This checklist options our favourite “bang for buck” eating places at Walt Disney World. These are cheaper desk service menus, providing nice delicacies and superior worth when paying out of pocket. These meal picks mix a mixture of goal (decrease costs) and subjective (greater deliciousness) for stretching your trip price range additional and have extra gratifying meals at WDW. (Up to date December 24, 2023.)
With the ‘Free’ Disney Eating Card Low cost at Walt Disney World by means of Spring 2024 (and probably past), we thought it’d be a good time to share this checklist. Though that particular supply sounds much like ‘traditional’ Free Eating, it’s fairly a bit completely different. Amongst many different issues, the most important method it differs is that maximizing this promotion requires the reverse strategy as Free Eating.
With common Free Eating, the objective was to dine at the most costly eating places as a result of the Disney Eating Plan used a credit score system. The top consequence was that the upper the out of pocket menu worth, the extra theoretical worth acquired by way of Free Eating. This was difficult for the uninitiated, so when you’re confused by that, you’re not alone. (There’s a motive we known as it “Monopoly Cash.”) None of that basically issues right here, although. The Disney Eating Card is much less complicated, and analogous to money. Hopefully you perceive a elementary precept of standard cash: decrease costs equals spending much less.
On the subject of Walt Disney World eating places, we’d really take {that a} step additional and assert that decrease costs typically equals higher worth. After all, this isn’t at all times the case–there’s a motive “you get what you pay for” is a well-liked idiom. On the subject of Walt Disney World, that expression is often unfaithful. Costs are greater as a consequence of recognition, and recognition permits eating places to “get away” with chopping corners on high quality and resting on the laurels of their established status. It’s nearly a vicious cycle.
Against this, much less in style eating places must work more durable to fill tables and are sometimes extra aggressive on pricing. That is significantly true outdoors of the parks, with the extra distant resort inns and Disney Springs eating places normally providing one of the best bang for buck.
There are a ton of eating places we love in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, however the sensible actuality is that they’ve a captive viewers. At finest, which means premium costs for high quality delicacies. At worst, it means phoning in your entire expertise and nonetheless charging excessive costs as a result of they’ll fill tables both method.
Consequently, an inventory like this could be heavy on choices outdoors of the theme parks if it had been purely about bang for buck. We’d have a surplus of choices nearly solely at “The Springs” (Coronado and Disney) that few of you’d really find yourself reserving as a result of they’re inconvenient to the parks. Our objective is to serve a sensible goal as a planning useful resource, so an inventory of eating places solely from far-flung areas of Walt Disney World isn’t value a lot to most vacationers.
To that finish, we’re specializing in choices within the parks, plus resort eating places which might be accessible with out utilizing a bus–which means inside strolling, boat, monorail, or gondola distance of Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Hollywood Studios. (Sorry, Animal Kingdom!) With that in thoughts, right here’s our checklist, based mostly on a slew of things together with value-for-money, delicacies high quality, plus location & ease of entry…
Liberty Tree Tavern – There is no such thing as a good worth choice in Magic Kingdom. Sorry, however that’s the unlucky fact. It’s the last word ‘captive viewers’ park and one that’s missing in good eating choices. It was the case that the Plaza Restaurant was the ‘desk service at counter service costs’ alternative, but it surely’s exhausting to name a spot serving $20+ sandwiches a superb worth. (Perhaps the Meatloaf?)
One other one we actually love as a sleeper choose is Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen, and it’s positively potential to have a terrific meal there with out breaking the financial institution. There are a number of unbelievable and filling entrees which might be beneath $30, and good worth entrees on prime of that. Attainable as it might be, it appears unbelievable–all of our precise meals from the previous few years there have been expensive. (For those who do go for Skipper Canteen, skip dessert when you’re attempting to save lots of.)
This brings us to Liberty Tree Tavern, nearly by means of elimination. That is at present serving up the All-You-Care-to-Take pleasure in Invoice of Fare for beneath $40 per grownup. (We by some means don’t have a standalone evaluation of this, but it surely’s strong consolation delicacies.) The very fact of the matter is that the Patriot’s Platter is distinctly patriotic (besides the salad), particularly the Pot Roast, Oven-roasted Pork, Mashed Potatoes, and Home-made Macaroni & Cheese. We additionally recognize that “Home-made Gravy” is its personal menu entry for some motive, and the Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake is a really iconic Walt Disney World dessert.
One in all our favourite “hacks” for meals like that is doing a well-rounded and large breakfast of groceries in our resort room, noon snack from Friar’s Nook (or wherever), and late lunch or early dinner right here. (Each meal companies at Liberty Tree Tavern are precisely the identical, proper right down to the value.)
We then use close by stage exhibits–Nation Bear Jamboree, Tiki Room, and Corridor of Presidents–to get well from our meals coma. It’s (most likely) what the Founding Fathers had in thoughts when declaring independence from Magic Kingdom’s costly character meals and expensive Lightning Lane line-skipping choices.
Spice Street Desk – Epcot’s World Showcase is usually seen as Walt Disney World’s culinary powerhouse, and there are some undeniably sturdy choices. There are additionally some middling ones, and the case could possibly be made that Disney Springs now surpasses World Showcase with regards to envelope-pushing delicacies.
We’ve made a number of optimistic experiences at Spice Street Desk for the reason that Disney takeover (for that matter, we had a number of optimistic experiences earlier than it) It’s additionally simply accessible, with nearly-perpetual walk-up (waitlist) availability, and small-plate costs which might be nearly on par with a counter service restaurant. Given all of that, it’s very a lot value a attempt. It’s additionally one of some choices in EPCOT, so we’re not going to fixate on this one…
By way of Napoli – Mentioning By way of Napoli on an inventory of the ‘finest worth’ eating places is certain to convey out the haters (and likewise, the lovers!), however hear me out. The Mezzo Metro pizza may be cut up amongst 4-5 folks (or “two Toms”) and finally ends up costing about $15 per individual out the door for the meal.
Even when you cut up it amongst 3 folks, it’s nonetheless an objectively good worth for what I’d contemplate one of the best pizza at Walt Disney World. With that stated, it’s true that the remainder of the menu is overpriced and underwhelming, but it surely’s kinda on you when you go to By way of Napoli and order one thing else. Begin the meal by threatening your loved ones (as all profitable meals start), “huge pizza…OR ELSE!” and you need to be in good condition.
Different honorable mentions in World Showcase embody Biergarten (costlier than Liberty Tree Tavern, however cheaper than the flight to Munich) and 9 Dragons (common Chinese language meals, however nonetheless a superb worth).
50’s Prime Time Cafe – I’m going to checklist a trio of choices at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as a result of they’re all imperfect or suited to particular audiences. For the primary of three, I debated between this and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, however that has the identical downside as Plaza Restaurant–it’s exhausting to contend {that a} menu of sandwiches and burgers costing over $20 every is a “good worth.” I occur to search out these behemoth burgers extremely filling and unbelievable–I can eat one at 5 pm and be full for the remainder of the night time–however nonetheless.
50’s Prime Time Cafe will get the slight edge right here as a result of it affords a wider vary of menu choices, and each single considered one of them is beneath $30. This consists of A Sampling of Mother’s Favourite Recipes, plus a number of of the heavier choices which might be round $25. For the lighter eaters in your celebration, there are additionally beneath $20 salads. Desserts are additionally comparatively affordable and huge, making 50’s Prime Time Cafe probably the most well-rounded price range choose at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
BaseLine Faucet Home – Who amongst us isn’t fueled by cheese, meats, and pretzels at Walt Disney World? BaseLine Faucet Home loses factors for its very restricted menu, however when you’ve got smaller appetites or desire a mild meal, you can’t go unsuitable right here. The Espresso-rubbed Rib-Eye Beef Puff is considered one of my favourite “meals” (air quotes as a result of it’s so small) at Walt Disney World, and it’s low-cost.
With a wonderful number of beer, underrated and cheap meals, extremely laid-back out of doors seating space, and nice people-watching, BaseLine Faucet Home delivers. It exceeds expectations and is an unheralded gem. It’s a type of “if you recognize, you recognize” sort of locations. But additionally, it’s positively not for everybody or each urge for food–so be sure you evaluation the menu earlier than you decide to make this your “huge meal” of the day. You is perhaps disillusioned.
Toy Story Roundup Rodeo BBQ – For those who’re on the lookout for that aforementioned “huge meal,” look no additional than Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land. For households wanting a spot to eat limitless crowd-pleasing delicacies whereas immersed in characters from the films and having enjoyable within the course of, Roundup Rodeo BBQ generally is a winner. Whereas it’s extra of a ‘amount over high quality’ restaurant, among the meats and just about all the sides are fairly tasty–and there’s all kinds of them.
Simply concentrate on Roundup Rodeo’s limitations and pitfalls. For one, it’s not a personality restaurant neither is it Pizza Planet–two issues nearly each Toy Story fan would’ve most popular. Past that, it’s basically a windowless warehouse, with ambiance that may be very loud and fairly chaotic (unsurprisingly, given the audience). However once more, it may be loads of enjoyable and is an excellent worth for households wanting a ton of meals. If in case you have smaller appetites or don’t have youngsters, it is best to most likely look elsewhere.
Nomad Lounge – For Animal Kingdom, we had been torn between two go-to sleeper choose: Yak & Yeti Restaurant and Nomad Lounge. These two eating choices are essentially completely different, with Yak & Yeti providing massive parts at greater costs. Against this, Nomad Lounge serves up small plates that seemingly is not going to fill you up.
The case for Yak & Yeti is that the eating rooms are exemplars of themed design, filled with attractive particulars. The menu is likewise brimming with choices. There are a selection of shareable small plates, hearty noodles bowls, and grilled objects. We’ve discovered that it’s straightforward to eat a filling meal right here with out breaking the financial institution.
Nomad Lounge has decrease beginning costs, however that’s barely misleading since every thing however the bowls is small. Assuming you’ll want about 1.5 plates per individual, that places the costs proper on par with Yak & Yeti. However, we barely choose Nomad Lounge, so it will get the sting in our subjective evaluation. You actually can’t go unsuitable both method.
Sanaa – Okay, this one does require a bus, however we needed to make an exception for this underrated establishment. Sanaa remains to be an excellent worth, however now not the distinctive one which it as soon as was. (Perhaps phrase is lastly beginning to get out about its gloriousness?!) The signature Indian-style Bread Service, for instance, is now over $20. Even at that worth level, it’s a no brainer for us…however a superb worth? I’m not so certain.
As an entire, Sanaa nonetheless affords sturdy bang for buck. Bear in mind these phrases of knowledge: “Value is what you pay; worth is what you get.” Within the case of Sanaa, you’re getting a close-to-Signature-caliber meal that’s adventurous and atmospheric, at worth factors on par with mid-tier desk service eating places. Regardless that there are comparably priced menus all through Walt Disney World, few overdeliver like Sanaa.
Whereas dinner is nice–and the meal service we most often do at Sanaa–breakfast and lunch are arguably one of the best values of all. (The lunch and dinner menus do range barely.) Though it’s not vacation spot eating for breakfast, it’s completely value consuming the morning meal service when you’re staying at Jambo Home or Kidani Village.
Steakhouse 71 – Positioned inside strolling distance of Magic Kingdom within the foyer stage of the Modern, Steakhouse 71 is without doubt one of the newer eating places at Walt Disney World. It serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner–however our focus for the aim of this checklist is totally on the latter two meal companies. (We’ve been underwhelmed by the portion sizes at breakfast, that are small for the value.)
Most of our protection of Steakhouse 71 has targeted on the Stack Burger. This has change into my go-to lunch throughout solo “analysis” days at Magic Kingdom; I do a walk-up on the bar and may be out and in in beneath 45 minutes. That burger is unbelievable, but it surely’s actually the remainder of the menu that provides large bang for buck. I’m significantly a fan of the 14-oz Dry-aged Pork Bone-In Rib Chop, which is unique to the dinner menu.
One other Magic Kingdom space honorable point out is Grand Floridian Cafe. That is noteworthy as a mid-tier restaurant at Walt Disney World’s flagship resort. Not every thing is cheap, however few entrees are as scrumptious and filling because the Buttermilk-fried Rooster.
Geyser Level Bar & Grill – I’ll use any excuse I can to suggest this tranquil lounge situated alongside the waterfront at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This would possibly as effectively be known as Bison Level Bar, as a result of our go-to recommendation is “come for the finest burger at Walt Disney World, keep for the view.”
The burger is definitely now the most costly factor on the menu, surpassing even the salmon. That may name into query our alternative from a price perspective, however every thing else remains to be affordable. The meals is superb, and the serene and secluded ambiance on the shore of Bay Lake takes this to the subsequent stage, and makes it really feel such as you’re really within the wilderness at Walt Disney World. (We’ve seen armadillo within the brush right here–twice.) That’s, till the Electrical Water Pageant floats on by–dinner and a present!
Honorable point out at Wilderness Lodge is Whispering Canyon Cafe because of its rambunctious and enjoyable ambiance, plus the All-You-Care-To-Take pleasure in Signature Skillets (together with a plant-based one for the vegetarians/vegans on the market). These are a bit on the expensive aspect, however they’re value it given the AYCE nature and high quality meats (besides within the plant-based one, clearly).
Ale & Compass Restaurant – Turning to eating places within the Crescent Lake Resort Space which strolling or boat distance of EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, and we’ve got numerous glorious choices…on the third celebration Swan & Dolphin Resorts. I’m excluding these from the “official” checklist as a result of the Disney Eating Card will not be accepted at these areas, however just about something in these resorts affords good bang for buck if paying out of pocket (in chilly exhausting money). We’ve change into significantly a fan of Amare at Swan Reserve.
Except for that, there’s actually just one good choice at this level: Ale & Compass Restaurant. Admittedly, it took us some time to come back round on this eating spot. Our preliminary take was that the inside was bland and the meals was comparatively extraordinary. Over time because it opened, Ale & Compass has slowly received us over for persistently good delicacies and ease of entry.
We now love this restaurant for each for breakfast and dinner because of nice selection and strong worth for cash. The inside remains to be bland and boring, however when you don’t care about that, the meals is scrumptious and fairly priced!
Bar Riva – We’ve rapidly change into enormous followers of Bar Riva. It’s a terrific place for a refreshing and healthy-ish meal, with a surprisingly deep menu of shareable (for probably the most half) dishes which might be prime quality and fairly priced.
Bar Riva is situated alongside the promenade at Disney’s Riviera Resort, making it a wonderful choice if not one of the trio of choices at Disney’s Hollywood Studios labored for you–or if you wish to escape the crowds and chaos of World Showcase at EPCOT. It’s solely a brief Skyliner flight away from each–you may go from contained in the park to being seated at Bar Riva in beneath 20 minutes.
Don’t let “bar” within the title idiot you, both. Bar Riva is one more family-friendly lounge at Walt Disney World, comparable in model to a number of of the bar & grill entries under. Whereas we wouldn’t suggest sitting with kids on the precise bar, there are many tables each beneath cowl and utterly outdoors.
Sebastian’s Bistro – C’mon, you didn’t suppose we’d overlook our new favourite restaurant at Walt Disney World, did you? We had been merely saving one of the best for final! This sleeper choose at Caribbean Seashore can be straightforward to entry from the Skyliner, which means you may depart a bunch of various resorts, or EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and be right here inside a matter of minutes.
Despite that, and even with our fixed plugs for it, Sebastian’s Bistro nonetheless by some means manages to fly beneath the radar of most Walt Disney World followers. Their loss, your achieve. The household model service at Sebastian’s Bistro holds its personal and affords distinctive high quality on par with most of the finest desk service eating places at Walt Disney World.
If Caribbean Seashore is “Poly Lite,” then Sebastian Bistro is mainly “Ohana Enhanced.” That’s proper, this style of the tropics trounces its extra in style counterpart at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in nearly each regard. The meals is best, the value is decrease, and it’s a neater ADR.
The one methods ‘Ohana “wins” are when it comes to ambiance and nostalgia-value; one of the best ways of overcoming the latter is popping Sebastian’s Bistro into a brand new household custom! However I digress. The purpose right here is that Sebastian’s Bistro is actually one of the best worth dinner in all of Walt Disney World and, frankly, it’s not even a detailed name.
In the end, that’s our checklist of probably the most finest worth eating places at Walt Disney World which might be additionally conveniently-located and simply accessible to most Walt Disney World guests. Once more, we wish to clarify is that this shouldn’t be misconstrued as a “better of” checklist and even our prime total suggestions. For these, see our 24 Favourite Eating places at Walt Disney World for 2024.
This checklist is extra for folk who wish to stretch their Walt Disney World trip price range so far as potential with out compromising on high quality or losing time eating off-site. Many of those will not be our absolute prime picks for Walt Disney World first-timers, however they’re nonetheless unbelievable choices that’ll depart you glad with out breaking the financial institution!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study inns on our Walt Disney World Inns Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a novel take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every thing you should know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Which Walt Disney World desk service eating places would you contemplate to supply one of the best worth for cash? Do you agree or disagree with our checklist? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
