When going to Disney World it seems almost mandatory to plan ahead. While not everything needs planned out to the second, it is worthwhile to have an overall strategy, especially when it comes to feeding a family or large group. A little planning may seem stressful to some up front, but it truly helps you enjoy the magic more once you’re there.

Research and experience have solidified my current strategy for food during a Disney World trip. Said strategy is a combination of planning and planning to play by ear. It takes into consideration time, money, appetites and rest periods during a long park day.

First up, BREAKFAST.

When you’re heading to the park, the earlier the better. Pack your own food that’s quick and easy to eat in your hotel room, on the way or as you head to your first line in the park. I went to the store before our trip and stocked up a variety of fig, fruit and protein bars to serve as breakfast on park days. These also doubled as snacks as needed during our road trip.

Next, LUNCH.

I like to make lunch the big, main, sit down meal of a park day. This helps break up the day, rest tired feet, and get out of the sun. A sit down lunch helps everyone regroup and fuel up for the rest of the day. This is especially strategic if doing an ‘all you can eat’ restaurant where you may not get as much bang for your buck if you do a later dinner and have already had lots of yummy food all day. (Also good if your crew isn’t big on breakfast.)

Remember, SNACKS.

Regardless what you do or don’t want to buy at the park, bringing your own snacks is still a must when you have young kids. Throw a few trusty standbys in your book bag like Goldfish, Veggie Straws, or fruit bars – again, quick and easy is the name of the game. They can eat in the stroller while you walk or wait for the next ride. Suckers are also great to have for waiting in lines!

Lastly, DINNER.

We go with a ‘snacky’ dinner which is the ‘planned play by ear’ portion of the food day. Lines may be shorter for some attractions during ‘dinner time’, which makes it a great time to continue going on rides. It’s good to have some flexibility and not have to worry about timing to make it to another reservation.

Also, if you’re staying for a night time show, like at Magic Kingdom, you’ll want to be able to find a spot far in advance (ie. curb on Main Street.) You can then eat your snacky dinner while you hang out waiting for the show to begin.

Ice cream and hot pretzels are perfect choices for this! There’s also delicious foot long hot dogs, chicken fingers and tons of other ‘quick’ options throughout the parks to grab for a smaller, faster, potentially less expensive ‘meal’.

And always, DRINKS.

Don’t forget your water bottles! You’re able to get free cups of water at the counter service food locations, but I would try to bring as much as water as you can, at least one water bottle per person. Put water bottles in book bags and strollers. Availability to refill will vary by park and restaurant location. (ie. There are water refill stations at Hollywood Studios, but none spotted at Magic Kingdom.)

Sticking with the whole vacation mode mentality…it’s ok if your kid(s) don’t want to try new foods on vacation or order a wide variety of unique dishes. Sometimes the tastiest thing on a ‘kids menu’, the food they really want and like best, is Mac n Cheese. And aren’t they on vacation too?

Instead of fighting it, I said whatever (with the help of my husband) when we experienced a bit of this. We rolled with it and turned it into a bit of a taste test, who has the best Mac n Cheese? While all three of my kids love this dish, my middle is the official reviewer.

Buffalo Wild Wings holds the title of “Best Mac n Cheese” in her book at home. So the question at restaurants is always, how does the Mac n Cheese compare to Bdubb’s?

After ordering this cheesy dish several places, including Disney World, she determined that Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at Magic Kingdom had the best Mac n Cheese of our trip. It even beat out an excellent creamy version in South Carolina.

Aside from the Mac n Cheese, there’s plenty of unique, delicious and magically themed food to choose from at Disney World. While we haven’t tried them all, the Mickey Mouse shaped hot pretzel is hands down a family, and personal, favorite.

Ice cream is another favorite – any kind. The cold sweet treat is perfect for a break in the hot Florida sun and instantly makes the day feel ‘special’.

We’ll have to make it our mission to try something new next time like the famous Dole Whip or maybe a Turkey Leg. There are so many special foods available throughout the parks you can literally plan your day around which foods you want to try! (Seems like a mandatory part of Epcot!)

Of the restaurants we’ve dined at, a favorite sit down (and character) meal of ours is Tusker House. This is located in Africa at Animal Kingdom. There you see a few characters, enjoy some African inspired foods and music. Everything – including dessert – is all you can eat for a set price per person. This type of meal is a great way to start or end your trip. Our family absolutely loved it!

And no trip would be complete without squeezing in a few special drinks, for kids and grownups alike. Head to Oga’s Cantina for drinks and atmosphere that are a must for any Star Wars fan – complete with a droid d.j.!

Located in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, the immersive watering hole is absolutely worth scheduling for an afternoon break. (If you can’t snag a reservation when your dining window opens, check back as spots can and do open up!)

If all of this talk of planning and strategy makes you think, ‘no thanks!’, hear me out.

You don’t have to be the best planner nor do everything in advance to avoid lines and have delicious food and drinks at Disney. There are so many helpful planning sites out there, along with The Unofficial Guide to Disney World With Kids.

There’s dining reservations, recommendations and mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app.

You absolutely can and should ask friends and family who’ve been, your local FaceBook group and follow Disney planning groups and accounts on social media.

Or, feel free to message me with any questions!

If you’re still really not into doing it yourself, or feel completely overwhelmed, work with a travel agent.

Trust me when I say that research and planning will be worth your time and effort, making the actual trip less stressful, and more delicious, in the long run. Be sure to save this post for reference to help you make the most of your trip and enjoy!