Is it very expensive for food & drinks within the Theme Parks in the Florida Disney World?

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godsgirl2travel

Since we live in the Disney area, we have tried to find ways to spend less in the parks. We have tried going to one of the area restaurants for the all you can eat breakfast in the morning to fill up. Nothing seems to work. No matter how much I tell myself that we are not going to spend money on food in the park, we always do. The walking and standing in the lines will always lead you to the drinks or fresh fruit stand. And a trip to Disney is never complete unless I have the one of the smoked turkey legs. The prices of the food at the stands are really expensive but the Disney way of making everything look so pleasant makes you feel like it is "ok".A friend of mine told me that Disney pumps out odors of freshly cooked items as a sub lingual message for you to buy food. I do not know how much of this is true but sooner or later you will break down and buy something to eat. You can find some really good deals in the area cafeterias so save your appetite to a certain time of day and then take a break and go into one of the cafeterias to sit down and eat

soccer mom

It can be expensive, but when you think of where you are at, it kinda makes sense. But if you invest in one of the dining plans, I think you will find it a little more affordable.

The last time I was there, we had brought some snacks with us...granola bars, apples, etc, so that did save us money. But then we also didn't get up real early, so we could combine out breakfast and lunch and then hit the parks when they weren't as busy as they are in the morning.

A few years ago, we shipped a box down early that had food in it too. Chips, jerky, water, bread and jelly, etc to help with the costs as well.

Enjoy!

tweetymay

Yes, it can be expensive. But some of the counter service places offer some decent sized meals for the price. We often get a "big" meal, such as a footlong hotdog, or giant size burger, and then share it. It ends up cheaper than buying 2 of the cheapest meals, and 2 of us can fill up easily. You can ask for an extra cup to split the soda, or keep one from a different meal with you.

My son and I started doing this in 2004. We were there for 10 days and were starting to run out of cash. It has worked out so well, that we continue to do it every trip! (By the way, my son is 25 & I am 44, so it isn't like he is a little kid)

Beach Gal

Disney has wonderful dining, but yes, most of it is very expensive. All of Disney's buffets can run anywhere from $20-$35 per person and up if you order specialty drinks or alcohol. I recommend dining at at least one of these buffets during your trip. I recommend Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Ohana's at the Polynesian Resort. If you are staying in a hotel with a kitchenette, you can make some of your meals and save some money that way. Quick service locations inside every Disney park are less expensive.
If you would like help planning your trip or would like to read up on some fun tips and ideas that are updated monthly, visit my Disney Vacation Services Website, I'm All Ears at:

http://im-all-ears-disney-vacation-services.blogspot.com/

Have a great time!

Dawn

It is very expensive. When we went, 6 years ago, our girls were 10 and 8. We didn't go to any of the restaurants that were really expensive. After we figured out just how expensive it was, we decided to eat before, and take along snacks, and water bottles. You go through a lot of money just for drinks @ $3 each. We refilled our water bottles at the water fountains, when we found them. They don't have very many, because they want you to spend your money on their drinks. It averaged out for lunch and dinner for the four of us, $125 daily, and that was for burgers, hot dogs, fries and our drinks. I have friends that took peanut butter sandwiches and juice for their small children, just so they would not have to pay the steep prices. Also, kinda watch the prices of the eating places, most are in the same price range, but some are really expensive. Have fun! If you have any questions about taking water bottles or snacks into the park, just give Disney a call. We never had a problem taking any of it in, even though they do a bag search at the gate.

Shanan D

It can be. But with some places, if you look at the amount of food given, it basically evens out. Alcoholic drinks will set you back plenty.

Timmy

Most places are rather expensive. I'm not saying its horrible but you have to watch your spending.

prettypinklinds

It can be expensive. But you are allowed to bring food to the park. I worked there one summer and I specifically remember it being stated you are allowed to bring food just not alcoholic beverages. If you want to pack a bag lunch with you no one is going to take it away.

We always bring snacks with us to the parks. Rice Crispy treats, fruit roll ups, trail mix things like that.

Another way to save is to bring water bottles or some kind of bottle to fill up at water fountains throughout the day.

Also Id look into package deals where meals are included with your ticket or hotel. Sometimes they are offered and they can really save a lot of money. Its a really good deal considering it allows you to eat at most the nice restraunts.

DME B

Oh yeah, we spend about 150.00 per day (no souveniers) just for food and beverages.

We are 2 adults, 1 child.

Joyce T

Not as expensive as Six Flags, but still... Menus with prices are at www.allearsnet.com. Go and see for yourself so you can plan.

L J

You can't bring food into the park, but you can bring it to your rooms. If you stay inside the park at one of the resorts you can just leave, go back to your room, eat, and head back to the parks.

Rafael C

Compared to other places it can be pretty steep. But it also depends if you go for the stands vs the sitdown dining places.

But considering they have a monopoly on food (You're not allowed to bring in food from the outside), you can't do much but head for the ATMs.

Disney Fan

Yes, it is because they have a captive audience. A 16 oz. bottle of Coke is $2.00. The "Mickey" ice cream bars are $2.50 or 3.00. A burger and fries costs about $6.00 at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe- a fast food type restaurant.

If you decide to eat one big meal at the parks then make it lunch- the cost is $4 or $8 cheaper than dinner. We usually eat a light breakfast, have some snacks around 10, then eat a big lunch around 1:00, and grab burgers/hot dogs/chicken fingers for dinner.

northmiamibeach1975

I don't know if you can bring your own food.
Both the tickets and the food are overpriced.

CbopXB

Yes, it is expensive. You could just bring a cooler with food and leave it in the car. When you are ready to eat, have a picnic outside the park. They will stamp your hand when you leave so that you can come back in.

Holla

It is expensive and it can get pretty pricy with a family. But what can you do, your on vacation so just go all out and eat in the park. Otherwise you will somehow have to leave or pack food beforehand getting into the park which can be abit of a inconvenience.

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