13 Foods to Avoid at Disneyland if You’re on a Budget

A trip to Disneyland is magical, but let’s be real: It’s also a financial commitment. Lots of costs can add up quickly: park tickets, souvenirs, and hotel stays. Being strategic about what and where you eat is one of the easiest ways to save money during your visit. Some foods are worth every penny, while others can leave you with an empty wallet, and sometimes a bit of buyer’s remorse.

Below, we’ve rounded up 13 of those foods that might be worth reconsidering when it comes to the best and most budget-friendly foods at Disneyland. Overpriced snacks and lackluster meals — these are the ones you’ll want to skip, in order to save your cash for experiences that add to the magic.

Milkshakes from Black Tap Craft Burgers

While Black Tap’s over-the-top milkshakes are certainly fun, their $17 price tag is hard to swallow—literally. These extravagant desserts are really more like a meal than a treat, and you might regret the cost when the sugar rush wears off.

Ice Cream from Gibson Girl

A nostalgic favorite, Gibsons Girl Ice Cream Parlor’s sundaes and cones go for as much as $10. If you are looking for a lower-priced way to indulge, classic ice cream bars from one of the parks’ carts are an easy option.

Turkey Legs

One of Disneyland’s most iconic snacks is the turkey leg, but it’s also one of the most expensive – both for your wallet and your appetite. This massive meat-on-a-stick, which can cost upwards of $14, is too salty and greasy for many visitors. Plus, it’s enormous, and you’ll probably stuff yourself and won’t be able to enjoy other treats in the park.

Dole Whip Floats 

The classic Dole Whip is relatively cheap, but its fancy cousin, the Dole Whip Float, is much more expensive. For about $7 to $8, you’re paying a premium for some pineapple juice. Skip this and save a couple of bucks by sticking to the regular soft-serve version.

Lobster Nachos at Lamplight Lounge

These Instagram-famous nachos are a splurge at over $20. It’s undeniably tasty, but not the best choice if you’re watching your budget. Feel free to skip these nachos—there are wallet-friendly options elsewhere at the park.

Churros

Disneyland’s churros are practically synonymous with the park, but at over $6 a piece, they’re an expensive snack to feed a family. You can find comparable churros outside the park for a fraction of the price, and they’re delicious.

Corn Dogs from Little Red Wagon

While Disneyland’s corn dogs are loved, they’re also quite expensive at $10 each. They’re certainly filling, but there are cheaper meal options available should you want to stretch your dollars.

Mickey-Shaped Pretzels

They’re cute – no doubt – but Mickey-shaped pretzels probably aren’t going to run you less than $7, and they come with no dipping sauce. For the same price—or less—you can get a more substantial snack elsewhere: A popcorn refillable bucket.

Pizza at Alien Pizza Planet

Your nostalgia for Toy Story might play at Pizza Planet, but the pizzas are often disappointing in taste and price. Their cost is upwards of $10 and the quality doesn’t match the price. Unless you’re dining with kids who want the theme, skip this spot.

Salads at Quick-Service Restaurants

Eating healthy at Disneyland is admirable, but most of the pre-packaged salads served up at various quick service locations are very expensive (up to $13), and way underwhelming. They’re usually small, basic, and unlikely to satisfy a hungry park-goer.

Character-Themed Desserts

Whether it’s Mickey-shaped cupcakes or Pixar-style cookies, character-themed desserts are great for Instagram but rarely live up to the hype. These sweets often cost $7 or more, and you’re largely just paying for the novelty factor.

Fried Chicken at Plaza Inn

Plaza Inn’s fried chicken dinner is legendary, but for nearly $20 per plate, it’s a lot of money for what’s essentially diner food. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of this dish, it’s probably better to save your cash for something a bit more unique to the park.

Bottled Water

Paying $5 for a bottle of water at Disneyland is a rookie mistake. Pack in your own refillable water bottle and use the free water stations scattered throughout the park. That’ll keep you hydrated without breaking the bank.

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