We scrimp and save for every trip to Disney, and even though we spend more money there than any other vacations we take, we feel it’s worth it. Our family loves Walt Disney World, and the memories we make there are worth every dime spent. Over the years we have learned ways to save so that we can afford to keep going back ‘home’. So here are our tips:
How to save money on Disney dining
Skip lunch
Oftentimes we turn one large meal into two. If you’ve eaten at Disney, especially the popular buffets – you know that you tend to leave the restaurant stuffed. We certainly do. There are so many delicious options and the whole point of a buffet is to sample a bit of everything that catches our eyes, so we do. If we enjoy a big breakfast buffet, we will likely opt to have a snack for a late lunch and then perhaps an early dinner. We especially like Mickey pretzels, or a Dole Whip on a very hot day. (I don’t know about you, but I don’t like eating all that much when it’s 93 degrees and humid). Check out our favorite snacks in Magic Kingdom.
Stock up on gift cards
If you have an opportunity to purchase Disney gift cards at a discount, this helps. Purchase them with your Target card to get cash back. You can also find Disney gift cards and Landry’s gift cards for slightly cheaper than their face value at wholesale clubs. Landry’s cards may be used at Yak & Yeti (in Animal Kingdom), Rainforest Cafe (AK) and T-Rex (Disney Springs).
Also check Restaurant.com. You can find House of Blues (Disney Springs) gift certificates at a steep discount and there may be other participating restaurants in the area.
Bring a water bottle
You can get free tap water all around the parks. Many people carry their own or purchase bottled for a hefty fee, but there is no need when there are dispensers all around the park at your favorite quick service and snack stops. You will need tons of water on a hot day in the parks.
Pack a lunch
If you have a car during your trip, go and pick up a few items at a local grocery store. Unlike many theme parks, you are allowed to bring food into Disney parks. If your kids enjoy pb&j and they’re going to purchase that from the quick service counter, you can save some coin and bring your own uncrustables – because that’s what you’re buying anyway and at a premium.
Usually we don’t rent a car so we pack whatever we can (peanut butter & cereal) and buy what we can’t pack (milk & orange juice) in the souvenir shops on hotel grounds where you can usually find the essentials. There are also delivery services but they are quite expensive. If you have a kitchenette and plan on going back to your room during the day it may be worth it.
Choose restaurants wisely
Sit down meals and buffets in Disney parks and hotels can be very expensive. Study menus and prices – which are all available online before you go. There are many places where you can eat inexpensively throughout the parks other than quick service locations. In Magic Kingdom, we love Casey’s hot dogs. In Epcot we love the quick service inside the Land and Sea pavilion. Starring Rolls bakery is popular in Hollywood Studios, as is the Yak & Yeti cafe in Animal Kingdom. Check out this post from MouseSavers for more ideas.
Take advantage of freebies
Who says nothing in life is free? You’d think that would be especially true in Disney, but it’s not. If you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, make sure you tell your waiter or waitress. Last year we were celebrating my birthday and I received lots of magical Disney surprises in the form of free desserts like this plate of “the grey stuff”.
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These are some awesome sounding tips – if I remember rightly we would have a huge breakfast and skip lunch when we were visiting Disney. x
That’s the way to do it! Plus, Mickey waffles. Nuff said.
Bringing our own water bottles made a huge difference!!! As much as you need to drink on a hot day, that’s super important!
Going to Disney can be so expensive so it is great to save money where you can. Packing a lunch is always a good solution to spend less on food.
These are excellent tips. We stayed off property when we went to Disney. We ate breakfast at the McDonald’s just outside the park before going to the park. Then we would eat lunch/dinner in the park. Animal Kingdom had short hours compared to the other parks so we skipped eating until after we left the park. One day we had ice cream for lunch. I’ve heard other parents purchase a regular meal and have the kids share it. Kids meals are kinda pricy so unless your child is going to eat it all you could get away splitting on adult meal two or three ways depending on your child’s appetite. You could also bring snacks to fill in the gap.
Such great ways to save money on Disney dining. It can get pricey. I found that getting a meal plan worked for us but, we tried it this way around the first time. Save $$$ for sure.
We are planning to go to Disney this summer. I would love to take note all of these tips.
thanks for sharing this info, I’m always trying to save money! : )
These are all great tips on saving when dining at Disney! Appreciate the information for me to know when I get to travel there!
Dining can make or break your vacation budget. It is important to plan ahead and make good choices about where to splurge and where to save. These are great tips, thanks.
These are great tips on how to save money when dining at Disney! We’re planning on visiting Disney at some point in the next 12 months, so these tips will come in handy for sure. I like the idea of using freebies!