Why People Aren’t Eating at Disney World Restaurants

Just between you and me, there are some BIG red flags when it comes to eating around Disney World nowadays. But what red flags should you be on the lookout for? And how are they gonna impact the way YOU eat around Disney World during your next visit? Take a seat. We’re gonna reveal all of that TODAY, here on DFB Guide.
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[@delwinalvarez8086]

Simple answer. Price has skyrocketed while amount of food and quality have decreased. We have noticed and we're not idiots

[@daa589]

YOU WILL CONSUME

[@47Jaspers]

I love how Disney travel blogs know things are bad but still have to frame everything with a positive smile. They make videos with titles like "Here's how to avoid these common problems." It's a vacation! We shouldn't have to be strategizing ways to avoid problems. They should be easily avoidable!

[@lanedaw811]

You have nailed it. 😊

[@armand9199]

In general, they give you too much food at the sit downs. Agree on quality tho

[@sallymac9842]

That is everywhere that is why I don’t eat out like I used to. Nowadays if I want to do anything it requires planning. The last time I was in Disney was 2019 I used to go yearly. My next trip won’t be any time sooner than 2 years from now. I feel the type of planning that is required is for me to determine what I really want so I can do what I want within budget and the least amount of stress. That is why I watch these videos so I can see what I am getting into what the food looks like what the entertainment looks like so I can figure how much I am willing to spend. Price have skyrocketed but I can still do what I want if I know what I want and have a plan to do it.

[@laurenelisabethdooley6451]

We just went to Grand Floridian Cafe for dinner and spent $300 for 4 people, the service was so so and the food not that good. Wouldn’t be going back.

[@mysteryworld8170]

😳

[@MSgt5J071]

Very disappointing. My late wife and I ate at the Grand Floridian Cafe several years ago and while it was pretty pricey back then, the food, service and atmosphere were all first rate.

[@nicole-xl4nm]

Unfortunately, my wanderlust as a child towards Disney World exists only in my memory. These videos help keep the magic going without the hassle of actually doing it. Lol

[@nickwalco]

it'll still be magical to kids :)

[@GinIchimaru31]

@@nickwalcoyeah they aren’t paying

[@GoldSkye]

😂😂 right.

[@nickwalco]

@@GinIchimaru31 OK

[@fugi6910]

@@nickwalco it isnt the same :/

[@iirickayii]

Not rocket science, it got too expensive the past 4 years. $180+ for a family of 4 everytime you sit down is a disgrace.

[@Thommadura]

YOU can do Disney for far less money - it YOU are willing to stay outside Disney property and EAT at chain or local Restaurants. Often - you can rent a car AND get a hotel room and still save significant money over the cheap Disney place. For decades - most people did it this way rather than stay at Disney to save money - and Frankly - paying so much for a Room you only sleep in is a waste of time to me - you will be in the parks most of the time.

[@frontierlandfrank5314]

@@Thommadurathat takes the fun out of Disney.

[@lc9734]

​@@Thommaduracuz some parents want to give their child a full experience, as misguided it it.

[@Thommadura]

@@frontierlandfrank5314 VErsus what - NOT GOING at all because you cannot afford it?

[@Thommadura]

@@lc9734 And YOU can do that too -By doing some meals at disney and others outside of Disney. For most meals - there is little difference between what you eat OUTSIDE of Disney and what you eat in Disney - there is really no major difference between Waffles that a square and others shaped like a mouse - BUT - Nothing says you cannot make a reservation for a CHaracter meal once in a week as well. IF saving enough money to be actually able to go to Disney is a consideration - there are ways to do it. If you feel that a hamburger at Disney might be something special - that is a possibility but is it worth an extra ten dollars for the meal?

[@bethk3905]

It’s at a point where prices to eat at Disney are on par with prices to STAY at Disney- sheer insanity. We’re staying on site for our next trip but found a great deal on a car rental. We’re planning on using the car for Publix & Target runs and exploring some of Orlando’s restaurants. The money we spend on the rental will be made up in spades over what we’ll save not eating every single meal “in the bubble”. Best of both worlds.

[@mikeymutual5489]

You are smarter than 90% of the people here.

[@xSirDingo]

What we do on our trips to Disney or Universal is generally we pick 1 on-site restaurant to eat at and 1 restaurant at Disney Springs, then the rest of the time we eat at other restaurants in the area. We also get some snacks and stuff to make sandwiches to have something throughout the day that we can munch on at the hotel or pack with us at the parks. Our trips are usually a week long, for context.

[@frontierlandfrank5314]

@@mikeymutual5489 I’m not going to Disney to not stay in the bubble. Not worth it to me

[@mikeymutual5489]

@@frontierlandfrank5314 The Disney bubble includes the Good Neighbor hotels nearby, and they cost a fraction of what the official Disney resorts cost (and are often better hotels). If not, then enjoy being taken to the cleaners.

[@frontierlandfrank5314]

@@mikeymutual5489 lmao I’m not spending 1000’s of dollars on a trip to Orlando to stay at best western. If you don’t think Disney has enough value for the money, don’t go. But personally I’m not worried about a couple hundred bucks. If that was the case, I wouldn’t go to Disney.

[@timkeyes8870]

The narrator is so ruthlessly cheerful; I want to hear her narrate a vicious slasher movie or something.

[@elizabethtd1006]

Fewer words per minute would be appreciated. This is rather hectic!

[@umrmech84]

Part of the problem is that it isn't just the dining prices. It's the combination of paying for parking, so you can pay for admission to the park, so you can pay a high price for a meal. The food alone doesn't exist in a vacuum the way it does in an outside restaurant. It's the cumulative cost of everything involved (we won't even add in travel and hotel) just so you can pay those high food prices inside the parks.

[@aprilsites2177]

For me I am already spending X amount per hour to be in the parks I struggle to spend that time dining. The plan when I go with my kids is to do quick service and packed snacks while watching parades.

[@umrmech84]

@aprilsites2177 What we have decided works best is to eat a big breakfast before going to the parks and then have a sit down meal at around 2 or 3 in the afternoon. The prices are still lunch prices and we get to spend an hour during the hottest part of the day sitting down in the AC. If we're hungry when we leave the parks we'll grab a snack or quick service then.

[@greenbrown7776]

All that scheduling seems like a nightmare, not a vacation. You're wedded to your smartphone all day long. And you're totally effed if you lose it. I think if were to ever go (which is unlikely), I'd prioritize scheduling high-demand rides and experiences over food. Take some snack bars, an apple and a water bottle or go to a burger joint. If I really prioritized food on vacation, I just wouldn't go to Disney at all.

[@alohajim9534]

ITS ABOUT THE MONEY..... Disney has priced EVERYTHING from parking, food, park entrance out of the average family budget. It's NO LONGER A FAMILY FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE. The other NON Disney parks in Orlando are still " a little cheaper " go there instead. ( before they raise the price too.)

[@MrPenguinsfan66]

I went to chef mickey breakfast about 6 years ago. 3 adults and 1 kid, 1 under 3 and it was over 200 bucks. For eggs bacon and waffles! Disney has went insane, and so have all the people still going and paying these prices.

[@kla12343]

People aren't eating at WDW restaurants because they're too expensive and the food/service can be disappointing. Some restaurants are awesome & I will recommend them to everyone (Jiko nailed it with the menu, with the pricing, consistent quality service, & with being consistently delicious). There are other restaurants that have reputations for being incredible, but the service is hit or miss, the pricing is off (Ohana charging $40 for my 4 year old child to take a single bite is absurd). I've stopped going to Ohana. Now it's straight to Tambu. So long Ohana.

[@johnnymanning4920]

I agree on Ohana. I always loved that place but $40 for each of my kids that like to eat noodles is ridiculous. The meat quality seems to have declined since it reopened as well

[@xavierminchello8431]

I USE TO EAT AT THE RESTAURANT , BUT ITS SO EXPENSIVE NOW WE GO OFF PROPERTY TO EAT NOW WHEN VISITING THE WDW RESORT

[@meekermoo752]

Is this after that Disney incident of that woman that died after eating at one of the restaurants? Cause that's all I kept hearing this week. I thought that's why people stop going despite the prices 😢

[@andi250890]

Ridiculous prices and poor quality food. We recently ate at the sci fi diner and sent the food back, it was horrible!

[@richardschindler8822]

Gone are the days where a trip to Disney land /World didn’t cost you a year’s salary. As much as I’d like to go back, common sense, and my wallet just say, NOPE! Sorry Walt

[@user-dc2ed2dm8d]

When we went in February, I knew the prices were high, and I had looked at the menus/prices as we planned our trip. We selected a few "special" dining places, and decided to snack for the rest of the park days. What I was not expecting was the substandard quality of each "special" meal. The food was, at best, sub-standard, and at worst, inedible. Never again.

[@vincent412l7]

Food is expensive in Disney. It's expensive at the restaurant dowm the block from my house. It's expensive in the grocers. I remember when eggs were 79c a dozen, bread 99c a loaf just a few years back. Used to be able to get take out for $5. Half gallon ice cream is now 48 oz, and quart drinks are 28 oz. People aren't eating out as much anymore.

[@dfbbreea]

The grocery bills don’t pull punches nowadays…

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

Been to Disney several times..on a military discount…and always loved being on the meal plan. That said, my understanding is that it’s so much more expensive these days. We enjoyed our visits, but now that all the kids are grown, we prefer traveling to other places. In other words, instead of visiting the world pavilion at Epcot, we now want to visit the actually countries. So far, we’ve done Ireland and Scotland. Hoping to do Germany and Italy next.

[@tnwhiskey68]

You could just go to the North Africa and save your time. It's the same as any European country these days.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

@@tnwhiskey68 nah. I wanna see Bavaria and northern Italy.

[@meganashlea]

In some cases it’s cheaper to go to other countries ☹️ we’re driving to Niagara Falls this summer and looking at a Mediterranean cruise for 2026 (hit up a few countries on the same trip).

[@NeilD_Videos]

I hope that you enjoyed Scotland when you came here.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

@@NeilD_Videos We absolutely LOVED it. Edinburgh, Doune Castle, Sterling Castle, Pitlochrie, Inverness, Orkneys, Skye, Iona, Glen Coe, Roslyn Chapel.....it was a most wonderful driving tour.

[@TVTIME-be8ze]

Probably because the cost would butcher your wallet if you went as a family. I went to Disney by myself and I went to Epcot and ate at the space 220 and that alone costed $80

[@bethk3905]

🤯

[@melissafloyd3341]

And I was not impressed with the food at space 220. Felt ripped off. I got up at 5 am to book this place? Never again.

[@thebluetarp]

$80 for one person?!? WTH. What did you order?

[@TVTIME-be8ze]

@@thebluetarp it was for both the dining experience and the atmosphere, the food came with the cost

[@TVTIME-be8ze]

@@thebluetarp they have a $50 experience for lunch and they have an $80 experience for dinner forgot to mention

[@heatherrivera4991]

For my family, it's the time it takes out of our day. The parks are so crowded and waits are so long for attractions that we can't commit an hour or two to a dining experience. Heck I can't even shop the way I'd like because the stores are too crowded. Last year I stood in line for 30 plus minutes to check out at the Ole christmas shop. Learned my lesson and didn't do anymore shopping for the rest of the trip. The crowd is the issue. I know to expect it of course but I think it could be controlled better without Disney losing out on revenue.

[@erniericardo8140]

Corporate greed ruined the magic of Disney.

[@bethk3905]

@DFBGuide what about how being at the mercy of Genie+, ILL, & VQ often makes you choose between your dining reservations or getting to ride the attractions you love? Not being able to pre-plan Genie+ puts a huge damper on being able to plan your table service reservations.

[@dfbbreea]

This has DEFINITELY been a problem for us in the past, too. I know Disney had mentioned something last year about future guests being able to pre-plan Lightning Lanes for future trips, but it’s been pretty quiet on that home-front ever since. But I PROMISE we’ll let ya know if we hear about any more movement on that end!

[@Jabroniville]

Also a good point- it's REALLY hard planning G+ and restaurants at the same time.

[@AverageJoe483]

I always bring a backpack cooler and bring my own stuff. Saves so much money.

[@todayisanewday7]

Definitley. I do the same.

[@user-bp1ou6sm5v]

We packed our food and snacks back in the 90’s .. stuck it in a locker and went back for it at lunch time .. We only ate at 1 or 2 park restaurants per 1 week visit . It was too much back then 🤔😂

[@daylightdaylight6612]

Is it still allowed to take a backpack cooler with food inside WDW? I thought it was not allowedto bring your own food in WDW.

[@AverageJoe483]

@@daylightdaylight6612 yep ! I have done it some many times . Zero issues !

[@ziggy4465]

Sci-Fi Dine-In is always a favorite. Eating in the parks is no longer a “must do” for me. DVC has changed the way I dine at Disney World. Having access to a full kitchen makes a world of difference.

[@leahrumsey3021]

Agree. We do Breakfast in the room, pack a lunch. Off days all three meals in the room. Then we do dinner in the parks but its quick service the majority of the time.

[@cyrusoverland8461]

Used to love Tables in Wonderland until they jacked up the price. We are DVC members and we get considerable discounts, to include 10% at most restaurants. Still, prices are crazy and many places try to rush you in and out. We eat off location most of the time now, and buy groceries to have breakfast in our room. It’s economical of course, but also much more enjoyable with no one trying to rush you out the door. Noise levels are often better as well. Britta water bottles are great when in the parks, unless you want to spend $$$$’s for a bottle of water. Sure, Disney is going to be expensive, but it shouldn’t be a cash grab.

[@IronMurrKat]

I have never found the quality of any food at WDW stellar. It has always been poor quality, but people were willing to overlook because it 'looked' cute.

[@magicalday4431]

I thought you were going to talk about the abundance of available ADR’s over the last year and how empty a lot of the sit down dining restaurants have been.

[@Thommadura]

If YOU have a rental car - or are staying outside the Disney property - the local Restaurants - have EARLY BIRD SPECIALS - Generally in the 4 -5 PM range - and If you can - the special are really very good - they generally include A full mean - a drink - and a Sweet too. My family (but not me) is originally from the Orlando area and it is not unusual to see a Full Steak Dinner for about $15. It will not be a huge streak but it will be fine. Generally - a eat Breakfast - have a snack at lunch time - eat an early bird dinner - and then maybe a slice of Pizza at the evening.

[@bethk3905]

We’ll have a rental. Any suggestions for your favorite places? :)

[@Thommadura]

@@bethk3905 Black Angus Steakhouse normally has an early bird special Prime Rib dinner that is a steal - Understand = this is not the ambiance of a Disney Restaurant - but at 1/3 of the price - you get more than your money's worth. However- remember - My family is from Orlando = so Often I go to places local to them that are not really near Disney - However - If you are near Disney Spring's in the Lake Buena Vista area - go past Disney Springs down What is now called - HOTEL PLAZA BOULEVARD - and when you leave Disney - you will find that virtually every Chain restaurant and a lot of others are within a few blocks of that exit. You could actually walk it if you are the type to do that. Frankly - YOu can save enough money simply by going to the chains to pay for the rental - and have some left over. Also - On Hotel Plaza Boulevard there are GOOD NEIGHBOR hotels that offer a regular Bus to Disney attractions - that are far less expensive than Disney Hotels as well - that particular area -as well as on 192 on the other side of Disney as well -although they are not within walking distance. YOu can do Disney on the cheap remembering that MOST people who go there do not stay At Disney itself - and there are LOTS of Motels and Hotel Just outside of Disney where the cost of the room PLUS the cost of the rental car -will still be a lot less than staying at Disney. Also note- if the DRIVER of the car has an annual pass to Disney - Parking is included and it may be worthwhile for ONE person to get the annual pass to do that.

[@bannannamilkshakez2907]

@@bethk3905 Rocco’s tacos and tequila !! Cheaper and better then the Mexican your gonna find at Epcot and probably cheaper plus they make they guacamole in front of you and u pick the toppings!

[@martinguldner3990]

As both a Walt Disney shareholder at a Walt Disney World annual passholder they really need to have a dining plan without having to stay at a hotel on the property. Using Wyndham Rewards did I earned from previous trips I booked 7 nights for free. I may want to come for a Walt Disney World vacation but I'm not crazy wanting to save money!

[@rayshelld791]

If you are going to Disney without kids, stay away for Disney themed restaurants all together.

[@kevinwong7843]

My wife, a couple of friends, and I went to Disney on a gifted VIP tour during the Festival of Arts and had an absolute blast. We spent the first night at Publix to load up on room snacks and drinks, then went for Venezuelan arepas. Next day, we ate our way through Epcot’s festival and hopped over to Hollywood Studios, then back to Epcot for Ratatouille and our reservation for crepes. Next day we did Animal Kingdom, went to the Tiffins for lunch, then met our tour guide for the rest of the day of rides, tours, and snacks. Finished the evening with fireworks/snacks at Magic Kingdom and enjoyed a vegan Chicago Dog (best hot dog I’ve had) and had my two friend’s leftover beef version. We enjoy variety, not necessarily quantity. The latter can burn a hole in your wallet.

[@melissabrown6644]

I just got home yesterday from a week there, I noticed every restaurant I dined at had a LOT of empty tables.. it used to be hard to get some of those popular character meals but they had a bunch of reservations available.. I paid $80 for Hollywood and Vine for lunch and although the characters were great, the food was okay... $80 for a buffet is ridiculous.

[@IamSnowbird]

Last year my husband and I went with my daughter, SIL, and 6 year old grandson to MK for his first time. The night before we were going to the park we went to TRex and he loved it. He kept getting up to look at everything. The next night we went to Chef Mickey's so he could meet some characters. He LOVED it. He was so exited to spend time with the characters. He definitely developed a crush on Minnie and kept hugging her. It was a great introduction to WDW.

[@dfbbreea]

Aww - I LOVE that!

[@redtiger7268]

One of the girls I work with just took her son and did the Pooh breakfast meet and greet. She brings her son into work from time to time so I kinda know him and he knows I like Pooh. When he came back he couldn't wait to tell me how he got to meet Pooh and Tigger. It was nice seeing how excited he was even a week later.

[@IamSnowbird]

@@redtiger7268 My grandson still talks about it a year later. We're hoping to get him back next summer and do more parks.

[@garypesci746]

Was that your SIL?

[@IamSnowbird]

@@garypesci746 Son-in-law.

[@marisa768]

My 60-day +10 window opened back on May 15th. I couldn't believe how easy it was to get meal reservations that were once super difficult to book. The last time I was in Disney World was December 22nd-27th of 2022, so I was expecting it to still be tough to book ADRs. Shockingly....not hard at all this go-around.

[@Sbella.b883]

To add to the kid friendly restaurants, my older brother is autistic and loved the garden grill when we were growing up. It wasn’t sensory overload but the slowly changing scenery kept him engaged. Even in our late 20’s, it’s one of his favorite restaurants and I’m always sure to book it for family trips.

[@dfbbreea]

We all love Garden Grill so much 😩❤

[@criticalaorta]

@@dfbbreeaomg hi breea 😍

[@kater.7563]

Back in the 1980s Disney Food was great! Quality was high and it tasted wonderful. Fast forward 40 years ….. On my last visit, there were ants all over the buffet, table and dishes at the Crystal Palace Restaurant- so much so we walked out even though it was prepaid. It was absolutely disgusting. At the rest of the restaurants, the food ranged from just OK, to barely edible (Aloha show.).

[@lele-vu1cr]

Our service and food was so bad at this restaurant. In addition to the nasty restroom and no hot water. This was my first time writing a complaint letter to Disney in all my 30 plus trips. I will say the company reached out and looked up my bill and fully reimbursed my CC

[@theirishhammer9108]

We literally leave the parks and go to Celebration or International Drive area to get a GREAT meal at a reasonable price. I snack in the parks. Every blue moon we eat in one of the restaurants, but I always find that the food is mediocre and VERY expensive. I guess that's amusement parking eating.

[@jd8184]

Any restaurants in particular you recommend?

[@timsmith6815]

Celebration Town Tavern. Worth the trip every visit!!!!

[@ritasmith3403]

Columbia Restaurant And there is a Publix, Slim Chicken’s, Jersey Mikes and McDonald’s

[@bannannamilkshakez2907]

@@jd8184 if your into Mexican Rocco’s Tacos does an amazing make your own in front of you guacamole! Skip Mexican in the parks and go there !

[@bannannamilkshakez2907]

@@ritasmith3403 nothing beets a good Publix sub after a long day !

[@dklauf]

Hey, there is a huge hair on the pastry at 3;45. The digital picture is so good that it is unmistakable. Sorry for pointing it out!

[@irenemazur3556]

Had to blow up the picture and saw it.

[@lou4057]

Same. Once I zoomed in I saw it. Very light hair lol

[@AdeliaAlessandra]

Might be some icing from one of the pastries that they drizzle on them that resembles hair

[@Tinable]

I'm headed to Disney for 5 days in November and I did choose to get the dining plan. I can't wait to eat all the good things from watching your videos. You do an amazing job reviewing these restaurants and keeping us all informed.

[@dfbbreea]

Thanks for tagging along with us!

[@dayolddoughnuts4031]

Condolences!

[@Tinable]

@@dayolddoughnuts4031 😂

[@nocarbonfootprint9120]

I don't remember eating at Disney World since the 80s but I took my wife and stepdaughter there in the 90s and we backed off of spending money on EVERYTHING. What a RIP OFF

[@thebluetarp]

The wife and I are planning a Disneyland get away in November and we will be taking vodka with us to smuggle into the parks. There is no way in hell I am paying 18 to 22.00 a drink. The hack is all drinks usually have a non-alcoholic version and you just get that and add your own alcohol. I would have no problem paying 10 to $13 a drink. Even that's too much, but it's doable. When the drink prices got over $18, that's when I said enough is enough

[@xavierminchello8431]

EXACTLY! OUTRAGEOUS PRICING AT DISNEY PARKS! WE WENT BROKE AT WDW

[@simont6361]

I was there last year and literally spend 3890 for my son and I , before the pandemic same package as 1500 for both of us, 3890 I don’t mind paying a premium however it doesn’t feel the same, cast are over work, MAGIC IS GONE !!

[@joeyknowitall6656]

We had season passes for 6 years for the parks in California and although we would eat at certain spots we normally would bring our own food due to the fact most of their food is horrible. We would buy breakfast burritos before we entered the park and later ate snackey foods and meat and cheeses as we roamed the parks.

[@mushu9852]

108 days til I return home

[@stooch66]

Noticed on our trip in February that we were able to book difficult tables the same day. Was shocked by that. Booked Be Our Guest the day before we went to MK…for a good time. And, was extremely disappointed by the extremely salty food.

[@SafetySpooon]

You should ALWAYS check for cancellations! We got into "Be Our Guest" the first year it opened that way!!!

[@dfbbreea]

Awwww I miss the early days of Be Our Guest!

[@janmiller1591]

One Disney trip was enough for my lifetime.

[@birbluv9595]

You guys are killing me. Of course, I don’t HAVE to watch this video! I’m seven days into the clear-liquid diet the doctor ordered after my surgery (and have to stay on it till at least June 17!) and I’m starting to binge-watch food online. My stomach really isn’t anywhere ready for real food, but I’m starting to get excited. Just a quick word - i love character dining, and am willing to pay for it, but I am so excited by the characters roaming and greeting that I have absolutely no memory of the food i ate.

[@tiffprendergast7]

What surgery did you have

[@dfbbreea]

Feel better soon!

[@lanedaw811]

We love Garden Grill, but for two people 120 dollars, no way.

[@kendragramley6243]

Haven’t watched yet but I think one of the main difficulties is that every sit down restaurant requires a reservation or at least hoping for a walk up waitlist. So when my family and I went to Disneyland last month, we didn’t do any sit down meals inside the parks because that’s such a big hurdle to people who don’t know how they’re going to be feeling when due to health problems.

[@KDozie]

I can’t stand that Disney doesn’t have more creative children’s options. My children don’t eat hamburgers, Mac and cheese and nuggets everyday. They eat vegetables and various cuisines. I can’t believe Americans continue to feed their children non nutritious garbage all the time!

[@kdusel1991]

I leave next week! Go down on the 14th and fly home on the 22nd!!

[@dfbbreea]

Have so much fun!!!!!

[@AnotherBrian]

I'd rather eat at local family-owned restaurants

[@birbluv9595]

I get it, but if you have complicated allergy-like eating restrictions, there’s nothing like (or actually as safe as) Disney. Since I started becoming really sick, i’ve been eating at table service (except for sweet treats) exclusively because of the amazing, meticulous, dedicated allergy chefs. You cannot imagine how great they are. I wanted to eat at the Biergarten for the entertainment even though i could eat nothing except plain salad greens from the buffet. The chef verified what i could eat and made me an amazing meal based on the buffet food that sounded good to me without any of the sauces, onions, garlic, vinaigrette, and other things that make me terribly sick. Only at Disney have i been able to safely eat restaurant food for about three years.

[@tiffprendergast7]

@@birbluv9595that’s great! What can u eat at wdw

[@esciteach7997]

one week ago ate at Space 220 in Epcot. The Salmon entrée is one of the best I've had and I have eaten all over Italy and the rest of Europe. ( London/English is still "meh" at best.) At Space 220, it took a while for our server to come over, but we were not rushed during meal. Food was great, but mural with flying astronauts was unimpressive (one guy in space?? really?). Biggest "no" is the price; For 2 adults and one child (10 years old ) lunch (no alcohol) was price fixed at (rounding off) $120. with tax and tip. Not worth it.

[@JenniferGiorgione]

The restaurants are over air conditioned and I freeze miserably through the whole meal. Also most places have no vegan options.

[@dfbbreea]

Dude. People think I’m WILD for packing a jacket all year long, but those places freeze me out SO QUICK!

[@dayolddoughnuts4031]

We tried Tony’s a couple months ago. Chef Boyardee outclassed those guys and they don’t even give bread with the meal?

[@georgeedward1226]

Getting ripped off tends to curb a sane person's appetite.

[@stephenpatrick9595]

3:44 hair in the food

[@TaniaJPS]

You're right!

[@kimmccarthy7747]

One thing you barely touched on is how the heat of Florida affects your eating. When I was there, I barely ate anything, and it wasn't in any kind of sit down high class restaurant. I ate hamburgers at the joint with the animatronic piano player, in Magic Kingdom, the back lot hamburger place in Hollywood Studios, and hot dogs at Casey Jones and that place DFB never gives high marks to in Hollywood Studios down by Tower of Terror. If I choose a nighttime fancy place, it will depend on how I feel by the end of the day, so all the reservation hunting get me down. 220 sounds like a fun experience I would love to try, though.

[@dfbbreea]

I feel this way about drinking cocktails, too. Like, you come up with this HUGE list of drinks that you wanna try, and then you get into the 90+ degree weather and go, “…. You know what actually sounds great? WATER. I JUST NEED WATER.”

[@iamthetie]

I think everyone touched on cost and quality of food, but it’s just a lot to manage. Between maximizing your lightning lanes, or needing to stay up past midnight to get your genie plus/making your first reservation at 7am/booking it to a park so you can make a second reservation, at some point you make a conscious choice to prioritize experiences in the park over eating. Not to mention every time I walked up to a restaurant you get put on a waitlist where you don’t know when you can be seated. Not conducive to managing attractions. Not knowing if you’re going to be able to eat on a given day means people will flock to something else

[@carol2girls]

We had no problem Back in 2020 getting reservation at Cinderellas royal table. I’d go back there no matter how much we paid!! It was awesome food. We all picked something different for appetizers, entree and desserts. So the three of us got a taste of everything!!

[@justinschrank4806]

Always make your reservations for restaurants that are "on your way" that day. Biggest mistake I see people make is making a dining reservation for somewhere far out of the way. If you're at MK, eat at a table service at mk. Do not make a dining reservation for a resort. There are so many great options at wdw you can always find something good that isn't going to make you stray from your path.

[@MCat360]

I really wanted to go back to Disney. I haven’t been there in 16 years. They got rid of some of my favorite rides though and replaced them with rides that don’t interest me, and the hotel and food prices are so ridiculously high I’ll never ever go back. I’m in the process of planning a trip to Busch Gardens in Virginia. Looks like a beautiful park and it’s not as hot as Florida, which is also a plus. I sure as heck don’t want to go to a park where I have to use my phone to go on rides and order food. That sounds like a job, not a vacation.

[@SafetySpooon]

Oh, just the chairs at that "beachy resort" are worth "the price of admission"!

[@joesilver5144]

Did anyone else notice at Hollywood studios how they got rid of the pb&j’s and the quick service restaurant?

[@lauragruninger4515]

Great video. You usually mention the idea of free air conditioning when you mention food lol.

[@dfbbreea]

They go hand-in-hand. 😆

[@gregoryfaith4303]

We have been a long time WDW family of vacationers since the property first opened to the public way back in 1971. We've also been a budget conscience family all along the way too. Saving money is a way of life for us. During our way, we've adapted to the growth and economic challenges of the local area around the property and did very well on our limited vacation budgets. Fast forward to post pandemic Florida and oh boy, things have gotten way out of hand price wise there to say the least. Now, planning our family bi annual vacations start the morning after returning home. Talk about challenging, now to save everyone money, as all have grown and are starting their own families make plans that much more important. Love a challenge!!

[@BuckeyeBackyardBBQ]

We went in may and we said we are done with Disney dining!! Costly and food well sucks any more. We I’ll be going out to dinner around Orlando better food and cheaper!

[@kcrykerrider7471]

Our favorite place is Sunshine Seasons at EPCOT. $15 for half chicken and 2 sides. Not super fancy, but we are simple people when it comes to food. Other than that, if we are staying club level, we eat at the club. If not, we eat at the galley at the resort.

[@jenniferh1416]

That meal or the salmon meal at the same location were our go to meals back in the day when we had AP and we visited regularly with kids.

[@elizabeth1invermont]

45% of families go into debt to pay for a WDW vacation. I refuse to spend money I don't have. So my family eats only one nice sit-down dinner at WDW. We mostly eat healthy, quick snacks.

[@annonymousvector1690]

Now, Universal Studios Osaka food on the other is legit awesome. Every themed area, Jurassic Park, Happy Potter world etc has unique meals at reasonable prices. I highly recommend Universal Osaka

[@ericanguyen4582]

I LOVE dining at Disney I could never skip it on any Disney trip especially the character ones!

[@dfbbreea]

Ooh - which character dining is your favorite?

[@jessicachavez4657]

Toooo expensive!! A few weeks ago, we ate at Space 220 for my nephew's 10 birthday due to the fact he LOVES space and all its components. Great experience, but $375+ for 4 of us for lunch. Yes, we knew what we were getting into, but not all of our family got to enjoy it. There were 12 members in our family, but not all of them could afford it, and I didn't want him to miss out on the experience. The vacation was enough $$$$ alone for tickets and hotel and flight. Having to get those experiences of restaurants is definitely a treat and may be a thing of the past, especially if Disney keeps hiking up the prices to unaffordability!!!

[@mikeymutual5489]

Next time you'll be smarter about selling your soul for a 10 year old boy. Or maybe not.

[@howardtreesong4860]

"especially if Disney keeps hiking up the prices to unaffordability!!!" You're not wrong. The thing is: Disney can keep hiking the prices but there's a point where it just doesn't make sense anymore. Then people will stop showing up. They can price themselves out of the market and it looks like they're starting to find the limits of what people are willing to pay. Even a high price point would be acceptable, though barely, if the quality of the food and certainly at that price, was very high. Then you'd say 'yeah, I know it's not cheap but man is it ever delicious'. That's an argument. To have to fork over $375 for 4 for lunch is insane. I know a place where I could spend $90 bucks for dinner, which is high, but the quality of the food is off the charts good. Then I don't mind spending the money. Spending money for mediocre food at best, they will see the end of that. Everybody has an internal barometer that tells them when the sum goes to zero. Disney are playing a dangerous game there. When enough people think that they're no longer getting value for money they'll just stop going altogether.

[@mikeymutual5489]

@@howardtreesong4860 "Then people will stop showing up." NO, there will always be people who are foolish with their money, like the OP.

[@howardtreesong4860]

@@mikeymutual5489 Then... then we're doomed!

[@jeanettesmith765]

Prices have risen too much. I only book 1 table service on my 4 day trips now, when I used to book one very day.

[@gordon4695]

Disney is way too expensive and crowded. Been going to Disney since 1973 but it really sucks now. Good luck to anyone who wants to waste their money.

[@jagpilotohio]

I must admit I am shocked a channel about Disney food exists AND has a million followers. That is absolutely shocking. 😂

[@cheaserceaser]

I spent $500 on a meal for my family of 5 (tax, tip, drinks, meal, desserts) at their French restaurant in Epcott. Its freaking insane. How is it even possible?

[@stephenbrimage721]

72 days to go and looking forward to eating anything Disney

[@birbluv9595]

Have a great time, and think of me while you’re eating all that good stuff!

[@tiffprendergast7]

Have fun

[@jasonbroadbelt]

60 days and just booked our dining..

[@stephenbrimage721]

@@jasonbroadbelt I’ve 14 days before I can book lol but I’m looking every day

[@andrewwolfgang7461]

​@@jasonbroadbeltwith time crunches and overall exhaustion, make sure you cancel the meal at least 2 hours before the reservation if you can't make it

[@phredflypogger4425]

All of this convinces me that I should enjoy my restaurant experiences some other time at some other place.

[@joanneh4803]

Excited to do some character meals on our next trip as it will be.resort only stay and won’t cut in to any park time! Also hoping to see Hoop Dee Doo again!!

[@dfbbreea]

Ahh! Hoop Dee Doo is SO FUN!

[@finned958]

I quite enjoyed the dining plan. Everything is included. Without the dining plan, it only makes sense to go to the most popular restaurants. Since when did Disney not have enough customers? They are practically sold out every day if you don’t immediately book when the reservation window opens. If you need to cancel at the last minute (within 24 hours), call the reservations hotline to avoid a no show charge. You can exchange with a different restaurant at the last minute.

[@Milesgond]

because it's getting ridiculously expensive

[@stevedunn5497]

Simple reason: Price. I'm not interesting in paying Ruth Chris prices for Appleby's quality food. Then trying to get a seat is a real obstacle. Why bother when there is better and cheaper food just outside the parks.

[@dennissvitak5475]

This is absurd. Just a few months ago, we ate at Le Cellier, Steakhouse 71, and a LOT of meals at EPCOT. You need to do your research, and make reservations well in advance. Oh...Rose and Crown, too.

[@sybilvane645]

That policy of charging taxes and 20% tip afterward (or a very angry waiter) is very uncomfortable. I want to know how much my food is going to cost me just by looking at the menu. Include everything and take care of your waiters and their salaries, like in Japan and many other places in the world.

[@howardtreesong4860]

"(or a very angry waiter)" not my problem. It's the employer's job to pay their worker, it's not my responsibility. I remember a time where the basic tip was 10%. Now it's 20% already. Pretty soon it'll be 30%, then 40%. Do you understand how much money that is? And now everybody wants a tip for everything everywhere all the time. That's not a tip anymore, that's a surcharge. I'm not doing it. I can live with the angry waiter. Let them be angry at their employer. It's not my job to pay them.

[@TheKaity1965]

seemed like just showing how to make reservations not why people arent eating anymore...its way expensive and most people dont come alone who wants to pay 200 for a party of 4 to eat a chicken dinner

[@g-bgcg]

Kids having tantrums is more of a parent issue than kid issue. Kids do this if they know they can get away with it and if there are no consequences. Parents toss all the rules out the window on vacation which sets the scene for a disaster. I have seen zillions of kids misbehaving and the parents just ignore them because they are on social media. This is happening in epidemic proportions . What is the point of gong to any restaurant or place if you, the parent is on your phone nonstop? It’s time to spend quality time with your child which is all they want anyway.

[@ajword81]

For us, availability then price. The price was steep even with cast member discount, IF we could even get a reasonable reservation.

[@flowertiki4100]

Prices have gotten insane at table service restaurants, and people are tired of paying for a platter of slop. it is just very low quality all around.

[@jeanettesmith765]

Ohana is definitely not a platter of slop. It is delicious and all you can eat. With that said, it is usually the only table service my family and I book.

[@sunsetcaptiva8573]

People are not eating at Disney restaurants because they don't have the money to after paying the high price of tickets, parking, hotel, parents have to live within their budget, and Disney has been jacking up their prices higher and higher...

[@anneishaw]

You can also come back closer to your date and check because people often drop their reservations. There are also paid and free services that can auto search for you and alert you when a reservation has opened up. I have used the free one on discord for the WDW reservations and I have also used paid services which only charge if you accept the booking and it is very reasonable (the free ones you have to go to the WDW site and reserve yourself and the paid ones will do it for you).

[@lawhispersasmr6124]

Well it’s everything,,,,there’s the tickets,,,,there’s the genie plus,,,the individual lightning lanes, the parking, the snacks, the food, the drinks, the ice cream, the waking up at the crack of dawn. I know die hard Disney people that are over it all. Locals who are over it all. They all do universal now claiming it’s easier, less expensive, more laid back, etc. I fear when Epic universe opens Disney is going to see a MAJOR drop. I love Disney but the prices are too high. The complexity of getting on all the rides, the hit or miss of some very expensive food,,,like for the price we need to be leaving saying wow that was amazing. Not wow,,,that was exhausting and meh.

[@kimbeutler1911]

For us it is not just cost but time. We want to spend time at parks or exploring. We are picky eaters or have allergies. They are great with allergies but you have to wait a long time for a special order.

[@Jabroniville]

Another big deal is the exchange rate- as a Canadian, that $60-70 sit-down restaurant meal is closer to $100! A full day's pay for a chunk of people!

[@bjshifko]

During our last trip in 2022 we went to Sci-fi for appetizers and milkshakes. The day was roasting and that was our stop before leaving the park for the day at lunchtime. We also did a trip to Sanaa for the bread service only. The menu changed but we knew we loved the bread, so we went just for that and to explore the resort. We have been there many times so this was a new way to explore.

[@TheBrewsuzannes]

We only choose 1 dining reservation when we go as a treat. Having quick serve the rest of our visit.

[@ilsejustme303]

i don't know how it is now but a couple of years ago we went to disneyland paris and a mickeys kids pizza (so a small one) was 25,-

[@FEARSWTOR]

I believe the Simpsons summed things up nicely: "One churro, please!" "That'll be fourteen dollars"

[@user-rx6cr5iz1s]

No, the restaurants are not empty. Not empty at all. People are so negative on the internet. lol. Don’t lose your magic, be happy!…. It’s always going to cost for a great time! Always! 😊😊😊

[@angeliegreen8915]

We were at Disney World for three days and never did we step foot in any of their restaurants. We did not plan on it nor did we want to go in when we were there. It was not even busy at all. Their food is not healthy, not delicious yet expensive. So no, we did not eat there at all.

[@mertcanhacfazloglu4862]

Prices are so high. I mostly eat relatively cheaper quick service options and prioritize getting full instead of taste

[@lou4057]

Ain't nothing wrong with quick service. Some decent options

[@AdLockhorst-bf8pz]

Mickey thinks his guests are cows; there to be *milked dry.*

[@NGMonocrom]

One word: Prices.