How to save money on meals for solos?

[Simba's Mom]

You always hear that a great way to save money when dining out at WDW is to share a meal. Well, we solos can't do that. So what are some of the ways yu'd suggest for solos to save money when dining in the World?

 

[Shagley]

Drink water instead of soda. You can get a cup of ice water for free with your meal, and it will save you about $2.50 per meal.

Eat most meals at counter service restaurants so you don't have to budget extra for tipping.

Time your meals so you can get by with two meals a day, and a snack. Quick snack for breakfast, early lunch, and then dinner, or a large breakfast and then early dinner with a snack later in the evening, etc.

Order side dishes instead of entrees for your meal. For example at Yak & Yeti CS in Animal Kingdom you could get an order of Chicken Fried Rice and an Egg Roll for around $6.50, at Cosmic Ray's in Magic Kingdom you can get an order of chili cheese fries for less than $5.00 or at Boulangerie Patisserie in France at Epcot you can get a ham & cheese croissant, quiche, or sandwich for around $5.00.

Also, if you don't want a combo meal, order just the sandwich. It will be a bit cheaper (even if it isn't listed on the menu).

 

[Debbyt28]

Appetizer and dessert, table service lunch instead of dinner and DDP might do it. I have booked QSDP and am having a three or four OOP over the holiday

 

[psupple]

TiW - 20% off table service food and drinks.

 

[com_op_2000]

Stay in either a DVC resort or AoA resort, so that you can cook/eat meals in your room.

 

[sam_001]

i would stick to the counter services less money the table service is more expensive i would buy a water bottle at walmart that fits around your waist get a free cup of ice and you got ice water

 

[Paula08048]

These are all great ideas!! Thanks everyone!

 

[Karabee]

I've never been solo, but no matter who I'm with I couldn't share my meal That being said, I always get kids meals for breakfast and lunch. There is just enough food, and often the kids meals come with something healthy on the side like apples or carrots

 

[Debbyt28]

TiW - 20% off table service food and drinks.

How do you get a TIW card??

 

[nurse.darcy]

You can purchase a Tables in Wonderland card at either DTD Guest Relations or the Guest Relations at the parks, however, I believe you have to have an annual pass or be a DVC member.

As for saving money eating. . .here are some tips.

1. There is a Hess station across the street from DTD. You can stop in there for bread and sandwich fixings and even those individual breakfast cereals. Buy milk at the Quick Service at your hotel room in the morning and voila, breakfast on the cheap.

2. The counter service restaurants market their food as combos. You can order the items individually. Such as say a cheeseburger combo with fries and a drink, you can order just the cheeseburger. Get a free cup of ice water to go along with that and the meal is way cheaper.

3. Do your main meal at lunch if you want to do a sit down dinner, or visit some of the restaurants where meals are cheaper. You can get a great meal at House of Blues in DTD, or Big River Grille and Brewery on the Boardwalk. They can be significantly cheaper than the regular Disney restaurants.

4. A fave of mine is to go to the restaurants that have bars and order an appetizer and a cocktail. Its usually enough to fill me up and you can always chat with the bartender for comfort. My faves are Tune Inn Lounge (next to 50's Prime Time Cafe), The Wave at the Contemporary and California Grill at the Contemporary.

And, as someone else here suggested:

5. Get a dining plan if you are staying on site. Prepaying for meals up front and only having to worry about tipping helps make your meals more enjoyable as you are not cutting into your spending during your trip.

Have fun and enjoy your solo trip.