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Just a Little Hungry? Part 2: Eat This in Disney Parks

We’re back with more recommendations about what to eat at Disney World when you are just a little hungry. Dining at Walt Disney World is an activity within itself. From visiting character dining spots like Chef Mickey‘s to grabbing a Dole Whip for a snack in Magic Kingdom or cocktails at Grand Floridian, and lunching at quick-service spots like Sunshine Seasons at EPCOT — there is so much to eat and so little time! Most Disney World foodies will admit that they wish they had more time, and stomach space, to taste more food around the Parks. I’m highlighting the top bites you need to taste at Disney Parks if you are just a little hungry. 

DOLE Whip Pineapple Float

Credit: Disney

Just because you don’t want a huge portion of food doesn’t mean you are limited to options like a Mickey Pretzel or chicken tenders (although they are both delicious options), you can try popular Disney Park cuisine without the overwhelming portion size if you know what to order.

Let’s dive in with recommendations for each of the Disney Parks! Don’t forget to check out the first article in this series about Disney Springs and Disney Resort dining options for when you are just a little hungry. 

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

ABC Commissary, Commissary Lane, Hollywood Studios

Credit: Disney

If you want to split a meal that is hearty and flavorful without the huge portion, we recommend a visit to the ABC Commissary at Hollywood Studios. Located on Commissary Lane, this dining hall-style eatery serves up simple American favorites. My choice from this menu is the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Coming in at $11.29, this sandwich is built on grilled sourdough bread toasted and loaded with spicy buffalo chicken. The sandwich is also stacked with the cheesy goodness of Monterey, provolone, cheddar, and rich cream cheese served with a side of Buffalo Sauce. This menu item also comes with your choice of side — I usually opt for the thick and fresh steak Fries.

Combination Bowl: Grilled Beef & Chicken

Satu’li Canteen, Pandora – The World of Avatar in Animal Kingdom

Credit: Touringplans.com

Looking to split a bowl of “real food” with a travel buddy at Animal Kingdom? My recommendation is the Combination Bowl: Grilled Beef & Chicken at Satu’li Canteen. This bowl delivers double the protein, so you can taste both the wood-fired chicken and beef on this menu. Satu’li serves up fresh and simple bowls and entrĂ©es with perfectly paired flavors. The slow-roasted sliced grilled beef is juicy and perfectly cooked after marinating in a blend of garlic, herbs, red pepper spice, and red wine vinegar. The juicy chicken thighs in this bowl are marinated in garlic and olive oil.

The bowl itself is served on a grain or salad base depending on your preference and is topped with a crunchy veggie slaw and tropical-flavored Boba Balls as garnish. Finally, you’ll choose a sauce drizzle from the menu to top off the bowl. I love this dining spot and at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and never want to miss a chance to visit. Sharing a bowl means I enjoy delicious and hearty food for a meal without overbuying or overeating — and this menu item comes in at $17.95. 

Savory Egg Rolls

Egg Roll Cart in Adventureland, Magic Kingdom

Credit: Touringplans.com

The egg rolls (also called spring rolls) served off an adorable cart in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom are a hit with Disney Park insiders. Flavors switch out periodically, but flavors like buffalo chicken, traditional egg rolls, and pepperoni pizza are all flavors that have graced this cart from time to time. These are cheap eat at around $9 for a pair of egg rolls and make for a perfect substantive, but small eat during a day at Disney World Resort.

Small Plates at Festival Booths

Around World Showcase, EPCOT

EPCOT food and wine festival

Credit: Disney

It’s no surprise to hear that EPCOT is a great place for high-quality food served in small portions. The EPCOT Festival of the Arts, International Flower & Garden Festival, and of course the unforgettable International Food & Wine Festival are hot times to visit EPCOT to nosh on delicious food and sip cocktails, wine, and beer from around the globe. You can’t talk about small bites at EPCOT without mentioning the festival booths. 

Though I love to make a day of eating around World Showcase, you could absolutely opt for a small plate (or 2) from a festival booth for a lite lunch. These plates are relatively low cost and range from around $5-$12 depending on what you choose. Festival menus change by the festival and year. Disney foodies love awaiting the new menu updates and announcements before each festival season. The Lobster Roll at Hops & Barley stand in the American pavilion is my all-time favorite festival food. Buttery lobster on a warm roll with a creamy herby mayonnaise – heaven on earth! 

Related: The Pretzel Guide To Disney World

Coffee-rubbed Rib-Eye Beef Puff

BaseLine Tap House, Grand Avenue in Hollywood Studios

Credit: Easywdw

When it comes to Walt Disney World dining, there tend to be plenty of delicious surprises in store. The Coffee-rubbed Rib-Eye Beef Puff at BaseLine Tap House is one of my favorite culinary surprises in a small-plate-sized eat at Disney World. This yummy menu item is made from juicy steak wrapped in cheese and nestled in buttery puff pastry. The puff is served with an olive salad on the side for $11 and is a not to be missed savory small bite we love.

Creamy Bacon Macaroni & Cheese Tots

Friar’s Nook Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom

Creamy Bacon Macaroni & Cheese Tots

Credit: pixiedustfan.com

If you are a potato lover like me, don’t forget to check out Friar’s Nook when you are looking for a yummy but not too filling bite to eat during a Park day. The Creamy Bacon Macaroni & Cheese Tots are fried, cheesy, meaty perfection that makes for an appropriately filling meal or snack. You can enjoy this tater tot masterpiece for $11.49 and still have an appetite when it’s time for your character meal later in the day!

Use these Park Disney dining suggestions as you decide what light but delicious options you want to nosh on during your next visit to Walt Disney World. Remember that for smaller portion sizes at quick-service dining spots, adults can order from the kid’s menu. Particularly when the portion sizes on the regular menu seem too large, opting for a kid’s meal is another surefire way to save money and get a smaller portion size.

About Katie Chapman

Hey There! I am a Georgia native with a passion for writing, traveling, cooking, decorating, pugs and of course all things Disney. Growing up in South Georgia just a few hours from Walt Disney World made for a magical childhood. Some of my best memories were made on Main Street U.S.A. with my sister watching SpectroMagic nighttime parade or beside my grandparents, parents and extended family at Chef Mickey’s celebrating on a family vacation. Epcot was my favorite park from a young age and I credit it with my interest in and love for international travel. As a kid I loved meeting characters and watching films around World Showcase and could spend hours exploring each of the countries in Epcot. These days, my husband and I get away to explore a new country whenever we can and even incorporate trips to The Disney Store and Disney Parks around the world in our travels. One of our travel goals is to visit every Disney Park in the world. I love writing about Disney restaurants, park tips, Disney outfit inspiration and Disney history. Pocahontas is my favorite Disney Princess (90s kid here!) but Mr. Toad is my spirit animal. When I’m not at Disney I’m reading about park history, watching Disney documentaries and shopping vintage Disney merch for park outfits. I never pass up a reservation to Ohana, an empty seat on Living with the Land or a Violet Sake.