There are many dining discounts available in the parks and resort hotels at Disneyland, as well as nearby restaurants. You just have to know how to find them!

Jump to:

Tips & Tricks for Saving in the Parks and Resorts

Bringing in Outside Food and Drink

Officially, Disney asks that no outside food or drink be brought into the theme parks. The official policy reads: "With the exception of food items for Guests with specific dietary restrictions, food or beverage items are not permitted into either of the Disneyland® Resort theme parks."

There is a designated picnic area outside the gates of Disneyland, and there are lockers available that are large enough to store a moderate-sized cooler.

Unofficially, the "no outside food" policy is not stringently enforced. Bags are searched, but a few items in a small soft-sided cooler (such as sandwiches, crackers, granola bars, juice boxes or bottles of water) will be ignored.

If you eat your snack/meal very discreetly, without using park resources (i.e. taking up a table at a restaurant without buying anything) and you don't make a mess, no one will say anything to you.

One note of caution: avoid bringing in anything highly perishable, such as cold cuts. It would be easy to end up with food poisoning!

Also, you absolutely will NOT be allowed to bring in the following: hard-sided coolers, large coolers, glass containers, or alcoholic beverages.

Check Out Portion Sizes to Cut Costs

Many of the entrees and combo meals served at Disneyland Resort counter-service restaurants include a large amount of food. For instance, I can say from experience that the entrees at Rancho del Zocalo in Disneyland can be HUGE.

However, some food stands serve rather small portions for the money. In general I think the stands in DCA's Paradise Pier area provide a fairly poor value for the cost.

A good trick at the counter-service restaurants and snack stands is to stand to one side for a minute and watch as people leave with their orders, so you can see how the portions look. If the portions are big and you are not big eaters, consider splitting an entree or combo meal between two people and possibly ordering an extra side dish or appetizer to share.

Adults looking for a smaller portion at the counter-service restaurants should not hesitate to order from the kids' menu. No one will know you're ordering the kids meal for an adult! This is not allowed at full-service restaurants, however.

A good option at sit-down restaurants, and one that works well for someone dining alone, is to substitute an appetizer for your entree. For instance, order two appetizers instead of an appetizer and an entree, or order an appetizer instead of an entree, thus leaving yourself room for dessert. Be sure to inquire about the portion size first -- some appetizers are substantial and filling, but some aren't.

Best Bets

Generally speaking you'll save a lot of money by sticking with counter-service restaurants, which are substantially cheaper than table-service restaurants. Unfortunately Disneyland and DCA don't offer as much variety as one might wish, but if you look around you can find some decent options besides corn dogs, hamburgers and fries.

Three places that are relative bargains within the resort are the above-mentioned Rancho del Zocalo in Disneyland, Whitewater Snacks in the Grand Californian Hotel and Tortilla Jo's takeout window in Downtown Disney.

Whitewater Snacks is a counter-service restaurant offering freshly made hot breakfast as well as grilled sandwiches, pizza and salads. Most meals are under $7.50. It's easy to duck out of Disney's California Adventure through the private entrance into the Grand Californian. Whitewater Snacks is just around the corner (to the left) from that private entrance.

Tortilla Jo's also has a full-service restaurant, which is pricey. Look around for the takeout window and try the tacos, which are quite a bargain considering the quality and quantity. The nachos are good, too. Prices run around $6.00 for many items, but some, such as burritos, are large and filling enough to be split by two people. There is seating nearby where you can enjoy your meal.

Additionally, MouseSavers.com reader Paul F recommends the Wine Country Trattoria at DCA: "They make three quite good salads in the $10 range. All of them were big enough for two and bread/cheese sticks were included in the meal. It is one of the best meals at either of the California parks and a bargain." (Note from Mary: Personally I don't like the food at Wine Country Trattoria at all, as I find it generic and tasteless, but if you're looking for a salad, you may want to consider it.)

Pre-Paid Dining Plan

Disneyland offers a pre-paid dining plan, which you can buy with any vacation package. However, this plan definitely won't save you any money on your meals, and it reduces your flexibility because the vouchers cannot be used at all Disneyland locations (including most or all of the Downtown Disney restaurants). I don't recommend buying the dining plan at Disneyland.

Coupons and Special Deals

Disney Ani-Mate Coupons

Go to the Disney Ani-Mate web site, take a short, fun quiz that tells you which animated character you're most like, and then navigate to the Downtown Disney map, where you'll be able to print out coupons good at many of the Downtown Disney shops and restaurants. Coupons expire 8/1/08. These are the dining coupons you can print:

• Catal - 10% off (food only)
• House of Blues - 20% off total bill before 5:00 pm
• Jazz Kitchen - 10% off total bill (excludes alcoholic beverages)
• La Brea Bakery - 10% off purchase of $10 or more
• Naples - 10% off food only (excludes Napolini)
• Rainforest Cafe - FREE kids meal with adult entree purchase
• Tortilla Jo's - 10% off food (excludes tacqueria)
• Wetzels Pretzels - Buy 3 pretzels, get 1 FREE

Birnbaum's Disneyland Resort 2008 includes the following coupons:

• Free pretzel when you purchase 2 pretzels of equal or greater value at Wetzel's Pretzels, valid 1/1/08-12/31/08

• Free dessert when you purchase a $25 game card at ESPN Zone, valid 1/1/08-12/31/08

The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau has a couple of printable restaurant coupons on its site. (Thanks to Jon F for info.) Two of the coupons are great for people visiting Disneyland:

• 10% off food at the McDonald's right across the street from Disneyland at 1500 S. Harbor

• $5 off your bill at House of Blues in Downtown Disney

The IHOP (International House of Pancakes) restaurant across the street from Disneyland at 1560 S. Harbor offers "Kids Eat FREE" (with a paid adult) every day after 4:00 pm. You may want to call the restaurant at (714) 635-0933 to confirm that the offer is still available.

Denny's is located right across the street from Disneyland at 1610 S. Harbor. If you plan to eat there, sign up for Denny's Breakfast Club. In a day or two you'll get a coupon for 20% off. The coupon expires about 2 weeks after you receive it, so don't do this until right before you leave on your trip!

Buca di Beppo restaurant is right down the street from Disneyland at 11757 Harbor, Garden Grove (short drive/long walk) and offers Italian food served family-style in a fun, themed atmosphere. Sign up for their e-mail list to receive periodic coupons by e-mail. (Be sure to specify the Garden Grove, CA location since the coupons usually are limited to a specific location.) I frequently receive coupons for $10 off a $30 purchase, as well as free dessert coupons on my birthday.

Restaurant.com

Save money at some Disneyland-area restaurants by purchasing discounted gift certificates from Restaurant.com. Some of the certificates give you 50% off your meal and others are for a specific amount (usually $25) but you get them at a discounted price (usually $12.50 or less).

The Anaheim area restaurants offered through Restaurant.com change frequently. Be sure to consider restaurants in Orange, Garden Grove and Fullerton, because those cities are very close to Disneyland. Thanks to Lynne W for making me aware this program now covers the Disneyland area.

Click here for more details on Restaurant.com and possible discount codes that can save you even more!

Entertainment Book

The 2008 Orange County, CA Entertainment Book offers discounts of up to 50% (usually in the form of a two-for-one coupon) at dozens of restaurants in the general area around Disneyland. There are multiple coupons for McDonald's, which has a restaurant across the street from the entrance to Disneyland. Other than that, none of the participating restaurants are within walking distance, so you will need a car.

This is in addition to the many other discounts on hotel rooms, rental cars and more that are offered by Entertainment Book. (Be sure to check the link above for any current discounts or deals on Entertainment Book.)

AAA Discounts

American Automobile Association (AAA) members save 10% on food and beverages (excluding tax, gratuity and alcoholic beverages) at the following locations:

• Plaza Inn in Disneyland

• Wine Counry Trattoria in DCA

• Ariel's Grotto in DCA

• PCH Grill at Paradise Pier Hotel

• Goofy's Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel

Disney Rewards® Visa® Card Discounts

Disney Rewards® Visa® Cardholders get 10% off at select dining locations at the Disneyland Resort:

Disneyland

• Rancho del Zocalo

• Carnation Café

• Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port

• While it's not on the official list, according to MouseSavers reader Jordan M, you can get a discount at French Market Cafe in New Orleans Square.

Disney’s California Adventure

• Pizza Oom Mow Mow

• Wine Country Trattoria

• The Vineyard Room

Disneyland Resort Hotels

• Steakhouse 55 (from 6:00 pm -10:00 pm only)

• Yamabuki

• Disney’s PCH Grill

Present and use a valid Disney Rewards® Visa® Card at time of purchase. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts, promotions or with any previous purchase. Excludes alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity.

Disneyland Annual Passholder Discounts

Disneyland Annual Passholders get meal discounts at Disneyland Resort.

• Southern California Select Passport, Southern California Annual Passport and Deluxe Annual Passport holders get 10% off meals at virtually all dining locations, including most Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure and Disney hotel restaurants, as well as Downtown Disney restaurants.

• Premium Annual Passholders get 15% off meals at virtually all dining locations in Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure and Disney hotels, and 10% off at most Downtown Disney restaurants.

Unless otherwise specified, discounts apply to the Passholder and the Passholder's dining party. Not valid at outdoor cart locations, snack locations, Club 33, Napa Rose, and Room Service locations. Dining discounts are not valid in combination with any other discounts or promotions and exclude alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity.

Must show valid Annual Passport to receive Passholder discount. Discounts are nontransferable. Subject to change without notice. Thanks to Darkbeer for additional info.

		Annual Passholders can enjoy 15% off lunch (11:00 am to 4:00 pm) at the following Patina Restaurant Group locations in Downtown Disney: Tortilla Jo's Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria Uva Bar Just show your valid Annual Pass to your server. Offer ends 7/31/08.

Disney Vacation Club Discounts

Disney Vacation Club members get a 10% meal discount at virtually all dining locations throughout Disneyland Resort.

Unless otherwise specified, discounts apply to a maximum party of 8 people. Not valid at outdoor cart locations, snack locations, Club 33, Napa Rose, and Room Service locations. Dining discounts are not valid in combination with any other discounts or promotions and exclude alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity.

Must show valid DVC membership card to receive DVC discount. Discounts are nontransferable. Subject to change without notice.

Rainforest Cafe Safari Club

Join the Rainforest Cafe Safari Club and save at the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney. It costs $15 to join and you can enroll at any Rainforest Cafe. Your benefits include priority seating, guaranteed reservations when made 24 hours in advance, a $10 certificate good toward your next meal at the Rainforest Cafe and 10% off your meals (including meals at other Landry's restaurants, like Joe's Crab Shack). On your birthday and anniversary, you will usually receive coupons by mail for $5 off.

MouseSavers.com® is not an official site of The Walt Disney Company or of Universal Studios. Content of MouseSavers.com is © MouseSavers, Inc. 2001-2008. Website content may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of MouseSavers, Inc. Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions of Use