So you love to eat, but you also love to save? Hungry, budget-lovin’ mamas unite!
You may have ended up here after reading the first installment of my three part series on the most affordable ways to dine in Disney. If you have not had a chance to read it yet, check out Part 1: Wallet Friendly Table Service in Disney World!
In that article, I covered some of the least expensive restaurants you can visit at Disney while still enjoying some phenomenal food. With that being said, there are some options that come in at a bit more of a higher price tag, but I do not want you to disregard them because they will truly give you the most bang for your buck if you are wise and strategic in your approach to dining with them! The following are some great add-on reservation options if you are looking for 1-2 more special meal experiences without breaking the bank!
Kona Cafe
While many guests flock to Ohana for breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, there sits an underrated gem right across the hall that has one of the best values for table service breakfast in all of Disney. It is true Kona Cafe won’t give you the opportunity to meet Lilo and Stitch while you dine, but its price tag is also not $45 per meal!
Kona Cafe offers an a la carte menu (which, as always, is far more wallet friendly than the all you care to enjoy or buffet options), and serves classic American breakfasts mixed with Polynesian entrees. It is also home to the crazy popular and drool inducing Tonga Toast, which is banana-stuffed sourdough bread, battered, deep-fried, and dusted with cinnamon-sugar.”
Pro Tip: This restaurant is also incredible for dinner too – I legit dream about the Steak Salad they offer (and I never thought I would say that about a salad). A bonus that you won’t find at many Disney restaurants is its sushi menu, too!
Raglan Road
I will rave about this dining establishment all day, every day! There are not many places at Disney World where one can enjoy a dinner show, and if you are signing up for one (take Fort Wilderness’ Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, as an example), you are spending at least $66 per adult.
Raglan Road is located in Disney Springs, and a little known, far less talked about fact about this restaurant is that it has a lively Irish Dance show every night with performances on the hour, every hour. The show features live music, storytelling, and, of course, some impressive dancers (many of whom are Irish natives). These young men and women grace diners with their skill in the primary circular dining room that has a focal point of its main stage.
And the food? Delicious!! The stand out by far is their traditional Fish and Chips (which, by the way, they also sell out of a quick service window on the outside of the restaurant because it is just that popular). When you combine the lively and fun environment here with some terrific Irish favorites and a great bar menu, this is one of the first suggestions I provide families I advise on their trips!
Interested in customized recommendations for your trip, as well as one-on-one expert help in picking options for your vacation? My services as a Smart Moms Travel Authorized Vacation Planner are free, and I can help!
Sebastian’s Bistro
All you care to eat, multi-course meals are extremely popular with Disney guests. As a case study, take the very desirable dinner at Ohana, located in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. An adult meal rings in here at a whopping $55! This is where a similar meal, served only a mere few miles away at a restaurant named Sebastian’s Bistro, really shows its value.
Similar to Ohana, Sebastian’s, located in Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, is a multi course meal inspired by island flavors. For nearly half of the cost of Ohana ($32/adult), diners enjoy flavors of the tropics, including Oven-Roasted Citrus Chicken, Slow-Cooked Mojo Pork and Grilled Flank Steak, accompanied by Cilantro Rice and Beans, Vegetable Curry and Grilled Broccolini.
The similarity in dining styles between these two establishments is uncanny – loads of food and culturally inspired flavors that are heavy on meats and protein, but Sebastian’s is the winner in my book for the sole reason that dining here saves my family of four about $100 in comparison!
Via Napoli
Yep, the rumors are true. You can get a pizza slice the size of your face at Via Napoli over in the Italy pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. Actually the whole pie is more like the size of your face, plus your two kids, and your husband. I am talking about the biggest pizza on property, and the most authentic because all the pies are baked in authentic wood burning ovens straight from Italy.
The best bang for your buck here is going to be the Mezzo Metro, a sight for sore eyes type of pizza that will feed a small army. Depending on your appetite, I think this bad boy could feed up to 6 people for a price tag of only $50-$55 (depending on toppings).
Pro Tip: Not only does Via Napoli have a very elaborate cocktail list, it also includes some of the most delicious concoctions I have had on property. Try the Lemoncello mule!
Sanaa
Just like the previous recommendation at Skipper Canteen, another choice for the more adventurous eater who doesn’t mind splitting a dish for full value is Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sanaa. Inspired by African and Asian cuisine, it is not just the delicious eats that should bring you to this restaurant. The windows of the dining room all face out to the savanna on property, which is home to hundreds of roaming animals. Imagine watching giraffes or okapis walk by your window as appetizers are served!
The “potjie” entree here makes splitting dishes easy as guests choose two primary dishes to try from several protein and harvest/vegetable options, accompanied by a heaping bowl of scented basmati rice. Again, it’s a lot of food, and super fun to share!
Last, another can’t miss is the Bread Service,which includes five Breads with nine accompaniments. It is the perfect way to start the meal and sample a lot communally as a table!
Picking out a few special dining experiences for your family does not have to cost an arm and leg, and hopefully you have garnered some wonderful ideas that may satisfy your belly and the budget! The last installment of this series is going to cover Disney’s quick service dining, so stay tuned.
And remember, the type of expert knowledge outlined here on dining (as well as ALL elements of your trip starting with the best accommodations to suit your needs, a custom itinerary, and recommendations as to what your family will most enjoy in the parks, even packing tips and lesser known secrets, and so, so much more) is totally available to you for free when you book your magical vacation with me and our sister company, Smart Moms Travel. No catch here – Disney pays us if you book the vacation through me, all for the same price as booking on your own.
If you are not already working with one of our fabulous travel planners, I would love to hear about your family and the trip you hope to take. I would love to become your planning bestie, guiding you in all important decisions pertaining to the trip. And, of course, a priority will be staying kind to your wallet by sticking to the budget you have determined is best.Click here to get started today!
