Any trip to Disney world Florida would not be complete without eating out in the parks.
This can become expensive over the course of the holiday, depending on where you eat in the park. The parks tend to categories places to eat into 3 price categories
- Cheap basic snacks budget end
- Middle range
- High end eating
It is nice to have a memorable experience and do something a bit special at least once while you are on holiday. I spent 2 weeks away with my parents for my 30th birthday celebrations. The cuisine we mostly had whilst in the parks were snacks, as we had dinner after we left the parks, albeit a few times where we had something in the park.
When budgeting for food it is good to keep in mind when you plan to have your meals time wise. If you eat in the evening then have a snack in the park. Take bottled water with you as this is allowed. You can also take snacks into the park. I saw a family with a cooked meal of rice and curry! plus people with sandwiches and packed lunches.
When i last visited the States in 2006 ! yes nearly 13 years ago there was no Starbucks stores in the parks, which i was a bit confused with when i first saw them on my trip in December 2018. I later read about the partnership and also about Joffreys Coffee kiosks also. Nice to have a choice whilst in the parks and they also sell Disney themed treats.
There are plenty of places to grab a sweet snack in the parks from Churros, Donuts, Ice creams, candy Apples, popcorn, desserts and so on.
Here are ones i recommend from where we ate and the Parks they were from mostly snacks but tasty nonetheless.
GASTONS TAVERN – Magic Kingdom
Could not believe the size of these Cinnamon rolls with a Red glaze on top.
Not bad for the money still warm and with a huge ( very strong coffee)
Ask for plenty of Creamers ( milk substitute) for the Coffee, as it is like Espresso! and a big cup at that AND quite reasonably priced.
Bottled water is quite pricey so bring your own to the park or have something else it`s cheaper!
Only issue with Gastons Tavern is seating when it`s busy their are a lack of seats inisde and outside. Nice atmosphere with a Fountain like the one from Beauty and the Beast outside to sit around.
ALOHA ISLE -Magic Kingdom
I had heard about Dole Whip but had no idea what it was! heard good reviews after i knew it was a Pineapple soft serve. Next to the flying Carpets in Magic Kingdom with plenty of seating. A tangy fruity soft serve and a few options for Floats and upside down cake also. LOL at the water price!
A nice Tiki vibe with flaming torches around the building. We had it in the late afternoon.
STARLIGHT CAFE – Magic Kingdom
I remember going into the Starlight cafe back in 2000 and before then and they had Mash Potatoes with bits of Ham in, it was delicious now mostly fast food Chicken nuggets and fries, burgers etc good value at the budget end and the only main meal we had in the park. Although there is plenty of seating inside and out, can be tricky to find a table when busy as it does get rather crowded inside. Listen to the Animated Character on stage playing Piano hits and telling jokes.
The Smores pockets were intriguing they have Chocolate and a Mallow like filling in a pastry like pocket. Not what i imagined bit more like a poptart.
DISNEY HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS MICKEY PRETZELS
We have always struggled with MGM studios as it was called and foods. Seems to all be fast food, sandwiches. WE opted for a Mickey Pretzel which i did enjoy. Mum had a Churro with a Chocolate dip, which i used for my Pretzel. A good cheap snack and you can pick up coffee and drinks from the many kiosks in the park. We have also dined in the Sci fi restaurant which is quirky and a experience in the middle price range of food.
EPCOT & VARIOUS LOCATIONS FUNNEL CAKES
I wanted to try Funnel cakes but i looked at some recipes and they contained Almond essence, me being intolerant makes that a problem. I looked up more recently and saw no mention of Almond in recipes so we got some. A plain one and a Pumpkin Spice one at the Kiosk outside the American Experience in Epcot world showcase.
A nice warm snack and the Pumpkin Spice was very autumnal tasting, beware of the many Birds lingering around who also want a piece of Funnel Cake too!
Unfortunately i seem to have had a reaction to them and came out in a rash so their must have been something in them or used with them to set my intolerance off. This is strange as no Nuts are used in any of the items on the menu in the kiosk!
SO BE CAREFUL AND CHECK
TYPHOON LAGOON – Pineapple Milkshakes & Giant Donuts
When you are in the waterpark i guess you want a light snack, nothing too heavy
Everyday we went to find somewhere to sit we passed the Donut kiosk. These were huge and fit the whole of my Hand they are just plain Donuts with coloured Icing no flavouring. You can also get hot food and snacks. We had a Pineapple Milkshake which was topped with Whipped Cream, Mickey sprinkles and a Cherry these were nice and refreshing in the hot weather.
These are the places we visited whilst in the parks, their are others which i would have liked to try maybe next time.
Including
- Cheshire Cat Tails
- Mickeys kitchen sink ice cream bucket ( souvenir bucket to keep)
Hopefully this guide can also help someone going to Disneyworld in planning where to eat within the park, also offer an insight into costs.
Thanks for reading my Disney food Blog from my recent 30th Birthday Vacation 2018
if you would like to read more about my reviews and find out more about me follow my blog or sign up by email to get email updates on new posts.
Adam x
Adampastryguy 