Since Walt Disney World reopened in July, dining plans have been unavailable. This can make eating in the parks on a budget relatively difficult. Food is often the biggest expense of a Disney World vacation. So, today we want to share with you the most affordable table service restaurants at Disney World.

Inside the Theme Parks

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater: The atmosphere is almost as good as the food at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The whole family will love eating inside of a car at this old fashioned drive in movie theater. You can choose from burgers, pasta, sandwiches, chicken, and more, all $25 and under. If you’re looking for a treat, we also enjoy the desserts like their house-made candy bar, warm doughnut, and cookie shake.

The Plaza Restaurant: This charming parlor serves lunch and dinner inside Magic Kingdom Park at the end of Main Street, U.S.A.. You can try the home-style meatloaf, cheese steak sandwich, burger, or club sandwich for $22 or less! But, be sure to save room for dessert here. They have amazing seasonal milkshakes and delectable sundaes year round.

50’s Prime Time Cafe: You will feel like you really have traveled back to the 1950’s when you step inside of 50’s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ll even have a chance to watch black-and-white clips from popular prime-time shows circa 1955 during your meal. All of the classics are on the menu- fried chicken, meatloaf, and pot roast. Or, just order the sampler to try a little of each. Just remember to keep your elbows off of the tables here.

Tony’s Town Square Restaurant: Tony’s Town Square Restaurant gets somewhat mixed reviews from guests, but we have had consistently good experiences there, as recently as October 2020. You can try pizza or a number of pasta dishes, with most being under $25 each. We recommend the shrimp alfredo or spaghetti!

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria: You’ll enjoy a culinary tour of Southern Italy when you dine at Via Napoli in EPCOT. The whole family can easily share one of these amazing, authentic Neapolitan style pizzas. Via Napoli was even voted Critic’s Choice for “Best Theme Park Restaurant” by Orlando Sentinel.

Nine Dragons Restaurant: Nine Dragons Restaurant is hidden in the China pavilion at EPCOT. You can enjoy Cantonese, Mongolian, Szechuan, Hunan and Kiangche-style specialties under the soft glow of Chinese lamps. The menu offers spare ribs, kung pao chicken, fried rice, pork belly, and so much more for $25 or less. Nine Dragons even offers a family dinner for $26 per guest which includes your choice of soup, select entrees, and dessert.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs has a lot of affordable table service restaurants, as far as dining on property goes at least. Most of them are rated “$$” on the Disney World website which indicates that their pricing generally ranges from $15 to $34.99 per person. Below, I have listed my favorite affordable table service restaurants at Disney Springs.

Splitsville Dining Room: Did you know that you can dine at Splitsville without having to bowl? They have a full menu including pizza, sushi, salads, sandwiches and more. You can enjoy six different 13-inch pizzas for less than $20 each! We also love their Macho Nachos for just $16 which can also feed two people! If you have a rainy day or time outside the parks, stop by for a delicious meal and even some bowling.

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Kitchen: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Kitchen is the ultimate spot for comfort food. They have some of the best fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and sweet tea that I’ve ever had! You can enjoy any of their sandwiches, dinner salads, or kitchen (sampler) plate for under $20! They also offer a delicious weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Rainforest Cafe: Rainforest Cafe is always a family friendly option where your kids will love the chance to journey into the Amazon, surrounded by animated animals to the sounds of thunder claps and sudden rainstorms. All of the sandwiches and burgers are under $20 in addition to some of the appetizers that could be served as a meal like the quesadillas, chicken strips, or pepperoni flatbread.

Planet Hollywood: You can dine among the stars at Planet Hollywood. The restaurant is full of movie memorabilia and TV’s of all sizes! You may just get to participate in a sing along during your meal. All of the burgers and sandwiches on the menu are under $20. Some of our other favorites include one of the biggest nachos we’ve ever tried, and the penne, chicken & broccoli pasta, each under $20, as well.

T-Rex Cafe: T-Rex is one of my favorite restaurants for families with boys because of the theming, including squawking pterosaurs, wooly mammoths, a massive undulating octopus and life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Every 20 minutes, you’ll even get to experience a meteor shower, complete with rumbling and fiery “explosions.” You can enjoy burgers, quesadillas, flatbread pizza, and more for under $20.

City Works Eatery & Pour House: City Works Eatery & Pour House is Disney Springs’ newest dining establishment. It is located at the far end of the West Side, next to the NBA Experience. You can enjoy burgers, fish or chicken tacos, mac n’ cheese, or chicken wings here for under $20. This is also a great spot to watch your favorite game on TV.

If you’re traveling before October 29, 2020, don’t miss out on exclusive weekdays at Disney Springs savings!

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Did you know that you are welcome to dine at any Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, regardless of where you are staying? You can visit other hotels and enjoy some of their delicious dining options and even shopping, in many cases.

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop: You may feel like you’ve traveled back in time when you visit this nostalgic soda shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. They have a full dinner menu with six burgers and sandwiches, each under $20. The real “star of the show” here though is the dessert! They serve hand-dipped ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, and more. The most expensive item on the menu is the Kitchen Sink at $35, which easily serves four.

Bonus: Beaches & Cream also offers a to-go menu of ice cream and beverages, and you can even enjoy your treats at a poolside table outside, overlooking Stormalong Bay.

Sanaa: You can enjoy a delicious dinner with some incredible views of the animals on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas- Kidani Village. Keep an eye out for gazelles, zebras, giraffes, kudu, ostriches, cranes and more as you dine. Don’t miss the Indian-style Bread Service appetizer which includes five breads and nine different dipping sauces.

Kona Cafe: Kona Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort with a menu inspired by the South Seas. If you’re starting your day here with breakfast, you have to try the Tonga Toast, a banana stuffed french toast. During dinner, you can enjoy poke bowls, sushi, glazed chicken wings, or lobster and crab macaroni & cheese for under $20 each!

Olivia’s Cafe: Olivia’s Cafe is often considered one of the best hidden gems at Disney World. This nautical themed restaurant serves Key West inspired dishes like conch fritters, crab cake, sea scallops, shrimp pasta and more. You can try the Duval Street Burger, Conch Flats Club Sandwich, or any of the appetizers for under $20 each.

Grand Floridian Cafe: We think the Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is another great hidden gem, especially for brunch. During breakfast and lunch, you can enjoy pancakes, Mickey-shaped waffles, eggs benedict, and more, each for less than $20. You’ll also enjoy a nice view of the gardens at the resort.

As a reminder, reservations are strongly recommended for table service restaurants and can be made up to 60 days in advance in your My Disney Experience account.

What are your favorite affordable table service restaurants at Disney World?

*Please note that all prices are current as of October 2020, but subject to change.