salad is mixed greens, followed by eggs, bacon, roasted corn, tomato, and cheddar cheese. You can add crispy or smoked chicken, chopped pork, chopped brisket, or salmon for an upcharge. I’m a brisket girl, so I chose brisket, and I appreciate that they served it on the side. The salad has a creamy avocado chipotle dressing, a total flavor bomb. I was worried about the chipotle in the dressing, but it wasn’t overly spicy (and I’m a wimp).

There aren’t enough words to describe how delicious this salad was. It’s the heartiest salad on the list—it’s humongous! I loved the textures of the chewy bacon, lardons, and brisket, as well as the creamy cheese and eggs. The tomatoes added a nice pop of freshness, too. We shared it and could not finish it—it’s very filling and LOADED with protein that matters to you. 

General Tso Chicken Salad at Connections Eatery $12.49

Connections Eatery is located at Epcot in World Celebration and is open for lunch and dinner. View the Connections Eatery Menu.

• Location: Epcot
• Connections Eatery Menu

This salad surprised me more than any of the others on this list. It’s not something you’d expect to find at Connections, a cafeteria-style eatery. While the overall size of the salad isn’t as large as the one at Polite Pig, the chicken tenders alone make it shareable. They’re huge and perfectly fried with a crispy, flavorful breading. Eating healthy at Disney World is easy with salads like this!

The base of the salad is a fresh, crisp mix of petite kale, romaine, and broccoli slaw. Then, they add red pepper, mandarin, oranges, edamame, and crispy wontons. The salad is tossed in General Tso’s dressing, which is light and flavorful. I feared it would be too sweet, but it’s balanced well, and the savory chicken helps. I also appreciate that they don’t drown the salad in dressing.

If you’re trying to hit your protein goals, this salad and the salad at the Polite Pig are great choices. Meat will always be the most protein-dense option, and you’re getting plenty of it in these two salads. 

Related: Food Prices at Disney World (and ways to save)

Greek Salad at Bar Riva $11.49

Bar Riva is located at Riviera Resort in World Celebration and is open for lunch and dinner. View the Bar Riva Menu.

I was dying to try this salad after seeing so many of my favorite Disney foodies talking about it. It did not disappoint. The base is mixed greens topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, peppers, feta cheese, chickpeas, and olives. The dressing was a perfectly balanced Greek vinaigrette, adding a bright, zesty flavor. You can add chicken, shrimp, or salmon, and we went with shrimp. They are generous with the toppings, so you’re getting big chunks of feta in every bite. Eating healthy at Disney doesn’t have to be boring, and this salad hit the spot!

Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World

Oasis Salad with Shrimp at Oasis Pool Bar $14.99

Bar Riva is located at Oasis Pool Bar in Polynesian Village Resort and is open for lunch and dinner. View the Oasis Bar & Grill Menu.

This salad was a happy accident. We were doing a monorail bar hop and were just strolling around the beautiful Polynesian Resort after some drinks in the Tambu lounge. Pool bars at Disney are hidden gems, and where you’ll find some of the most unique and delicious dishes.

The salad base is a crunchy slaw mixed with edamame and vegetables and tossed with a citrus vinaigrette, which is bright and tangy with the perfect sweetness. The crunchy wontons on top make this salad a total crunch fest, in the very best way! You can get the salad plain or with shrimp, and these might be the best shrimp we’ve ever had on Disney property. They were plump and cooked to perfection, and there were a lot of them!

Caesar Salad at Pizza Ponte $9.50

Pizza Ponte is located at Disney Springs in Landing and is open for lunch and dinner. View the Pizza Ponte Menu.

Although we didn’t love the pizza at Pizza Ponte, I would go back again for this salad. I’m a Caesar salad girl, and this was simple and perfect. The greens were fresh and crisp, and they topped it with tomatoes, croutons, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese.

Additional Tips For Healthy Eating At Disney World

• Ask about the sides. The cashiers are happy to accommodate you if they can. You can ask for sauces on the side, specific ingredients to be left off, and swap sides like fries and chips for apple slices and grapes.
• Scour the menus. Look over the Disney menus and jot down locations with healthy options that fit your needs. Having a short list of places you can go will keep you prepared, which is less stressful than trying to find a spot on the My Disney Experience app when you’re hungry!
• Stands and kiosks. They offer fresh grab-and-go options like fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy snacks. Some of my favorites are Liberty Square Market in Magic Kingdom and Epcot in Sunshine Seasons, which has several cases offering fresh fruit and vegetables, hummus packs, parfaits, salads, and more.
• Share food! I always say this, but sharing food saves money and will help you eat healthy at Disney World. Healthy eating isn’t just about calories. No one wants to feel stuffed after eating pizza or burgers on a hot summer day. 
• Pack snacks. If you have specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free or plant-based, bringing your snacks ensures you’ll always have a healthy option.
• Order kids’ meals. Kids’ meals have come a long way at Disney World. It’s not just chicken strips and burgers anymore. For example, Columbia Harbor House has a grilled salmon meal for $8.59 with rice and a side of green beans. It’s filling, it’s healthy, and it’s the perfect amount of food!

I highly recommend every salad on this list, whether you love salads or not. Do you have a favorite salad at Disney or healthy eating tips you’d like to share?

We talk a lot about saving money at Disney World on the blog, so while we don’t recommend doing many character meals because of the cost, it’s fun to do at least once! Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom is the only character meal on Disney property where you can meet Winnie the Pooh and his friends from Hundred Acre Wood. This is also the best place to meet Piglet, as he rarely appears elsewhere!

Crystal Palace is located in Magic Kingdom Park at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., between Casey’s Corner and the entrance to Adventure Land. The decor is inspired by a Victorian greenhouse. It’s light and bright, with windows and greenery throughout. When you first walk in, there’s a large atrium with a breathtaking glass ceiling. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a seat by the window with a view of the castle.

From a food standpoint, you don’t go to character meals for fantastic food. You go for the experiences and to meet the characters. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the food, which is served buffet-style and features American classics like roasted pork, shrimp, various sides, and a fantastic salad bar! 

The Disney website states, “Please plan to stay in The Crystal Palace for 90 minutes in order to engage with all available Characters“, so plan to be there for a while. As you dine, the characters make their way around the restaurant, stopping for photos and autographs. If you don’t have an autograph book, don’t worry! You receive a cute autograph card to take with you.

Overall, we enjoyed our visit, but there were a few issues. So, let’s dive into our experience at Crystal Palace and discuss the pros and cons!

Crystal Palace At Magic Kingdom

We visited for lunch, which is the same food that’s served at dinner. Breakfast is hugely popular as it’s the only place on Disney property where you’ll find the churro Mickey waffles. Because of its popularity, I highly recommend making your dining reservation as soon as possible.

Crystal Palace Pricing

• Breakfast – $52 per adult and $33 per child (3-9), plus tax and gratuity.
• Lunch – $62 per adult and $42 per child (3-9), plus tax and gratuity.
• Dinner – $62 per adult and $42 per child (3-9), plus tax and gratuity.

Hours at Crystal Palace

• Breakfast – 8:00 AM to 10:45 AM
• Lunch – 11:00 AM to 2:55 PM
• Dinner – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Pro tip. If you make your reservation during the crossover between breakfast and lunch, many guests have reported being able to enjoy dishes off both menus.

Crystal Palace Menus

• Crystal Palace Breakfast Menu
• Crystal Palace Lunch Menu
• Crystal Palace Dinner Menu

Pro tip. Menu options and pricing often change at Disney World, so we encourage you to check the menu links above before making your reservations.

Let’s start with the good—the food at Crystal Palace.

As I said, you don’t go to a character meal expecting the best food. You’re there for the character experience, but the food here was a pleasant surprise. There are two buffets, both serving the same things. 

• There was a fantastic selection of savory dishes and plenty of protein. Crystal Palace is a carnivore’s dream, with a carving station serving prime rib and roasted pork, shrimp creole, roasted chicken, sausages, and more.
• Side dishes included broccoli, green beans with bacon and onions, roasted carrots, mashed potatoes, rice, and roasted potatoes. The soup was red curry lentil the day we were there, and it was delicious!
• The salad bar was excellent, but not your standard lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. In addition to the standard salad bar fare, you’ll find peel-and-eat shrimp, charcuterie, fresh blue cheese crumbles, and dressings. They also have fresh fruit salad, pasta salad, and a Mediterranean couscous salad.
• My family was very excited about the bread, which included a variety of rolls, crackers, and butter. If you love pretzel rolls, you can enjoy as many as you want here, and this isn’t something you typically see offered at a bread station.

• The children’s buffet was simple but did the job. You can choose from chicken strips, macaroni and cheese miniature beef quesadillas, and cheese pizza bread.
• Most of the desserts are the small, premade desserts you see at so many Disney World buffets. They can be fun, but they’re not great. I’m not a dessert person, so that didn’t affect me one way or the other. The kids will enjoy them, and that’s all that matters. There’s also a soft-serve ice cream station and cookies!
• Typical beverages like soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea, and milk are included with your meal. Crystal Palace is one of the few restaurants at Magic Kingdom where you can purchase alcohol. You can choose from a small selection of beer or cider, wine, and specialty cocktails.

The service.

• Our server was incredibly friendly and helpful. She did an excellent job of refilling everything and clearing our plates as quickly as we emptied them. If I have exceptional service, I’m willing to overlook mishaps and have nothing but good things to say about ours. They also do a great job of keeping the buffet filled. We never waited for anything and saw them refilling the bars constantly.

Now, let’s get into the cons.

• The entire experience feels chaotic. The tables in Crystal Palace are very close together, so it was hard to get out of our chairs sometimes, especially when a character was nearby. People are not supposed to get out of their chairs to meet the characters, but they do, making an already cramped and chaotic situation even more so.
• They only make one loop, so you may not meet some of the characters. If you happen to be at the buffet when they pass your table, you could miss them. If I’m paying upwards of $200 for a meal, my kids should be able to meet every character—and there are other locations where they do.
• It’s very cramped. As I said above, there was very little space between the tables, so it felt cramped. If there’s a character nearby, you will have adults on all sides of you with their children trying to meet the characters. At one point, I felt like our table was surrounded by adults, hovering right over us while we ate. Again, they aren’t supposed to do this, but they do.

Final Thoughts

• We enjoyed our experience at Crystal Palace and even overlooked the chaos, which is to be expected with excited kids everywhere, including yours. However, the tables are just too close together. Simply spacing them out would improve the experience overall.
• We loved the food, but we all agreed that a buffet is too much food before walking around the park all day. We prefer larger meals towards the end of the day.
• They need to work on the character rotation to ensure that all children are guaranteed to interact with each character at least once.
• Crystal Palace is the prettiest restaurant in the Magic Kingdom! The decor is stunning, and I love a light, bright atmosphere. It’s beautiful!
• Lastly, this is the only place on Disney property where you can meet all the characters from Hundred Acre Wood, something to keep in mind when choosing a character meal location.

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save This Crystal Palace Review To Pinterest

Disney trip planning can feel overwhelming once you start adding up the big expenses like travel, lodging, and food. Ironically, those are also the areas where you have the most control over your budget. Lightning Lane passes, souvenirs, and special events are optional.

Saving money on food at Disney is one of my favorite topics to discuss, and not just because it’s one of the easiest ways to save, but because the food at Disney World has come such a long way. 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.

We know food will be one of the main expenses, so let’s explore what you can expect and some 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?

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?

Yes. You can bring food into Disney World, and Disney World has a very informative article detailing 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, you can do both. Bring a few snacks 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 stay occupied in long lines.

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Disney World Food Prices

While planning your Disney trip itinerary, you should have a rough idea of where you’ll be each day. Once you know that, you can plan your meals or at least have a loose idea. To make it even easier, the Walt Disney World website has virtually 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?

We have a very relaxed approach to eating that allows for spontaneity. However, we do enjoy an occasional table service meal, and the location of that reservation will determine where else we go that day. This just makes sense. Time is money at Disney World, and traveling from one place to another will consume much more time than you anticipate. This is another thing to be prepared for. Having a plan, even if it’s a loose plan, will save time, stress, and money.

Disney World Snacks

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. For example, we love the Indian-style bread service at Sanaa Lounge inside Animal Kingdom Lodge. The bread service includes a variety of breads and sauces for just $22.00. Split between four people, it’s a unique and delicious midday snack. So, when you think of “snacks,” think outside the box and don’t limit yourself to only the menu items listed as snacks.

I recently updated our Best Disney World Snacks and $5 Snacks At Walt Disney World posts.

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 the Na’vi-sized Pretzel with beer cheese sauce for $11.49 at Pongu Pongu in Animal Kingdom.

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Disney World Quick Service Food

I’ve seen a lot of change at Disney World in the last 40 years, and the food has been the most significant and exciting change, in my opinion. I vividly remember the days when quick-service dining meant you were 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!

The food prices at Disney World quick-service locations 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 first-come, first-served.

Some Disney World quick-service dining locations, like Katsura Grill in Epcot, have absolutely beautiful atmospheres. Here are a few of our favorites.

Table Service Restaurants At Disney World

If I’m being honest, 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 we’ve also had many that 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 amazing. Sci-Fi is a more reasonably priced table service restaurant, and the air-conditioning is always kickin’! You can go wrong sitting outside The Boathouse at Dockside Bar (pictured above) or Three Bridges Bar and Grill.
• Share meals. We share meals for two reasons. I’m passionate about food waste, and it saves money. We don’t want to pay for food we can’t eat, especially at a table service location where prices can be high. Sometimes they will charge you a small split-plate charge, but we have never experienced that.

Planning our meals is one of the things we look forward to the most on any Disney trip. I spend months scouring menus and adding anything we want to try to our itinerary. Check the menus for nearly every restaurant to find the most current Disney World food prices.

I hope this post helps prepare you for what to expect regarding Disney Food prices. You can also have a fantastic trip and eat delicious food without exceeding your budget!

We often recommend sharing meals at Disney here on the site. It saves money and leaves more room in your belly to try all of the fantastic Snacks At Walt Disney World. In fact, I’d be fine snacking my way through the parks and the resorts and never having a fancy meal!

You might be surprised by some of the snacks at Walt Disney World. We’re not just talking ice cream bars and popcorn. The list below includes a few that cut from our last trip. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list because we update the site often and post a new round-up of our favorite foods after every trip!

It’s no secret that our vibe is slow and relaxed when we go to Disney. You will never find us rope-dropping, and we will always buy lightning lanes because I don’t like long lines. One of our favorite things is leisurely snacking and drinking our way around Epcot. We like to take it all in and explore the countries. No matter how often we go, we always find something new!

Snacks At Walt Disney World For $5 Or Less

Below are a few favorites from our last trip in January 2024. Check out our recent food posts before your next trip, and get ready to be hungry. With so many delicious snacks at Disney World, it’s hard to fit them all in, but I hope you find some deliciousness on this list that you’re excited to try!

OK. SOME of these are a little over five dollars, but don’t get mad at me. They were just too good not to share!

Honey Pistachio Croissant $4.49

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Africa
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Tamu Tamu Menu

I’m still thinking about this croissant from our last trip! The croissant itself is flaky and buttery, with just enough honey drizzle to add some sweetness without being too much. The pistachios add a nutty, crunchy texture and flavor. This is a perfect example of how a simple dish with few ingredients can be perfect!

Crispy Chicken Dumplings $6.99

Mr. Kamal’s

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Asia
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Mr. Kamal’s Menu

While in Animal Kingdom, stop by Mr. Kamal’s kiosk in the Asia section. It’s where you can find one of the newer snacks at Walt Disney World—these little gems of crispy, savory deliciousness! The chicken dumplings are perfectly fried without being greasy and have good seasoning. The filling is tender, flavorful, and plentiful, and the Ponzu dipping sauce is sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced!

Pongu Lumpia $3.79

Pongu Pongu

• Location: Animal Kingdom > The World of Avatar
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Pongu Pongu Menu

Here’s the deal. We have mixed feelings about this. However, so many people love this snack that it’s worth trying, especially for $3.79! It is a spring roll wrapper with cream cheese and pineapple that is lightly fried. The exterior has a crunchy sugar coating, which adds a bit of sweetness and crunch. Ours was uncooked, so this has potential, but we found it soggy and unenjoyable to eat. We plan on trying this again, but it’s worth trying since so many people seem to love it.

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Mickey Brownie $5.79

Boardwalk Deli

• Location: Disney’s BoardWalk
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Boardwalk Deli Menu

When my daughter was little, Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies were one of her favorite things. When we heard that the Mickey brownie at the Boardwalk Deli tasted just like a Cosmic Brownie, we had to try it! First of all, how cute is it? So cute! Sadly, it does not taste like a cosmic brownie. It is, however, a delicious brownie! It’s moist, rich, and chocolatey, and there’s nothing to love about that!

Mocha Kona Muffin $4.29

Kona Island

• Location: Polynesian Village Resort
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Kona Island Menu

Visiting Disney resorts is a great way to spend a non-park day while scoping them out for a future trip and enjoying fantastic food. Kona Island at the Polynesian resort is where you can find this mocha Kona muffin, and it’s so darn good! The cupcake is moist and tender, with a rich chocolate flavor. The crumble topping is plentiful and adds a nice texture. If you love chocolate, add this to your list. We started our morning here and shared the muffin with a cup of their Kona coffee, which is some of the best coffee you’ll find on Disney property. This was the perfect way to start our day!

Chocolate-Covered Bacon $4.25

Kona Island

• Location: Polynesian Village Resort
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Kona Island Menu

While at the Polynesian, you can try the chocolate-covered bacon, a.k.a. sweet and savory deliciousness! The flavors rotate, but if they have a seasonal flavor that looks good, I recommend getting it because it may never be back. In all fairness, we’ve tried this a few times, and some have been better than others. The first and second time we had it, it was delicious. However, the last time we tried it, I felt like the bacon wasn’t fresh and seemed dry and fatty. Since this is served from a cold case, the extra fat on the bacon wasn’t pleasant to eat. I would still recommend it, especially if you like bacon. My suggestion would be to do a visual before ordering it. If you see a lot of fat on the bacon, maybe skip it that day because – again – this is served cold.

School Bread $4.79

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe

• Location: Epcot > World Showcase
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe Menu

In Epcot, start your day with my husband’s favorite snack, School Bread, one of the most popular OG snacks at Disney World. It’s not my favorite, but a trip to Epcot isn’t complete for him without at least one. The bread itself is dense and hefty. It’s filled with a vanilla custard that adds sweetness and moisture. It’s topped with a dollop of frosting and a generous amount of toasted coconut, which was my favorite part. This dessert isn’t overly sweet and pairs perfectly with coffee to start your day. My main issue with School Bread is that it is served cold. It’s SO much better warmed. But an extra one to take back to your room, warm it up, and thank me later! This is a substantial snack and very filling!

Cheeseburger Spring Rolls $9.50

Spring Roll Cart

• Location: Magic Kingdom > Adventureland
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Spring Roll Cart Menu

At Magic Kingdom, you must get the spring rolls from the spring roll cart just outside the entrance to Adventureland. Technically, they are $9.50, but that includes two – one for each person as a snack. These have a cult following for a reason, and even I was shocked by how much I enjoyed them. The cheeseburger spring rolls taste just like a cheeseburger but in deep-fried-crispy-spring-roll form. You’ll want to slam dunk them in the sauce, which tastes like a burger sauce. Be aware that the flavors can change, and the cheeseburger version isn’t always on the menu. However, guests LOVE the spring roll cart, so I recommend trying whatever they have that day!

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Pretzel Bread Pudding $4.79

Sommerfest

• Location: Epcot > Germany Pavilion
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Sommerfest Menu

The pretzel bread filling over at Summerfest is a fan favorite! Even if you’re not a fan of bread pudding, this one is worth a try. It’s dense and not soggy, which is what most people don’t like about bread pudding. I enjoyed the chewy texture and pieces of pretzel throughout. There are two different sauces on top. One is a caramel butterscotch and a white cream sauce. The sauces are sweet, but the almost savory pretzel bread balances that out. However, I’ve seen a LOT of pictures of this online, and some cast members are more heavy-handed than others, so you could probably ask for less. This is an enjoyable and hefty snack for $4.79. Fun fact. It’s made with pretzels from the Biergarten restaurant.

Paprika Chips $4.79

Sommerfest

• Location: Epcot > Germany Pavilion
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Sommerfest Menu

While you’re at Sommerfest, the paprika chips are another must for me. I love them so much that they’ve made several lists here on the site! One of our favorite things is getting some paprika chips and a couple of Dunkle beers from Germany. We find a spot somewhere down the water, enjoy a beer and a snack, people-watch, and relax.

Dark Chocolate Caramel with Sea Salt $4.49

Karamell-Küche

• Location: Epcot > Germany Pavillion
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Karamell-Küche Menu

Staying in Germany, Karamell-Küche is where you can find some of the best snacks at Walt Disney World, especially if you like caramel – GOOD caramel! There is a huge selection here, but I always get the dark chocolate caramel with sea salt. Don’t let the size for you. This thing is hefty and very rich. I could never eat it myself. The caramel is buttery and smooth without being overly sweet, and dark chocolate has a bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the caramel. The sea salt topping brings out all the flavors and is the perfect finishing touch.

Half Baguette $2.75

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

• Location: Epcot > France Pavillion
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie Menu

If you’re like my husband and could survive on bread alone, the baguettes in France will be your new favorite cheap snack at Walt Disney World. A half baguette costs $2.75, and an entire baguette costs just $3.95! I’m not a bread enthusiast and did not have high hopes, but I was very wrong. From the aroma to the thick yet light and crispy crust to the warm and fluffy inside, it was perfection. We stood at a table near the water and devoured the entire thing.

Pro tip. The cast members will give you free salted butter and jam if you ask for it. Stop by before leaving the park and grab one to return to your resort!

While you’re at Les Halles, be sure to check out all of the options. It is truly a hidden gem that so many newcomers miss. From sweet to savory, the options are endless here. The lobster bisque and a bread bowl hit the spot when we went in January. I talked about that dish more in my best quick service at Disney post.

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Pork Egg Rolls $5.75

Joy of Tea

• Location: Epcot > China Pavilion
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Joy of Tea Menu

The pork egg rolls at Joy of Tea are a fan favorite, and for just $5.75 for two, they’re an excellent value if you’re craving an egg roll! In all fairness, these are the standard egg rolls you can expect to get with cheap Chinese delivery, and that’s okay, especially if you’re ‘drinking around the world’ – ha! These are a great little savory snack in between all the sweet snacks at Epcot!

Turtle Brownie $5.29

Sunshine Seasons

• Location: Epcot > World Nature
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Sunshine Seasons Menu

I don’t have a sweet tooth and will always choose crunchy, salty snacks over sweet. However, I love a good brownie and have never seen anyone talk about the turtle brownie at Sunshine Seasons. The brownie itself is intensely chocolatey and very rich. The turtle topping is plentiful and has tons of pecans, which I loved (Shannon did not). You guys, this is moist and gooey and messy in all the best ways. We split this with a couple of espressos. It was the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!

While you’re there, I highly recommend the Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup combo for just $9.99!

And that’s a wrap on another foodie roundup! I hope you enjoyed this list of yummy snacks at Walt Disney World that are easy on your wallet. If you have a favorite snack, please share it below, and I’ll add it to my must-try list on our next trip. For more Disney deliciousness, check out our other roundups at the links below!

BEST Snacks at Disney World – Our Favs

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Kuamsha Breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Best Breakfast at Disney World (hint, it’s a pizza)
• Best Quick Service At Disney World For $10 Or Less
• Quick Service At Disney That’s Easy On Your Wallet
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save $5 Snacks At Walt Disney World To Pinterest

The food at Disney World has come a long way. I grew up in Florida and have been visiting Disney since I was a little girl, and that’s a lot of years, lol! My daughter also worked at Disney World, and we’ve visited yearly for as long as I can remember. Needless to say, we’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, especially when it comes to food. While there are some amazing table-service restaurants at Disney, I’m all about saving money, and you do not have to wreck your budget to eat amazing food while on property. In fact, some of the best quick service at Disney World is surprisingly affordable.

Having said that, with hundreds of restaurants on Disney property, it can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. While there are many ways to save money at Disney World, like sharing meals and bringing in your own food, we are foodies, and taste comes first. It doesn’t matter how cheap it is if it isn’t delicious, right? This is the first in several food reviews from our trip, and I’m starting with some of our favorites.

Best Quick Service At Disney World For $10 Or Less

On this trip, we focused on trying new dishes, not our old favorites. We had some truly fantastic food for $10 or less. A few of the dishes are on the smaller side, and some people may say they aren’t big enough to be meals. I don’t have a huge appetite, and I don’t want to be uncomfortably full. Some dishes, like Marshall’s Stuffed Pancake Sandwich, are very hearty and filling, even though they may not look that way. We also love trying as many dishes as possible and want to leave room to try more.

We graze throughout the park and rarely eat at table-service restaurants. You’ll notice that most of the meals and snacks below are from quick-service restaurants and kiosks. That’s how we like to eat, so keep that in mind as you work your way through this list. Without further ado, I’m so excited to share these with you, and I’m already counting down the days until I can eat them again!

I have videos for most of the dishes below on my Instagram page. If you go to my profile, you will see highlight bubbles with each of our trips!

Holiday Turkey Sandwich at Earl Of Sandwich

Earl Of Sandwich

• Location: Disney Springs > Marketplace
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Earl Of Sandwich Disney Springs Menu

On the first day we arrive at Disney World, it’s a tradition to go to Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs! We’ve tried nearly everything on the menu, but the holiday turkey sandwich is my favorite. It comes with turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and mayonnaise on their famous toasted sandwich bread. This tastes like the sandwich you would make the day after Thanksgiving, but even better! It’s the perfect combination of savory and salty, with just a hint of sweetness from the cranberry. The bread is toasted but not crunchy, which I appreciate.

Coming in at just $8.99, this is a fantastic value. The sandwich is big enough that I can’t finish it myself, and it is easily shareable between two people if you upgrade to a combo for $4.99 more. If you order the combo, you will get your choice of chips, a cookie or brownie, a side salad, a cup of soup, or wedges on the side, along with a regular-size fountain drink. I always go for the tomato soup. It’s so good! 

Chipotle Barbecue Loaded Fries $7.79

Casey’s Corner

• Location: Magic Kingdom > Main Street, U.S.A.
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Casey’s Corner Menu

There’s nothing not to love about this dish. Crispy, salty fries, tender pork, cool and crunchy coleslaw, topped with sweet and spicy barbecue sauce. This is the most delicious combination of flavors and textures! As someone who doesn’t usually go for barbecue, I appreciated how these ingredients balanced each other, and there wasn’t too much of any one thing. I was concerned about the chipotle, but the spice level is very mild, and the coleslaw helps to mellow it out. At $7.79, this is a fantastic value, very filling, and the protein from the generous amount of pork will help keep you full.

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Morning Flatbread $10.59

Capt. Cook’s

• Location: Polynesian Village Resort
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Capt. Cook’s Menu

I love this flatbread so much that I wrote an entire post about it. Instead of repeating myself, you can read why I consider this the best breakfast at Disney World. This should definitely be on your list when budgeting for food at Disney. It’s SUCH a great value! While you’re there, make some time to enjoy the grounds of the Polynesian resort. It’s stunning! My husband and I love to walk down by the water and follow the new(ish) walking path that connects to the Grand Floridian. If you like walking, the path goes from the Polynesian to the Magic Kingdom. We went in January when the weather was perfect and enjoyed this walk several times.

Buffalo Chicken Chips $9.79

Trilo-Bites

• Location: Animal Kingdom > DinoLand U.S.A
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Trilo-Bites Menu

My husband and I are not usually fans of buffalo, so we were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed this dish. The chips were crunchy without being greasy and held up well to the toppings. The buffalo sauce was moderately spicy, and I appreciated that it was plentiful without being too much. The blue cheese was creamy and tangy, and I loved the celery relish. The combination of flavors and textures was just delicious. My only note is that I wish there was more relish, and I will ask for more the next time we order this. This is a generous portion for just $10.59 and easily shareable.

Kids’ Disney Check Meal – Turkey Sandwich $7.79

Woody’s Lunch Box

• Location: Animal Kingdom > DinoLand U.S.A
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Woody’s Lunch Box Menu

This is easily one of the best values at Disney World! For just $7.79, you get half of a sandwich, two sides, and a drink. The sandwich was delicious, but I found it a little dry. After adding additional mayonnaise and mustard, it was perfect. I appreciated the amount of turkey and the hearty, multigrain bread. The day we went, it was chilly, so I also enjoyed the warm tomato soup and crispy, salty tater tots on the side. The kids’ meals include bottled water, apple juice, or milk, and it’s more than enough for an adult as a lighter meal.

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Lobster Bisque Bread Bowl $6.95

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

• Location: Epcot > France Pavillion
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie Menu

As someone who’s not a fan of lobster, I did not expect to love this as much as I did. It was absolutely delicious and hit the spot on a cool January day. The soup is creamy and flavorful, and the lobster flavorful is not overpowering, which I appreciated. At just $6.95, this is a fantastic value! The portion is generous, and the bread bowl makes it very filling. Some of the best quick service at Disney World can be found at Les Halles. They have everything from sandwiches and quiche to croissants and pastries, so be sure to add this to your list!

Pretzel Breakfast Sandwich $9.25

The Friar’s Nook

• Location: Magic Kingdom > Fantasyland
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• The Friar’s Nook Menu

If you love a pretzel, you’ll love this sandwich! The bread was soft and had a classic pretzel flavor. The sausage added fantastic flavor, and there was plenty of it. This is a fantastic value! The sandwich is large and filling, and it comes with tater tots. Two people can easily share this, especially at breakfast. You can order a small side of cheese sauce (shown) or sausage gravy for a dollar more. When we were there, they had just turned over the menu from breakfast to lunch, so I couldn’t get the gravy, but I definitely will next time. This is a unique and delicious twist on a classic sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich!

Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork $6.79

Eight Spoon Café

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Discovery Island
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Eight Spoon Café Menu

The baked mac & cheese with pulled pork at Flame Tree Barbecue gets a lot of hype, but don’t sleep on Eight Spoon Café! This dish is smaller but also half the price, and I appreciate its simplicity. (the Flame Tree version also has coleslaw and onion rings on top) The macaroni and cheese is creamy and flavorful, and I love the baked cheese crust on top. The pork is chewy and smoky, and the barbecue sauce is flavorful without being too sweet. I’m obsessed with scallions, so I also appreciate the generousness here. They add a pop of freshness and crunch to the dish. This is an explosion of flavors and textures and a great value at just $6.79. This is stick-to-your-ribs kind of food – very filling and satisfying!

Kid’s Macaroni & Cheese $6.99

Regal Eagle Smokehouse

• Location: Epcot > World Showcase > American Pavillion
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse Menu

Some of the best quick service at Disney World is in the form of a kids’ meal—but for adults—and the kid’s macaroni and cheese at Regal Eagle Smokehouse is hugely popular for a reason. The macaroni and cheese is some of the best on the property. It tastes homemade, and the cheese blend is flavorful and strong in the best way. The crunchy, garlicky breadcrumbs on top are plentiful and add a nice texture.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse offers the best selection of sides for kids’ meals. Instead of just a Cutie, fries, or apple slices, kids (or adults) can choose from coleslaw, french fries, onion rings, baked beans with burnt ends, watermelon, or pickles. We went with coleslaw and onion rings. This is a LOT of food for a kids’ meal and such a great value for $6.99.

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Ortolana Sicilian Slice $9.00

Pizza Ponte

• Location: Disney Springs > The Landing
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Pizza Ponte Menu

Pizza Ponte is known for its ginormous slices of pizza, but it also has a solid selection of salads, sandwiches, and desserts. The choice of pizza rotates, but today, I ordered the Ortolana, which is topped with mozzarella, tomatoes, artichokes, red onion, bell peppers, spinach, and Kalamata olives. The crust itself is tender and pillowy with crispy, charred edges. I LOVE a good veggie pizza, and this did not disappoint. I would order this again and again. It will cost you nine dollars and is easily shareable between two people. You can see in the picture that it’s hanging off the plate. This Sicilian-style pizza has a thicker, almost focaccia-like crust, making it very filling!

Cheeseburger Steamed Pod $8.59

Satu’li Canteen

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Pandora
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Satu’li Canteen Menu

The cheeseburger steamed pods at Satu’li Canteen have a cult following, and after trying them on our last trip, I totally understand why. They taste exactly like a McDonald’s cheeseburger but better. The filling is a beefy mixture with onions, cheese, and pickles. It’s so flavorful! The dough is soft and fluffy and holds up well to the filling. The kids’ meals’ sides here are very limited, so I chose double chips, which were a combination of sweet potato chips, blue corn tortilla chips, and the standard house-made potato chips served all over Disney. They were fresh, lightly salted, and went well with the steamed pod. I asked for a side of their creamy herb dressing to dip my chips in. It’s so good! I’d put this in my top five favorite kids’ meals at Disney World. This is a delicious and filling meal for just $8.59.

Quick Service At Disney World – Honorable Mentions

In addition to the deliciousness we’ve already discussed, here are a few more of our favorite quick-serve restaurants at Disney. These didn’t make the $10 cut, but you should know about them!

Cookes of Dublin in The Landing at Disney Springs

• Famous Fish’ n Chips $15.99: Premium North Atlantic beer-battered cod and chips served with house-made tartar sauce.

Cookes Of Dublin is such a vibe. Order from the counter and grab a table outside at Hole In The Wall Pub. The fish and chips cost $15.99, but the portion is humongous. It’s one of our favorite meals to share with an ice-cold Guinness!

Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom

• Sea Captain’s Fish Sandwich $13.29: Battered fish, red cabbage slaw, tartar sauce, and french fries.

Columbia Harbour House has always been one of our favorite quick restaurants on Disney property. Grab a table upstairs where it’s quieter, even on busy days. The fish sandwich is huge, and we love any sandwich with slaw!

Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

• Pulled Pork Nachos $10.29: These are topped with cheese, spicy mayonnaise, pico de gallo, and pineapple salsa.

Captain Cook’s is so underrated. We often go for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and then take some time to enjoy the gorgeous grounds of the Polynesian resort. The pork nachos are one of the best dishes on the property. We will have a full review soon!

BoardWalk Deli at Disney’s BoardWalk

• Everything Bagel Sandwich $8.99: Cage-free egg, sausage patty, and cheddar on an everything bagel served with choice of side

One of our favorite times to visit The Boardwalk is in the morning. It’s usually pretty empty, and we enjoy grabbing breakfast at Boardwalk Deli while taking in the sights and sounds. The Everything Bagel sandwich is hearty, savory, filling, and delicious and comes with a side!

Gasparilla Island Grill at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• Italian Sandwich $11.79: Ham, salami, capicola, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, banana peppers, Italian dressing, and olive aïoli on a house-made sub roll served with choice of side.

Touring the resorts is the perfect way to spend a day outside of the parks when you’re at Disney while enjoying some of the best food on property. The Italian sandwich at Gasparilla’s has all the classic flavors you want in an Italian sandwich, including the Italian dressing and olive oil that soaks the bread. It’s GIANT and perfect for sharing!

Flame Tree Barbecue in Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom

• Smokehouse Chicken Salad $11.99: Pulled chicken on top of mixed greens salad tossed with smoked cheddar, diced granny smith apples, dried cranberries, cornbread croutons, crispy onions, and barbecue-ranch dressing

Most guests go to Flame Tree Barbecue for the barbecue, but everyone needs to know about the Smokehouse Chicken Salad! If you think salads are boring, then you’re eating boring salads, and this salad is anything but boring. It’s fresh, hearty, savory, and a total flavor bomb. It’s one of my favorite meals at Animal Kingdom!

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

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If you followed our journey at Disney World on Instagram stories, you already know we lost our minds when we had this meal. Everything about this breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge was perfect, from the friendly cast members to the warm and inviting ambiance to the memorable food!

Sanaa restaurant has been a table service restaurant for years, which meant you could only dine there if you had advanced dining reservations. Recently, however, they changed the breakfast service to a quick service called Kuamsha Breakfast – and it’s fabulous.

Kuamsha Breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge

From 7 AM to 11 AM, you can now dine without a reservation and enjoy a large selection of grab-and-go options or order from the menu. Whichever you choose, you can dine inside or outside while enjoying gorgeous views of Savannah. If you order from the Kuamsha menu, here’s how it works.

When you enter Sanaa, cast members will greet you at the check-in desk. Typically, this is where you would give them your name and dining reservation number, but now they will direct you to the bar. This only happens during the Kuamsha breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge. From 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM, the bar operates as Sanna Lounge, one of our favorite lounges on Disney property. I have an entire post dedicated to this lounge coming soon, so stay tuned.

During breakfast hours, the bar area is transformed into a breakfast area in the morning with various food and drink options. To place an order, a cast member behind the bar is ready to take your order.

Once you’ve placed your order, you will receive the cutest little numbered animal, which you put on your table so a cast member can find you when your food is ready.

Once you find your table, you can get utensils, napkins, and condiments from a small table they have set up by the coffee.

The day we visited, the restaurant was quiet and peaceful. We both commented on how empty it was. I think most people still don’t realize it’s now a quick-service location for breakfast.

We were lucky enough to get a table next to the floor-to-ceiling windows to watch the animals while we enjoyed breakfast.

Here’s a hot tip to give you a better chance of seeing the animals: The feeding truck came around at 8:20 AM, which is about when it comes every day. The animals knew what was happening, and watching them run after the truck was fun. They were excited to eat!

The vibe inside the restaurant is cozy, with big, comfortable booths, warm, inviting colors, and even a large canopy on the ceiling, which makes the space feel more intimate. Disney always knocks it out of the park with details, and the inside of Sanaa is one of my favorites on Disney property.

Pro tip: The same decor in the restaurant is carried over into the lounge, making it a small and intimate space to enjoy a drink. Remember that this is also where you can get the infamous Sanaa bread service!

Let’s get into the food because we’re still thinking about it a month later!

We chose the Eggs Benedict and Shahi Tukra French Toast, which were both incredible. My husband said the eggs Benedict was his favorite breakfast of the trip, and that’s a big deal because he has never been a fan of hollandaise sauce.

Eggs Benedict $13.49

This comes with two-poached brown eggs, Canadian bacon, spice route hollandaise, arugula, and berries.

The hollandaise sauce was rich and flavorful without being too lemony, and the eggs were perfectly poached with a nice runny yolk.

The menu mentions the arugula but not that it’s tossed in a tomato vinaigrette, which ultimately made the dish for me. The peppery arugula and tart vinaigrette had just the right amount of acid, perfectly balancing the dish’s richness.

We both felt like the strawberries were out of place, but if you like fruit, you’ll appreciate them. If I had to critique the dish, the English muffin was barely toasted and got soggy quickly. Next time, I’ll request they toast it well when I order.

The portion size was standard for eggs Benedict, which is more than enough for me for breakfast.

This dish was fabulous. We cleaned the plate.

Shahi Tukra French Toast $11.29

This dish is topped with saffron-scented sultan raisins, whipped chai cream, and almonds.

I’m not usually a fan of French toast, but I’m a massive fan of Chai, so this was the dish I was most excited about. It has the potential to be amazing, but a few things could have been better for us on this particular day. However, we still enjoyed it.

Shockingly, this was not overly sweet, which I appreciated. The French toast itself had a nice texture and a delicious buttery crust. The saffron flavor in the syrup was subtle, so subtle you could barely taste it. I would have liked a more saffron flavor. It was also barely sweet, and as someone who doesn’t love sweet things, that says a lot. It had a delightful earthiness that paired well with the other flavors. The consistency is also thinner than regular syrup – almost watery. My husband did not like the saffron syrup, so they brought him some maple syrup.

I’m a sucker for textures and appreciated the raisins in the almonds, but there needed to be more. The chai whipped cream was what I was most excited about, and it did not disappoint. It was delicious, not overly sweet, and plentiful.

Overall, this is a fun twist on a familiar dish, and we appreciated the unique flavors and spices. The portion was large, and we thought it was a great value. Depending on your appetite, you can share this between two people with or without an extra side.

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Tips For Breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge

• If you’re in a hurry or prefer to eat outside, orders can also be placed to go. If you choose to dine outside, there are plenty of seating areas both outside and inside on the decks overlooking the savannah. We saw a few people order from the grab-and-go section and leave.
• Don’t be like us and go to the wrong village, ha! We got our steps in the day we were there. Sanaa is located on the ground level of Animal Kingdom Lodge—Kidani Village side. When you enter the resort through the lobby, walk straight towards the large, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Savannah. We took the elevator down one floor and followed the signs. There are cast members everywhere that you can ask for help.
• To park at Animal Kingdom Lodge, let the front gate guard know you’re coming for breakfast. They have been cracking down on parking at resorts with skyliner and monorail access. We had no issues parking at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge on our last trip. We have an entire post dedicated to parking at Walt Disney World at the link below.

Breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge inside Sanaa blends unique and delicious food with a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. If you aren’t staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, it’s worth making the trip to dine here. It will be our first stop the next time we go!

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

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A light and chewy crust is topped with sausage gravy, creamy eggs, plenty of bacon and sausage, and scallions for a pop of color and crunch. It’s hearty, delicious, and shareable!

You can find this deliciousness at Polynesian Village, one of our favorite Disney resorts to visit on a monorail crawl adventure, especially during the holidays!

I’ll preface this post by saying I’m not a breakfast person and find most breakfast menus underwhelming. I rarely get excited about it, but that changed the first time I had the Morning Flatbread at Capt. Cook’s. It’s unique and delicious, and it quickly moved to the top of my list as the best breakfast at Disney World!

I grew up about an hour and a half away from Disney and have visited the parks for over 40 years. As you can imagine, the food at Disney has changed drastically over that time. Thirty years ago, the food scene at wasn’t anything to get excited about, but Disney World has become a foodie destination, and we are here for it.

Related: Best Sandwiches At Disney World

Best Breakfast At Disney World

We prefer to eat at quick-service locations and believe some of the best dishes at Disney World are not at table-service restaurants. You can find some hidden gems at quick-service restaurants, kiosks, carts, and pool bars, and they’re more affordable. I’m always looking for ways to save money, especially at Disney, and you don’t have to pay $40 or more (way more) for a great meal at Disney World.

You don’t have to spend much to get the best breakfast at Disney, and the Morning Flatbread from Capt. Cook’s inside the Polynesian Resort is unique, delicious, and memorable!

Capt. Cook’s At Disney’s Polynesian Resort

The flatbread is fantastic, but for a dish to be “the best,” it’s not just about the food. It’s a whole vibe, and we LOVE the vibe at Capt. Cook’s!

Capt. Cook’s is located on the first floor of the Polynesian Grand Ceremonial House in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It’s a quick-service restaurant that participates in the Disney Dining Program.

It’s open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, making it a great place to stop before heading out to the parks early or when you return after a full day and want something good to eat!

With dishes like an Aloha Pork Sandwich, a Polynesian Salad, and a Big Kahuna Sandwich, the menu has an island-inspired tropical flair. For those less adventurous, it includes some basics like waffles, burgers, hot dogs, and chicken strips.

The ambiance at Capt. Cook’s is cozy and inviting, especially in the morning before all the humans arrive. The low and warm lighting makes you want to relax and stay a while. We never feel rushed.

The restaurant has two indoor seating areas, with plenty of additional seating outside on the terrace. There’s a large grassy area right off the patio, and it’s the perfect place for kids to get their wiggles out after eating.

Related: Best Salads At Disney World

How To Get To Capt. Cook’s

If you’re not staying at the Polynesian, you can take any transportation to the Magic Kingdom. From the Magic Kingdom, you can take the resort monorail, boat service, or the walking path from the Magic Kingdom to the Polynesian Resort. The walking path goes from the Magic Kingdom to the Grand Floridian and continues to the Polynesian. 

• If you’re coming from Disney Springs or another park, take a bus to the Polynesian.
• Take the monorail, boat, or walking path from the Magic Kingdom to the Polynesian.
• If you take the monorail, you’ll make quick stops at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and the Transportation and Ticket Center.

We LOVE the walk path along the Seven Seas Lagoon. I talk more about it in this post on how to relax on your Disney vacation.

Is This The Best Breakfast At Disney World?

We think so! The flatbread is topped with scrambled eggs, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, chives, and house-made sausage gravy. It’s $10.59 and easily feeds two adults.

• The bread itself is not too thin and not too thick. It has a nice amount of chew and crispiness.
• It’s not messy, holds up well to the toppings, and doesn’t fall apart – even with gravy!
• The cheese bakes into the crust and gets crispy around the edges. Crispy cheese? Yes, please.
• The eggs are creamy and perfectly cooked. Mixed with the gravy, they add just enough moisture.
• Speaking of the gravy, it’s savory and flavorful, bringing the whole dish together!

This pizza is a carnivore lover’s dream, and they do not skimp on the bacon and sausage. The sausage is savory, chewy, and full of flavor. While the bacon had little taste, it was plentiful and crispy, adding some nice texture to the flatbread.

The green onions on top aren’t just for garnish. They add a nice pop of freshness and crunch, balancing all the hearty, savory flavors. I appreciate the generous amount and might even ask for more next time!

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Final Thoughts

At first glance, you might think this is a heavy dish, but it’s not. This is perfectly balanced in terms of flavors and textures.

To recap, why we think this is the best breakfast at Disney World:

• We love the cozy vibes at the Polynesian resort and Capt. Cook’s.
• Pizza for breakfast is a big yes, especially with sausage gravy as the sauce!
• This isn’t your standard breakfast fare. It’s unique and delicious.
• It’s easily shared between two adults, and we’re all about eating on a budget at Disney.
• The combination of flavors and textures is perfection, keeping you reaching for another bite.
• Move over, waffles and donuts. For us savory girlies, this is a must!

You can view the most current Capt. Cook’s menu here, and I always recommend checking Disney menus before your trip, as they change frequently. And while you’re at Capt. Cook’s, I highly recommend the Pulled Pork Nachos!

I hope you enjoyed this post, and I’d love to know what you consider the best breakfast at Disney World!