A Walt Disney World vacation isn’t complete without eating.
How much is food at Disney World? – The specific prices for food at Disney World vary based on the type of dining (quick service, table service, character dining, etc.). Generally, quick service meals can range from $10-$20, while table service meals can range from $15-$60 or more.
(The Ultimate Guide to Disney World)
What are the Disney World food prices?
Eating significantly enhances a Disney World vacation. For a family of four, daily food expenses range between $200 and $300. This estimate fluctuates based on consumption levels, choices of food and beverage, and dining venues.
Disney World offers a plethora of Quick Service and Table Service dining experiences, along with various other options at parks and resorts. The extensive range in pricing allows for spending below or well above the $200 to $300 daily estimate.
It’s essential to distinguish between Quick Service and Table Service restaurants to better manage your budget. We’ll cover the expected costs for meals, drinks, and snacks, giving you a comprehensive view of what to anticipate financially during your visit.
Disney World Dining: Quick Service vs. Table Service
Types of Restaurants
- Quick Service Restaurants: Casual, self-serve places where you order at a counter. No reservations needed and they’re cheaper than Table Service restaurants.
- Table Service Restaurants: These offer a sit-down meal experience, usually more expensive, and often require reservations.
Quick Service Restaurants Explained
- Atmosphere: Casual and self-serve.
- Cost: Less expensive than Table Service.
- Reservations: Not required.
Average Costs at Quick Service
- Locations: Over 100 across Disney World, including Disney Springs, resorts, water parks, and theme parks.
- Menu: Focuses on American classics and international dishes. Options include hamburgers, pizza, salads, and vegan choices.
- Prices:
- Burgers and fries: $11 – $13
- Individual pizzas: $10 – $11
- Specialty dishes like Pork Carnitas Rice Bowl: Around $12
- Adult entrée: About $12
- Kids’ meal: Around $7
- Drinks (not included with main dish): $3 – $4
- Side dish: $4 – $5
- Desserts: $4 – $6
Total Cost for a Family of Four
- Basic Meal (2 adult entrées, 2 kids’ meals, 4 drinks): $50 – $60
- With Desserts for Two: Around $60
Quick Service restaurants are a budget-friendly option, ideal for families looking to enjoy a meal without a significant wait or expense. For those desiring sit-down meals or special dining experiences, Table Service restaurants are recommended, albeit at a higher cost.
(16 Amazing Quick Service Restaurants in Disney World)
Disney World Dining: Exploring Table Service Restaurants
What are Table Service Restaurants?
- Atmosphere: Ranges from casual to upscale, varying by restaurant.
- Service: Full service with a host/hostess to seat you, servers to take orders and serve food, and gratuity expected.
- Cost: Higher than Quick Service restaurants.
- Reservations: Often required, with the option to have The Vacationeer book for you, avoiding the wait on hold.
Average Costs at Table Service Restaurants
Disney’s Table Service restaurants offer themed dining experiences from family-friendly to elegant. Expect excellent customer service, themed settings, and a wide price range, though always more expensive than Quick Service.
Regular Table Service Costs
- Example: 50’s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Menu: American classics like fried chicken, pot roast, and salmon.
- Prices: Entrées $15 – $30, Kids’ menu $10 – $15.
Family Style Table Service Costs
- Example: Liberty Tree Tavern at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
- Pricing: Adults $39, Kids (ages 3-9) $21.
- Offering: Three-course meals, including a platter with turkey, pot roast, and sides, ending with dessert.
Disney Character Dining Costs
- Service: Family-style meals for a flat fee.
- Prices: Adults $50 – $65, Kids (ages 3-9) $30 – $40, with premium locations costing more.
Signature Dining Costs
- Highlights: Premier dining experiences at Disney’s top locations.
- Locations: Deluxe Resorts and theme parks, including Victoria & Albert’s and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
- Prices: Entrées $30 – $60, Appetizers $11 – $15, Desserts $10 – $16, Beer ~$8, Wine/Cocktail ~$18.
Total Cost for a Family of Four
- Range: $75 to $200, depending on dining choices and orders.
Table Service dining at Disney World offers a spectrum from casual to luxury experiences, fitting various budgets and preferences, with reservations highly recommended for a smoother experience.
Simplifying Disney Dining Plans
Overview of Disney Dining Plans
Disney Dining Plans offer a convenient way to manage and budget your food expenses at Disney World. Suspended during the pandemic, these plans are making a comeback in 2024.
2024 Dining Plan Options
- Disney Quick Service Dining Plan
- Includes: Two quick service meals per day.
- Cost: Adults (ages 10+) $57.01/night, Kids (ages 3-9) $23.83/night.
- Standard Disney Dining Plan
- Includes: One table service meal (with dessert) and one quick service meal per day.
- Cost: Adults (ages 10+) $94.28/night, Kids (ages 3-9) $29.69/night.
Additional Benefits for Both Plans
- One snack or non-alcoholic beverage per day.
- A refillable beverage mug for unlimited refills at your hotel’s food court.
Evaluating Savings
Whether the Dining Plan saves money depends on your dining habits. Consider factors like dessert preferences, appetizer orders, dining venue choices, and menu selections. Disney suggests up to a 20% savings for children on the plan. The actual value varies based on individual circumstances and during promotions like Free Dining Plan offers with vacation packages.
Budgeting and Convenience
While savings may vary, Dining Plans allow for pre-paying meals, helping with budgeting and reducing stress about meal costs during your stay.
Informal and Low-Cost Dining Options
- Food Carts: Offer snacks, drinks, and some small meal options like egg rolls or turkey legs. At Disney Springs, some carts focus on alcoholic beverages.
- Festival Kiosks: Found at Epcot during festivals, serving small portions perfect for tasting a variety of foods and beverages.
Beverage Costs
- Fountain drinks: ~$4.00
- Canned beer: ~$8.00
- Alcoholic cocktails: ~$10 at Quick Service, ~$12 at Table Service
- Specialty non-alcoholic drinks: ~$5 each
- Free cups of water are available at Quick Service Restaurants.
Disney Dining Plans can simplify food expenses, providing convenience and potentially savings, depending on your dining preferences and choices.
Wrapping Up: Budgeting for Food at Disney World
How Much to Budget for Food
Planning your meals at Disney World? For a family of four, expect to spend about $200 to $300 daily. This includes a Quick Service meal, a Table Service meal, and snacks and drinks for everyone.
Additional Costs to Consider
We haven’t included breakfast, alcohol, or tips for Table Service in our initial estimate. Breakfast can vary, from $20-$30 for something light like Starbucks, to $50-$70 for a full meal. Alcohol can also add up, with two beers costing around $16, and wine $25-$40.
Managing Your Food Budget
Costs can fluctuate widely. Some families might spend less than $200 a day, while others might go over $300. To save on food expenses, Disney World allows guests to bring their own food. Remember, coolers must be within specific dimensions and loose ice is not permitted, though ice packs are fine. Alcohol and glass bottles are off-limits, and while you can bring food, there’s no facility to heat it in the parks.
