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Magic Kingdom's $ Budget Dining Treasures

by FrogBlog on August 7, 2012

By Guest Blogger, Ashley Nichols of Theme Park Foodie

Walt Disney World boasts some of the best dining in all of Florida, with unique and yummy options at every price point available. When looking at a map, guests can find the estimated price of a restaurant by looking at the dollar sign code located in the dining location’s description.

The park's price structure is as follows:

$ = $14.99 and under

$$ = $15-$35.99

$$$ = $36 - $59.99

$$$$ = $60 and above

Hence, the name of today’s blog post! Visitors on a budget often feel as though they are missing out because they cannot afford to eat at the Magic Kingdom® Park’s more expensive restaurants that tend to get the most attention, such as Cinderella’s Royal Table. While this is true, Disney World has a number of “$” restaurants that are delicious, offer fun ambiance and can be great dining experiences! Here are three of our favorite “budget” dining restaurants at the Magic Kingdom® Park.

Magic Kingdom restaurant Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn CafePecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe

Location: Frontierland® Area

Every time we go to the Magic Kingdom® Park, we try to avoid going past Pecos Bill. Why? It smells so delicious, we have a hard time not going in to eat! The counter service restaurant serves sandwiches, burgers, wraps and a mouthwatering taco salad. The best thing about Pecos Bill, though, is the customization! The restaurant features two “self-serve” counters that include additions such as sautéed onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, grated cheese, salsa and more. While Pecos Bill is a “$” restaurant, you can concoct a “$$” meal just by getting creative with your customizations! If you go at the right time, you can enjoy your meal while sitting outside and have a great view of one of the Magic Kingdom® Park’s parades!

Magic Kingdom restaurant The Plaza Restaurant at Magic Kingdom® Park The Plaza Restaurant

Location: Main Street, U.S.A.®

Though labeled by Disney as “$$,” the Plaza Restaurant is actually a “$” with entrees ranging in price from $10.99 – $16.99. A small, quaint little restaurant that offers table service, the Plaza Restaurant is easy to overlook but difficult to forget! Step back in time as you dine on Main Street, U.S.A.® and enjoy classic entrees and ice cream flavors “from the fountain.” Finish up the meal by sharing a Plaza Restaurant Sundae; there’s plenty to go around! If you’re hoping to dine at the Plaza Restaurant, be sure to plan ahead; reservations will likely be necessary, as the limited capacity, low cost and popularity of the dining location cause it to be booked days in advance during the busy season.

Magic Kingdom restaurant  Columbia Harbour HouseColumbia Harbour House

Location: Liberty Square

During a hot and busy day at the Magic Kingdom® Park, one of the best “getaway” spots is the Columbia Harbour House, a “$” quick-service restaurant that offers seafood, salads and chicken selections. While in Liberty Square, follow the sound of the ringing bell to a tasty lunch or dinner at a great value. At this dining location, guests can enjoy crisp and refreshing salads, an array of seafood options including lobster rolls, grilled salmon and fried shrimp, or a basket of breaded chicken. And here’s a best kept secret: The second floor! Take the stairs up to another dining area that tends to be quieter even on the busiest of days, and offers a unique view of both Liberty Square and Fantasyland® Area.

These are a few of my favorite Magic Kingdom restaurants, and they are budget friendly to boot!

As you plan your Disney trip, here are a few related dining posts to check out:

What to eat at Walt Disney World

10 Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) Worth Making for Your Family

Ashley Nichols is the editor of Theme Park Foodie, a blog that highlights dining and cuisine opportunities at theme parks throughout the United States with a focus on Central Florida. TPF, an UrbanSpoon featured blog, features content on Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and more! Join the theme park food conversation on TwitterPinterestTumblr and Facebook.

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