Great Disney Food…For Less!

Note: This post originally was published on Disney Guru, as part of their Money Saver Monday series. Many thanks to Kelly for sharing it with us today!

photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/bdesham/4625689878/

When visiting Walt Disney World many people can agree the food is considered an attraction on your trip. People spend hours planning where they want to eat, what time, what they should eat and many people even look up pictures to see what the food looks like. :0) While there are so many restaurants on Disney property it is impossible to visit all of them on one trip. I don’t know about you but I have my favorite food items at each restaurant from appetizers to desserts I can’t possibly fit it all in. In my recent research on popular food staples throughout Walt Disney World I came across some information that shows in some cases an expensive table service restaurant and a counter service restaurant can carry the same items for very different prices. The only difference is going to be presentation. You may be served your favorite dessert on a paper plate or minus the garnish. Enjoy!!

• Who loves the Tonga Toast at Kona Café? I do!!! When you visit Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and you order their staple food item Tonga Toast with a side of meat you can expect to pay about$10.99 plus tax and tip. Or you can go to The Polynesian’s counter service location called, Captain Cook’s and order the Tonga Toast for $5.19. Now if you are like me all you really want is the great taste of the Tonga Toast…not only is this a 50% savings but you don’t have to tip!!

• The Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, serves up some of the best Grapefruit Cake!!! Be ready to “fork” over $7 plus tip and tax for that luscious piece of cake. Or you can simply visit Starring Rolls Cafe and ask for a slice. No, it is not in their case but they will go and get it for you. I have to be honest I cannot find the price of it anywhere…if you know the price would you mind posting it in the comments and I will add it here? Thanks!

• There are many soups that I love at Walt Disney World but one favorite of mine is the New England Clam Chowder on the lunch menu at Liberty Tree Tavern. A cup of the tasty soup is going to cost you a whopping $6.99 plus tax and tip. Or you can jog on over to House and get a bowl of the exact same soup for a much reduced price of $4.49 and no tip!!

• Even if you have never dinned at Boma located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you certainly have heard of Zebra Domes. I can tell you that my non dessert eating husband even LOVES the Zebra Domes. In order to take advantage of this awesome sweet treat one may feel that they have to partake in the pricey Boma buffet, $39.50 per adult….yikes!!! Want to fill your Zebra Dome crave for much less? Visit the Mara food court located at Animal Kingdom Lodge, you will find that they carry Zebra Domes a la carte for $3.69.

With a bit of research and some thinking ahead you surely can enjoy some of your favorite Disney food staples and still stay true to your budget. I am sure that there are many more food staples that you can get at multiple locations…I would love to hear about any that you have found.

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Kelly, her husband, and three children live in the Chicagoland area. Kelly has been traveling to Walt Disney World since the age of two. She considers Walt Disney World to be her primary vacation destination. With 20 plus trips under her belt she still enjoys researching and learning new things about the most magical place on earth! Kelly began Disney Guru in August of 2010 with the vision of sharing fun vacation tips and magic with all fans of Disney World.