Hi Christina,
There are many ways you can save money on dining while visiting Walt Disney World. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Pack your own lunch. Unlike many theme parks throughout the country, you are allowed to bring your own food into Disney parks. Pack some sandwiches, apples, and chips. Throw them in a little collapsible cooler in your backpack. For a family of four, this could easily save $40 or more.
2. Freeze water bottles overnight and bring one into the park for each guest in your travel party. They'll melt as the day goes on so you'll have a cool drink when you want it. When it is empty, refill the bottle at the park water fountains.
3. Bring a canned non-alcoholic beverage of your choice in your backpack. At dinner, if you are eating at a quick service restaurant, ask for a complimentary cup of ice. Pour your drink over the ice and you can enjoy a cool glass of your favorite soft drink. Again, for a family of four, you'll save $10 per meal by doing this.
4. If you plan to have a
character dining experience during your vacation (and I highly recommend that you do!), schedule that meal for breakfast. Breakfast buffets cost substantially less than lunch or dinner buffets. Call (407) WDW-DINE to make an advanced dining reservation if you wish to dine with the Disney characters.
5. Have granola bars and other durable snacks in your pocket or backpack to avoid splurging on treats between meals in the theme parks. (Unfortunately, I have no will power when it comes to this. There are just too many delicious treats in Walt Disney World).
I hope you and your family have a spectacular vacation in Walt Disney World this October!
Jill