​We've all got to eat, right? And we all know when you are on vacation, food costs a bit more. But how much does it got to eat at Disney for a day? 

There are some variables, and it really depends on if you are a quick service diner, like to sit table service, or if you are a snack and go kinda person. Prices are also going to be much higher if you are doing character dining. Depending on where you choose to eat is going to determine your price. 

But...how vague is that? You already know that, right? So how about a breakdown for you. 

Let's pretend that you are spending three days at Disney World. One day for Magic Kingdom, one day for Hollywood Studios, and one day for Animal Kingdom. 

I'm going to present three days worth of meals. Of course, you can mix and match, but this gives you an idea of the general costs. No two days are going to be the same, this is just pure research. Each comes with a pretend scenario. 

For our purposes, we will assume that these are adult meal, and that there are no alcoholic drinks bought. If you enjoy those, awesome! But budget, because you know they aren't cheap! We will also assume that there are no character meals. ​Each meal is bought from a Disney owned place. We will also assume two snacks a day, but no dessert at meals. We are also not buying drinks except for at meals, but plan for those too, if you buy them outside of mealtimes.

Create these sample menus for yourself, mased on what you enjoy eating. The prices will guide, but you might also see how you can cut back a little. Disney generally has generous portions. Perhaps you want to skip a salad or bread. Maybe at lunch you drink water. 

This also allows you to see snacks and meals come in all different price ranges. And...quick service isn't just burgers or chicken fingers!

Day One Magic Kingdom

With so much to do at Magic Kingdom, you plan to get an early start. Therefore, you are going to be grabbing a bite to eat from the resort grab and go while waiting for resort transportation. You'll eat a quick service lunch, and splurge on a nice dinner. 

Breakfast - Pastry and a coffee from grab and go
$4.29 pastry
$4.49 coffee

Lunch - Cosmic Ray's
$10.99 Greek salad with chicken strips
​$3.99 fountain drink

Snack: 
$7.19  Mickey Pretzel

Dinner - Tony's Town Square
$11 Garlic bread for the table 
$36 Butcher's Steak
$3.99 fountain drink

Snack: 
$5.99 Dole Whip

​Day One Total for Food: $88.13 (Does not include dinner's gratuity)

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Day Two: Hollywood Studios

You got up that morning with plenty of time to spare, so you pop into your resort for breakfast. You'll drab a sit down lunch, but plan to do a quick dinner, so you don't miss the nighttime spectacular! 

Breakfast- Resort food court
$10.99 Ham and cheese omelet 
$4.99 Orange juice

Lunch- Sci-fi Dine-in
$18.00 Over roasted turkey sandwich
$3.99 fountain drink

Snack- 
$5.50 popcorn

Dinner- Backlot Express
$11.99 Cuban Sandwich
$3.99 fountain drink

Snack- 
$6.79 Funnel cake

Day Two Total for Food: $66.24 (Does not include lunch's gratuity)

Day Three: Animal Kingdom

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It's another grab and go on the way to Animal Kingdom! Lunch is your favorite spot, and sitting next to the river to watch the wildlife. Dinner is a second quick service stop, as there is really only one Disney owned sit down there, but that's okay, you've a long line to stand in for Flight of Passage and don't want to waste time. 

Breakfast: Resort
$6.99 Breakfast bagel
$3.99 apple juice

Lunch: Flametree BBQ
$15.69 Chicken and ribs combo
$3.99 fountain drink

Snack: 
$4.99 Soft serve

Dinner: Satu'li Canteen
$12.79 Cheeseburger pods
$3.99 fountain drink

Snack: 
$9.29 Buffalo chicken chips

Day Three Total for Food: $61.72 

One thing I find really interesting is that you'll leave each of these meals full. You might not even want a snack or if you do, maybe you'll split one. Also, none of these meals are boring. They aren't standard theme park fare. In fact... my stomach is growling just reading these menus! 

Using these sample menus, you can easily see that a day of quick service, plus two snacks will run around $60. Depending on the location AND the item ordered, around $70 or so (without gratuity) for sit down, per person. Take those numbers from your own sample menus, and use that to guide how much you'll need to plan for meals!

It's a little surprising to me that this blog has been going on for five years! During that time, I've helped hundreds of families realize they CAN do Disney on a budget! In the last few years, I've been encouraging and advising food allergy families they can do the same! 

So, what does that mean for you? It means I'm giving away 5 Disney prize packs! Each of these comes from me, and it's not sponsored by Disney in any way. Sorry everyone, USA entries only. All prizes will be shipped by Amazon, except for one. Keep reading to learn more. 

I've talked a lot about my park bag must haves. I've also mentioned the things I don't pack anymore.  In fact, Mr. Disney made a joke the other day, saying everything to do, plan, or buy, always is in regards to Disney. Hmm. That might be true...

What about you? Do YOU have Disney park essentials? 

Today, I'm opening the giveaway for 5 Disney essentials! Winners are chosen at random, and your prize will be as well. 

Prize 1: A copy of my book, and a must have water bottle! (We love this brand!)
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Prize 2: A copy of my book, and a must have pair of earrings from Allen's Creations! (You get to choose which pair!)
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Prize 3: A copy of my book, and a waterproof phone pouch! 
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Prize 4: A copy of my book, and Disney labels! 
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Prize 5: A copy of my book, and a pair of super cute sunglasses! 
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Before you enter, here are the rules! 

• USA Entries and addresses only
• Contest starts May 2, 2022 and ends, May 16, 2022. 
• Due to global supply issues, your color/style of the prize may vary slightly
• Winner of the earrings will get to choose from DOZENS of styles. Those will ship from the store.
• Kind reviews are appreciated from anyone who wins a book as a thank you, but while greatly appreciated, aren't necessary. 

WAIT! Before you enter this contest...how about another as well? I'm teamed up with 7 other writers to give away PAPERBACK copies of our children's books here, and EBOOK copies of our books here! Why not enter both? 

Paperback Giveaway: Click here! 

Ebook Giveaway: Enter Here!


Any now...here's how to enter the Disney Contest!