George

My family is headed to Disney World in Florida in November. I hear that I should stock up on bottled water and snacks since meals are expensive. Are the burgers, fries, and cokes at Disney any more expensive than other places like Six Flags or any resort or even the baseball stadium? Just trying to get a handle on it before I get hit with sticker shock.

Merilee

George, if you are on a budget, then you should buy bottled water, snacks, etc. at a local grocery store. I haven't been to Disneyworld in 2 years, but it is an expensive venture to feed a family in the park. One bottle of water must be at least $2.50 or $3.00 now compared to about .75 or $1.00 if you bought it in a grocery store. There's a Goodings Supermarket at the Crossroads Shopping Center off I-4 West and there's another nice one on Sand Lake Road. These locations are near the parks.

xxx

For lunch it usually costs us about $10 per person.

X

I'd say it baseball stadium comparable. But imagine eating 3 meals a day for x amount of day at a baseball stadium...you'd go broke pretty quick.

nina

The food isn't very expensive, but the water is. Definitely bring your own. It might be smart to bring your own snacks too. The food at most of the restaurants is pretty bad. I lost 5 pounds in as many days. I couldn't eat the fast food stuff, or the wildly popular fried dough and all the other junk that's everywhere.

We ate breakfast at the hotel, skipped lunch and ate fruit and trail mix that we brought in (except the kids, they love McDonalds so the food was right up their alley), then made reservations at some decent restaurants. They were the Flying Fish on the Boardwalk, The California grill (I think that's the name, in the Contemporary hotel), the sit down restaurant in France at Epcot was pretty good too. Good luck.

Sara

I was there 2 years ago and found a couple of good deals. There was a roasted chicken dinner for 4 people (albeit not four large appetites) which included mashed potatoes and green beans I believe at a fast-food style restaurant right by Space Mountain. It was about $15. Also there was a McDonald's in Amimal Kingdom park. As you would expect, it was more than your average McD's prices but not much. I know, some people say "Why go to Disney just to eat at McD's?" Well, my kids weren't there for the food. Look around at what is available as you walk around the park and make note of what looks like the better deals, especially at the ethnic food vendors in Epcot.

nina

Sara's post just reminded me, there was an inexpensive, good place called "the Land" in Epcot. It had soups, baked potatoes, salads and roasted chicken. It was set up kind of like a food court.

It's true, you don't go to Disney for the food, but it's good to have some tips before going so you don't starve to death.

rachel

this is one of "it depends" questions. Beverages are expensive. 2 solutions-bring in your own bottled water and refill the bottle at the many drinking fountains. also, Disney sells thermal mugs for about $10 each which you can refill all over disney properties for about a buck a refill-I have friends who have used the same mugs for about 6 trips. there is food in all price ranges and quality ranges. Go to www.mousesavers.com for some great disney tips.

nina

Uh-oh Rachel, Be careful! If you go on over to the disboards.com and tell them you reuse the refillable mugs on separate trips they will tell you how immoral and dishonest you are!

Gobble

Mmmmm. Turkey legs.

xxx

I don't think the food is so out of line but the soda prices are out of this world! $2.50 for a small soda! Bring your own for sure.

barry

Can you still bring in a backpack w/food into the park? Do they search you since 9/11 security. We enjoyed bringing in a sandwich and soda in a backpack. If you eat at a park restaurant you may loose an hour or so. That doesn't matter during the summer when the parks are open late, but in the off season the parks close early! Check park hours out ahead of time!

Gail

Yes, you can bring a back pack and they will search it, but you can bring food. Instead of lugging bottled water, buy a Brita Water bottle. It filters out the taste of the Florida water. Fill it with mostly ice and some water and keep filling it at the water fountains. The vendors will fill it with ice when yours melts.
The food is on a par with any other vacation spot.
Go to www.disboards.com and www.wdwig.com for some great information.

Food

There is a Publix Supermarket on Sand Lake Road. I've purchased 24 12-ounce bottles for $5 in the past. The "Land" at Epcot has inexpensive food. Also, the fast food Chinese restaurant at Epcot is cheap and pretty decent.

Just me

Don't know about Disney prices, but since you asked how they compared to baseball parks, I must say I had sticker shock when I had to pay $4 for a 12 or 16 oz bottle of water at Yankee Stadium. And there, you can't bring food or drinks in.

gail

We have found food and drinks comparable to anyplace else where they have you hostage - sporting events, amusement parks. Sure, it costs less at the supermarket, but that was not your question.

Agree with above - it is the drinks that will bankrupt you. You sort of expect the food to be fast-food prices and style, but in the Florida sun, fluids are important. If you have a hotel with a refrigerator, freeze some water bottles and bring them in. Warm water is nasty, and I can't imagine asking vendors for ice.

Lee

My spouse and I were at WDW in June (02), and yes, the food and drinks are expensive. We bought bottled water a few times and then kept refilling the bottle in the parks and carrying it in our backpack. Any bags you bring into the park will be searched, but they will not ask you to remove food or drinks. Plus, the search itself is pretty pitiful--they barely look through most of the things in the bag.
Try to keep snacks and drinks in the hotel room and buy them from a grocery store or Walmart that is not right next to a main gate entrance. We thought the prices for baked goods within the WDW parks were fair, and often bought these at night in order to have a snack or quick breakfast the next day. We also tried to eat "off property" at some point during the day. Some of the food within WDW is very tasty, but it will be high for a family. The barbecue at Animal Kingdom is very good but cost about $20.00 for two!

Mike

I think you can bring stuff, I guess what you have to ask is the cost of the food/water worth the hassle of dragging all that stuff around WDW. I see these people with all of their stuff weighing them down and I have to wonder whether it is worth it. Anyone who would carry a cooler around WDW has a much different idea of vacation then I do.

sister

Head over the "Downtown" Disney..near the Doubletree/ Grosvenor. Lots of places to choose from and healthy too. Surely you don't plan on eating burgers and fries for your entire stay!

calli

ttt