One Price Feeds All: Dinning On A Dime At Disney

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

There’s no doubt that Disney is one of the greatest escapes for the family and for kids of all ages. In fact, it just may be what many of us need to tap into our inner (forgotten) child and bring it out again.

In fact, it’s a vacation you can really sink your teeth into, well, except when it comes to meals.

While it may be relatively “easy” to find reasonably priced packaged deals on-line or via a reputable travel agent, most don’t include meals, or at least enough to feed the whole family throughout the day. And, eating in Disney, at least three meals a day, can cost as much as getting there.

Yet, experts suggest that maintaining a balanced diet while enjoying the Disney experience doesn’t have to leave a bad taste in your mouth (or on your finances), and they offer these tasty morsels of money saving strategies.

· Two For The Price Of One: Consider splitting an entrée especially since many of the main meals served at Disney are ample enough for two. Tack on a soup or side salad and you can have a meal for under $15.

· Wet Your Appetite: Rather than ordering a glass of soda pop or an alcoholic beverage to your meal, which can get pricey, ask for tap water, it’s free. Add a wedge of lemon for a refreshing twist and/or add some sugar as well for a spur of the moment “homemade” lemonade.

· Create An Appetizing Meal: Rather than splurging on a meal, order a variety of appetizers. Most note experts cost less than $9 or $10 and there’s enough there to fill you up. Also, don’t forget to share. At bit of this and a taste of that will leave you very satisfied.

· Make Your Meal A “Free-For-All”: Find out which restaurants bring out free appetizers such as bread with accoutriments and pay them a visit for lunch. Nosh on the free munchies and order a smaller meal form the menu. If you’re really hungry, pair it up with a cup of soup or a side salad for a meal for under $10.

· Apply For Special Membership. Some restaurants have a special frequent diner’s club commonly called the “Safari Club” that requires only a $15 membership. And, once you’re “in” you’ll be entiteled to your choice of free appetizer with any entrée or 10% off your check. Plus, you’ll be allowed to go right to the head of the line. Furthermore, you can anticipate a greeting package with a $5 gift certificate for your birthday. And, the card is good at all Disney restaurants nationwide as well as the two at Walt Disney World at downtown Disney and Animal Kingdom

· Opt For All-You-Can-Eat Options: Many Disney hotels offer an all-you-can eat buffet for a fairly reasonable price and they offer some pretty interesting and hearty selections. Plus, most include unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.