Not everyone out there can always afford to get the mack daddy Disney Deluxe Dining plan. I can’t tell you how many trips we have taken over the years we we didn’t do any Dining Plan at all. Most times it was when we would rent a vacation home or stay off site with a kitchen.

With our economy just starting to show signs of life again and everyone learning to maximize what they have I have compiled a list of Tips & Tricks I have learned over the years visiting Walt Disney World to save money.

• Go while the kids are young – Kids under 3 get in free at Walt Disney World. Most toddlers or infants are not going to eat much at all so they can just share off your plates. Perfect way to save some money especially if you goto a buffet like Boma of Chef Mickey’s.
• Pick up snacks – There is a Walmart not far from WDW, actually there are a bunch! Check out the map here. If you add in Publix, Albertsons, Walgreens they are all literally a stone throw away. Take a cab, or drive over and pick up some snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day and eating less at meals.
• Water Water Water – Filling up on water will cause you to eat less and in turn save you money at meal times. We have all heard our parents say you going to fill up on that drink before the food even gets here..Well use it to your advantage Also when ordering your meals ask for water instead of pop or tea to save some big bucks!
• Eats Snacks that are more like a meal – There are plenty of snacks at WDW that are so huge or so filling they are almost a meal. Use those to curb your hunger and save some money.
• Freebies – This is not a guarantee but the past couple times we have gone to Main Street Bakery with our toddler she sat there with her face pressed to the glass staring at all the goodies. After a few minutes of this one of the girls in the back was so nice she gave her a little treat on the house. Both times it has been a marshmallow treat but hey its still free right?
• Club Cool = Free Drinks – Speaking of freebies..Make sure to check out Club Cool in Epcot. There you can sample pop from around the world free of charge for as long as you like, as often as you like. We have been known to stop off here going into the World Showcase and exiting the Park.
• Bring Food in the Parks – This kinda goes hand in hand with heading to the grocery stores. Pack some sandwiches, chips, fruit in a soft cooler and find a nice place to have lunch. When your done eating the soft cooler will fold up for easy storage.
• Find Cheaper Eats – Your not going to find coupons to the Disney Restaurants but you may have to pass the Casual Dining Restaurant for a Counter Service option to save some money. Each park has a restaurant that is a really good value here are some of my favorites:
  • Animal Kingdom – Flame Tree Barbecue – Good food for sharing, and most meals are under $10
  • Epcot - Tangierine Café – Platters are great for sharing and most are under $12
  • Hollywood Studios – Starring Rolls Cafe – Most desserts here are so huge they NEED to be shared!
  • Magic Kingdom – Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe – Chicken & Ribs Combo is a lot of food for $13