If you're not on the Disney Dining Plan and trying to stick to a budget then you are going to want to take note of these best budget friendly restaurants at Disney World. If you are using the Disney dining plan these spots may actually be ones that you want to avoid since it will be harder to get a great value out of the package you purchased.
You may be thinking if I am trying to save money why wouldn't I just eat at one of the many quick service options at Disney World? Well in recent years Disney has really raised the prices of its fast food. This makes the gap in pricing between a sit-down meal and a quick service meal rather small, and in some cases the value is far better at a sit down restaurant, compared to the quick service burger for example.
Grand Floridan Cafe
Mickey Shaped Waffle - Malted Waffle served with Bacon or Sausage. Add Strawberry, Blueberry, Banana, Chocolate Chip or Pecan
This restaurant is located inside of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Surprisingly at Disney's most expensive resort is also one of Disney's most affordable dining options. As long as you stay away from the expensive steak on the menu here you will be in good shape.
For a full dining review read - Grand Floridian Cafe Dining Review
The Plaza
While the Plaza Restaurant now has some more expensive menu items, it also has a number of sandwich options at counter service prices. Another reason it makes the list is that it’s really the only value table service option in the Magic Kingdom. With the mediocre quick service burgers next door costing $15 spending a few extra to sit down and have a relaxing meal isn't such a bad option. Plus having a milkshake here was a childhood tradition on my family vacations, so it holds a special place in my heart.
Trails End
Well off the beaten path Trails End is the only buffet that makes our value list. Can you believe this spot comes in at half the price of Chef Mickeys and the food is sooo much better? It's pretty hard to top comfort food that Trails End offers up. If your driving it definitely can take a long time and be confusing figuring out how to get to the make of Fort Wilderness and find this dining spot. I recommend taking the boat from the Magic Kingdom to get here, scenic and much faster.
Sci-Fi Dine-In
Inside SciFi Dine In
Once again if you stay away from the steak on the menu here and opt for a sandwich or burger you can get a really great value at Sci-Fi Dine-in. Plus the atmosphere here really makes this a winning stop on your vacation. The restaurant is modeled after a drive-in movie theater, complete with old-school sci-fi movies and a starry sky to enjoy your meal.
For a full review read - Sci-Fi Dine In Review
Via Napoli
Piccante Pizza, tomato sauce, mozzarella, Italian spicy sausage.
This one makes the list only if you are game for sharing because sharing is caring and cost saving! If you split a Mezzo Metro pizza here with 5 people it comes out to $10 per person and everyone has plenty to eat. My husband and I actually will split a personal sized pizza and do a salad with it and feel plenty full. OR we skip the salad altogether in favor of some tasty Epcot snacks later.
For a full review read - Via Napoli Dining Review
So to conclude there is no shortage of places to find a good deal on food at Disney World. In large part, this is due to their giant portion sizes at many of their restaurants. For more money saving tips read All the Ways you Can Save Money at Disney and also check out How to Save Money When Eating at Disney.
What is your favorite spot to grab a Budget Friendly Restaurants at Disney World? We love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
