Dining budget tips
Making the best being on a dining budget at Disney and still eating well!
For Breakfast, I ate at the Resort's food court!
I selected the kids' Breakfast option, Breakfast Platter which came with Eggs, Bacon, Breakfast Potatoes and Apple Slices. This breakfast potato option was cheesy hashbrowns. They were SOOO yummy! I am leary of the term 'breakfast potato' which at Disney can mean a variety of potato options. Always best to ask or look at prior to choosing.
This option was only $6.29 It was very filling.
Could you go cheaper. Yes, You can bring oatmeal from home, pop-tarts or granola bars.
Could make a run to a local fast food location but unless you drive 30 minutes out, it will be about the same cost plus the extra time spent driving will eat into your day.
This meal also came with a drink option. I was also able to substitute the apple slices for another item which I did. I usually will try for a cookie or a bagged snack so I can take it with me to enjoy later.
On another morning, I split a breakfast Platter with my sister in-law.
We ordered the All-American Classic Platter.
This comes with two Mickey waffles, Scrambled eggs, Sausage, Bacon, breakfast potatoes and a biscuit. We were not wanting the potatoes however. We asked if we could trade them out for a bowl of grits instead and they were happy to honor our request! Yeah! The meal is $16.00 so we had a more than plentiful platter to share for only $8.00 each! That is a win in my book!Sometimes I do like their breakfast potatoes but it seems to be a 50/50 on which dining location I like them at. I am glad I didn't try The Plaza's.. Although they are supposedly cooked the same, I don't think they are. My brother did get the platter as is and he didn't enjoy the potatoes.
For Dinner, I also ate at the resort.
I chose the Kids' Meal Burger
This bread is served on a wheat pita type bread. I should have asked to substitute or if I had option to. I forgot! It was still edible but not the best tasting.
Drink did come with it along with side item. Cost $6.99
It did fill me up. Was not the best tasting but it was satisfying.
I did see many people eating sandwiches while at the park. All resort rooms do come with mini fridges that can store sandwich items. This is easy and budget friendly as well!!!
Some use wraps as a bread which would be easier to pack and store without bread getting smooshed!
I am personally not a fan of it. I see vacation as a time to not think about budget. It is not necessarily the smartest move on my part. It is one thing that makes a vacation a 'vacation' though for me.
I do still try to be budget minded as well. Each trip is budgeted for according to the type of trip/experience I am wanting.
Some trips are done with Dining Plan, some without and some on super tight budget~
No right or wrong but only what you want out of a trip.
Definitely bring snacks with you if on a budget! single nut packs are great protein, fruit snacks are quick and easy to bring. Everyone has their preference in the snack department.
If on a dining plan, I would definitely pay out of pocket for this meal of choice. It would be a waste of a dining credit otherwise. I Would use the credit for a lunch or dinner instead.
Another option if you do have a dining plan and you are traveling with another like minded person. Two people could easily share an adult platter and use just 1 dining credit.
Could find another lunch menu that offered a large portion to also be shared and again only using 1 dining credit. The other option would be to use a snack credit for a breakfast item.
I once used a snack credit for a cinnamon Roll at Gaston's which I shared with two of my children. They are rather large & Since they are bready, they are pretty filling.
I also once bought a single soda and refilled it my allowed 4 times so we could all share it. Make sure if you do this, it is at a quick service location that allows refills. Some locations do but some do not. Easiest way to tell, if the drink station is guest accessible or if it is only accessible by cast members. I have no shame. Some people will not approve of this. I feel it is acceptable. They allow and account for the refills so why would I not share with my family? I hate carrying bottles with me for water refills. It is best to do this though for budget purposes. They just get heavy and awkward to carry. Some use the water bladders. I am not sure how they get properly sanitized though from each use while there???
No sharing of meals is allowed for certain Table service locations! If it is a child, that is acceptable. If it is a child 3 and up, they will be required to pay if at a table service location buffet service or signature dining. You do have a little more leeway if al'a cart but it would be sharing off a plate.
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