Disney World changes all the time, and even for people like us who are in the parks every single day, we still get confused sometimes about what the best way is to make sure your Disney World trip works for you.
One of our favorite ways to make Disney work for us is to save money anywhere we can. Something you’ll often find costs the most when you’re in Disney World that it sometimes feel you can’t really get around is dining. However, there IS a way to successfully bring down the cost of dining on your vacation, and it may not be in the way you expect.
We can’t tell you how many times we’ve ordered a signature drink, limited time beverage, or even a quick service entree with a completely jacked up price. And that price is jacked up JUST because it has a glow cube, it’s in a fun little cup, or it has a side item that we really weren’t that interested in eating anyway. While those extra $3-$4 don’t seem like a ton, when it happens more than once, or you’re ordering more than one of something with it, then it starts to get really pricey.
However, it’s important to know that in some cases, you may be able to ask for the beverage WITHOUT the additional glow cube, which will knock down the drink price! The same thing applies to those light-up sippers or asking for a Lapu Lapu from Tambu Lounge at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort MINUS the carved-out pineapple cup. As cool as it is, it really adds to that price tag, and sometimes it’s more important to save a few bucks (and saving those $5 could get you a whole other snack somewhere else on property)!
When it comes to paying less for an entree, try ordering it without the side. This might not be applicable for EVERY quick service entree, but oftentimes it CAN be done and will help you save a couple bucks on dining in the process. However, keep in mind that most of the time you CANNOT mobile order an entree and ask for it without the side. You’ll have to stand in line and ask a Cast Member in person whether this is something that can be done or not, which means you might be sacrificing spending more time in line for saving a few dollars.Â
We’ve tried each and every one of these ourselves and can confirm that while they won’t work every time, it’s certainly worth it to ask if you’re traveling on a budget. Now, it’s also important to be polite when you ask and respect if you’re told it won’t be possible — it’s never okay to be rude to Cast Members!Â
We’re always here to help you prepare for your upcoming trip, so stay tuned to DFB!
Simple Solutions to Common Disney World Problems
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How do you save money on your Disney World trips? Tell us in the comments!
Husband and I are in our mid 70’s so we eat 2 times a day, sometimes once. We share meals sometimes at counter order places and we splurge once or twice on a site down restaurant. Many times we eat only half our meal and fill up with dessert (the price is more expensive with dessert but we have the other half of the meal the next day at our resort room. We always bring peanut butter, jelly and bread for our room.
One way to save is to buy park tickets from Undercover Tourist. I have shopped around, and I think they have the cheapest park prices of anyone else. And even less expensive than Counter Service are the food kiosks at the various festivals – they are now around almost all year with the 3 major festivals (the Arts, Flower & Garden, and Food & Wine) so if you time your trip to coincide with one of these, you can buy meals from the kiosks – the portions are smaller but decent – and less money. And you get to try more varities of food and beverages!
Thank you, DFB for all your tips and tricks. You are all AWESOME SAUCE!!!!
When I order without a side it’s not just about saving a couple of dollars. It’s also about reducing food waste. Most QS restaurants give a massive amount of fries. We order one item with fries and one without because they’re easily shareable.
Such a clever trick to cut food costs at Disney! It’s always great to learn insider tips that make the experience more affordable.