Let’s talk about how to keep your Walt Disney World food budget from totally ruining your plans.
I’m heading to Walt Disney World solo soon for a work trip. And while it’s short timing, I’m doing something I always recommend families do way before they go. I need to figure out how much I’m actually going to spend on food.
Ideally, you’d do this months—or even a year—before your trip, depending on how long you plan to save. The earlier you start thinking through your Walt Disney World food budget, the more control you’ll have.
But because this is a work trip, plans are typically made more last minute. So I’m doing this a little closer to my trip than I’d like. But the process still works.
So, here’s what that looks like—and how you can create a Walt Disney World food budget that actually works.
Why Having a Food Budget Matters
Here’s a little reality check—almost a quarter of Disney guests admit they went into debt to afford their trip. Of those, 45% are parents with kids under 18.
And the biggest surprise? For 65% of those families, the cost of food and beverages was the reason they ended up paying more than expected—an average of $2,000 more.
It’s easy to underestimate how much those snacks, meals, and treats are going to add up—especially when you’re caught up in the excitement of the Parks. But, it doesn’t have to ruin your finances.
The good news is that, with a little planning, it can actually be pretty easy to stay on budget.
Step 1 – Start by Looking at Real Prices
This is probably my favorite tip because it’s so simple—and yet, so often overlooked.
Disney posts the real menu prices for every restaurant on their website and in the My Disney Experience app. If you’re trying to stick to a food budget, guessing isn’t the way to go.
I always start by pulling up menus for the parks and resorts I know I’ll be visiting. Remember: we’re just trying to figure out a ballpark budget—not putting together a full itinerary. So, you can do this even if you’re not yet sure what days you’ll be visiting the Parks.
Choose the items you think you’ll want to eat while you’re there. Be realistic. Don’t price out salads if all you really want is a big juicy steak.
Do this for every day of your trip and for every person you’re traveling with – and keep a running total. This step is about pricing out the wants first—saving comes later.
Step 2 – Look for Easy Ways to Save
Now that you have your list, now is the time to add some cost saving tips. Most families don’t want to eat only in the parks—or only from groceries delivered to their hotel.
For most families, the goal is to have a healthy mix of small splurges with some cost-saving tips, so they go home with happy memories.
Here’s a few things to consider:
- Bring Food With You / Get It Delivered – Mickey waffles are a must for me, but I don’t need them every day. I’ll buy them once, then eat breakfast for the rest of the trip with groceries I brought or had delivered. Every Disney Resort has at least a beverage cooler and coffee maker, so you can plan with that in mind.
- Do Breakfast Character Meals – My family does one sit-down meal per trip. We choose breakfast, because it’s cheaper than lunch or dinner. You still get the full character experience, but at a lower price point.
- Order Kids’ Meals – Lots of adults order kids’ meals. You usually get sides and a drink (which adult meals don’t include). If you’re not very hungry, or eat smaller portions, this is a great way to save at quick service restaurants.
- Share Meals – As long as you’re not at a buffet or family-style spot, sharing meals is totally fine. If the portion’s big enough, split it—and you can always ask for an extra plate.
- Get a Resort Refillable Mug – Fountain drinks are almost $5 each now. The refillable mug pays for itself after 5 uses and works at your Disney Resort for coffee, sods/pop, and more. Even just filling it up in the morning and evening can save you money over the course of a weeklong trip.
Step 3 – Build In a Buffer (and Stay Flexible)
Even with the best planning, things usually change once you’re actually on the trip. That’s why I always recommend building a small buffer into your food budget—just in case.
Someone needs an extra cold treat to cool off? You’re covered. A limited-time snack catches your eye? You’ve got room for that too.
It doesn’t have to be a huge amount. I typically save for a few extra snacks per person. It’s not a huge amount, but I prefer to have fun instead of stressing about prices.
Be sure to check the menus every few months so you can stay on track and avoid surprises. Disney tends to raise food prices. They also add and remove certain menu items throughout the year.
One complaint I hear a lot is how crazy it is that you need to know what you’re going to eat months from now. But, you don’t need to have a menu set in stone. Many menu items are about the same price. So, even if you change your mind, your budget for what you’re going to spend on food at Walt Disney World shouldn’t change much.
To keep track of my food budget and stay organized, I put my meals into my itinerary planner—the same one I use for my clients. But if you prefer, a simple spreadsheet or piece of paper works just as well.
Step 4 – When the Dining Plan Might Be the Better Option
If this whole budgeting process still feels like it’s too much work—or if you just want the peace of mind of knowing your meals are already paid for—then a Dining Plan might actually be a better fit.
I’m going to be honest – it’s not for everyone. And it doesn’t always save families money. But, if your reason for getting one is to make planning easier, it’s always going to be a smart choice.
If your family likes sit-down meals, character dining, or if you just don’t want to think about pulling out your wallet every time someone’s hungry, the Dining Plan gives you the peace of mind you may be looking for.
For many families, the reason they get it is simple:
- You’ve already paid for your meals and snacks before the trip starts.
- You’re not mentally tracking food costs every day.
- Kids (and adults) can enjoy those Mickey-shaped treats without wondering if they’re in the budget.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to food at Walt Disney World. Some people love the flexibility of paying as they go. Others don’t want to worry about their budget. Neither one is better than the other.
But part of what I do is help figure out what’s going to work best for you. That includes your preferences, your budget, and what kind of experience you want to have.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to make all the pieces fit, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I can help you look at the big picture, sort through the options, and build a plan that actually feels doable.
If you want help putting together a food plan that fits your budget and your park days, tap the link below to fill out my Quote Request form. I’ll help you make it all feel way more manageable.
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