by Disney Magic Diva
The animals aren’t the only exotic things at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Did you know it offers a wide range of culinary delights, just begging for you to explore? And, even better, if some people in your family prefer the more traditional cuisine, there are great choices for them too. The best news, though, is it doesn’t have to break the bank!
Today I’d like to continue our series of articles on how it’s possible to eat at a Disney Park on $40 a day. If you’re new to the series, here are some of the ground rules we’re following:
- Each menu consists of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack for an adult. While it’s fine with Disney for adults to order off the kids menu, for this challenge we only order from the adult menu.
- No sharing meals. Sometimes I can convince my family to share, but not today!
- No bringing in outside food. Again…Disney has no problem with this, but we wanted to show you that’s it’s possible to get plenty of food within a budget without carrying it in.
- In this challenge, we do allow you to take advantage of the free cups of water available at any food service station. Be sure to ask for a “cup of water” because if you just order water you will likely get a bottled water which is NOT free.
We have diverse dining preferences in my family, so I’ve created a menu based on each of our tastes. (Prices shown include 9% tax.)
Classic Connoisseur
This menu is a wonderful choice for those who prefer traditional meals.
Breakfast: It’s hard to beat a croissant and coffee. Get yours at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery. ($5.21)
Restaurantosaurus
Photo courtesy of Nick Maglio
Lunch: Dinosaurs may be extinct, but thankfully cheeseburgers aren’t! Enjoy an Angus Bacon Cheeseburger with fries and a fountain beverage at Restaurantosaurus. ($14.91)
Snack: Nothing is more classic than Mickey Mouse! Relax with a Mickey Ice Cream Chocolate Cookie Sundae from Tamu Tamu Refreshments. ($4.89)
Dinner: A timeless choice – Pulled Pork Sandwich with Pickled Slaw, served with Baked Beans. And of course a fountain drink. ($14.69)
Total for the day: $39.70
Adventurer
Feeling ready to walk a little more on the wild side? Check out this menu!
Breakfast: You’ll need lots of nourishment for this adventure, so stop by Harambe Fruit Market and pick up an orange, banana, and Dannon Oikos Greek yogurt. ($7.16)
Lunch: After you’ve tackled Expedition Everest, you’ll be ready to refuel. Enjoy a Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad from Flame Tree Barbeque and a cup or two of water. ($10.89)
Snack: Dole Whip is always on our list of favorite Disney snacks. Did you know you can take it up a notch at Animal Kingdom? At Tamu Tamu Refreshments you can order one with Coconut Rum! Yes, please! (Naturally…must be over 21) ($7.09)
Dinner: Make your way back to Africa to the Harambe Market. Your taste buds are sure to love the Spice-rubbed Karubi Ribs with Green Papaya-Carrot Slaw and a Chickpea, Cucumber and Tomato Salad. Delish! ($14.60)
Total for the day: $39.74
Kid at Heart
Does Disney make you feel so much like a kid again you want to eat like one? Here’s a menu for you!
Breakfast: Can’t go wrong with some fruit and juice! So hit up the Harambe Fruit Market on your way to Kilamanjaro Safari and grab a banana and apple juice. ($4.88)
Lunch: After a safari with the animals, you might be ready for a different kind of safari. Pizza anyone? Try the Cheese Pizza with a Caesar Salad and a fountain drink at Pizzafari. ($13.27)
Snack: What could be more fun than ice cream, gummy worms and cookie crumbles? Enjoy a mid-afternoon break with a Bugs Sundae from Dino-Bites Snacks. ($5.66)
Dinner: A classic Disney must-have – a Turkey Leg and fountain drink from the Flame Tree Barbeque. ($14.15)
Total for the day: $37.96
Elephant Ear Pastry. YUM!
Photo courtesy of Nick Maglio
Magic Diva Favorites
Some choices I find especially yummy!
Breakfast: I adore pastries! At Animal Kingdom, you’ve got to try an Elephant Ear Pastry from Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery. ($5.66)
Lunch: My favorite attraction at Animal Kingdom is Expedition Everest. After five or six rides, I’m ready for a Ginger Chicken Salad and fountain drink from Yak and Yeti Local Food Café. ($14.15)
Snack: Don’t you just love the cupcakes the Disney pastry chefs create? They’re unbelievable! This elephant-topped cupcake was so scrumptious! Moist and creamy, but not too heavy. And the elephant was edible too! Choose your favorite at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery. ($5.66) 
Dinner: The turkey sandwich is a staple for me whenever I’m at Disney. Not very adventurous, but I know it will keep me going for a night in the park! You can find the Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich with fresh fruit at the Flame Tree Barbeque. Add a fountain soda. ($13.60)
Total for the day: $39.07
Four different menus, suited for four different appetites, all for under $40 a day. Which will you choose?
