It’s no secret that a Disney vacation can be a costly investment. While there are tried and true ways to save money, before you know it, the transactions add up. On a recent trip to the Disneyland Resort, we were taken aback by the cost of table service restaurants. Whether at Downtown Disney, Disneyland, or California Adventure, it seemed like we were spending almost $100 per meal, with no alcoholic beverages included. For a family of three, that’s quite a pretty penny! Sure, we like to splurge on vacation, but only to an extent. Prices seem to have skyrocketed in the last few years, making it harder to enjoy a good meal at The Happiest Place on Earth.
Luckily, there are more affordable options to be found. Disneyland offers some good in-park food offerings, but options exist outside of the Resort as well. If you’re looking for ways to save money on your next trip, we’ve got you covered! Here’s your guide to affordable Disneyland dining alternatives inside and outside the Disneyland Resort.
Disneyland Park Quick Service Options
At Disneyland, guests can enjoy table service dining, character dining, and casual quick service dining. The beauty of quick service dining is that although you must order your food cafeteria or counter service style, you can still enjoy a tasty, sit-down meal at a more reasonable price.
Use Mobile Order
Most of the quick service restaurants allow for mobile order. If planned correctly, you can save a lot of time in line. Take advantage of the Disneyland app to order ahead. Simply browse the menu, select an arrival window, and be alerted when it’s ready for pickup. Here are our top quick service restaurants offering a variety of meal options at Disneyland Park. (These do not include all of the food carts, snack venues, or Starbucks locations.)
We’ve placed a (Recommended) on our favorite locations.
Quick Service Restaurants at Disneyland Park
- Refreshment Corner on Main Street, U.S.A. – American Cuisine
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Recommended) on Main Street, U.S.A. – Bakery Cuisine
- Plaza Inn (Recommended) on Main Street, U.S.A. – American Cuisine
- Alien Pizza Planet in Tomorrowland – American Cuisine
- Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland – American, Healthy Selections, Vegetarian Cuisine
- Bengal Barbecue (Recommended) in Adventureland – American Cuisine
- The Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland – Vegetarian Cuisine Offered
- Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (Recommended) in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – American, Vegetarian Cuisine
- Ronto Roasters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – American Cuisine
- The Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland – American Cuisine
- Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland – American, Mexican Cuisine
- Stage Door Cafe in Frontierland – American Cuisine
- Harbour Galley in Critter Country – American Cuisine
- Hungry Bear Restaurant (Recommended) in Critter Country- American Cuisine
- Red Rose Taverne in Fantasyland – American Cuisine
- Troubadour Tavern in Fantasyland – American Cuisine
- Royal Street Veranda in New Orleans Square – American Cuisine
- Tiana’s Palace (Recommended) in New Orleans Square – Cajun/Creole Cuisine
Disney California Adventure Park Quick Service Options
There are a variety of cost-friendly, quick service options at Disney California Park as well! Many of these also offer the convenience of mobile order. Here are our top choices! (These do not include all of the stands, snack venues, or Starbucks locations.)
- Aunt Cass Cafe (Recommended) in San Fransokyo Square – Asian, American Cuisine
- Lucky Fortune Cookery (Recommended) in San Fransokyo Square – Asian Cuisine
- Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill (Recommended) in San Fransokyo Square – Mexican Cuisine
FUN FACT: The Birria Tacos at Cocina Cucamonga are the single most popular menu item in the entire resort.
- Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta in Paradise Gardens Park – Italian Cuisine
- Paradise Garden Grill in Paradise Gardens Park – Seasonal Cuisine (Mexican, Asian…)
- Award Wieners in Hollywood Land – American Cuisine
- Flo’s V8 Cafe in Cars Land – American Cuisine
- Pym Test Kitchen in Avengers Campus – American, Healthy Selections, Vegetarian Cuisine
- Smokejumpers Grill in Grizzly Peak – American Cuisine
Downtown Disney District Quick Service Options
Currently, there’s a lot going on in the Downtown Disney District as it undergoes its reimagining. Several new dining locations are on the way! If you’re visiting Disneyland’s shopping district and don’t wish to spend an arm and a leg at the Jazz Kitchen or Naples, like we recently did, consider these more affordable yet equally delicious offerings! (These do not include all of the stands, snack venues, strictly dessert offerings, or Starbucks locations.)
- Earl of Sandwich – American Cuisine (NOTE: Earl of Sandwich will soon close and will reopen in a temporary location near the old ESPN Zone. The popular sandwich shop will eventually get a new permanent location in the Downtown Disney West Side development. We are expecting it to offer a quick serve sandwich shop, table service option, and a 2nd floor bar.)
- Napolini Pizzeria – Italian Cuisine
- Taqueria at Tortilla Jo’s (Recommended) – Mexican Cuisine (NOTE: The main dining room of Tortilla Jo’s is closing forever on March 31st, 2024. The Taqueria will remain open for a few more weeks and close on April 13, 2024.)
Table Service Restaurants Outside of Disneyland Resort
You won’t save money dining at Disneyland’s hotels as they can be pretty pricey. Fortunately, there are viable options within a reasonable distance of the Disneyland Resort. Here are some of our picks!
- Mimi’s Bistro + Bakery – Harbor Blvd.
- Panera Bread – Harbor Blvd.
- IHOP – Harbor Blvd.
- Denny’s – Harbor Blvd.
- Tony Roma’s – Harbor Blvd.
- Byrds Hot Chicken – Harbor Blvd.
A Note on the Anaheim Garden Walk
Although the Anaheim Garden Walk is within walking distance of the Disneyland Resort, the shopping center is not fully occupied and its prices aren’t helping matters. Although guests can find well-known dining locations here, such as The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and California Pizza Kitchen, their menus are not very cost-friendly. That being said, if you enjoy their familiarity, it could be an option for you.
Fast Food Options Nearby
If you’re really looking to pinch pennies, fast-food options are available nearby as well! Consider the following:
- McDonald’s – Harbor Blvd (walking distance)
- Taco Bell – S. Harbor Blvd.
- Shakey’s Pizza Parlor – S. Harbor Blvd.
We hope our Disneyland Dining Guide enables you to find more cost-friendly but enjoyable options on your trip to the Resort. It is possible to stay on budget, especially if you are careful about where you choose to dine.
Let’s Hear From You!
What are your favorite quick service restaurants at the Disneyland Resort? Do you prefer dining inside or outside of the Parks? Let us know in the comments!
