Disney Food Savings

Hi there Disney friends,

The last couple of posts have centered around the cost of the meal plan at Walt Disney World. I know that many people are on tight budgets and look for ways to save and food is a place to try. I have used all of the options that I will discuss.

First snacks at Walt Disney World can cost between $3 to $6 and if a family were in the park for a full day and purchased snacks twice, that would come out to be about $25 to $50 (once tax is included.) So one way to save would be to bring your own snacks. You are allowed to bring in your own snacks, but you will go through security if you have a bag (or purse for that matter.)

Drinks can also add to the cost of a day in the park. Sodas at restaurants or bottled drinks generally cost between $3 and $3.50. The same family of four would probably need probably 4 drinks throughout the day between meals and breaks during the day. That could possibly be up to another $50 for a day. A price savings option would be to opt for tap water from quick service locations.

A third cost savings method would be to choose to split meals at quick service restaurants. A common quick service meal is a 1/3 pound cheeseburger with fries. This can run about $12. So splitting the meal a couple of times could save about $24 for our imaginary family. A side benefit to doing this is that you do not feel overly full after your meal.

If you do not want to split meals, another option would be to order kids meals at quick service locations. This would save between $4 to $6 per meal. So if the family of four did this twice throughout the day, that could result in savings of between $32 to $48 for the day. A side benefit to this is that the portions are smaller and you do not fill overly full and you get a drink (fluid), fruit, and a drinkable yogurt.

I hope these methods are useful and help you have an enjoyable vacation.