Your Budget Guide to Cheap Eats In the Magic Kingdom

Visiting Walt Disney World Resort is a dream come true for many guests, but for those who’ve done the math, it’s no secret that the price of making magic can add up fast. Park tickets, resort stays, souvenirs, and transportation are all part of the planning puzzle, and then there’s one cost you can’t skip: food.

While some visitors budget for lavish table service meals every day, others prefer to save that money for Lightning Lane upgrades, a special souvenir, or a second trip down the road.

Related: Disney World on a Budget: How To Save Big on Your Next Trip

Food is one of the trickiest parts of any Disney budget because, unlike park tickets, it’s something you’ll need to account for every single day of your trip.

While Disney allows guests to bring in their own food—provided it’s not in glass containers and doesn’t require heating or refrigeration—packing lunches and snacks for multiple days can be impractical. That’s why knowing where to find affordable, filling meals inside the park can make all the difference.

Belgian Waffles or Funnel Cakes – Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

Liberty Square’s Sleepy Hollow has been a fan favorite for years, thanks to its fresh Belgian waffles and indulgent funnel cakes. After a brief and disappointing stint with Mickey waffles, the beloved Belgian versions made their triumphant return, to the delight of longtime visitors.

Related: 5 Magic Kingdom Snacks You Should Probably Skip

For under $10, you can enjoy a Belgian waffle topped with berries and whipped cream, a funnel cake topped with berries and whipped cream, or a funnel cake crowned with chocolate-hazelnut spread, bananas, and whipped cream. If you’re looking for something even more decadent, you can opt for a Belgian waffle topped with berries, bananas, chocolate-hazelnut spread, and whipped cream for just one dollar more.

These options are hearty enough to share, but you might not want to.

Mini Corn Dogs – Casey’s Corner

Casey’s Corner, located at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., is one of the busiest quick-service locations in the park, especially before fireworks. While their loaded foot-long hot dogs are legendary, they’re also pricey. For a budget-friendly option, go for the mini corn dog nuggets.

They’re crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and served with a side of fries—plenty to keep you going through a few more attractions. Not a fry fan? Swap them out for a mandarin orange. For a small splurge, add a container of cheese sauce for dipping—perfect for both the nuggets and the fries.

Cheddar, Bacon, and Ranch Tots – The Friar’s Nook

If your day takes you through Fantasyland, The Friar’s Nook is a must-stop for loaded potato fans. Their Cheddar, Bacon, and Ranch Tots come perfectly crispy, covered in cheese sauce, chopped bacon, a drizzle of ranch dressing, and topped with fresh scallions.

Like many of the best budget bites, this dish is ideal for sharing. At $10.49, it’s a satisfying meal that delivers on flavor without leaving your wallet empty.

Related: Discover the Absolute BEST Disney Snacks at Magic Kingdom!

Any Kids’ Meal – Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe

Kids’ meals are one of the most underrated dining strategies at Disney. Officially intended for guests nine and under, there’s nothing stopping adults from ordering them, and cast members rarely question it. Pecos Bill in Frontierland offers a great selection: the Green Chile Beef Nacho Bowl, Citrus-Chipotle Chicken Nacho Bowl, Citrus-Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl, a cheeseburger, or a cheese quesadilla.

Prices range from $7.29 to $8.79, and each meal includes two sides and a drink (milk or bottled water). Side options are impressively varied, from French fries and Charro beans to chips with salsa, chips con queso, cilantro-lime rice, guacamole, or queso. It’s a smart way to save money while still enjoying a full meal.

Related: Underrated Quick Service Restaurants in Walt Disney World

Cinnamon Roll – Gaston’s Tavern

Early risers who “rope drop” Magic Kingdom often find themselves hungry by mid-morning, and Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland has just the thing. Their massive cinnamon roll is warm, soft, and dripping with cinnamon-sugar-butter flavor, topped with plenty of gooey frosting. At $6.99, it’s large enough to split between two people, though you may be tempted to keep it all to yourself.

Pair it with Joffrey’s coffee for an added boost—regular or decaf is $4.29, while a French Roast Cold Brew will run you $4.79.

Why Planning Your Meals Matters

While it’s easy to walk into the nearest restaurant when hunger strikes, a little planning can go a long way toward keeping your budget in check. Checking menus ahead of time not only helps you spot these kinds of deals, but it also ensures you won’t be surprised by prices when you get to the counter. The options above prove you don’t have to sacrifice taste or portion size to eat affordably in the park.

These meals all share a few key traits: they’re reasonably priced, filling enough to keep you going through long park days, and available at convenient locations spread throughout Magic Kingdom. Many can be split between two guests, stretching your dollars even further.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to try as many attractions as possible or a Disney veteran who’s seen it all but still craves those iconic park flavors, finding affordable eats makes every trip a little sweeter. The magic of Disney isn’t just in the rides and shows—it’s also in the little moments, like sitting on a bench in front of Cinderella Castle, enjoying a waffle topped with fresh berries, knowing you got a great deal.

Do you have a favorite cheap eat at Magic Kingdom that we didn’t cover here? Have you tried any of these dishes on past trips? Share your go-to budget meals and money-saving park strategies in the comments—we’d love to hear how you make the most of your Disney dining dollars.