Grumpy247365
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2015
You and me both.
How would you eat at Disney for about $25 a day.
- Thread starter minniemouseforever
- Start date
You and me both.
ScottOKW2K
No Chick Flick Moments
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2000
I wouldn't. I am sure that on some days I have, but that was simply because of what I wanted that day, not because of a preset limit. I'd enjoy having a Sunshine Seasons or an Earl locally, but I don't think my waistline would like the latter 
.
.Sarahbelle341
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2014
I am caffeine addict so between soft drinks and my Starbucks habit I would never be able to stick to that budget. Plus we like table service and character meals.
Harambe Fruit Market
Strawberries 2.49
Elephant ear pastry 5.19
Apple juice 2.59
Snack
Churros 3.79
Flame Tree BBQ
1/2 chicken meal 10.99
Drink 3.29
Yak and Yeti Counter service
Teriakyi Beef Bowl 10.99
Bottled Water 2.50
Total- $41.83 without tax. And thats a simple breakfast of fruit and pastry and all quick service meals without desserts. I'm not saying that budget is physically impossible just not very realistic for a disney vacation food budget. Is no one in your party ever going to want dessert? Or an extra cup of coffee? Never want a table service meal? Most drinks at disney don't come with free refills at counter service. Is no one ever going to be super thirsty and want a second coke or an ice cream while you watch the parade? I wouldn't want to feel obligated to order the cheapest things on the menu everywhere or always have to tell my son no when he wants a snack. I would rather overestimate the food budget and spend less on the hotel/drop park hopper option/etc to cut costs elsewhere to put some wiggle room in the food budget.
Harambe Fruit Market
Strawberries 2.49
Elephant ear pastry 5.19
Apple juice 2.59
Snack
Churros 3.79
Flame Tree BBQ
1/2 chicken meal 10.99
Drink 3.29
Yak and Yeti Counter service
Teriakyi Beef Bowl 10.99
Bottled Water 2.50
Total- $41.83 without tax. And thats a simple breakfast of fruit and pastry and all quick service meals without desserts. I'm not saying that budget is physically impossible just not very realistic for a disney vacation food budget. Is no one in your party ever going to want dessert? Or an extra cup of coffee? Never want a table service meal? Most drinks at disney don't come with free refills at counter service. Is no one ever going to be super thirsty and want a second coke or an ice cream while you watch the parade? I wouldn't want to feel obligated to order the cheapest things on the menu everywhere or always have to tell my son no when he wants a snack. I would rather overestimate the food budget and spend less on the hotel/drop park hopper option/etc to cut costs elsewhere to put some wiggle room in the food budget.
sharonabe
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 22, 2009
I think some are reading more into OP's post than intended. They didn't say they wanted to save money or stay on a strict budget or this was a way to cut costs. . I think it was just meant as a "could you" do it and if so, how? In the middle of the hot summer, small snacky type meals or kid's meals would be plenty for me and my pp showed it was very doable in my WDW world. I saw it as a game, a challenge, and was pleasantly surprised at how much I could get for my $25.
autumnpalm
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2008
I think I could do it!
I'm generally not a breakfast eater, would just have coffee and a protein bar in the room while I'm getting ready. I also drink water with meals.
Animal Kingdom:
Lunch (Flame Tree BBQ)
-Pulled Pork Sandwich with Coleslaw, 9.49
Dinner (Mara @ AKL)
-African Stew, 8.49
Snack (Mara @ AKL)
-Zebra Domes, 3.99
Total: 21.97 (plus tax)
Magic Kingdom:
Lunch (Columbia Harbour House)
-Battered Fish Platter, 7.99
Dinner (Captain Cook's)
-Grilled Chicken Sandwich, 9.49
Snack (Casey's Corner)
-Corn Dog Nuggets, 5.49
Total: 22.97 (plus tax)
Epcot:
Lunch (Tangierine Cafe)
-Falafel Wrap, 9.99
Dinner (Boardwalk Pizza Window)
-Signature Slice, 4.69
Snacks (Chefs de France + Kringla Bakery + Lotus Blossom Cafe)
-Lobster Bisque, Chefs, 4.90
-School Bread, Kringle, 2.99
Total: 22.57 (plus tax)
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Lunch (ABC Commissary)
-Fried Shrimp Platter, 7.69
Dinner (Pizza Planet)
-Vegetable Pizza, 9.69
Snack (Starring Rolls)
-Butterfinger Cupcake, 4.19
Total: 21.57 (plus tax)
I'm generally not a breakfast eater, would just have coffee and a protein bar in the room while I'm getting ready. I also drink water with meals.
Animal Kingdom:
Lunch (Flame Tree BBQ)
-Pulled Pork Sandwich with Coleslaw, 9.49
Dinner (Mara @ AKL)
-African Stew, 8.49
Snack (Mara @ AKL)
-Zebra Domes, 3.99
Total: 21.97 (plus tax)
Magic Kingdom:
Lunch (Columbia Harbour House)
-Battered Fish Platter, 7.99
Dinner (Captain Cook's)
-Grilled Chicken Sandwich, 9.49
Snack (Casey's Corner)
-Corn Dog Nuggets, 5.49
Total: 22.97 (plus tax)
Epcot:
Lunch (Tangierine Cafe)
-Falafel Wrap, 9.99
Dinner (Boardwalk Pizza Window)
-Signature Slice, 4.69
Snacks (Chefs de France + Kringla Bakery + Lotus Blossom Cafe)
-Lobster Bisque, Chefs, 4.90
-School Bread, Kringle, 2.99
Total: 22.57 (plus tax)
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Lunch (ABC Commissary)
-Fried Shrimp Platter, 7.69
Dinner (Pizza Planet)
-Vegetable Pizza, 9.69
Snack (Starring Rolls)
-Butterfinger Cupcake, 4.19
Total: 21.57 (plus tax)
Yumi696
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2013
You could easily stick with this budget, I think.
EPCOT
Breakfast: Ham and cheese croissant @ Les Halles = $4.75
Snack: School bread @ Kringla = $2.99
Lunch: Frankfurter @ Sommerfest = $7.29
Dinner: Orange Chicken @ Lotus Blossom Cafe = $8.49
Total: $23.52
MAGIC KINGDOM
Breakfast: Cinnamon roll @ Gaston's Tavern = $4.19
Snack: Dole whip cup @ Aloha Isle = $3.99
Lunch: Sweet and spicy chicken waffle @ Sleepy Hollow = $7.49
Dinner: Pot roast mac and cheese @ Friar's Nook = $8.99
Total: $24.66
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Breakfast: Muffin @ Kusafiri = $2.99
Snack: Soft serve waffle bowl = $3.99
Lunch: Roasted vegetable couscous wrap @ Yak & Yeti = $8.99
Dinner: Chicken nuggets @ Restaurantasaurus = $8.99
Total: $24.96
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Breakfast: Bagel with cream cheese @ Starring Rolls = $2.99
Snack: Ice cream sundae @ Hollywood Scoops = $5.19
Lunch: Shrimp platter (or Asian salad) @ ABC Commissary = $7.69
Dinner: Mac and cheese hot dog @ Fairfax Fare = $8.99
Total: $24.86
I don't drink soda and usually drink water anyways, so water for all of these meals.
Also this doesn't take tax into account but whatever.
EPCOT
Breakfast: Ham and cheese croissant @ Les Halles = $4.75
Snack: School bread @ Kringla = $2.99
Lunch: Frankfurter @ Sommerfest = $7.29
Dinner: Orange Chicken @ Lotus Blossom Cafe = $8.49
Total: $23.52
MAGIC KINGDOM
Breakfast: Cinnamon roll @ Gaston's Tavern = $4.19
Snack: Dole whip cup @ Aloha Isle = $3.99
Lunch: Sweet and spicy chicken waffle @ Sleepy Hollow = $7.49
Dinner: Pot roast mac and cheese @ Friar's Nook = $8.99
Total: $24.66
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Breakfast: Muffin @ Kusafiri = $2.99
Snack: Soft serve waffle bowl = $3.99
Lunch: Roasted vegetable couscous wrap @ Yak & Yeti = $8.99
Dinner: Chicken nuggets @ Restaurantasaurus = $8.99
Total: $24.96
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Breakfast: Bagel with cream cheese @ Starring Rolls = $2.99
Snack: Ice cream sundae @ Hollywood Scoops = $5.19
Lunch: Shrimp platter (or Asian salad) @ ABC Commissary = $7.69
Dinner: Mac and cheese hot dog @ Fairfax Fare = $8.99
Total: $24.86
I don't drink soda and usually drink water anyways, so water for all of these meals.
Also this doesn't take tax into account but whatever.
grecorj
DisNerd
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2003
As some clever posters have pointed out it is definitely doable.
However, I find it much easier to "starve" myself at home and put that savings to our WDW food budget. If we skip take-out or skip eating out even once a week, we put that "savings" by eating at home to the WDW trip. I call those nights "Disney Dinners."
For a family of 4 (with 2 teens) this can add up quickly! I'd rather have a tuna fish sandwich for dinner every once in a while at home and then spend that saved $$ on a nice WDW meal. Much easier to have that discipline at home, at least for me.
However, I find it much easier to "starve" myself at home and put that savings to our WDW food budget. If we skip take-out or skip eating out even once a week, we put that "savings" by eating at home to the WDW trip. I call those nights "Disney Dinners."
For a family of 4 (with 2 teens) this can add up quickly! I'd rather have a tuna fish sandwich for dinner every once in a while at home and then spend that saved $$ on a nice WDW meal. Much easier to have that discipline at home, at least for me.
goofy4prez
A guy can love Disney and still keep his man card!
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2008
There is no way in the world would I attempt or even think of only spending $25 per day at WDW; I simply would just stay home or find another destination to vacation. I myself am not spending a week in Disney eating only soups, cold cut sandwiches, chicken nuggets, mystery meat hamburgers, pieces parts chicken nuggets, french fries, frozen pizza's and hot dogs. Sure there are some really good places like Flame Tree, Tangierine Cafe and Sunshine Seasons, but I'm just not a split an appetizer or two between two people for a meal or a fast food fan. Part of my Disney vacation is spending some down time in a nice sit down restaurant and enjoying a nice dinner and even a dessert here and there. Dining for me is just as much a part of my vacation as the attractions, shows, and the resort. This is not an attack on those who dine on this food or this budget, it's just not me.
Mrsktbrown
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2013
It's interesting to read all the ideas! I'm not sure it's possible for someone with a food allergy. I have celiac, and many of the meals are sandwiches or pastries, and those are obviously no-nos for me. I'm very impressed with all the creativity that many of you have!
agavegirl1
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2012
Just a quick note on the "granola bar and yogurt" in the room idea. I tried this on my last trip and DBF was starving in the morning. We lost a lot of touring time finding additional morning nutrition for our serious park agendas. See trip report link in my signature.
I do agree with splitting meals. Many of the portions sizes we found could easily feed two at the restaurants and even the food court at POP.
I do agree with splitting meals. Many of the portions sizes we found could easily feed two at the restaurants and even the food court at POP.
Yumi696
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2013
Errr I don't think a lot of people get this thread. It seems like just a fun "can you make it happen" thread and not "help I need to stay under budget what would you eat" thread... why is everyone going after the OP telling them to go somewhere else for vacation? 
srauseo
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2009
Exactly. I saw this as a fun challenge. I'm not saying I'd want to do it but it's definitely possible. Play the game or don't play the game.
BlovesC
home is where the Yeti is
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2008
I could definitely do it.
-Breakfast in room (yogurt, bananas, microwaveable bowls of oatmeal, etc)
-Share TS lunch
-Share TS dinner
-Only drink water (free cups of ice water available wherever fountain drinks are sold)
Disney portions are HUGE as it is, and many TS restaurants offer very shareable portions for low prices. Take Via Napoli, for example...$30 for a pizza seems expensive, but that pie can feed 4 adults...plus free bread and olive oil. That's $9 a person for an excellent dinner, WITH tip. Or The Plaza...their club sandwich easily feeds two, and it's only $12. Or the flatbreads at Mama Melrose....or the sampler at 50s...I could go on and on.
I don't think QS restaurants are a good way to save money. Most QS meals wind up $12 by the time you include a drink...poorer food, smaller portions, no service, no free refills, and no free bread service. TS restaurants offer much more value.
-Breakfast in room (yogurt, bananas, microwaveable bowls of oatmeal, etc)
-Share TS lunch
-Share TS dinner
-Only drink water (free cups of ice water available wherever fountain drinks are sold)
Disney portions are HUGE as it is, and many TS restaurants offer very shareable portions for low prices. Take Via Napoli, for example...$30 for a pizza seems expensive, but that pie can feed 4 adults...plus free bread and olive oil. That's $9 a person for an excellent dinner, WITH tip. Or The Plaza...their club sandwich easily feeds two, and it's only $12. Or the flatbreads at Mama Melrose....or the sampler at 50s...I could go on and on.
I don't think QS restaurants are a good way to save money. Most QS meals wind up $12 by the time you include a drink...poorer food, smaller portions, no service, no free refills, and no free bread service. TS restaurants offer much more value.
I believe the goal of $25-$30/day is possible.
Even a sitdown or two.
For under $10, Bounty Breakfasts can be found throughout Disney resorts. Split one of these with a muffin or bagel, and that is enough food for two people. Heck, even the $20 BoG breakfast can be shared and it comes with a bread & muffin plate that makes enough food for two people.
Lunch & Dinner requires a bit more creativity since too many of the Qwik Serve combo-meals are over $10. A few good choices (like savory waffles at Sleepy Hollow and BBQ Slaw Dog at Casey's) have been mentioned.
But a full meal at 50's Prime Time can be split - there is enough food to share on both the fried chicken & combo-platters. There are other places with large enough portions to making sharing easy. My wife & I have been known to share a pasta & salad at sitdowns....it's the appetizers, drinks, and desserts that add up to unnecessary calories and cost. In other words, you may be able to eat better and stay within budget by sharing at full-service instead of locating the least expensive choices at Qwik Service.
Of course, a $10/meal budget ($30/day) means no snacking and no additional beverages (since they are $3 or more).
Bring your own water and instant coffee/tea from outside the Parks.
You can often get a 'sandwich only', instead of the combo-meal that Disney posts. This lowers the cost by eliminating fries. But you have to ask (and sometimes remind Cast Members they can do this).
Avoid Disney burgers. They are horrible and priced more expensively than healthy choices.
Even a sitdown or two.
For under $10, Bounty Breakfasts can be found throughout Disney resorts. Split one of these with a muffin or bagel, and that is enough food for two people. Heck, even the $20 BoG breakfast can be shared and it comes with a bread & muffin plate that makes enough food for two people.
Lunch & Dinner requires a bit more creativity since too many of the Qwik Serve combo-meals are over $10. A few good choices (like savory waffles at Sleepy Hollow and BBQ Slaw Dog at Casey's) have been mentioned.
But a full meal at 50's Prime Time can be split - there is enough food to share on both the fried chicken & combo-platters. There are other places with large enough portions to making sharing easy. My wife & I have been known to share a pasta & salad at sitdowns....it's the appetizers, drinks, and desserts that add up to unnecessary calories and cost. In other words, you may be able to eat better and stay within budget by sharing at full-service instead of locating the least expensive choices at Qwik Service.
Of course, a $10/meal budget ($30/day) means no snacking and no additional beverages (since they are $3 or more).
Bring your own water and instant coffee/tea from outside the Parks.
You can often get a 'sandwich only', instead of the combo-meal that Disney posts. This lowers the cost by eliminating fries. But you have to ask (and sometimes remind Cast Members they can do this).
Avoid Disney burgers. They are horrible and priced more expensively than healthy choices.
AlohaAnnie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2006
We could not do it, my current budget is $57.14 per person per day. It would be impossible for us. That is just our total budget divided by each person and then by the number of days we are staying. It wouldn't work for us. But if I didn't have a choice, I would make it work.
Dis703
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2010
I don't see how it's possible either if eating park food. But then again half the fun of my trip is eating whatever I want when I want. I do eat breakfast in the room each day and we ordered a case of water this year, but during F&G I absolutely must eat my way around the worlds at the various booths. And I have my heart set on one of those amazing looking candy apples in MK that cost 9.95 alone.
I guess for purposes of "could you" I think bringing all your own and skipping alcohol yes you could. Maybe even bringing your own for 2 meals you may get away with one Counter service meal, but that depends on what you are eating. Cereal and milk or yogurt and fruit for breakfast could be under $2, and a PB&J for lunch, granola bar for snack, bring your own drinks, have a beer in your room and then one less expensive CS meal might do it. But the thought depresses me, lol.
Yumi696
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2013
Lol I can eat at WDW for $25 a day and be pretty full. I mean, I included all three meals and a snack on what I posted. There are plenty of meals that are $7-9 if you look, and I would want to eat my selections for my post.
Am I actually going to do that? No, my family and I are on the dining plan. But if we weren't, for sure we'd be sticking to a smaller budget like this. It's weird to see so many people saying it's not possible when.. it is?
Maybe it's my appetite? I don't know.
Am I actually going to do that? No, my family and I are on the dining plan. But if we weren't, for sure we'd be sticking to a smaller budget like this. It's weird to see so many people saying it's not possible when.. it is?
Maybe it's my appetite? I don't know.
SouthJersey
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2011
I would buy $25 worth of alcohol and forget the hunger.
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