Money Saver #5: Stick to Basic Foods

So we’re looked at how to save money on table-service restaurants using the Disney Dining Plan. Now let’s see how you can cut your food expenses to the bare bone.

Remember that you can buy many food items at your resort shop and food court. If you are on a tight budget, here are a few tips to keep your food costs low.

Refillable Mugs

If you like soft drinks and coffee, purchase the refillable mugs at your resort food court or counter-service restaurant. The mug costs $13 and can be refilled throughout your stay.

Soft drinks and coffee regularly cost about $2. If you drink coffee in the morning and a soft drink every evening for a week, the total cost would be almost $30 without the refillable mug. And you get a souvenir mug to take home!

Stick to Counter Service

One of the easiest ways to keep your food expenses low is to eat meals at counter-service restaurants. Most meals are under $10. And you can ask for a cup of water for free.

Share Meals

Many of the meals — both counter-service and table-service — are rather large, much too large for those of us with smaller appetites.

At counter-service restaurants, just order one entrée or combo and split it with your spouse or child.

At table-service, ask if you can split an entrée. You can’t share buffets, but I’ve never been turned down when asking to share a plated entrée. And I’ve even order child’s meals several times. I am very polite when I ask. Be sure to tip as if you paid for two regular meals!

Buy Snacks in the Resort Shop

When you get back to your resort in the evening, you might be hungry for a snack. Rather than hitting the food court, buy a package of cookies or pastries at the resort shop. A package of mini-donuts costs only $3.50 at the resort shop.

An extra bonus: The snack pastries also serve as an easy breakfast!

Bring Favorite Snacks From Home

There’s nothing like having your favorite snacks, especially if you’re on a special diet. I bring a box of my favorite granola bars in my carry-on bag. (Don’t pack food in your suitcase.) They’re healthier than snacks purchased in the parks. They’re less expensive since I brought them from home. And since they’re eaten, that means more space in my carry-on on the trip home

Consider bringing a box of your child’s favorite crackers or cereal or perhaps your wife’s favorite chocolates!

Take Sandwiches to the Parks

If you absolutely, positively must save as much as possible, take your own sandwiches to the parks.

For this to work best, bring some sandwich bags from home. Then, buy a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter at your resort shop. That’ll cost you about $6. Then slap together some sandwiches, stick them in sandwich bags and slip them in your backpack. When you’re ready for lunch, find a bench in a shady spot. grab some bottled water and an apple to enjoy with your sandwich.

I wouldn’t want to eat that way every day. But for a quick time and money saver, it’s a winner to me!