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How to Find Cheap Food at Disneyland

It’s no secret that theme park food tends to be smaller portions for more money, but there is a way to get Disneyland Cheap Food. “Disneyland Cheap” is, of course, comparative and subjective. However, Disneyland food is priced in the following tiers:

$ (<$15)

$$ ($15-35)

$$$ ($35-60)

With this code, it’s easy to find something that fits your budget- whatever that might be. From a fun Character Meal at the Plaza Inn to a Turkey Leg on the go, here is the breakdown of Disneyland Food Carts and Restaurants based on location and price.

The key is to look for more filling snacks such as the skewers at the Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland or the Turkey Leg over at Edelweiss Snacks in Fantasyland.

Carts are going to have cheaper snack items, and there are also a handful of fruit carts throughout the park. 

If you are looking for more of a meal, then try any of the quick-service restaurants. Typically these are restaurants you can mobile order from, and they are listed as “Quick Service” when pulled up on the map via the Disneyland App.

If you are looking for a reservation, it is recommended you make a reservation at least 60 days in advance. If nothing is available, you can always try a walk-in reservation on the day of your visit.

Starting with Main Street, let’s work our way clockwise throughout Disneyland Park. Keep in mind this Disneyland cheap food is not including Downtown Disney or Disneyland’s California Adventure park.

One last note: Food is not being offered in ToonTown. Once construction and refurbishment is completed, we will update this post. There is no completion date posted as of January 2022, but they are estimating it to be done in 2023.

Main Street

Main Street is the “hub” of Disneyland. All lands stem out from this central location. There are 3 restaurants in this area: Jolly Holiday Cafe, Carnation Cafe, and Plaza Inn.

We always try to book a brunch reservation at Carnation Cafe. The Mickey Mouse shaped waffles are so good and I love the carnation at every table. 

Plaza Inn has mixed reviews in our family. If you like basic food, you’ll enjoy it. If you’re looking for more flavor you won’t be very impressed.

Jolly Holiday is quickly becoming a favorite of mine for lunch. I love the sandwiches and the seasonal treats!

($) Under $15

Snacks

• Churros Near Town Square
• Popcorn Near City Hall
• Market House
• Main Street Fruit Cart
• Refreshment Corner
• Popcorn Near Central Plaza
• Hot Foods near Central Plaza
• Churros near Sleeping Beauty Castle

Snacks with Mobile Order Option

• Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
• Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen
• Little Red Wagon

Meals with Mobile Order Option

• Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe

($-$$) Up to $35

Meals with Reservation Option

• Carnation Cafe

($$-$$$) $15-$60

Meals with Reservation Option

• Plaza Inn ($$$: Character Breakfast; $$ Lunch & Dinner Quick Service)

Adventureland

Disneyland’s famous Pineapple Dole Whip (my favorite Disneyland Treat!) comes from the Tiki Juice Bar outside the Tiki Room.

One of these days we will try a skewer from the Bengal Barbecue– they look so good!

($) Under $15

Snacks

• The Tropical Hideaway
• Tropical Imports

Snacks with Mobile Order Option

• Tiki Juice Bar
• The Bengal Barbecue

New Orleans Square

The River Belle Terrace used to be a sit down dining and viewing option for the Fantasmic show in the evening. They have amazing birthday cakes here, and I hope they bring back the dining packages (and Fantasmic!) soon. It should be sometime spring 2022. The listed prices are currently not including this offer, and are a bit more reasonable in the middle tier of the pricing.

Looking for your Mickey Mouse Beignets? Look no further than the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square! With seasonal flavors, this is always a must on our stop.

Try the Strawberry Mint Julep with your beignet- it is so refreshing!

($) Under $15

Snacks

• Popcorn Near Haunted Mansion
• Churros near Haunted Mansion

Snacks with Mobile Order Option

• Royal Street Veranda
• Mint Julep Bar

Meals with Mobile Order Option

• French Market Restaurant (No Breakfast)
• Harbour Galley (No Breakfast)

($$) $15 to $35

Meals with Reservation Option

• River Belle Terrace
• Cafe Orleans (No Breakfast)

($$$) $35-$60

Meals with Reservation Option

• Blue Bayou Restaurant (No Breakfast)

Critter Country

The Hungry Bear Restaurant is the only restaurant in this corner of the park. There are plenty of tables, and some great choices on the menu.

This is also where you’ll find those seasonal funnel cakes. The Pumpkin Cheesecake funnel cake during the Christmas season was so delicious, I didn’t want to eat my burger.

Don’t forget to watch them make yummy treats at the Pooh Corner candy store.

($) Under $15

Snacks

• Critter Country Fruit Cart
• Churros and Lemonade in Critter Country

Snacks with Mobile Order Option

• Pooh Corner

Meals with Mobile Order Option

• Hungry Bear Restaurant (No Breakfast)

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

There is so much to say about this area. It’s immersive, it’s fun, and it’s delicious!

My favorite would be the Green Milk from the Milk Stand, although I took a poll on Facebook and Instagram, and most people preferred the Blue Milk. Both were good.

I think the pineapple lemonade with blueberry, cranberry, and desert pear beats both of them out in the form of a Meiloorun Juice from Ronto Roasters. If you like sausage, definitely get a Ronto Wrap while you’re there.

Oga’s Cantina has an amazingly fun atmosphere, but don’t let the label fool you. It is listed as “Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner” options, but they only have limited snacks to eat. Their main thing is drinks. They do offer non-alcoholic “mock-tinis” if you aren’t looking for an alcoholic beverage.

Even if you don’t buy any food from Cargo Bay 7, just walk in to see it. You won’t be disappointed. 

($) Under $15

Snacks

• Jat Kaa’s Coolers: J1-KC at Resistance Clearing
• Jat Kaa’s Coolers: J2-KC near the Garage
• Jat Kaa’s Coolers: J3-KC NEAR Oga’s Cantina
• Kat Saka’s Kettle

Snacks with Mobile Order Option

• Milk Stand

Meals with Mobile Order Option

• Ronto Roasters
• Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (No Breakfast)

($$) $15 to $35

Meals with Reservation Option

• Oga’s Cantina at the Disneyland Resort (Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Drinks)

Frontierland

If you’re looking for ice cream, go to The Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland or Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street. The Golden Horseshoe also has chicken strips and some other food items. 

I’m hoping they bring back their musical show in the near future. It was comedic and very entertaining.

($) Under $15

Snacks

• Pretzels near Big Thunder Mountain:
• Ship to Shore Marketplace
• Churros Near Big Thunder Mountain
• Popcorn near Mark Twain Riverboat

Meals 

• Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante (No Breakfast)

Meals with Mobile Order Option

• The Golden Horseshoe (No Breakfast)

Fantasyland

While waiting to meet Belle and Elena of Avalor, we discovered the Boysen Apple Freeze at Maurice’s Treats. Next time, I also want to try the Churro Gears and Maurice’s Pieces (donut holes).

If you’re looking for the famous Disneyland Turkey Leg, mobile order from Edelweiss snacks. Add on a Corn on the Cob too!

The only restaurant in Fantasyland is the Red Rose Tavern. They have a good mix of items (salad, flatbread, chicken nuggets, hamburgers…) as well as allergy-friendly items. 

The best part of it though is the Grey Stuff Gateau. True to it’s name from the song “Be our Guest” in Beauty and the Beast, it is gray, but it tastes amazing. Made up of cookies and cream mousse, it has a center of red velvet cake and raspberry filling all on top of a cookie.

I talk about the Grey Stuff as a guest speaker on The Travel Story Society Podcast, as well as other traveling fun.

($) Under $15

Snacks

• Fantasyland Fruit Cart
• Churros near Casey Jr. Circus Train
• Popcorn at Small World Promenade
• Lemonade at Small World Promenade
• Churros at Small World Promenade
• Pretzels at Small World Promenade
• Popcorn near Fantasyland Theater
• Maurice’s Treats

Snacks with Mobile Order Option

• Edelweiss Snacks

Meals with Mobile Order Option

• Red Rose Tavern (No Breakfast)

Tomorrowland:

With 2 quick order restaurants, Tomorrowland is a great destination for Disneyland cheap food. With family friendly food and lots of tables, you can easily get a burger, chicken sandwich, or salad at the Galactic Grill or jump over to Pizza Planet for pizza or pasta.

You can also find the typical Disneyland snacks in this area. The smell of popcorn and churros really tempts you!

($) Under $15

Snacks

• Lemonade near Tomorrowland Expo Center
• Popcorn near Star Trader
• Tomorrowland Fruit Cart
• Churros near Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Pretzels near Star Tours- The Adventures Continue

Meals with Mobile Order Option

• Galactic Grill
• Alien Pizza Planet (No Breakfast)

Food Allergies

At any sit down restaurant, you can talk with the chef regarding your food allergies. Other than that, the app will be your best friend. 

Most restaurants have Allergy Friendly menu items listed if you scroll to the bottom of the list. It includes the following:

• Gluten/Wheat Allergy Friendly
• Egg Allergy Friendly
• Fish/Shellfish Allergy Friendly
• Milk Allergy Friendly
• Peanut/Tree Nut Allergy Friendly
• Soy Allergy Friendly

With a lactose intolerant family member, this is an important part of many of our trips.

If you mobile order an allergy friendly item, it may take a bit longer to make since the chef has to thoroughly clean the workspace and grill before starting.

We have found the Disneyland cast members to be very helpful and accommodating with any of our allergy friendly requests.

Bringing Food into Disneyland

You can always bring your own meals and snacks into Disneyland if you are trying to save money.

We usually do a combination of buying food and bringing our own.

Uncrustables are easy to pack and easy to eat. With some carrots, fruit, and crackers you’ve got yourself a nice picnic lunch!

Sweets are usually not on our list of things to pack since we usually buy a treat or 2 in the parks. Also, too much sugar causes a very cranky sugar crash in both the kids and adults. Balance it out with non-perishable items that are healthier and more filling.

You can bring in a small lunchbox with re-usable ice packs, but we find it easier to just pack items that don’t have to be kept cold all day. These yogurt pouches are great because they don’t have to be kept refrigerated.

Many hotels have a mini fridge in the room, but then you have to go back to the room to get food. This is not so bad if you are in a Disneyland resort hotel, but can really take time out of your day if you are off site.

On site in Disneyland you do have access to a microwave, bottle warmer, and even a high chair in the Baby Care Center in each park if you have babies or toddlers who need these things.

Whatever food you decide to pack, just make sure it falls into Disneyland’s Park Rules and Regulations.

Items Not Allowed at Disneyland:

• Ice or Dry Ice (can use a re-usable ice pack, just not ice cubes)
• Cooler or bag bigger than 24″ x 15″ x 18″
• No Glass (except jars of baby food)
• No Alcohol (except for the hotel rooms)

For a full list off all banned items, check out Disneyland’s rules and regulations.

Final Disney Cheap Food Thoughts

There you have it: all of the Disneyland food options, organized by pricing tier.

I hope this helps you when planning out your Disneyland food plan. It’s not always easy to glance at the map on the Disneyland app and find the right food type and price range you’re looking for if you don’t know your initial options.

Galaxy’s Edge, New Orleans Square, and Main Street are the only lands with food options at the $$-$$$ ranges. That being said, they all also have $ range locations as well.

All of the other lands have meals and snacks in the under $15 price range.

It’s easier than people might think to get Disneyland cheap food- you just have to know where to look. Also know your budget at supplement with food or snacks from home or a nearby grocery store if you are really trying to avoid buying theme park food.

Let me know in the comments what food you are most excited to try! Then book your next trip through our affiliate partners at Get Away Today for discounted Disneyland tickets and hotels.