Tickets into the parks, the hotel, and travel expenses take up 85% of my budget when I visit Disney World in Orlando. By the time I get there, I am already contemplating how many granola bars I can fit in my bag to save on the cost of food throughout the day. 

Obviously it’s still vacation, so not going to limit myself too much, however there are some tips and tricks to saving money on food while visiting Disney World. 

Bring your own. Like the granola bars. Seriously, there are very few limitations to what you can bring inside Disney World. As long as it’s not in a glass container, or a GIANT ice-filled cooler, you’re golden. The minute I land in Orlando, I either head straight to the nearest grocery store (like Publix or Winn-Dixie if you aren’t familiar with Florida shops) or if my hotel isn’t near one, I have groceries delivered. YAY for Uber eats, Garden Grocer, Amazon Prime, and DoorDash. Have them deliver food right to the front desk and you can pick it up whenever. Be sure to ask about package holding fees wherever you stay ahead of time.

Water is non-negotiable in Florida. At any time of year. A regular sized bottled water is about $3-$4 in the parks, so be SURE to have your own refillable water bottle with you. There are refillable stations. Or order water with your meals if you do decide to buy from the parks. There’s almost always a water container at food counter pick-up windows, and during a meal service, just request a CUP of water, not “a water” or you’ll have that small fee listed above. 

When it comes to price of food in the parks, there can be a big swing between the cost of something at a walk-up counter versus a dine-in area. Obviously you sacrifice the guaranteed seating and air conditioning, but cost may be worth it! Especially since (basically) the same fish and chips at the UK pavilion in EPCOT as the one in the Rose and Crown Dining Room is over $13 LESS expensive. And at the walk-up counters, there is no age restriction ordering from the kids menu. Which is always cheaper, still comes with an entree, a side, and a drink. 

Though speaking of sides, on an adult order, you can always ask the walk-up counters to forego one. The price listed is usually the combo price of both the side and entree. Asking to leave it off, and for a simple cup of water, can knock an adult meal down a few bucks as well. 

Assuming you aren’t at Disney World by yourself. Though no judgment if you are, I spent time alone in Disney World and its magical in a totally different way. You could always split a sit-down meal. This is allowed and (most) restaurants in Disney will not add an up-charge for the additional plate. At Flame Tree Barbecue, the 1/2 chicken entree meal comes with coleslaw and baked beans at only $14. Big portions too. Easily splittable. 

If you’re dead set on doing a character meal, opt for breakfast. The prices are vastly cheaper than the lunch or dinner options and a little less crowded too. 

Eating in Disney World doesn’t have to break the bank, unless you plan to sit down for every meal. In that case I would highly recommend using some form of discount option. Annual pass holders receive 10-20% off select restaurants, Disney Vacation Club Members and Chase Disney Visa cardholders also receive discounts. 

Definitely do whatever makes you feel most comfortable. There is very little judgment or restriction in Disney World and everyone is there to make memories and have a good time. Just don’t forget to drink your water. Whether it’s a $4 bottle or your own refillable bottle. 

And sometimes, just sometimes, people are super nice and you get a free Mickey Pretzel. Let’s catch up on Instagram, ask me the secret behind how to get a FREE pretzel on there 😉