Disney World vacations are EXPENSIVE with everything you need to buy and do while you’re there. From booking hotels and buying theme park tickets to dining at the many restaurants on property and buying souvenirs, prices can add up pretty fast.

Saving money anywhere you can feel like a win, and there are a lot of ways you can when it comes to dining in Disney World. To avoid overpaying at Disney World’s table-service restaurants, follow these seven rules!

Split Meals And Appetizers

While portion sizes can differ depending on the restaurant, there are a lot of restaurants that have pretty hefty portions, so splitting meals or appetizers can help you try more things at a cheaper cost. I recently went to House of Blues Orlando in Disney Springs and shared the BBQ Nachos with chicken with the person I went with, and we both got a side salad. We spent under $50 AND had leftovers, so sharing meals can definitely save you some money!

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Do Buffets & Family-Style Meals If You Have Kids Under 3

Yes, buffets and family-style meals can be expensive, especially if they’re character meals, but they can actually be a good way to go if your party has any children under 3 years old! Why? Because you don’t have to pay for children under 3. So, places like Garden Grill Restaurant, Chef Mickey’s, and any other buffets or family-style meals are great places to go with younger kiddos!

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As A Party Of Two, Order One Prix-Fixe Meal And One Entree

Some restaurants at Disney World offer the option of a prix-fixe menu or a regular menu. If you’re looking to save a little money and are comfortable with sharing food, have one person grab the prix-fixe menu and have the other person grab a regular entree. This works at several restaurants, but one of the most popular places to do it is La Crêperie de Paris in the France Pavilion in EPCOT. This prix-fixe menu comes with your Choice of Soup of the Day or Salade Maison, Choice of one Galette with a Glass of Hard Cider, Soda, or Juice, and Choice of one Dessert Crêpe for $39.95. This is great for a variety, so your party can try a bunch of different items (if you feel like sharing, anyway).

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Don’t Book A Restaurant Just Because It’s Popular

Just because a reservation may be hard to get, it doesn’t mean that the food quality is worth it and the price is justified. Places like Be Our Guest, California Grill, and ‘Ohana are difficult reservations to grab, but they’re also VERY expensive. There are plenty of other delicious dining locations on property that cost a more reasonable price, including Sebastian’s Bistro, Steakhouse 71, and Yak & Yeti Restaurant.

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Double-Check If Gratuity Is Already Included

Depending on the size of your party or where you dine, gratuity may already be included. To avoid overspending, check the My Disney Experience app beforehand, ask a Cast Member, or check your bill at the end of the meal to see if gratuity has already been added. This is a common occurrence for parties of six or more and dining locations like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Cinderella’s Royal Table.

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Steer Clear Of Alcoholic Beverages

Drinks, especially of the alcoholic kind, can get pretty pricey in Disney World, with a typical price tag between $14 and $22. And when you grab a drink, it’s likely you’re going to have more than one. Those costs could add up and even be the cost of a full meal! To avoid overspending, grab a soft drink or a water at most meals and splurge on just one meal!

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Consider The Timing Of Your Reservation

Believe it or not, the timing of your reservation may save you a couple of dollars, specifically when it comes to buffets! Making a breakfast reservation at a restaurant that offers both breakfast and lunch could save you some money because — depending on the time — you’d be able to try both!

For example, if you make a reservation at the Crystal Palace between 10:15 AM and 10:30 AM, you’ll be dining there when the restaurant switches to lunch. However, you won’t be paying lunch prices ($64 per adult, $44 per child) — you’ll be paying the breakfast prices ($54 per adult, $35 per child). It’s only $9 to $10, but if you’re traveling with a large party, those savings can add up!

Keep these rules in mind to save yourself a little extra money on your next Disney World vacation! Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney tips and tricks!

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Where is your favorite place to dine in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!