Budget Bests: Top Cheap Eats In the Magic Kingdom

Planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation involves a lot, and the biggest thing most guests have to consider is their budget. Costs for Disney World can quickly add up, including flights, hotels, park tickets, food, and merchandise. Many guests will try to save money by driving to Central Florida if they live close enough, or by bringing their own food into the parks. Disney does allow outside food into the theme parks, as long as it is not in glass containers or requires refrigeration or reheating.

However, sometimes packing your own food every day simply isn’t possible.

Three children are sitting at a colorful outdoor table at Walt Disney World Resort, enjoying skewers of food. The child on the left wears a yellow dress, the child in the middle wears a blue and black striped shirt, and the child on the right wears a turquoise dress. They are all laughing and having fun. — Credit: Disney

There are many ways to save money on your Disney World vacation, and planning where you want to eat ahead of time and checking menus can give you a good idea of your food budget.

For those looking for some good food at a reasonable price in the Magic Kingdom, we have some suggestions for you! Here are some of the best cheap eats you can get in the park.

Cinnamon Roll – Gaston’s Tavern – $6.99

If you are a rope-dropper and want to enjoy the Magic Kingdom when the gates open, then you are going to need some carbs and sugar to help power you through those early hours. So, we suggest you head over to Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland and order the cinnamon roll.

Cinnamon Roll from Gaston's Tavern in Fantasyland — Credit: Disney

This gigantic cinnamon roll is served warm and can easily be shared between two people. It’s full of cinnamon-sugary-buttery goodness and topped with ooey-gooey frosting. You can easily fill up on this sweet treat and be good to go until lunchtime.

Most Disney World Resort hotel rooms have coffee makers, along with single servings of coffee, creamer, and sweetener, so you can save some money on your morning caffeine hit. However, if you feel like splurging, Gaston’s does serve regular and decaf Joffrey’s coffee for $4.29, or you can enjoy a French Roast Cold Brew for $4.79

Cheddar, Bacon, and Ranch Tots – The Friar’s Nook – $10.49

Several sit-down dining locations in the Magic Kingdom will keep you full for hours, but they will set you back a pretty penny. If you are looking to save some money, then you want delicious and filling food that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. So, we suggest you hang around in Fantasyland and head to The Friar’s Nook.

Cheddar, Bacon, Ranch tots from Friar's Nook in the Magic Kingdom — Credit: Disney

If you love tater tots, then you will love these Cheddar, Bacon, Ranch tots. The tots are perfectly cripsy a topped with cheese sauce, chopped bacon, a drizzle of ranch dressing, and fresh scallions. Like the cinnamon roll from Gaston’s Tavern, these tots are great for sharing, and for $10.49, you can’t beat the price.

Corn Dog Nuggets – Casey’s Corner – $10.99

Casey’s Corner is one of the most popular quick-service spots in the Magic Kingdom and can get pretty packed before the nightly fireworks show. Guests can’t get enough of the foot-long hot dogs, topped with things like chili, cheese, and pulled pork.

Corn Dog nuggets with Fries from Casey's Corner in the Magic Kingdom — Credit: DVC Shop

If you want to dine at Casey’s Corner, but spending $15 for a hot dog is a little out of your budget, then we suggest you buy the mini corn dogs. These mini corn dogs are crispy and juicy, and the best part? They are served with a side of fries, so they help fill you up even more! If french fries aren’t your thing, you can pair your mini corn dogs with a mandarin orange.

For just one more dollar, you can purchase a container of cheese sauce, which is the perfect dipping sauce for both the mini corn dogs and the french fries.

Any Kids’ Meal – Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe

For a long time, Pecos Bill was probably one of the most controversial dining spots in the Magic Kingdom. However, it has recently gained a better reputation after revamping its menu. And it has a ton of great, cheap options for guests looking to save.

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe at the Magic Kingdom — Credit: Disney Dining

Kids’ meals are one of the most underrated ways to save money at Disney. While the menu does say that Kids’ meals are for children 9 and under, there is really no way for Disney to check who is eating the meal, and they really aren’t strict on that.

At Pecos Bill’s, there are several great Kids’ menu options, including the Green Chile Beef Nacho Bowl, the Citrus-Chipotle Chicken Nacho Bowl, the Citrus-Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl, a cheeseburger, and a cheese quesadilla. The nacho bowls are only $8.79 each, while the chicken rice bowl and cheeseburger are only $8.49. And the cheese quesadilla? Just $7.29!

The best part of the kids’ meals is that they also come with two sides and a milk or a small bottle of water. Sides include chips con queso, chips and salsa, French fries, Charro beans, cilantro-lime rice, guacamole, and queso.

Chicken Bowl Kids Meal at Pecos Bill — Credit: Disney

Waffles or Funnel Cakes – Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

For a long time, Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square was one of the most underrated quick-service spots. Their fresh Belgian waffles topped with berries and chocolate-hazelnut spread could not be beat. That’s why fans were devastated when the Belgian waffles were swapped out for Mickey waffles.

Disney actually listened to guest complaints and, just one year after they were taken away, the Belgian waffles returned to the menu, so we suggest you head back to Sleepy Hollow!

Sleepy Hollow Belgian Waffle — Credit: Disney

The Belgian waffles are more filling than the funnel cake, but you can’t go wrong with either option, considering they all cost less than $10.

Guests can choose from a Belgian waffle topped with berries and whipped cream, funnel cake topped with berries and whipped cream, or even a funnel cake topped with chocolate-hazelnut spread, bananas, and whipped cream, each costing just $8.49.

For just one dollar more, guests can order a Belgian waffle topped with berries, bananas, chocolate-hazelnut spread, and whipped cream. It’s an incredible deal on a delicious dish.

As you can see, there are a ton of great food options at the Magic Kingdom that won’t break the bank. They are delicious, filling, and many og them are perfect for sharing. So, make sure to give some of these a try on your next Disney World vacation!

What is your favorite budget meal to enjoy at the Magic Kingdom? Do you think there are lots of affordable eats at The Most Magical Place on Earth? How do you like to save money on your vacation? Share your thoughts and budget tips with us in the comments!