Dining at Walt Disney World: Food for Thought

This past week Disney made the big announcement all of our stomachs were growling over. Free dining with stay packages in September at Walt Disney World. While most of my articles have been about indulging in the finer culinary treats of the Disney universe, this site is not called www.thespendallyoursouvenirmoneyonfood.com. So I thought I would give you some tips and tricks I have found to make the food on your trip more affordable.

What is the one meal that you can live without eating in the parks? The answer is breakfast. Although I recommend having a mickey waffle once or twice. You can save a lot of money by eating in your room. Pack a small suitcase with some breakfast items like instant oatmeal, pop tarts, and individual cereal boxes. All of the resort rooms now come with small refrigerators, and you can buy gallons of milk in the resort stores. Also, you can get free hot water from the food court for the oatmeal. Just think about all the souvenirs you can pack to bring home in the empty suitcase.

One of the first stops Minnie and I make when we get to Walt Disney World is to Downtown Disney. We head straight for the Earl of Sandwich. The sandwiches are amazing, priced reasonably, and make great lunches back in the resort room. You must try the “Holiday Sandwich”. It is hot roasted turkey on a baguette with cranberry sauce, dressing, and gravy.

 One of the biggest pieces of advice I give people about their trips to Walt Disney World is to stay hydrated. You can get free small cups of water at any counter service restaurant in the parks,but who wants to wait in line for that. I pack a self filtering water bottle. I fill them up at the water fountains all around the parks and you always have filtered water to drink. You can also pack some powdered drink pouches with you to flavor the water. 

One of the most underrated dining options at the parks are the resort food courts. They can offer a wide variety of choices at good prices. The Landscape of Flavor at the Art of Animation resort offers healthy options as well. You don’t have to stay at the resort to utilize it’s food court. Just hop on Disney transportation from the parks or if you are staying at Pop Cenutry just cross the bridge. Some of the things that make this food court so unique are the Asian influences. Tandori options with nan bread for $8.49-$10.99. or Mongolian stir fry’s with many vegetable selections to choose from ($11.49). They even have a create your own smoothie if you wish to forgo the heavy breakfast before a day in the parks.

Eating your way through a Disney vacation doesn’t have to drain your wallet as it fills your stomach.

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Keith was born and raised in Northeast Ohio.He now lives with his wife a few miles from his childhood home. His first trip to the Magic Kingdom was at the age of two and while the only memories are in pictures, the magic laid dormant within him. Until he saw the animated movie Robin Hood, and his love began to grow. He has always had an interest in food and the togetherness it brings. He became a classically trained chef and all around foodie. His last trip to Disney World was in 2011 and he has been learning, researching, and keeping up on all things Disney since. He hopes to bring you all of the food news from the parks, tips on how to save money on food, and all the tastes and smells from the House of Mouse (especially when smell o vision is invented). You can follow Keith on Twitter @DarthChef79.

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