We can all use tips on how to save a little money now and then. And that’s never more true than when you’re planning a Disney vacation!
It may seem like the impossible task: finding a bargain in Walt Disney World. And that’s seems especially true when it comes to food.
But believe it or not, there are some truly fantastic meals at Disney Restaurants for less than $20 dollars! And I’m not just talking counter service.
Let’s take a look at some of my favorite meals that you can still score at Walt Disney World for under $20. I think you’ll be surprised at all of the cool places you can eat without bleeding your wallet dry!
Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe
Ah, Tonga Toast. If you haven’t had it, you really need to get it on your list.
To enjoy this one, book your breakfast advance dining reservation for Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Tonga Toast
Thick-cut Sourdough Bread is stuffed with ripe bananas before it’s deep fried and rolled in Cinnamon Sugar. Served with a side of Strawberry Coulis for dipping/pouring, it’s the perfect, decadent start to your Disney Day. And since it’s incredibly hefty, it will keep you going for hours.
Tonga Toast with Bacon
Looking for an even better deal? Check out our #OnTheList post about Tonga Toast at Captain Cook’s in the Poly!
Braised Pork at Be Our Guest Restaurant
I’ve visited Be Our Guest Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on several occasions, and two things remain true: the setting is always magical; and lunch continues to be THE best meal deal here.
Lunch at Be Our Guest is the restaurant’s sweet spot. And although there are some terrific choices, the Braised Pork, Coq au Vin Style, consistently tops our must-have list.
Braised Pork, Coq au Vin Style
The Pork is braised until tender in a Wine Sauce with Veggies, and is served on a bed of creamy Mashed Potatoes with fresh Green Beans on the side. It’s been delicious every time I’ve ordered it.
Boatwright’s Jambalaya
An often overlooked spot for a great dinner at Walt Disney World is Boatwright’s Dining Hall. The boat-building-themed restaurant, located in Port Orleans Resort Riverside Resort, offers a Cajun-inspired menu that I’ve enjoyed tremendously.
One of my favorite dishes is their Jambalaya.
The Incredible Jambalaya at Boatwright’s Dining Hall
Well seasoned and flavorful, the rice dish offers plenty of Sausage and Shrimp as well. It’s one of the best versions I’ve had of this traditional New Orleans specialty! I pretty much just crave this all the time.
Chicken and Waffles at Trail’s End
Another hidden gem at Walt Disney World is Trail’s End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness Campground. While it takes a little bit of doing to get here, this secluded spot is well worth a visit for delicious homestyle food at bargain prices.
While they do great breakfast and dinner buffets, my favorite is lunch. And if you come for a midday meal, get the Chicken and Waffles.
Chicken and Waffles are a fun menu item at Trail’s End Restaurant
The presentation has changed up just a bit — the chicken is filleted White Meat now — but the dish is just as delicious.
And don’t forget to save room for dessert! The Warm Sticky Bun Sundae and Trail’s S’mores are both worth your time.
Meatloaf Meal at The Plaza Restaurant
is one of those spots that I love to visit and revisit. Because in a World — and I do mean Disney World — that’s ever-changing, you can step through the door here and feel like you’re still in touch with your best childhood Disney memories.
For a lighter meal, check out their Chicken Strawberry Salad, a guest favorite. But I am partial to their Meatloaf Meal. I wasn’t sure about this, but as soon as I tasted it I was SOLD.
Meatloaf Meal
Dining right on Main Street USA and getting a good value? It’s a win/win!
Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast and Aunt Liz’s Fried Chicken at 50s Prime Time Cafe
Speaking of comfort food, 50s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers some great dishes in this category. Two of my favorites are Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast and Aunt Liz’s Fried Chicken.
The pot roast features super tender Beef served with a savory Brown Gravy over Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and you’ll find all the familiar veggies in the mix as well — just like Mom used to make.
Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast
But my go-to here is often the fried chicken. It’s flavorful and filling, and a super-great deal.
Aunt Liz’s Golden Fried Chicken
Not a fan of roast beef? Several of 50s Prime Time Cafe’s most beloved dishes are priced under $20.
Lobster Eggs Benedict at Grand Floridian Cafe
For our next option, we’re heading back to the breakfast table. And if it’s a luxurious breakfast that you’re looking for at a (fairly) reasonable price, you’ll want to head to the Grand Floridian Cafe.
My favorite breakfast here is the Lobster Eggs Benedict. It’s a departure from the traditional dish for sure, as Poached Eggs and Hollandaise are served on a bed of Lobster and Asparagus Hash.
Lobster Eggs Benedict
It’s one of my favorite ways to start a Disney Day.
BONUS: Entree AND Dessert for Under $20!
But before we say hasta la vista to this list, how about I give you a full meal for less than $20? And I’m talking table service!
To find this deal, head to Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Yacht Beach Resort. When you get there, order one of my favorite meals — the Grilled Cheese with Tomato Bisque.
Creamy Tomato Soup with that Six. Cheese. Sandwich. Forget bargains. It’s a total bonus that this is such a low price, because I’d get it even if it weren’t! In fact, I almost always do.
Tomato Bisque and Grilled Cheese Sandwich at Beaches and Cream
But be sure to save room for dessert. Because to round out your $20 budget, you still have a little change left over for something sweet — and you can’t go wrong with my favorite, the No Way Jose.
No Way Jose at Beaches and Cream
Yup — get both, and have a little change to spare! Iconic Disney Favorites + a Low Price? Score!!
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Now let’s hear from all of you! What are your favorite budget meals at Walt Disney World? Leave a comment and share your money-savers with us!
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A bagel from Starring Rolls followed by an ice cream sandwich from Hollywood Scoops makes a good $10 lunch.
Another one from Boatwright’s is the Crawfish Etouffee! Delicious, and a HUGE portion. The night we ate their, I ate on it until I was stuffed, and it didn’t even look like I had touched it. We took the leftovers back and there was enough left for two for supper the next night!
Can’t recommend Boatwright’s enough.
The Braised Pork at BOG is one of the best meals I have ever had.
A request – can you please do one of these for the West Coast? Finding great meals at Disneyland (the whole resort) for under $20 is tough and I’d love some advice!
The Pot Roast is not the same as it used to be nor how Mom made it in the 50’s at the Prim e Time 50’s restaurant. The beef and potatoes are yummy but Mom never presented it like this and they didn’t used to present it like this in WDW. Also the carrots used to be whole baby carrots that sat on the plate next to the potatoes and they were next to the beef . This is not a 1950’s presentation!
I agree with Jane. I was disappointed with the change to the Pot Roast, potatoes and carrots at 50’s too. I loved the whole baby carrots before and there wasn’t as much gravy on the potatoes with this presentation. I don’t know why they changed it. This is not the way my Mom would serve it, for sure!
We stopped eating at 50’s Prime Time Cafe because the quality of food and the portion sizes have changed so much it is no longer worth going there. It sure would be nice if Disney would hand out surveys (along with the check) asking for opinions and suggestions about the meal. They would get honest feedback that could only help plan their menus in the future.
Great list. As much as I like the fried chicken at 50s Prime Time, the chicken at The Plaza in Disneyland is a step above.
Don’t forget about Wolfgang Puck Express. I also think the Plaza is a little hidden gem.
We’re partial to the loaded hot dogs at Casey’s. Appreciate the suggestion re Be Our Guest – we’re lunching there next week!