Best Cheap Disneyland Food
The 15 Tastiest, Budget-Friendly Foods at Disneyland, According to Frequent Park-Goers
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Disneyland is known for its sometimes exorbitant food prices, and it can be disheartening to dish out $15 for a plate of blah! I set out with seasoned Disneyland-goers to try everything inside both Disneyland and California Adventures to truly uncover the tastiest drinks, snacks, and dishes the parks have to offer. I've ranked them from cheapest to most expensive, so you can spend your dollars wisely.
Churros
Pickles
Disneyland is scorching even at 70 degrees, and staying hydrated is key to not burning out. The giant pickles ($4) located all around the park quench your thirst in a satisfyingly salty way. Go for one that's submerged in the icy bath to truly chill out.
Where to get it: Adventureland Fruit Cart
Mickey Beignets and Mint Julep
Mickey Beignets ($5) are so immensely fluffy and light that you'll gobble up a three-pack no problem. I recommend asking for extra powdered sugar. Pair it with a non-alcoholic mint julep ($5), which is essentially mint lemonade, to feel transported to New Orleans.
Where to get it: Mint Julep Bar
Cotton Candy Lemonade
Cotton Candy Lemonade ($5) lives up to its name and tastes just like the circus confection. The tartness of the lemonade will rehydrate you and the tuft of cotton candy attached to the straw provides a fun snack to nosh on while you wait for your food. Next time, I plan on adding a shot of tequila to turn up the good time.
Where to get it: Cove Bar at California Adventures
Mickey's Premium Ice Cream Bar
Frozen Lemonade and Mickey Pretzel
Salty and frozen are the two essential traits snacks must have at Disneyland to keep you cool and hydrated. Some additional favorites of mine are the Mickey pretzel ($5) served with mustard and the frozen lemonade ($5). I swirled in blue raspberry to my cup for added flavor; you can even get all four varieties mixed into one cup if you're feeling adventurous. Unlike Slurpees, the frozen lemonades at Disneyland aren't carbonated and taste perfectly icy.
Where to get it: On Main Street in Disneyland
Dole Whip
Completely dairy-free and tropically tart, pineapple Dole Whip ($4) is a soft-serve worth stopping for anytime of the year. Make it a float ($5) if you're on the thirsty side, and don't forget the secret hack for skipping the line.
Where to get it: Tiki Juice Bar
Bantha Blue Milk Bread French Toast
I know it's frowned upon at Disneyland to order off the kids menu if you're an adult, but sometimes budgeting and the smaller portions incentivize me to do so, as in the case of the Bantha Blue Milk Bread French Toast ($7). Though I was skeptical to try such a shockingly colored creation, the custardy slices taste just like vanilla and maple, and the side of fruit and turkey bacon are filling companions.
Where to get it: Galactic Grill
Chili Cone Queso and Bacon Mac 'N' Cheese Cones
The Chili Cone Queso ($8) and bacon mac 'n' cheese cone ($8) are by far one of the best on-the-go options at California Adventures. The bread cones themselves are made with the same brioche-like dough as the pretzels, so it's a win-win! We recommend mixing the two together for ultimate cheesy, meaty, carby bliss.
Where to get it: Cozy Cone Motel at California Adventures
Chicken Breast Nuggets and Fries
Look, this old standby ($10) is done right at Disneyland, at least at the Stage Door Cafe (where Mickey funnel cake is also found). Sometimes, inside the park, it's all about indulging in your childhood favorites.
Where to get it: Stage Door Cafe
Turkey Leg
Beyond staying hydrated, eating a ton of protein is essential to staying fresh at Disneyland. The turkey leg ($11) will feed the whole family (or group of friends); consider sharing before diving in headfirst. The meat is ultrasalty and moist, plus the photo opp is too good to pass up. However, the bag (and the bone) will leak piping-hot, sticky juice if you hold it for too long. Pick a place nearby the stand to eat it ASAP, and bring napkins!
Where to get it: Edelweiss Snacks
Lobster Nachos
At $16 a plate, these lobster nachos double as a satisfying lunch for two. Disney doesn't skimp on the lobster pieces topped over housemade tortilla chips, plus there's plenty of black beans to keep it hearty. Pico de gallo and chipotle cream spice it up, along with my favorite part, the generous drizzle of queso dip made with aged cheddar and Oaxaca cheese.
Where to get it: Cove Bar at California Adventures
Fried Chicken Dinner
Grab dinner at the Plaza Inn before the firework show, so you can secure an awesome seat. The fried chicken dinner ($18) is classic with mashed potatoes and a biscuit. I'll be really honest, y'all, you may find yourself gnawing on the bones; the chicken is that flavorful and crisp. Go for double potatoes and eat quickly, as the food only tastes really awesome when it's hot. Pass on the green beans as they have an off, acrid flavor.
Where to get it: Plaza Inn
Monte Cristo
A Monte Cristo ($19) is like a grilled cheese meets french toast. Opt for ham or keep it veggie with the three-cheese. While it comes with a berry sauce, you can ask for a side of marinara to amp up the savoriness. Split it so you can save room for some of those Mickey beignets from the Mint Julep Bar!
Where to get it: Cafe Orleans
Mickey Waffles
There are only a few places to score a plate of Mickey waffles, doused in banana caramel sauce. I scored mine at a character breakfast ($35 for an adult). The bottomless buffet-style breakfast and photo ops aplenty make the price tag more bearable.
Where to get it: Plaza Inn
