Feeding the Kids: 10 Simple Dining Tips for Disney World

There are tons of great experiences to be had at Disney World, but if you simply look at food as a necessary expense you’re missing out. There are tons of great character interactions and some of the best theming in all of the Disney World is in restaurants. Check out this comprehensive list of 101 Disney World Dining Tips and check out our favorite 10 below. You might also want to check out budgetting tips that the kids actually like.

1. Tusker House is one of the least popular character meals in all the parks, yet many believe it has the best food and an incredible atmosphere. It’s much easier to score a reservation at this spot than at many other character meals.
2. Garden Grill in Epcot is a character meal with a special twist – it rotates. You’ll see special views of the ride Living with the Land while eating hearty, kid-friendly food and interacting with Chip, Dale, and friends.
3. When you visit a counter service restaurant you’ll see most food offered as numbered combos. However, you can order the entrée without the side, which is typically fries or chips, and save about $2.
4. If your kiddos are all about ice cream, no trip to the water parks Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach would be complete without the Sand Pail. It easily feeds 3 – 4 hungry ice cream enthusiasts and is a great value.
5. Don’t be afraid to share meals! Portion sizes are typically very large, and it’s often the case that the more expensive the item is, the larger the portion is. For example, if a meal costs $15 but feeds two people, it’s a better value than a meal that’s priced at only $10 but will feed just a single person.
6. If you’re in Disney World with a special event, be sure you note this when you make your reservation. You aren’t guaranteed to get anything in return, but you may end up with a special acknowledgement from the staff.
7. Kids can be hesitant to give Epcot a shot as they often see it as the boring Disney park. One way to get them engaged is to try a “snacking around the world” challenge. Stop in each country in the World Showcase and have a snack at each.
8. Drinks can be expensive at Disney World, but when you thirst gets the better of you keep your wallet in your pocket and ask for a free fountain water at any counter service restaurant.
9. If you’re planning to visit a character meal, these are not included with your ticket to Disney World they are extra, for breakfast or lunch, make the best of both by getting the latest reservation you can during breakfast hours. You can get there, load up on breakfast, wait for them to bring the lunch selections out, and try your favorite lunch options, too.
10. You can bring your own food into the parks. Just keep hard-sided coolers and alcoholic beverages at home! If you are thinking of bringing food with you to the park, make sure you pick a hotel with a refrigerator in the room or opt for a Disney themed vacation home that comes complete with a full kitchen. This will ensure that your food will not go bad.

These tips will help make you the #1 dad in the eyes of your kids – without breaking your budget!