It’s no secret that eating at Walt Disney World isn’t cheap, and the prices keep going up. At the same time, Disney continuously brings us new and innovative foods to try. So, what are a couple of girls on a tight budget to do?

I’ve compiled a list of the six things we do to save money while still enjoying the many tasty offerings. We averagely spend between $30-$50 for the two of us to eat at the parks for a day. That comes to about $15-$25 a person. Here’s our strategy: 

1. Sharing Is Caring

I usually don’t want to stuff myself to the point of lethargy when I’m at a theme park, but I still want to try a bunch of things.  Sharing is a great way to try a lot of new snacks while saving money.  There is no way that I could eat some of my favorite items on my own (Germany pretzel, I’m looking at you).  Many items at quick service and table service locations are easily shareable too.  The rice bowls at Pecos Bills can easily fill up two people, and table service restaurants don’t have a problem splitting an entree onto two plates if you ask.  

2. Meatless Monday

While everyday is “Meatless Monday” for us, it is still a good money saving strategy for non-vegetarians to opt for a meatless entree or two during their stay.  Even as a vegetarian, I get sticker shock when I look at the menu prices, but then I look at what meat eaters are paying and realize that it could be worse. The other benefit for going meatless for a few meals is that Disney does a really great job coming up with creative and tasty options for vegetarians and vegans. It’s a great opportunity to try some of Disney’s plant-based options. 

3. Happy Meals 

If I know that I will be having a larger meal at a table service location later in the day and I just need something to hold me over until then, I’ll often get a kids’ meal at a quick service location.  It’s usually nothing spectacular, but it’s cheap, fills me up and keeps the “hangry” monster at bay until I get to have the meal that I’m really looking forward to eating.  Disney has stepped up their kids’ meal options recently to include tofu selections and other healthy options. 

4. Skip the Bucks to Save a Few

I know that people love their Starbucks, but it’s definitely a huge money waster.  I, personally, don’t enjoy waiting in those crazy, chaotic long lines to spend $5 or more on my morning coffee. We will normally get our coffee and breakfast outside of the park.  If we’re staying on property then we keep our room stocked with our breakfast and caffeine needs, since the resorts also charge too much.  While everyone else is waiting for their morning coffee, we are already off to the attractions with some extra money for snacks later in the day. 

5. Variety Is the Spice of Life

Disney has some great table service options and it would be great to try them all, but the quick service locations can be pretty great options too.  I think the best strategy is to mix it up.  Pick a few table service locations that you MUST eat at and then sprinkle in some new counter service locations.  If there is a festival at EPCOT (which is pretty much all year long now) then maybe just try the foods at the booths for a day.  

6. H2O 

One of the easiest ways to save money is to skip the beverages and hydrate with water throughout the day.  Iced water is free and available at almost every food location (there have been locations that have stopped since the park reopened).  You don’t need to buy anything to get a cup of ice water.  Just ask.