Disney World provides guests with scads of yummy restaurant options. In the last three years that I have visited, I have ate my way through all the parks and resorts, too. So whether you prefer a hardy sit down meal or just a quick bite, you have so many venues to choose from. Keep reading, to learn a few great tips on how to get the most out of your Disney World dining experience. You’ll be glad you did!
The 6 Best Disney World Dining Tips
1. Bring Your Own Cooler
Although it wasn’t always the case, DW allows you to bring your own cooler into the park. This is a good way to cut down on the cost of lunch or dinner, if you prefer eating light. Avoid packing highly-perishable foods. Food poisoning is no fun, especially when you’re on vacation.
Please note, the only glass containers allowed in the park are baby food jars. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages and if you’re planning to eat and animal kingdom… no straws allowed!
2. Advanced Dining Reservations
Choosing accommodations at one of Disney World’s on-site resorts means you can book dining reservations at least 180 days in advance. If you have your heart set on specific restaurants, you definitely want to take advantage of this perk. Even during value season, it’s extremely hard to walk into a full-service restaurant and expect to get seated.
If you absolutely don’t want to make reservations, you have the best chance of getting seated at one of the following restaurants:
- Tusker House (Animal Kingdom)
- Rain forest Café (Animal Kingdom)
- California Grill Lounge (Contemporary Resort)
- Monsieur Paul (Epcot – France)
- Tokyo Dining (Epcot – Japan)
There are other options as well. This is one of those areas where it really pays to do your research before you leave home. You know you want to!
3. Membership Discounts
A surprising number of people are unaware that they can save money on Disney World dining costs when they’re affiliated with certain organizations or offerings. This includes AAA, AARP, Disney Visa cardholders, Disney World annual pass holders and Disney World Vacation Club members.
4. Forgo the Extras
Most of the counter-service restaurants only list complete meals on the menu. However, if you ask, you can typically order anything a la carte. So, if you just want a sandwich, a sandwich is all you pay for. Yay!
5. Save on Beverages
One bottle of water at Disney World costs a fortune. But, there are easy ways to get around that. Save money and help Mother Nature at the same time by purchasing reusable bottles with filters. There are plenty of places around the park to refill them.
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If you’re ok with the taste of Florida water, all of the DW counter-service restaurants provide guests with free ice water, upon request. You can always jazz it up a bit with on-the-go packets of Crystal Light or similar product.
Are you staying at a Disney resort? All of them offer a great deal on mugs, which can be refilled with hot chocolate, coffee, ice tea and Coca-Cola products, at any resort beverage station. At the time of this writing, mugs are $18 plus tax. Think of all the money you’ll save!
6. Disney Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan isn’t for everyone. But, it’s certainly worth mentioning. It’s an option for guests who book their Disney vacation using Disney Vacation Club points or purchase a Magic Your Way Package.
This pre-paid meal voucher system, available in three tiers, provides each person with meals throughout the day… fast food, sit-down choices and snacks. Not every restaurant participates. However, the majority do.
These are just a few Disney World dining tips to help you save both money and frustration. Remember, eating in the park doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s all a matter of how you plan!
Meredith Spidel says
Love all these smart tips–and I need them as I continue hoping we will make it back soon! Thanks, Janine!
Janine says
Aw, we are heading back in November. Today opens the Mom’s Panel and next week, I get to do our Fast Passes. So Disney is never far from my heart as I think you know. So promise to share more Disney related tips again soon. And hope you all get to go back very soon, too 🙂
Dara says
Great post! I would add that if you are trying for dining reservations, keep checking the app. People cancel and move things around a lot!
Janine says
Dara, you are so right and I did the same this past trip in the summer more than once myself, too!! 🙂
Malini@lakesandlattes says
GREAT tips! We’re heading there soon. I’m heard both good and bad things about the Disney Dining plan – I’ll have to research it a bit more. Thanks for sharing!
Malini
Janine says
Malini, I am big not he dining plan to be honest. I know others who aren’t. But in my humble opinion, I just like knowing that the food is pretty much settled before we get there and how much I am spending beforehand, as well.
William Holland says
Off to the market. Have a great day, Janine!
Janine says
Aw, you too!!! 🙂
Mary Leigh says
These are really excellent tips! I had no idea you could bring in your own cooler!
Janine says
Mary, I know the cooler one definitely is awesome tip to know and keep in mind for Disney 🙂
AnnMarie John says
When I travel with the entire family, I always get the dining plan but if its just me and Madison, it isn’t worth it to me. She rarely eats so it’s usually a waste of food. I also always buy the mugs so we can refill them throughout our trips.
Janine says
We love the refillable mugs here, too. I have so many though from all our past vacations. But still my girls love to switch off and use them here even after our trip is over 🙂
Jordan says
I think we’re going to be taking our first trip to Disney soon, and these tips are great!
Janine says
Aw, so happy to share some tips for a 1st timer. I will be sharing even more soon. So stay tuned 🙂
Mary says
I love that you go to Disney World every year, I always look forward to the pictures and the yummy food you devour. I didn’t know you could bring your own cooler to Disney World. That’s a great tip. I didn’t realize there are so many full-service restaurants. I’m going to buy some reusable bottles with filters for my everyday life! Great list Janine 🙂
Janine says
So happy you are going to look into reusable bottles and thanks for all your kind words, too Mary 🙂
Kerry says
The Disney parks will give you a free cup of ice water if you just ask for them. I usually have a refillable mug, but they’ll give you ice water either way. At least, that’s been my experience.
Janine says
Kerry, this has also been my experience, as well at Disney.
elena torres says
Great tips. Disney can be so expensive and sometimes lack of planning can result in a very expensive trip! Thank you for all the smart suggestions
Janine says
My pleasure and truly happy to give some much needed Disney dining advice here to you, too 😉
Aunt Gloria says
I know how much you all love Disney World. It won’t be long and you’ll be heading back….with all the hurricanes behind us, hopefully! It all looks like fun and the food looks yummy! Happy trails! xxxxoooo
Janine says
Aw, thanks so much Aunt Gloria!! xoxo 😉
Bri says
These are great tips! Thank you. They will come in handy when we take the family.
Janine says
Aw, you so welcome and happy to help you and your family on this 😉
Jen says
Wait, you can bring in your own cooler and get free water! I didn’t know any of this! Wow, thanks!! 🙂
Janine says
AW, you are so welcome and I know this is a awesome thing!! 🙂
Nellie says
YES! these tips are ALL so clutch! I especially didn’t know the tip about the coolers, makes so much financial sense! And no straws in AK?! who knew?! makes complete sense though!
Janine says
Does doesn’t, right? Crazy, but loved learning some more tips to share and also try out for our next visit, too 🙂
Tamara says
I have a funny story about Animal Kingdom and your “no straws allowed” tip reminded me. There was a squirrel running through the stroller “parking lot”, helping himself/herself to baby and toddler snacks. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of it! The employee pointed it out to me!
But mm.. Jungle Juice. Am I right?? That’s what I want now.
Janine says
Oh man, first I am giggling at the squirrel story and now yes I cannot wait to have jungle juice. I book our Fast Passes for November in less than a week now. So, there is that 😉
Christine Carter says
Oh these are SUCH GREAT TIPS Janine! I would never have known about all of these brilliant ideas and ways to cut costs! My sister will be going soon, so I’m sending this to her….
THANK YOU!
Janine says
Aw, so glad this will help your sister. I have more Disney tips coming soon and hope they will also help your sister still 🙂
Bev says
The last time I was at Disney — when I was 19 years old! — my boyfriend and I bought a loaf of bread, peanut butter, and jelly, and subsided on PB&J sandwiches. We did it the college student way 😉 There are certainly a lot more options now!
Janine says
Many more options now, but love that you did it that way when you were younger, Bev!! 🙂