8 Best Ways to Save Money on Food at Disney World
Let’s face it. Food at Disney World can be expensive.
Another hard truth to consider: Disney’s Dining Plans are currently unavailable.
Side note: Please, Dining Plans, come back to us soon! We miss you and your snack credits.
So how can you stretch your dollar bills when it comes to your family’s meals? We here at MickeyBlog have got you covered with these money-saving tips:
Share Your Snacks
Many of Disney’s snack servings do not take into account portion control. Use that to your advantage!
For instance, the cinnamon rolls are Disney World are HUGE. These can be shared among two adults or three children.
Another option is to enjoy offerings during festival season at Epcot. Many of these menu options can be shared or enjoyed as a meal for one.
Pack That Park Bag
Consider packing non-perishable snacks in your park bag. Granola bars, crackers, and apples can go a long way to keep hungry stomachs at bay.
Disney also allows guests to bring coolers with ice packs. These coolerrs must not exceed 24″ L x 15″ W x 18″ H.
FREE WATER
Source: How to Disney
Don’t waste your hard-earned cash on bottled water! Ice water is complimentary at quick-service locations with drink service.
Use Disney Gift Cards
Many guests choose to purchase Disney Gift Cards in advance of their trip. These serve as a Dining Plan of kinds as most dining locations on Disney property accept Disney Gift Cards for meals.
Disney Gift Cards can even be added as a method of payment during the mobile ordering check-out process!
Some retail locations offer discounts on Disney Gift Cards. One such store is Target, which offers 5% back for Target RedCard holders.
Disney Visa Rewards Cards
Are you a Disney Visa cardholder? If so, you can cash in your points and receive a Disney Rewards Redemption Card.
These cards work similarly to Disney Gift Cards. You can present these in lieu of cash at Disney’s dining locations.
Don’t Forget About Starbucks Gift Cards!
Photo: Disney Trippers
Each theme park as well as Disney Springs has a Starbucks location. These currently include:
- Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom
- Traveler’s Cafe in Epcot
- Trolley Car Cafe in Hollywood Studios
- Creature Comforts in Animal Kingdom
- Starbucks on the West Side of Disney Springs
- Starbucks in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs
You can use your Starbucks gift cards or your Starbucks app at these locations! Best of all, they include plenty of tasty Disney treats that can be shared or enjoyed alone.
Grocery Delivery Services
Each of Disney World’s Resort Hotel rooms include mini-fridges with family suites offering kitchenettes and villas offering full-sized kitchens.
So you can stock up on essentials at the local grocery store!
Popular options for grocery delivery include: Garden Grocer, Instacart, Amazon Prime Now, and Dizzy Dolphin Delivery.
Just a note that resorts may charge a small fee for holding your groceries when delivered to Bell Services.
Eat at Your Resort Hotel
Did you know that there is at least one quick-service location at each of Disney World’s Resort Hotels?
Photo: MealTrip.com
Often times these locations are a bit more economical than quick-service offerings in the park.
Better yet, you can use mobile ordering through My Disney Experience to place your order in advance with table seating or to-go options available.
Image Credit: Disneyland
Yes, dining at Disney World can be pricey, but we hope these tips will help you to make the most of your vacation budget. Oh, and we definitely recommend going for that Mickey ice cream bar!
