Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Jennifer.
Every family budgets differently for vacation, allocating varying amounts towards food/drinks and souvenirs. A realistic amount for an adult lunch at quick service dining locations is around $15-$20. For table service meals including gratuities, allot approximately $25-$30 per adult. Expect dinner prices to be fairly similar as well. The big meal splurges will be Character Dining experiences, dining packages for nighttime spectaculars, and fine dining locations such as Steakhouse 55 or Carthay Circle.
I'm not sure how old your children are or how voracious their appetites are, but my 9 year old son can no longer order a Kids' Meal as the portion is too small for him. On the other hand, we tend to snack often while in the parks (there are so many wonderful treats all around: Dole Whip, chili "cone" queso, hot link corn dog, and Mickey Bars, just to name a few!) so we can usually get by with sharing entrees at meal times.
Be sure to take a look at the menus available
online prior to your trip so you and your family can have a better idea of how much money you'd like to budget towards meals. These menus are also available on the
Disneyland mobile app too.
Other money-saving tips: We bring our own reusable water bottles to refill throughout the day. That helps us save quite a bit of money each day. We also pack fairly light so we don't need to rent a locker.
I hope this information is helpful as you plan your upcoming trip to the Disneyland Resort. I wish you and your family an unforgettable vacation. Please visit me on the Panel if you have further questions.
Have a magical day,
Kiki