I Ate at Disney World Nonstop for a Month — and the Results Surprised Me

I figured out very quickly there are RULES you need to follow to be a frequent diner at Disney World.

Food at Disney World is constantly changing, and with so many options to consider for you next vacation, you’re going to need some guidance. For my job, I have the opportunity to dine at Disney World restaurants week after week.  Before your next vacation, you need to know about a few bumps I tend to hit along the way.

If there’s one thing you’ll learn about me quickly, it’s that I’m very passionate about Disney World’s restaurants and their food options. In fact, its kind of my main starting point to planning any Disney World visit.

Eating at Disney World constantly is a dream come true for a foodie like me! But, you know what they say, be careful what you wish for because there are a few truths I have discovered along my journey that have really hit home for me, and I need you to learn from my mistakes.

Planning Is A MUST

I really mean it when I say this — you can’t be too prepared for Disney World even when it comes to food. Between budgeting and time management for doing everything else in the parks, you’ve GOT to have a plan!

Going in blind and trying to eat (especially during one of Disney World’s busiest months like peak Spring Break in March), doesn’t fair well with the crowds or a hungry tummy. You’re not doing yourself any favors by putting off those dining reservations or opting to wait in the lines to order. Rather than take your chances and risk making some questionable food choices you’re compromising on in the moment, take the extra time to mobile order your quick-service food in the app even hours ahead, plan to eat at off-peak meal times, and if you’re really set on a particular restaurant don’t forget to keep checking the app for more reservation availability to open up!

Don’t Underestimate The Power Of FREE

After you’ve spent TONS of money just to be in Disney World for vacation, FREE starts to sound pretty good. And the even better news to this is that you don’t have to look too hard or too far to find it!

This is our usual soapbox moment to sing the praises of either bringing your own reusable water bottle to the parks to refill at your leisure throughout the day at various water fountains or…

…pick up cups of free water from quick service restaurants! The Cast Members won’t even mind you taking multiple small water cups to refill your water bottle if that’s the hydration method that serves you best.

There’s also nothing wrong with packing your own non-perishable snacks to stave off complete starvation while you’re waiting in a long line or saving your appetite for that family style meal or buffet dinner later!

Buffer Time Is A Real Thing

The concept of buffer time might seem like a myth but I’m here to bust it! Just because you have a reservation at a specific time to dine, doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re being seated for your meal at that exact time. In my experience eating around Disney World, I’m wholeheartedly preaching to expect to add a few minutes from check in to be seated.

Another tip that might ensure you’re seated with as minimal wait time as possible is to make sure you have everyone dining together when you check in. Otherwise waiting for the rest of your dining crew to join you could delay your time to be seated — Cast Members usually won’t seat your party until everyone is together.

Also, you’ll want to pack in more time for character meals. Characters within the restaurant will come around to your table and you’ll want to get up to talk, sign autographs, and snap a few pictures as they come to greet you.

Make sure you’ve left room in your plans to do all of this before you’re stressing about missing your next Lightning Lane reservation!

I Could EASILY Spend More $$ On Snacks vs. A Full Meal

Disney World snacks are addictive, and who can resist the charms of a Mickey pretzel or creamy Dole Whip?

If you’re more of a snacker than a full-meal person, consider cushioning that budget for more frequent snacks because you’ll want to try them all! Another tip we’ve picked up out of sheer consistency is opting to order the kids meals at quick service restaurants. This is our tried-and-true trick to keep from feeling too full when going about the rest of our day.

You May Develop A Love/Hate Relationship With Disney World Food

While I might lean more towards the picky side of eating, that doesn’t mean I won’t try something at least once. While other people might absolutely love a specific dish or snack, that doesn’t always mean you’ll echo the same feelings about it.

On the flip side of that, the same dish you love at one restaurant — let’s take your standard Disney World park burger — might not be made the same at the next restaurant you’re trying. We’ve found this to be especially true of the restaurants around Disney World hotels, so if you’re fighting a familiar option over something that might seem a little more adventurous, don’t fight yourself too hard. It could end up being a completely different (and tastier) experience!

Eating non-stop around Disney World certainly has its shining moments, but there are also a few harder lessons I have had to learn along the way. If there’s one thing that shouldn’t be underestimated at Disney World, it’s that the restaurants and more specifically the food tends to leave a lasting impression on you one way or another.

We’re constantly talking about the best places to eat at Disney World! Be sure to stay tuned with us at AllEars for even more!

I Love This Disney World Restaurant, But You Definitely SHOULDN’T Go There

Are you more of a snacker, diner, or a little bit of both when you visit Disney World? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!

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