11 Disney World Dining Options That Won't Break Your Budget

Unless you’re one of the lucky few living in Florida, taking a trip to the happiest place on Earth isn’t easy … or cheap. After budgeting for park tickets, hotel accommodations, and travel – you may be resigned to eating packed lunches every day. Well, have no fear! Although they may be harder to spot, Walt Disney World actually has many restaurant options that are delicious and affordable for an entire family. Take note of these suggestions when you don’t want the “rumbly in your tumbly” to empty your wallet.

1. Trails End – Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

This fan-favorite restaurant is literally off the beaten path and well worth the journey! Nestled within the picturesque Fort Wilderness area, lies the buffet-style Trails End restaurant. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner – this restaurant provides endless options of high-quality comfort foods including waffles, fried chicken, fluffy cornbread, and smoked meats. Best of all, it is one of the cheapest buffets on property! If you can talk your kid out of breakfast with Mickey, you’ll find that this sweet spot will give you far more bang for your buck.

2. Contempo Café – The Contemporary Hotel

Speaking of eating with Mickey, Chef Mickey’s is wildly popular in the Contemporary Hotel, but its neighbor (the quick-service Contempo Café) is much friendlier to your pocketbook. While the menu offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and entrees – they are probably the most well-known for their inventive and sensational flatbreads. (And these change on a seasonal basis!) This hip venue is located right within the main concourse of the hotel, so you can enjoy watching the monorail whoosh above your head as you feast. Boasting of an ideal location and price, The Contempo Café is clearly worth a monorail trip.

3. Capt. Cooks – The Polynesian Resort and Villas

Another delicious dining option is just one monorail stop away! The dining at the Polynesian resort is some of the most delectable on property. Sadly, these are not the cheapest meals on property. Luckily, they have a wonderful quick-service option called Capt. Cooks. This gem serves three meals a day, includes patio seating, and is just a quick walk away from a Dole Whip stand. Enjoy Asian-inspired noodle dishes or order the famed banana-stuffed Tonga French Toast. For meals you can order at a counter, everything will still taste like a bite of luxurious paradise.

4. Plaza Inn – The Magic Kingdom

Affordable meals don’t only exist outside the parks! If the prices at Be Our Guest or Cinderella’s Royal Table scare you away at The Magic Kingdom, consider dining at the elegant Plaza Inn. This Victorian-inspired eatery sits at the end of Main Street U.S.A. and is a welcome reprieve from the park crowds. Once seated, enjoy a variety of sandwiches, entrée salads, and crafted desserts. The calm ambiance and sedate prices will make the comfort food twice as satisfying. (And the turn-of-the-century charm doesn’t hurt its case either.)