AttractionTickets.com's Expert Guide to Dining on a Budget in Orlando

After the theme parks, your biggest expense while on holiday in Florida is likely to be dining. While eating out in America (and especially Orlando) is often great value for money, it is easy for the costs to pile up quite considerably, not just with the main meals of the day, but also with drinks and snacks.

In many cases, even a ‘cheap’ burger, fries and a drink-type meal can cost up to $20 per person, so if you’re visiting as a family a basic counter service lunch in a theme park can cost upwards of $60. Multiply that over 14 days and you start to get an idea of the overall costs involved. So it’s always worth being in the know and taking advantage of the various deals and cheap dining options available throughout Orlando. 

All You Can Eat and Budget Buffets In the Theme Parks

All-you-can-eat buffets are fairly widespread around the Orlando theme parks and usually offer great value for money as you can literally eat as much as you want, allowing you to fill up the whole family with one meal. 

A polaroid image of a family meeting Minnie Mouse at a buffet restaurant

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida

Tusker House Restaurant

Situated in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Tusker House Restaurant has long been a top theme-park choice of ours, for its more authentic atmosphere and interesting salad combinations - a healthy alternative we appreciate during a long, hot day of exploring.

Type of foodStandard American hot and cold breakfast items such as cereal, waffles, eggs, bacon and fruit. Lunch and dinner include more African-inspired dishes such as tagines, couscous salads, and curried shrimp, as well as American staples like mac and cheese and chicken tenders for little ones
Who goes there?Families visiting the park who want to meet Donald Duck and his Safari friends, and those who enjoy a slightly more adventurous selection of foods than the standard burger-and-fries
Best time to goBreakfast is cheaper, while the food offerings at lunch and dinner are the most appealing
Opening hours8am-park closing

 

Boma - Flavors of Africa

A great excuse to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, this heavily-themed venue is firmly on our favourites list and one of the few buffets we’re happy to seek out again and again. Not only are the foods on offer authentic, but many of the recipes came directly from the mothers and grandmothers of the African Cast Members working in the restaurant.

Type of foodAfrican-inspired choices abound here, from the truly unusual (such as Bobotie, Fufu, and Pap and Chakalaka, all of which are delicious), to the more familiar but still exotic tastes of Slow Roasted Pork Ribs, Spice Crusted Beef Striploin, and Seafood Gumbo. Bring your appetite; the buffet is enormous, and the soups are so incredible it would be easy just to fill up on those alone. But make sure you leave enough room for some of the famous Zebra Domes for dessert
Who goes there?Families and couples looking for that special ‘something different’, plus locals who have been before and know a winner when they see it
Best time to goBreakfast and dinner are both appealing here, but the best time to visit is for an early dinner when the restaurant is somewhat quieter
Opening hours7.30am - 11:30am and 5pm - 9.30pm

 

The Biergarten

Found in the Germany pavilion at EPCOT, this is among the most convincing of themed restaurants, taking guests straight to Germany’s famous beer gardens during Oktoberfest. Seating is communal, there is plenty of dancing and oom-pah-pah entertainment, and the beer is served in steins bigger than your head.

Type of foodTraditional German foods are the stars of this hot and cold buffet, a feast of sausages, cabbage, sauerkraut, potatoes and spatzel. With more than 40 items to choose from, you won’t walk away from this one hungry
Who goes there?Families and couples visiting the park, and those with a hearty appetite
Best time to goIt’s easier to get seating for lunch, but just like a traditional Oktoberfest, the experience really comes into its own when you can stagger out into the starlight under the weight of a hearty meal
Opening hours12pm-8pm

 

Cape May Cafe

Turn-of-the-century style Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort harkens back to the lazy days of summer in the swanky resorts along the United States’ East Coast, complete with a boardwalk to stroll or surrey bikes to hire after your meal is over.

Type of foodStandard American hot and cold breakfast items such as eggs, cereal, yoghurt, French toast and fruit. Dinner is extensive, with a variety of salads, peel-and-eat shrimp, a carvery, pasta, and desserts
Who goes there?Families wanting to meet some Characters and couples staying at or visiting the resort
Best time to goBreakfast features Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and friends all decked out for a day at the beach and is a popular choice for families. Dinner has a more refined atmosphere and is popular for its all-you-can-eat seafood selections, including crab legs
Opening hours7:30am - 11:30am and 5pm - 9pm

 

Liberty Tree Tavern and The Diamond Horseshoe

Both of these restaurants are located in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom Park. Don’t worry if you can’t get a reservation at one of them, as they both serve the same menu of delicious hearty food served ‘family style’ that will make you feel like you’ve just had a home-cooked meal.

Type of foodA Thanksgiving-style feast of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese and gravy, followed by an Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake. There’s a plant-based option too featuring Impossible meatloaf and a warm apple cake
Who goes there?Families and couples wanting a taste of America, especially when visiting around the holidays
Best time to goA late lunch or early dinner will likely be quieter, and if you’re in the restaurant at around 3pm you might be able to see the parade going past the window (depending on where you’re sitting)
Opening hours12pm - park close

 

A family sat around a table at a buffet restaurant

Universal Orlando Resort

Marvel Character Dinner

This dinner at Universal Islands of Adventure is the only regular character dining experience at Universal Orlando Resort and is a popular option for comic book fans both young and old. Make sure you make a reservation if you want to eat here as walk-ins aren’t accepted.

Type of foodThis buffet offers mostly American and Italian fare, including cold salads, a variety of pizzas, pasta, and roast meats and assorted desserts
Who goes there?Families and comic book fans wanting to meet the likes of Captain America and Spider-Man in their classic costumes
Best time to goIf you have young kids this is a great early dinner option, but adults might want to make a slightly later reservation to maximise time in the park
Opening hours5pm - park close

 

Islands Dining Room

This restaurant at Loews Royal Pacific Resort has a la carte options for breakfast and dinner, but it also offers a great value breakfast buffet for anyone wanting to fuel up as much as possible before a day in the Universal theme parks.

Type of foodA classic all-you-can-eat American menu of fresh fruit, pancakes, pastries, sausage, bacon, and oatmeal. There’s also a fresh omelette station
Who goes there?Families staying at the resort and guests wanting a more laid-back morning before visiting the theme parks
Best time to goIf you’re staying at the resort, we’d recommend heading into the parks early to make the most of your Early Park Admission, then coming back for a late breakfast
Opening hours7am - 11am (12pm on weekends) and 6pm - 10pm (a la carte only)

 

Amatista Cookhouse

This is another restaurant that offers both a la carte and buffet options for breakfast. Located in Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Amatista is a favourite thanks to its bright and breezy atmosphere, and when you’re full of pastries and breakfast potatoes you can take a relaxing water taxi ride over to the Universal theme parks.

Type of foodStandard buffet-breakfast fare including biscuits and gravy, sausage and bacon, pastries, fresh fruit and eggs. If you’re an adult-only group you can make your breakfast even more special with bottomless bloody marys and mimosas for an extra cost
Who goes there?Guests staying at Sapphire Falls or the nearby Universal Aventura Hotel and Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort (both are within walking distance)
Best time to goIf you’re staying at the resort, we’d recommend heading into the parks early to make the most of your Early Park Admission, then coming back for a late breakfast
Opening hours11am (for breakfast buffet option) and 12pm - 10pm (a la carte only)

 

A polaroid image of a woman and young girl on a thrill ride

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Fun Town Pizza & Pasta Buffet

Fun Town Pizza and Pasta Buffet has been a big hit since it opened, offering an alternative to the standard burgers and fries. Its location in Fun Town makes it a natural choice for large families with a lot of mouths to feed.

Type of foodA variety of pizzas, including a rotating monthly special, plus a pasta bar and salad bar. Don’t miss the cinnamon dessert pizza. Yummy!
Who goes there?Families visiting the park, especially with children who gravitate toward familiar foods
Best time to goLunch can be busy, so this is a good choice for an early dinner, as the crowds tend to be quieter towards the end of the day
Opening hours11am - to park closing

 

All You Can Eat Buffets around Orlando

It's not just the theme parks that have value-for-money buffets in and around Orlando! Whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner options these all-you-can-eat buffets will fill you up without emptying your wallet. 

A polaroid picture of a pizza cut into slices

CiCi’s Pizza

An excellent budget choice, CiCi’s has two locations in Orlando, including one just off International Drive, near Universal Orlando Resort and ICON Park.

Type of foodThis pizza buffet is similar to the UK’s Pizza Hut buffet, offering classic and speciality pizzas, endless pasta, a fresh salad bar, and a tempting selection of desserts, for a surprisingly low price
Who goes there?Families taking a break from the theme parks, plus locals, especially budget-conscious ones
Best time to goLunch and dinner are both worthwhile, with identical offerings, but it’s often easier to get in at lunchtime. The I-Drive location can be hectic at dinner time
Opening hours11am - 10pm

 

Golden Corral

In the heart of tourist central, Golden Corral is a popular choice for cheap-and-cheerful, with a massive buffet guaranteed to leave you bursting at the seams. There is nothing fancy about it, but the selection makes up for what it may lack in terms of atmosphere. There are several locations, but the International Drive location is the most popular.

Type of foodBreakfast features the standard bacon-and-eggs, pastries, waffles and sausage. Lunch and dinner offers meats, pasta, fish, steamed vegetables, desserts and more, laid out steam-table style. Fresher ingredients take a back seat to pre-made, but you certainly won’t leave hungry
Who goes there?Families looking to stretch their dining dollar and those with choosy eaters
Best time to goBreakfast can be filling enough to keep you going straight through until dinner, making it an ideal choice before a big day in the theme parks
Opening hours10am (8am on weekends) - 10pm

 

Value for Money Sit-Down Restaurants in Orlando

Aside from the theme parks, Orlando is famous for its incredible food offerings, and it actually boasts almost 50 restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide, including some with Michelin stars! But that doesn't mean that there aren't affordable restaurants in Orlando either, and the following options are great for getting a cheap meal for the whole family. 

A polaroid image of plates of burgers and fries, stir fry and steak on a table

Panera Bread

This is a popular counter-service chain specialising in soups and sandwiches. Their daily fresh soups, which come with a big chunk of French bread, are often a meal in themselves for under $10 and one of their sandwiches is often enough for two.

Type of foodBreakfast features various egg and meat sandwiches or fruit, while lunch or dinner offer soups, salads, sandwiches and some incredibly enticing pastries
Who goes there?Families looking for a lighter meal, and locals who gravitate toward the Pick Two Menu (any duo of soup, salad, and a half sandwich)
Best time to goLunch is ideal, especially for the Pick Two Menu
Opening hours7am-9pm

 

Olive Garden

It’s practically an American institution by now, made famous for its all-you-can-eat salad and breadsticks with every meal. They also sometimes have a Never Ending Pasta Bowl promotion, so do some research to see if this is available during your trip.

Type of foodAmericanised Italian with that little ‘something extra’. Pasta is the main feature, but you’ll also find pizza, soups, salads, steak and a healthy Lighter Fare menu with fish, shrimp and lightened-up pasta
Who goes there?Families and locals, generally for an inexpensive night out that’s fresh and tasty, but won’t break the budget. Also popular with tourists visiting the Mall at Millenia
Best time to goDinner is popular, and can have long waits. It’s much easier to get in at lunchtime
Opening hours11am - 10:30pm (11pm at weekends)

 

International House of Pancakes

Also known as IHOP, it’s wildly popular with Brits, many of whom look forward to a visit each holiday for their ‘fluffy pancakes’ fix.

Type of foodAmerican, through and through
Who goes there?Tourists and locals flock here, and it’s a long-time Sunday Breakfast tradition for local families after mass
Best time to goBreakfast is by far the best time to visit, with lighter choices and some truly massive assemblages of eggs, pancakes and meat three ways!
Opening hours24 hours a day. At 2am, it’s the American version of going out for a curry or a kebab after a night on the town

 

Denny’s

Denny’s is one of the top choices for its consistently good food and great service, and another big step up from the cheap-and-cheerful while still offering good value for money.

Type of foodAmerican classics. Eggs and bacon, waffles, etc, served in hearty combinations are the staple at breakfast, with ‘old familiars’ such as pot roast, spaghetti and meatballs, fish, and steaks at dinnertime. Lighter appetites will appreciate their Fit Fare menu
Who goes there?Families and locals looking for a hearty, filling, inexpensive meal with friendly, efficient service
Best time to goBreakfast, but avoid Sundays when the locals pour in. Dinner here is also an excellent budget-friendly choice (especially with their ‘$2, $4, $6, $8 Menu’)
Opening hours24 hours a day

 

Longhorn Steakhouse

This is one of our favourite restaurants for anyone looking for something a bit more special while still staying within budget. Some of their steaks are more pricey but the sirloin is incredibly affordable, and their appetisers are easily big enough to share with the table.

Type of foodSteaks and combos are of course the main event here, but the menu also has a good choice of burgers, chicken, salmon, ribs, and salads too. There’s also a great range of sides, from mac & cheese, mashed potatoes and loaded baked potatoes, to a more healthy choice of steamed asparagus, broccoli, or seasoned rice
Who goes there?Locals looking for an evening meal that doesn’t break the bank and tourists taking a break from the theme parks
Best time to goWeekday lunchtimes will be quieter as there will be fewer locals, and the lunch menu offers a choice of side included in the cost of your entree, so you can get a burger and fries for less than $10.
Opening hours11am - 10pm (11pm on Friday and Saturday)

 

Kids Eat Free

The ‘Kids Eat Free’ deals are fairly common at many of the hotels, primarily in a bid to get hotel guests to eat there rather than elsewhere, but many are happy for non-hotel guests to eat there as well. The Howard Johnson and Holiday Inn chains are notable for this feature, but not all the hotels offer the Kids Eat Free promotion. Some participate seasonally and not necessarily at peak periods.

Very often the best thing is to keep an eye out when you first arrive, especially at nearby hotels. Many will advertise ‘kids eat free’ on billboards outside and it is then easy to check if these apply to hotel guests only or if anyone can take advantage of them.

Make sure you check out the AttractionTickets.com 'Kids Eat Free' card. This amazing value-for-money card offers unlimited children's meals over a 14-day holiday at more than 130 affordable restaurants, and you don’t have to drive around town wondering which locations might be participating during your stay.

Many other restaurant chains participate in this offer, but it may not be widely promoted. It's definitely worth enquiring at some of the restaurants listed below if you’re dining there:

  • Beef O'Brady's
  • Chick-Fil-A
  • Chili's
  • CiCi's Pizza
  • Denny's
  • Fazoli's
  • Golden Corral
  • IHOP (International House of Pancakes)
  • Outback Steakhouse
  • Pizza Hut
  • Roadhouse Grill
  • Shoney's 

Early Bird Specials, Daily Deals, and Discount Dining

As a general rule, Americans stick rigidly to the main mealtimes, hence 12-2pm and 6-8pm are the busiest possible times to head for a restaurant. Conversely, some restaurants offer ‘Early Bird Specials’ with limited-selection discounted dinner menus. However, these are increasingly less common than dollars-off coupons or rotating Daily Specials (your server will point out the daily specials if they are available).

Seniors (age 55 and over with photo ID) benefit from the Senior Discount at many restaurants (just say, “Do you offer a Seniors discount” when it comes to paying the bill), and some, like Perkins and Denny’s, even have a Seniors menu with smaller portions and smaller prices.

Miller’s Ale House

This eatery is perfect for families or large groups as it has pretty much everything on the menu, from burgers and sandwiches to steak and pasta. It’s also famous for its ‘Zinger Mountain Melt’ - a tower of fries topped with chicken tenders, cheese, bacon and spring onion. They have a different deal each day, so think about this before deciding your plans!

  • Monday - 6-count Zingers for $9.99
  • Monday and Tuesday - Baby Back Ribs for $15.99
  • Tuesday - Kids Eat Free (with the purchase of a >$10 food item)
  • Wednesday - 12-count Wings for $11.99 and 24-count Wings for $23.99
  • Thursday and Sunday - Prime Rib starting at $19.99

Food Courts

The food courts at some of the shopping centres also offer better value for money than many of the standard restaurants, and you will probably find it easier to please all the family. The huge food court at the Florida Mall (Central Florida’s largest shopping centre) offers no fewer than 19 counter outlets from which to choose.

Similarly, the choice at the superb Mall at Millenia is wide-ranging and surprisingly health-conscious, with 12 good-value outlets, and the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores also boasts a decent food court where you can save a few dollars.

Happy Hours

  • Bahama Breeze - Get $3 14-oz beer, $4 cocktails, $5 speciality drinks, $6 wine and sangria, and ½ price appetizers from 4-6pm every Monday to Friday
  • Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar - Get food specials for $6.5-$8 and drink specials for $5-$7 from 5pm-6pm every weekday and 4pm-6pm on weekends
  • Yard House - Get ½ off selected appetisers and all pizzas, $2 off draft beer, wine, spirits and cocktails, $3 off 9oz wine, and $4 off ‘half yards’ from 3pm-6pm every weekday and 10pm - close Monday to Wednesday (drinks only)
  • STK Orlando - Get select light bites for $3-$9 and $9 signature cocktails and select wine by the glass from 2:30pm-6:30pm on weekdays, 2:30pm-5:30pm on weekends and 10pm - close Sunday to Thursday 

Dining Plans

Dining plans can not only save you money, but if you add one to your package or tickets at the time of booking and are paying with a deposit, you can spread the cost of your dining to help make it even more affordable. This also makes your holiday more enjoyable as you’re not worrying about budgets while deciding what to eat. 

A polaroid image of a young boy eating an ice cream while his mum kisses him on the cheek

Walt Disney World Resort Dining Plans

If you plan on eating at as many Disney restaurants as possible during your holiday, adding one of the following dining plans to your Disney Resort hotel and ticket package will definitely save you some money:

Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan

  • 2 quick-service meals per day
  • 1 non-alcoholic/alcoholic drink per meal
  • 1 selected snack or drink per day
  • 1 Resort-refillable mug per person per stay

Disney Dining Plan

  • 1 quick-service meal per day
  • 1 table-service meal per day
  • 1 non-alcoholic/alcoholic drink per meal
  • 1 selected snack or drink per day
  • 1 Resort-refillable mug per person per stay

Take a look at our guide to Walt Disney World dining plan locations to discover the 190+ restaurants, bars and snack carts your dining plan can be used at. And keep an eye out for the Free Disney Dining and Drinks offer that usually launches every spring for the following year’s arrivals, as booking during this period could get you a dining plan included in the cost of your hotel and ticket package! 

A polaroid image of a hand holding a pretzel above the Arctic Rescue ride sign at SeaWorld

SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens

The All-Day Dining Deal at the SeaWorld parks can be added to any booking, but for the best value, it is also included in a lot of promotional tickets like our SeaWorld Parks 3-Visit + Eat Free ticket. Once activated, this dining plan gives you access to the following every 90 minutes at participating restaurants:

  • 1 x entree
  • 1 x side OR dessert
  • 1 x non-alcoholic beverage

We’d recommend making the most of this during any ticket sales periods (e.g. Black Friday, January sales etc.) as you’ll then get a discount on your food that you won’t be able to get in the parks. 

Expert Tips for dining on a budget 

  • Food portions

This being America, you should also be aware that food portions – whether for starters, main courses or desserts – are almost invariably large, and one main course can easily be enough for two. Just tell your waiter or waitress in advance you wish to share a dish and it will often be served on two plates for you. Be sure to tip as though you've both had a main meal, as this is something most Americans would do, and your server is likely to feel short-changed.

  • Free ice water

When touring the parks – especially in the summer heat– it is absolutely vital to drink lots of water at regular intervals. But you don’t want to be paying $4 a bottle at the parks. Instead, bring your own reusable water bottles and get them filled up for free at quick-service locations throughout the theme parks with filtered ice water.

  • Discount meal coupons

You should hunt down any number of Coupon booklets distributed in racks in all the main tourist areas, outside shops, in hotels and at some petrol stations and restaurants. These leaflets or booklets feature a range of money-saving deals, from 'kids eat free' promotions to free appetisers and two-for-one entrees. You can even pick up some vouchers in advance on a number of websites.

  • Bring a picnic

Most of the theme parks let you take a small amount of food and drink in with you (as long as it doesn’t need to be cooked) so make the most of this if you’re on a budget. Head to a supermarket like Walmart or Target at the beginning of your trip and stock up on snacks and fresh fruit, as well as bread and fillings to make sandwiches. Most hotels will have a small fridge for you to keep any perishables.

  • Plan ahead

Most table-service and buffet restaurants will get booked up in advance, so we’d recommend planning where you want to eat during your stay and making any reservations you need to - you don't want to be caught out and find that all the most affordable options are fully booked! Most menus have their prices available to view online, so do your research to find the best places to suit both your budget and your tastebuds!