Tips about Budget, Epcot and Food & Beverage

For those interested in low-carb dining -- There is a great fruit and cheese plate at Sunshine Seasons at the Land in Epcot -- less than $6 for a good amount of food. These disappear fast so grab one early for lunch. - Sue McGill

If you are a Target credit card or Target debit card holder, you can purchase Disney gift cards in store and receive a 5% discount. The cards at my local Target are available in $50 denominations so I have started putting aside money $50 at a time. Every time I get $50 saved, I purchase a gift card using my Target debit card. By doing this I can get $1000 worth of Disney gift cards for $950, $2000 for $1900, etc. - Stephanie

I just used the online dining reservations for our trip in July. There will be six of us and an infant. You have to include an infant in the number of guests for every meal. I called to confirm this and was told that was correct. Thanks for the great website! I do all my research for my trips here! - Alana DeFazio

Epcot - I just wanted to let you know there is now an additional place to get kosher food in Epcot. It is at the Electric Umbrella restaurant in Future World. This is helpful, because if you need the kosher food, you don't have to go all the way to the American Adventure's Liberty Inn in World Showcase. - Michael Lorch

Epcot - I just wanted to let you know there is now an additional place to get kosher food in Epcot. It is at the Electric Umbrella restaurant in Future World. This is helpful, because if you need the kosher food, you don't have to go all the way to the American Adventure's Liberty Inn in World Showcase. - Michael Lorch

Epcot - I just wanted to let you know there is now an additional place to get kosher food in Epcot. It is at the Electric Umbrella restaurant in Future World. This is helpful, because if you need the kosher food, you don't have to go all the way to the American Adventure's Liberty Inn in World Showcase. - Michael Lorch

Epcot - I just wanted to let you know there is now an additional place to get kosher food in Epcot. It is at the Electric Umbrella restaurant in Future World. This is helpful, because if you need the kosher food, you don't have to go all the way to the American Adventure's Liberty Inn in World Showcase. - Michael Lorch

We're at Walt Disney World this week and a cast member suggested that we could purchase the Tables in Wonderland card as Disney Vacation Club members. Went to a guest relations desk and after the cast member checked, found that yes, we could purchase TiW for $100, good for a year, with all the usual benefits. So glad this cast member was looking out for us, as it has saved us more than $100 already and we've got 13 more days to go! Please pass on the tip! - Tom Chavez

If you're on a tight schedule and want to be seated as close to your ADR time as possible, it may be best to make reservations for earlier rather than later. On our trip this month, I noticed that the later our dinner reservation was, the longer it took to get seated. This becomes even worse if it rains. People already seated for their meal do not finish and leave the restaurant as quickly when they know it's raining outside. - Collette

Epcot - If the crowds are large and you didn't get to a good spot three hours early to watch IllumiNations, there is a restroom as you enter Norway. Across from the restrooms is a bench that provides a nice place to sit and watch IllumiNations. You can't see everything, but you're away from the crowds and you can see the globe and fireworks away from everyone on a comfy spot. - Anthony

Epcot - If the crowds are large and you didn't get to a good spot three hours early to watch IllumiNations, there is a restroom as you enter Norway. Across from the restrooms is a bench that provides a nice place to sit and watch IllumiNations. You can't see everything, but you're away from the crowds and you can see the globe and fireworks away from everyone on a comfy spot. - Anthony

If you're a AAA member, bring your card and ask about available discounts at restaurants. Some places outside the parks, like Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs and Fresh at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, offer a better discount for AAA members than they do for AP holders or DVC members. - Laura Gilbreath

Animal Kingdom - If you're looking for a healthy breakfast alternative, try the oatmeal at Pizzafari in Animal Kingdom. It's a generous serving of oatmeal topped with fresh crisp chunks of apple, golden raisins, Craisins, and brown sugar. And at only $2.79 it's quite a bargain! - Laura Gilbreath

Explore the world of vacation homes and condos. Remember, a 15-minute drive can save you literally hundreds of dollars. When you get a place to stay, look for somewhere with laundry machines in the unit or available in the complex.You can carry much less luggage and not have to worry about paying baggage fees to the airline. It won't hurt anyone to do one load of laundry on a four- or five-day trip. If you are renting a vacation home or condo, you will probably have to do it anyway for towels. - Tom Galloway

We had resigned ourselves to staying off-site due to a tight budget. But then we remembered Fort Wilderness campground -- all the perks of staying onsite at a fraction of the cost, since we will be sharing our campsite with friends. We are so looking forward to it! - Ky in Gulfport, MS