Hi Beth!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Your vacation is this week - you must be getting oh so excited! Did you know that there are over 300 dining and snack locations at Walt Disney World Resort? I like to say that Disney is becoming an
Eat Park, too! Just thinking about all things dining can be overwhelming, but I'm glad that you're planning now rather than waiting until hunger strikes. Pro Tip: If you have any extra room in your suitcase or feel like accepting a grocery delivery to your hotel room, guests are allowed to bring non-glass contained outside food and beverages into Disney's parks.
Quick-Service Dining Locations are going to be your best budget bets. Some meals are totally share-able, like the Ribs, Chicken and Pulled Pork Sampler at Flame Tree Barbecue in Disney's Animal Kingdom. I like to split lunch with my son and then snack around until dinner. Pro Tip: Most QS meals are presented as combos, but you can totally order just the entree and save a few bucks by forgoing the side(s).
Have you heard about the
Disney Quick-Service Dining Cards offered through certain 'Good Neighbor' hotels, including both the Swan and Dolphin? With this add-on, each person in your reservation will receive a gift card based on your length of stay, and each card is loaded with a bit more value than what you'll actually pay. Accepted at almost every Quick-Service Dining Location, I love that you can order whatever you'd like and that the remaining value rolls over to your next meal or snack.
Lastly, I absolutely love The Disney Food Blog. They regularly point out the best 'bang for your buck' meals and snacks. And bonus, a few of their writers are former Moms Panelists!
I hope this helped, Beth, and We'll See You Real Soon!
~Kristen