Meals on a budget? Help!

[bubbie11]

I hope I am posting in the right spot. We leave tonight for Saturday arrival and on Monday we were slammed with an unexpected expense that took from our spending money. We are staying off property and do not have the dining plan and can't down grade resorts so I need some great info on ways to save and places that are not so expensive to eat while down in Disney! Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Oh and there are 6 of us. Thanks!!

 

[Marionnette]

I hope I am posting in the right spot. We leave tonight for Saturday arrival and on Monday we were slammed with an unexpected expense that took from our spending money. We are staying off property and do not have the dining plan and can't down grade resorts so I need some great info on ways to save and places that are not so expensive to eat while down in Disney! Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Oh and there are 6 of us. Thanks!!

Need more info.

Will you have a kitchen?

Will you have a car?

How many of those 6 people are children? Any of them under the age of 3?

Are you big eaters? Snackers?

Are you willing to share meals?

There are a lot of ways to save but they will really depend on the resources available to you and your ability/willingness to cut back.

 

[Maggie Lizer]

What is your current budget for food and does your offsite place have a kitchenette in which you can cook?

 

[cel_disney]

If your place doesn't have a kitchenette do they have a fridge to store some cold cuts or fruit/yogurt for breakfast?

 

[LovesTimone]

With-out knowing where your staying it's harder to give pin pointed info., but I can offer a bit of help.

I am assuming you have a car. You can check out - I think it's called cheap eats Orlando or something like that, most of the places are mom and pop diner style, and give a lot of food for little money.

Golden Corral - it is buffet restaurant, while not fancy it's fairly cheap, I would suggest breakfast here on the way to the park.

There are also Chinese buffets to consider. Some times they might have a coupon for 2 for 1.

Publix, has a great sub counter and they are super delicious, you could split them, and they will make each half the way you want it.

Of course there is all the fast food you could ever want to and from the park.

Look for pizza coupons for a deal on line. (check the Delivery fee)you might want to pickup on the way back to the resort.

Bring snacks and bottled water into the parks with you. This is always big expense. You can bring in packet's of flavoring so its just not water. We like the Gatorade one's, it taste good and helps with rehydration.

In the Parks:

I suggest sharing meals, there are lots of good options for this. Head over to allears.net they have the most up to date menu and prices available. When our DD's were little instead of getting 2 kids meals, we would just get 1 adult meal and let them share, it was more food than the 2 kids meals and less cost wise.

For the Resort:

Snacks and Drinks
Breakfast or cereal bars, pop tarts, chips, cookies. A bag of apples or banana's

 

[crisi]

And flying or driving.

The hands down cheapest way to eat at Disney is to eat like you eat at home. Have breakfast in the room (pop tarts and cereal bars if you don't have any sort of kitchen, instant oatmeal using the water from the coffee maker in your room - if you have a kitchen your options open up). Pack in sandwiches and energy bars for lunch and maybe dinner. If you want a dinner out, offsite is usually cheaper (and often better) and there are lots of inexpensive options - offsite gets competitive for dining. If you are driving and have some sort of kitchen facilities, you can crockpot meals for dinner - its hard to bring a crockpot if you are flying. If you have a kitchen - two light lunches and something back in the room for dinner.

Without a car, there are grocery delivery services, without a fridge, a cooler will work fine if you keep ice in it.

 

[pocomom]

I agree more details would help but some ideas:
for eating out :
1.check out restaurant.com for restaurant certificates in the area
2.water for drinks at the table, no appetizers, split entrees when possible.
3.Think of cheaper options like deli's, pizza, Chinese, breakfast for dinner.
4.buy prepared foods at the grocery store to eat back in your room.
6. look for coupons when you get there and online.

for at the park:
1. Bring reusable water bottles for everyone
2. Pack in portable and healthier choices when possible bananas, grapes, nuts, granola bars, along with a few treats to help offset everyone wanting mickey bars etc. (a small tube of M&M's has literally saved the day when my kids were melting down in line)
3. If you are going to splurge on treats in the park, budget it out, be smart and pick things that you can't bring with you.
4. consider things like buying a sandwich , but bringing in your own sides etc.
5. Make sure everyone understands the budget!

for dining in room:
1.It is still your vacation so keep it simple when possible. Grab some paper plates so you aren't doing too many dishes, etc.
2. I love a whole grain bagel with peanut butter, fruit and water for breakfast.
3.If you have a fridge and stove, make some breakfast burritos, or breakfast sandwiches the first night for grab and go breakfast.
4. Think of your simplest meals that your family loves. My family loves toasty cheese sandwiches and canned soup. So easy, quick and perfect for late night back at the room.
5.Co-ordinate ingredients to reduce waste of both the item and your time. The first night wash chop and organize your ingredients so you can just throw them in the pan...
6. Think outside the box, sandwiches, breakfast for dinner etc.
7.Try to think of one or two REALLY cheap meals your family likes to add a little more wiggle room to the budget- for us those would be rice and beans, pasta night .
8. Bring spices, salt, sugar, tea bags etc from home. Put them all in labeled ziplock baggies and then in a larger bag- will save you a ton of $ for a small amount of luggage space. If you are driving and have room, raid your home pantry first.

 

[bubbie11]

Need more info.

Will you have a kitchen?

Will you have a car?

How many of those 6 people are children? Any of them under the age of 3?

Are you big eaters? Snackers?

Are you willing to share meals?

There are a lot of ways to save but they will really depend on the resources available to you and your ability/willingness to cut back.

We do have a kitchen, thankfully so we will be eating breakfast in the room every day for sure! I will have 4 children with me ages 9,11,6 and 5. My boys are big eaters (husband included) but my daughter and I are more of snackers. Sharing meals is not a problem! We are absolutely willing to do that Oh and yes we are driving down so will have a car.

What is your current budget for food and does your offsite place have a kitchenette in which you can cook?

Honestly we didn't have a budget we just had a set amount of money to bring down which was cut in half We do have a kitchen!

If your place doesn't have a kitchenette do they have a fridge to store some cold cuts or fruit/yogurt for breakfast?

We have a fridge so definitely bringing cold cuts, thanks!

With-out knowing where your staying it's harder to give pin pointed info., but I can offer a bit of help.

I am assuming you have a car. You can check out - I think it's called cheap eats Orlando or something like that, most of the places are mom and pop diner style, and give a lot of food for little money.

Golden Corral - it is buffet restaurant, while not fancy it's fairly cheap, I would suggest breakfast here on the way to the park.

There are also Chinese buffets to consider. Some times they might have a coupon for 2 for 1.

Publix, has a great sub counter and they are super delicious, you could split them, and they will make each half the way you want it.

Of course there is all the fast food you could ever want to and from the park.

Look for pizza coupons for a deal on line. (check the Delivery fee)you might want to pickup on the way back to the resort.

Bring snacks and bottled water into the parks with you. This is always big expense. You can bring in packet's of flavoring so its just not water. We like the Gatorade one's, it taste good and helps with rehydration.

In the Parks:

I suggest sharing meals, there are lots of good options for this. Head over to allears.net they have the most up to date menu and prices available. When our DD's were little instead of getting 2 kids meals, we would just get 1 adult meal and let them share, it was more food than the 2 kids meals and less cost wise.

For the Resort:

Snacks and Drinks
Breakfast or cereal bars, pop tarts, chips, cookies. A bag of apples or banana's

Thank you! I will look for coupons. We are staying at Bonnet Creek. Are we allowed to bring any type of drink in the park or just water?

And flying or driving.

The hands down cheapest way to eat at Disney is to eat like you eat at home. Have breakfast in the room (pop tarts and cereal bars if you don't have any sort of kitchen, instant oatmeal using the water from the coffee maker in your room - if you have a kitchen your options open up). Pack in sandwiches and energy bars for lunch and maybe dinner. If you want a dinner out, offsite is usually cheaper (and often better) and there are lots of inexpensive options - offsite gets competitive for dining. If you are driving and have some sort of kitchen facilities, you can crockpot meals for dinner - its hard to bring a crockpot if you are flying. If you have a kitchen - two light lunches and something back in the room for dinner.

Without a car, there are grocery delivery services, without a fridge, a cooler will work fine if you keep ice in it.

Great idea! Will pack the crockpot!

I agree more details would help but some ideas:
for eating out :
1.check out restaurant.com for restaurant certificates in the area
2.water for drinks at the table, no appetizers, split entrees when possible.
3.Think of cheaper options like deli's, pizza, Chinese, breakfast for dinner.
4.buy prepared foods at the grocery store to eat back in your room.
6. look for coupons when you get there and online.

for at the park:
1. Bring reusable water bottles for everyone
2. Pack in portable and healthier choices when possible bananas, grapes, nuts, granola bars, along with a few treats to help offset everyone wanting mickey bars etc. (a small tube of M&M's has literally saved the day when my kids were melting down in line)
3. If you are going to splurge on treats in the park, budget it out, be smart and pick things that you can't bring with you.
4. consider things like buying a sandwich , but bringing in your own sides etc.
5. Make sure everyone understands the budget!

for dining in room:
1.It is still your vacation so keep it simple when possible. Grab some paper plates so you aren't doing too many dishes, etc.
2. I love a whole grain bagel with peanut butter, fruit and water for breakfast.
3.If you have a fridge and stove, make some breakfast burritos, or breakfast sandwiches the first night for grab and go breakfast.
4. Think of your simplest meals that your family loves. My family loves toasty cheese sandwiches and canned soup. So easy, quick and perfect for late night back at the room.
5.Co-ordinate ingredients to reduce waste of both the item and your time. The first night wash chop and organize your ingredients so you can just throw them in the pan...
6. Think outside the box, sandwiches, breakfast for dinner etc.
7.Try to think of one or two REALLY cheap meals your family likes to add a little more wiggle room to the budget- for us those would be rice and beans, pasta night .
8. Bring spices, salt, sugar, tea bags etc from home. Put them all in labeled ziplock baggies and then in a larger bag- will save you a ton of $ for a small amount of luggage space. If you are driving and have room, raid your home pantry first.

Fabulous ideas, thank you so much! I would have never thought to bring the spices I need!

Are we allowed to bring food in the parks? I know a few of you suggested it but I have never done it and don't want to bust out a sandwich and get yelled at lol! Thanks so much for the tips!

 

[kymom99]

There are very few restrictions as to what you can bring into the parks as far as food is concerned. Just don't try to bring alchohol or anything in glass containers.

I always loved that I could be drinking a 20 oz bottle of diet coke and not have to worry about chugging it or pouring it out at Disney. I always felt that it made it a classier place than your average theme park.

The others have made great suggestions. On our last vacation to the beach, I went to Publix and bought fried chicken, etc. for dinner. We kept deli meats and bread in the fridge for sandwiches. I also bought eggs because they can be used for so many things. We saved a lot by making a grocery run.

 

[mrsklamc]

There is also a limit to the size of cooler you can bring in.

We like to get giordano's, if you like cheese.

 

[brymolmom]

Best idea is to bring food into the park. HUGE money saver. Bring drinks, water bottles (frozen to keep the rest cold), sandwiches, a bag of chips, fruit and I also bring some 'sweets' like cookies or small packets of M&M's...I always buy a mickey ice cream bar or two on the trip for the kids but having sweets on hand to pull out while waiting in line usually keeps those cravings to a minimum.

I would look at your budget for food...Figure out about how many counter service meals you can afford (if you buy 6 meals - maybe 2 of them kids meals - you'lre looking at approx $50 per CS meal). And then for all the other meals - just bring in your food. You can even make it more 'fun' and less boring than sandwiches by buying a bucket of KFC the night before for $15 and bring that instead of the sandwiches.

Get the phone numbers for 1 - 2 'to go' places between WDW and your offsite place. When you are on your way to the parking lot - call and place your order. Stop and pickup the pizza, chinese, etc on your way back to your room and that's dinner for $30 or so a couple of nights. Just use drinks and sides from your frig in your room.

 

[crisi]

Even on a non-budget trip when we have the kids with us we are packing snacks. Get in a line and its either "I have to go to the bathroom" or "I'm hungry." Haven't figured out the first one (and they've outgrown it) but the second is solved by snacks in a backpack. Maybe its a little "commando" of me, but I have better things to do at Disney than wait in line to get a snack.

When its my husband and I there are still a few granola bars stashed - low blood sugar makes me an UNPLEASANT person.

 

[worm761]

I really really want to go to Disney next year. BUT it is going to be a rather budget trip for us. I am planning on taking in lunches most but not all days. I have been working on a list for Bento boxes though I have no intentions of doing Bento boxes. I am just stealing the idea. I am going to pack a take along container with cupcake liners filled with foods we like. Dips and sauces will be in their own sealable containers.

Here is my list for us:
crackers, cheese, pepperoni/lunch meat, fruit (grapes, berries, banana, pineapple, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges,), apple sauce, yogurt, veggie wraps, veggies and dip (ranch, caesar, hummus), grape tomatoes, cucumber, baby carrots, celery, broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas,
pizza wrap: cheese, pepperoni w/ sauce to dip, pasta salad, egg salad, tuna salad, mini subs, chicken salad, macaroni salad (ranch and bacon!), broccoli salad, apples and peanut butter, olives, cheese, nuts (almonds, peanuts), cheesesticks, frozen juice boxes/bags (to act as ice), raisins and craisins, mini bagels, chips, pretzels, salsa and Scoops, goldfish fishy crackers, grilled chicken and sauce, couscous salad, animal cookies, graham crackers, cottage cheese, Silver dollar pancakes (or use Mickey cutter to make Mickey ones!), homemade gummy bears/ fruit roll ups, roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, jello/pudding, Pepperoni lunchable w/ sandwich round, pepperoni, cheese, sauce, marinated mushrooms, hard boiled eggs

This is a running list that I keep of things that work for us. We take stuff like this to the park, zoo, or hiking all the time. It is healthier and saves money.

 

[kymom99]

Will this be your first trip? I ask because I want to make sure you know that it takes a LOT of time to leave the parks and come back. If you are going to go back to your room for a break, that is a great idea, but I wouldn't plan to leave just to eat. So I would plan to eat one meal in the parks each day. For example, you could eat a light breakfast early in the morning at your resort and have lunch in the parks, then head back in the late afternoon for a pool break and dinner. You can then return to the parks refreshed and happy. Or you can eat breakfast in the room and return for a later lunch and eat dinner in the parks or even on your way back to the parks somewhere off property.

I sorta like the challenge of finding ways to save money on vacations, but my husband is the polar opposite. When he is on vacation, he doesn't want to think about money at all and wants to eat whatever he wants whenever he wants. I have to try to keep a handle on what is spent.

 

[bubbie11]

There are very few restrictions as to what you can bring into the parks as far as food is concerned. Just don't try to bring alchohol or anything in glass containers.

I always loved that I could be drinking a 20 oz bottle of diet coke and not have to worry about chugging it or pouring it out at Disney. I always felt that it made it a classier place than your average theme park.

The others have made great suggestions. On our last vacation to the beach, I went to Publix and bought fried chicken, etc. for dinner. We kept deli meats and bread in the fridge for sandwiches. I also bought eggs because they can be used for so many things. We saved a lot by making a grocery run.

I'm so glad to know this. It will save a ton! My kids are snackers and are always asking for a drink so knowing I don't have to buy in the park all of the time is a big relief Thank you!

There is also a limit to the size of cooler you can bring in.

We like to get giordano's, if you like cheese.

I didn't know this! Do you happen to know how big? I think I have heard no rolling coolers, correct?

Best idea is to bring food into the park. HUGE money saver. Bring drinks, water bottles (frozen to keep the rest cold), sandwiches, a bag of chips, fruit and I also bring some 'sweets' like cookies or small packets of M&M's...I always buy a mickey ice cream bar or two on the trip for the kids but having sweets on hand to pull out while waiting in line usually keeps those cravings to a minimum.

I would look at your budget for food...Figure out about how many counter service meals you can afford (if you buy 6 meals - maybe 2 of them kids meals - you'lre looking at approx $50 per CS meal). And then for all the other meals - just bring in your food. You can even make it more 'fun' and less boring than sandwiches by buying a bucket of KFC the night before for $15 and bring that instead of the sandwiches.

Get the phone numbers for 1 - 2 'to go' places between WDW and your offsite place. When you are on your way to the parking lot - call and place your order. Stop and pickup the pizza, chinese, etc on your way back to your room and that's dinner for $30 or so a couple of nights. Just use drinks and sides from your frig in your room.

Thank you!

Even on a non-budget trip when we have the kids with us we are packing snacks. Get in a line and its either "I have to go to the bathroom" or "I'm hungry." Haven't figured out the first one (and they've outgrown it) but the second is solved by snacks in a backpack. Maybe its a little "commando" of me, but I have better things to do at Disney than wait in line to get a snack.

When its my husband and I there are still a few granola bars stashed - low blood sugar makes me an UNPLEASANT person.

Haha yes there is always a bathroom break needed at the most inopportune times!

I really really want to go to Disney next year. BUT it is going to be a rather budget trip for us. I am planning on taking in lunches most but not all days. I have been working on a list for Bento boxes though I have no intentions of doing Bento boxes. I am just stealing the idea. I am going to pack a take along container with cupcake liners filled with foods we like. Dips and sauces will be in their own sealable containers.

Here is my list for us:
crackers, cheese, pepperoni/lunch meat, fruit (grapes, berries, banana, pineapple, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges,), apple sauce, yogurt, veggie wraps, veggies and dip (ranch, caesar, hummus), grape tomatoes, cucumber, baby carrots, celery, broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas,
pizza wrap: cheese, pepperoni w/ sauce to dip, pasta salad, egg salad, tuna salad, mini subs, chicken salad, macaroni salad (ranch and bacon!), broccoli salad, apples and peanut butter, olives, cheese, nuts (almonds, peanuts), cheesesticks, frozen juice boxes/bags (to act as ice), raisins and craisins, mini bagels, chips, pretzels, salsa and Scoops, goldfish fishy crackers, grilled chicken and sauce, couscous salad, animal cookies, graham crackers, cottage cheese, Silver dollar pancakes (or use Mickey cutter to make Mickey ones!), homemade gummy bears/ fruit roll ups, roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, jello/pudding, Pepperoni lunchable w/ sandwich round, pepperoni, cheese, sauce, marinated mushrooms, hard boiled eggs

This is a running list that I keep of things that work for us. We take stuff like this to the park, zoo, or hiking all the time. It is healthier and saves money.

Thanks so much for this!

Will this be your first trip? I ask because I want to make sure you know that it takes a LOT of time to leave the parks and come back. If you are going to go back to your room for a break, that is a great idea, but I wouldn't plan to leave just to eat. So I would plan to eat one meal in the parks each day. For example, you could eat a light breakfast early in the morning at your resort and have lunch in the parks, then head back in the late afternoon for a pool break and dinner. You can then return to the parks refreshed and happy. Or you can eat breakfast in the room and return for a later lunch and eat dinner in the parks or even on your way back to the parks somewhere off property.

I sorta like the challenge of finding ways to save money on vacations, but my husband is the polar opposite. When he is on vacation, he doesn't want to think about money at all and wants to eat whatever he wants whenever he wants. I have to try to keep a handle on what is spent.

Believe it or not its our third but it's our first time staying off site. We have always just eaten whatever we want in the parks and never brought anything in from outside so this is a whole new ballgame for us and I feel like a Disney Virgin in this aspect lol!

 

[Nennie]

Not sure if it's been mentioned yet, but Sweet Tomatoes is a delicious buffet (mostly a salad bar, but soup/flatbreads too), and it is sooo cheap!

Sign up for their club veg, and they will send you BOGO coupons. We can feed a family of 4 for less than 20 bucks!!! We usually eat there twice during vacations.

Other cheap options are:

Cici's (buffet)
Pizza Hut (buffet)
IHOP
Cracker Barrel

Last trip my goal was $30/day for food for all 4 of us, and I came in way under budget!!! It can be done!!!

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Thanks for some of these suggestions! We are bringing dear relations to WDW at Mardi Gras and while DH and I are adventurous eaters, one DR is quite a picky eater and we are on a food budget. (Their dad is sending money for their food so I want to be a good steward.) I suddenly realized at Thanksgiving that I need to completely toss out my list of places to eat. Y'alls suggestions here are going to help me no end!

 

[bubbie11]

Not sure if it's been mentioned yet, but Sweet Tomatoes is a delicious buffet (mostly a salad bar, but soup/flatbreads too), and it is sooo cheap!

Sign up for their club veg, and they will send you BOGO coupons. We can feed a family of 4 for less than 20 bucks!!! We usually eat there twice during vacations.

Other cheap options are:

Cici's (buffet)
Pizza Hut (buffet)
IHOP
Cracker Barrel

Last trip my goal was $30/day for food for all 4 of us, and I came in way under budget!!! It can be done!!!

Thank you! I'll be sure to do this

 

[mrsklamc]

Thanks for some of these suggestions! We are bringing dear relations to WDW at Mardi Gras and while DH and I are adventurous eaters, one DR is quite a picky eater and we are on a food budget. (Their dad is sending money for their food so I want to be a good steward.) I suddenly realized at Thanksgiving that I need to completely toss out my list of places to eat. Y'alls suggestions here are going to help me no end!

Cooler can be 24" X 15" X 18"

 

[HeatherC]

Kids will probably like Steak and Shake too. Burgers, fries, shakes, etc. Very cheap too.

We always stay at Bonnet Creek. I do a Walmart run when we get there and pick up...

Rotisserie Chicken and Fried Chicken
Bagged salad
Frozen pizzas
Breakfast and snack stuff.

Hot dogs and burgers....can grill at BC while hanging out at the lazy river.
Microwave popcorn...kids like this at night when they crash and veg in front of the tv.

By the end of a touring day, my kids would rather go back to hang out at the pool instead of sitting in a restaurant anyway.

Have an awesome time!!!