When planning each of our Disney trips, one of the biggest things to plan is dining. Back in the day, we would normally try to sync our trips with Disney’s Free Dining Promotion (it’s back!!). But as we started traveling with my in-laws and then having a kid, our needs for dining in Disney have shifted.
Since having a child, we try to plan as little as possible when traveling to Disney World, which is a huge change from how we used to plan our trips. We typically pack some light snacks and sandwiches now, some beverages, and eat as we go. My daughter and I are the only big breakfast eaters, so I typically pick us up some easy options for eating in our hotel room or taking with us in the car. Lunch just depends on which park we are at and how hungry we are. My daughter isn’t a big eater and she’s pretty picky. Luckily for her, Disney serves her favorites: mac n’ cheese and chicken nuggets, pretty much everywhere.
Here’s a quick list of some of our favorite counter service meals and snacks:
Magic Kingdom-
*Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
*Casey’s Corner
*Aloha Isle
*Gaston’s Tavern
Hollywood Studios-
*Dockside Diner (Hollywood Studios)
EPCOT-
*Crepes des Chefs de France
*Sommerfest
*Tangierine Cafe
*Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Animal Kingdom-
*Dino-Bite Snacks
*Pizzafari
*Restaurantosaurus
*Yak & Yeti
These places have always served good food pretty quickly. Most of them have the typically Disney kids food options. We usually don’t get any quick service meals in Disney Springs.
We usually try to plan 2-3 sit down meals in the parks. They’re almost always for dinner. Since my daughter is only 3, we haven’t done any character meals with her yet. My husband and I have done a few in the past and always enjoyed them.
Here’s a quick list of our favorite sit down meals, that usually require reservations in advance:
Magic Kingdom-
*Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
Hollywood Studios-
*50’s Prime Time Cafe
*Hollywood & Vine
*Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
*Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
EPCOT-
*Biergarten Restaurant
*Food Booths if there during Food & Wine Fest
Disney Springs-
*Splitsville
*T-REX
We’ve also always had really great meals at these restaurants. This list doesn’t even include the dining options at each of the Disney hotels. There are some pretty good ones there too!
If you’re looking to stay on a tight budget, then eating in the parks a lot is probably going to max it out. You can expect to spend at least $12-$15 per person for lunch. Dinners can run you $30 per person and up. If you really want to try Disney dining then I recommend you try taking advantage of their free dining plan, but be quick! The rooms available for the offer go quickly. How do you like to dine when at Disney? Do you have a “must do” place every time you visit? Is there a place that’s on your “must do” list for your first trip? Let me know! We’re always looking to try new places. 
