The Essential Rule You Need To Know Before You Stay at Disney World’s Value Hotels

We get the appeal of Disney World’s value hotels, and it’s not just about the fact that these are the cheapest hotels on Disney World property.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

For example, two value hotels actually have a Skyliner station, making transportation a lot more convenient. We also love the over-the-top theming at the value hotels — and we would argue that we sometimes think Disney World’s deluxe hotels are boring because they don’t have that theming. However, let’s talk about food. There’s a rule we need to tell you about when it comes to eating at Disney World’s value hotels.

Disney’s value resorts only have one restaurant, a quick-service food court. Now, in the past, some of these food courts offered unique meals, but now, most of the food court menus are the same — and most of the menu items are, well, pretty boring  (burgers, sandwiches, etc), maybe even mediocre. So here’s what we’re telling you: don’t eat in the value resort food courts unless you have to.

Intermission Food Court

Here’s the thing, especially if you’re staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort or Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, you’re a quick Skyliner ride away from some AMAZING dining options. These include a TON of restaurants in the EPCOT area (like the Yachtsman Steakhouse, Trattoria al Forno, and more), but you can also have a meal over at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort or Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Trattoria al Forno

However, if you’re staying at any of Disney’s All-Star Resorts, you may find your options a little more limited. If you do want to eat something that isn’t at the food courts, you can always hop on a bus and head to Disney Springs, where the food options are almost limitless.

Homecomin’ is one of many great restaurants in Disney Springs

Okay, so what if you just really don’t want to leave your hotel at all, and you just want to grab something from the food court? What should you get? Well, for breakfast, you can still get Mickey waffles at the food courts, but we’d recommend grabbing the Loaded Totcho Bowl because it’s DELICIOUS.

Loaded Totcho Bowl

For lunch and dinner, there aren’t any REAL standouts, but at least the burgers at the food court come with Disney fries — if you know, you know (they’re a lot like McDonald’s fries). However, for snacks, you’re in luck. Many of the food courts have special snacks themed to that hotel. You’ll find themed cupcakes at each food court, but you’ll find Tie-Dye Cheesecake at Pop Century, and that’s always worth getting.

Tie-dye Cheesecake

You’ll also often find really good seasonal snacks (that aren’t always cupcakes), especially around holidays. So, if you see a seasonal snack on the menu, it might be worth trying out.

Seasonal How Far I’ll Go Haupia Pie

Of course, if you have picky eaters in your party, the food courts will always offer safe bets, including sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and more. So that’s always an option if you just want to please everyone in the party. Also, we have to note that you can get Mickey Celebration Cakes, too, at the food courts, in case you’re celebrating a big occasion.

White Chocolate Celebration Cake

Finally, food courts are where you can get the Refillable Mugs at the Value resorts. If you plan on drinking a lot of sodas, tea, or coffee during your trip, these could save you some $$$. They are also included with the Disney Dining Plan. Also, note that you can’t refill the mugs in the parks, but you can refill them at ALL Disney World hotels.

However, just know that if you don’t want to eat at the value food courts, you do have TONS of other options.

Stay tuned to DFB for more.

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Where do you eat when you stay at Disney’s value resorts? Let us know in the comments!