The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is so much fun! I love seeing all of the animals and seeing Pandora all lit up and glowing at night – it’s so beautiful! This park has some amazing rides like Avatar: Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, and Dinosaur. And, we have tried some of the best and most interesting food at this park!

Disney has just announced a special dining offer with certain packages. That has got me thinking about the best cheap eats at Animal Kingdom – getting the most bang for my buck!

I have found that there are two really great ways to save money on food at Disney World:

  • Split or Share Meals (if possible)
  • Find Meals and Snacks That are $10.00 or less

So, I compiled a list of meals you can share and food under $10 at Animal Kingdom and I’m sharing it with you! You can also scroll down to the bottom of this post for more Disney money-saving tips!

P.S. Menu items and prices can change at any time. Please be sure to check the direct links to double-check.

#1 Meals You Can Split at Animal Kingdom at Disney World

Rainforest Cafe

Pictured Above: Ribs, Steak & Shrimp Trio – courtesy of Rainforest Cafe

  • Rainforest Cafe (Main Entrance) – At least 2 people can split the Ribs, Steak & Shrimp Trio here. It includes Caribbean Coconut Shrimp, Mojo Bones Ribs, 10-oz Flat Iron Steak, Coleslaw, and Safari Fries for $38.99. See the full menu at Rainforest Cafe HERE.

Flame Tree BBQ

Pictured above: Ribs and Chicken Combo at Flame Tree BBQ

  • Flame Tree BBQ (Discovery Island) – Two can share the Ribs and Chicken Combo for $15.69. The meal is also served with coleslaw and baked beans. Two people could also order the 1/2 Chicken Entree (Smoked Chicken served with Baked Beans and Coleslaw) for $13.49 AND one side order of French Fries or Onion Rings Basket for $4.49. That’s a meal for two to split for about $18.00 (plus tax). It’s such a good deal, you should split a strawberry Flamingo Cupcake for $5.99. That’s still only about $25.00 for two for lunch, including dessert.
  • Flame Tree BBQ (Discovery Island) – Two can share the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork (Baked Macaroni and Cheese topped with Smoked Pulled Pork, Onion Rings, and Coleslaw) for $12.49. Add two Sides of Fries at $4.49 each and that’s a meal for two for about $21.50

Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe (Quick Service)

Honey Sesame Chicken with Rice for $13.99 at Yak & Yeti
A side of Chicken Fried Rice $6.99 & a side of Eggrolls (2) $8.49 Yak & Yeti

Yak & Yeti Restaurant

Pictured Above: Ahi Tuna Nachos at Yak & Yeti Restaurant

Sharable Entrees – Meant for 2 People

  • Ahi Tuna Nachos -$20.99 (Sushi grade Ahi tuna, Asian slaw, crispy fried wontons, wasabi aioli, sweet soy glaze)
  • Lettuce Cups – $18.99 (Minced chicken breast, chopped vegetables, Saigon Haison sauce, crisp lettuce cups)
  • Korean Fried Chicken – $15.99 (Hand-breaded tenders tossed in gochujang maple syrup, dipping sauce)
  • Two Could also add a side of House Fried Rice – $15.99 to split. If added to the Korean Fried Rice Entree, that’s about $32.00 for 2 people.
    • Chicken Fried Rice is $10.99. Order two sides of this and two people have a meal for about $22.00 (plus tax). Or add one side to one shareable meal of Ahi Tuna Nachos for a nice meal for 2 for about $32.00 (plus tax).
  • You can add a side or two of Steamed Rice – Jasmine or Brown Rice – $6.99 to any entree for a cheap filler to your meal.
  • A side of Sauteed Baby Bok Choy is $11.99. Add it to your sharable meal of Lettuce Cups and your total is about $31.00 (plus tax)
  • You can order a side of Garlic Noodles for only $12.99 or add them to any sharable meal. If added to the Korean Fried Chicken, you will have a meal for 2 for about 29.00 (plus tax).
  • A side of Coconut Shrimp is $10.99. It can be eaten on its own or added to another side or shareable meal.
  • You could add Wok-Fried Green Beans – $10.99 to any sharable meal for a meal for 2 for about (or less than) $30.00.

Eating at Restaurantosaurus

2019 Gluten Free Meals and Snacks at Magic Kingdom at Disney World

Pictured above: 8-piece Chicken Breast Nuggets with Fries

  • Restaurantosaurus – Kiddos or adults can share the 8-Piece Chicken Breast Nugget Meal with Fries (see photo above- it’s a LOT of fries!) for $10.49. This entree could definitely feed 2 kids (or adults).
  • Restaurantosaurus – Two adults or kiddos could split Walt’s Chili on Foot-long Cheese Dog. It’s a foot-long hot dog on a (warmed) bun. It’s topped with Walt Disney’s favorite Chili and Cheddar Sauce. The hot dog is served with a side of fries and costs $14.29. If you’re really hungry and you’re a HUGE fan of Walt’s chili, you could add a side of Chili Cheese Fries for $6.49. That will be a nice meal to share for about $21.00 plus tax. (A side of regular fries is $4.49).

Pongu Pongu

  • Na’vi-sized Pretzel This HUGE pretzel is served with Beer Cheese Sauce. It will set you back $11.79 but can easily be shared by two people. Pongu Pongu is located right at the exit of Avatar: Flight of Passage. So, if you’re hungry after flying all over Pandora, you and a buddy might want to stop at Pongu Pongu and share this snack.
  • P.S. You can also get a decent cup of Joffrey’s Coffee here at Pongu Pongu.
The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom

Pictured above: Na’vi-sized Pretzel This HUGE pretzel is served with Beer Cheese Sauce. It will set you back $11.79 but can easily be shared by two people. Find it at Pongu Pongu at the exit of Avatar: Flight of Passage

Eight Spoon Cafe

The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom

Above Photo: The Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork is $6.79. at Eight Spoon Cafe

The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom

Pictured Above: Macaroni and Cheese is $4.49 at Eight Spoon Cafe

The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom

 

Pictured Above: Pulled Pork – Jelly Doughnut Sandwich – Pulled Pork-stuffed Jelly Doughnut with Slaw $6.99. Find at Eight Spoon Cafe

#2 Everything You Can Eat at Animal Kingdom for $10 or less

Flame Tree Barbeque

The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom

Mr. Kamal’s Snack Kiosk

  • Seasoned Fries – $5.99 – These fries are served at Mr. Kamal’s Snack Kiosk. Try them with Curried Honey Mustard or Korean Chili Ketchup. This little cart is located on the path between Africa and Asia behind the Tree of Life.

Anandapur Ice Cream Truck

Our family considers the Anandapur Ice Cream Truck as having THE BEST ICE CREAM in all of Disney World!

The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom
Soft-serve Waffle Cone – $4.99 Chocolate
Float – $5.99 – with choice of Fountain Beverage.
  • Soft-serve Waffle Cone – $4.99 – Vanilla, Chocolate, or Twist
  • Float – $5.99 – with choice of Fountain Beverage. I guess technically a drink, but it involves ice cream and is served with a spoon – so I’m counting it as food.
  • Yeti Sundae – $6.29 – Chocolate Soft-serve, Vanilla Soft-serve, Blue Cake Crumbs, Sugar, Sweet Snowflakes, and a Chocolate Yeti Image

Yak & Yeti (Restaurant and Local Foods Cafe)

Chicken Fried Rice - $6.99 - Grab this side at the casual Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe on the Lunch and Dinner Menu. It's a generous-sized portion of rice with plenty of chicken and veggies.
Chicken Fried Rice$6.99 – Grab this side at the casual Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe on the Lunch and Dinner Menu. It’s a generous-sized portion of rice with plenty of chicken and veggies. One of my favorite things to eat at Animal Kingdom!
  • Chicken Fried Rice$6.99 – Grab this side at the casual Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe on the Lunch and Dinner Menu. It’s a generous-sized portion of rice with plenty of chicken and veggies. You can also order a side of 2 eggrolls for $8.99 and/or a basket of fries for $5.29.
  • Lunch and Dinner Kid’s Meals (Cheeseburger $9.49, Chicken Nuggets $9.49, or Uncrustables $8.49)- These Kid’s Meals at Yak and Yeti Local Foods Cafe come with carrot sticks, fruit, and a drink.
  • Desserts (Mini Mango Pie $7.99, Mini Chocolate Silk Cake $7.99, Frozen Lemonade cup $5.99) – Find these on the lunch & dinner menu at Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe
  • Breakfast Kid’s Meal (French Toast or Pancake & Sausage Stick with Drink) – $9.49 – Served at Breakfast at the Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe
  • Salads & Sides (Fruit Salad $8.99, Strawberry and Yogurt Parfait $9.99, and Hashbrown Bites $4.99 These can be found at the Yak and Yeti Local Foods Cafe at breakfast time
  • Wonton Soup$7.99 – Yak & Yeti Restaurant The House Salad is also $9.99 and a serving of steamed rice is $6.99. The Kid’s Desserts (Chocolate Pudding or Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich) are $4.99

Creature Comforts

Pictured Above: Mickey Colossal Cinnamon Roll at Creature Comforts

Dino-Bite Snacks

The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom


Eight Spoon Café

The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom

Pictured Above: Pulled Pork-stuffed Jelly Doughnut with Slaw – $6.99 @ Eight Spoon Cafe

Above Photo: Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork – $6.79

Harambe Fruit Market

The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom


Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery

Pictured Above: Pistachio Honey Croissant

Mahindi

Pongu Pongu

Entrance to Pongu Pongu
The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom
Pongu Lumpia – $3.79 (Pineapple-Cream Cheese Spring Roll – Served at Breakfast & Lunch) at Pongu Pongu at Animal KIngdom
The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom
French Toast Sticks – $6.49 (Breakfast) at Pongu Pongu
The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom
Marshall’s Favorite Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit – $6.99 (Breakfast)

Pizzafari

The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom

Restaurantosaurus

Sanaa

Breakfast

Lunch and Dinner

Pictured Above: African Triple Chocolate Mousse with Strawverries

Satu’li Canteen

Cheeseburger Steamed Pod – $8.59 (Steamed Cheeseburger Pod stuffed with Ground Beef, Ketchup, Mustard, Pickle, and Cheddar served with Vegetable Chips and a Cuties® Mandarin with Drink)
The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom
Kids’ Meals “Teylu” All-Beef Hot Dog Wrapped in Dough – $7.59 (All-Beef Hot Dog wrapped in a Parker House Dough served with Vegetable Chips and a Cuties® Mandarin with Drink) at Santuli Canteen

The Smiling Crocodile

The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom
  • Pulled Pork Street Tacos – $9.99 (Two Pulled Pork Tacos, Lime Crema, Cotija Cheese, Cabbage, and Pickled Onion served with a side of Chips and Salsa)
  • Chicken Street Tacos – $9.99 (Two Roasted Chicken Tacos, Lime Crema, Cotija Cheese, Cabbage, and Pickled Onion served with a side of Chips and Salsa)
  • Street Corn Tacos – $9.99 (Two Tacos with Black Beans, Roasted Corn, Poblano Peppers, and Red Onion topped with Pico de Gallo, Lime Crema, and Cotija Cheese served with a side of Chips and Salsa)
  • Chips and Salsa – $4.99

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

The BEST Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom

Pictured above: Simba Sunset (Dole Whip Pineapple with Strawberry)

Terra Treats (Discovery Island)

Trek Snacks

Zuri’s Sweet Shop

Zuri’s Sweet Shop is THE place to visit with your sweet tooth! We like to stop here for a snack before heading over to watch The Festival of the Lion King but it is a nice, inexpensive spot to grab a sweet treat anytime you’re in Animal Kingdom.

  • Caramel Apple -$5.99
  • Caramel Peanut Apple$6.49
  • Grasslands Cakepop$2.29
  • Cotton-Top Cakepop$2.29
  • Mickey “Sahara Dessert” Caramel Apple$9.99
  • Monkey Caramel Apple$9.99
  • Elephant Caramel Apple$9.99
  • Giraffe Marshmallow Pop$3.99
  • Zebra Marshmallow Pop $3.99
  • Hippo Marshmallow Pop$4.29
  • Haystack – $3.99
  • Caramel and Marshmallow Zebra Spiral$3.99
  • Animal Cookie $3.99
  • Animal Crackers -$2.45
  • Chocolate Crocodile $5.95
  • Monkey Mix $5.49
  • Flavored Popcorn Bag$5.99
  • Crunchy Cookie$2.59
  • Snack Bar$3.45
  • Mickey Dark Chocolate with Chili Pepper$3.99
  • Mickey Milk Chocolate with Banana Chips$3.99
  • Chocolate Fudge$4.39
  • Mickey Crisped Rice Treat$5.49 (plain or chocolate-covered)
  • Cotton-top Tamarin Caramel Apple$9.99
  • Cookies & Cream Fudge$4.39
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge$4.39
  • Maple Nut Fudge$4.39
  • Peanut Butter Fudge$4.39
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie$3.99
  • Peanut Butter Cookie$3.99
  • White Chocolate Chip Cookie$3.99
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie$3.99
  • Large Mickey Chocolate Chip Cookie$5.49
  • Mickey Ear Hat Brownie$3.99
  • “Sahara Dessert” Cakepop$2.29
  • Mickey Mint Brownie$3.99
  • Chocolate Nut Fudge$4.39
  • Pineapple Skewer $4.29 (chocolate covered)
  • Jumbo Mickey Sugar Cookie$5.49
  • Decorated Cookie $3.99
  • Cupcake$5.19
  • Milk Chocolate Dipped Strawberries$3.99
  • Chocolate Dipped Pineapple Skewer$4.49
  • Cake Pop$2.29
  • Chocolate Dipped Marshmallow Wand $4.29
  • Blueberry Mickey Scone $3.99
  • Strawberry Mickey Cookie$5.49
  • Key Lime Pie Krispie Treat$5.49
  • Churro Cupcake – $5.19
  • Churro Sugar Cookie $5.49
  • Churro Crispy$5.49
  • Churro Marshmallow$4.99
  • S’mores Krispy  – $4,99
  • Werther’s Caramel Butter Bar$4.49
  • Pecan Cluster$4.49
  • Strawberry Mickey Rice Crispy Treat $5.49
  • Large Mickey Orange Bird Cookie $5.49
Large Mickey Chocolate Chip Cookie$5.49 At Zuri’s Sweet Shop
Then we took this picture to see if her cookie from Zuri’s was as big as her head – It was pretty close!

Other Ways to Save Money on Food at Disney

  • Adults can order Kid’s Meals for themselves. I find that the portions are smaller but still generous. And, they usually come with a side, some fruit, and a drink. Yes, you will find a lot of sandwiches and burgers, but some of the kid’s meals are very interesting choices.
  • Children can also split meals at Disney World. Kids can order and share an “adult” entree. Maybe the restaurant only serves Uncrustables and Turkey Sandwiches from the kid’s menu. The kiddos could, instead, split a chicken breast nugget meal (8 decent-sized chicken nuggets and fries) or a bowl of spaghetti with meatballs (or any other entree). Hopefully, you’re lucky and your kiddos will want to eat the same entree.
  • Cups of water are FREE.
  • Get the Popcorn Bucket IF you LOVE popcorn. It’s $13.00 and a popcorn refill is $2.25 for the entire length of your stay! It’s a great snack… and you can share! The bucket also counts as a souvenir that you can take home!
  • You can bring your own snacks and even meals to Disney World. I’ve seen a mom whip out bread and peanut butter from underneath her stroller and start making sandwiches for her kids. While waiting in line for 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, I watched a young man behind us pull out a Tupperware of pasta to eat.
  • You can split an entree and add a side or two to keep costs down. Or, add bread (a few restaurants offer complimentary bread). These can make your meal more filling and make for an inexpensive breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I’ve tried to give you many examples of these in the lists above.

Other Ways to Save Money on Food at Disney

  • Adults can order Kid’s Meals for themselves. I find that the portions are smaller but still generous. And, they usually come with a side, some fruit, and a drink. Yes, you will find a lot of sandwiches and burgers, but some of the kid’s meals are very interesting choices.
  • Children can also split meals at Disney World. Kids can order and share an “adult” entree. Maybe the restaurant only serves Uncrustables and Turkey Sandwiches from the kid’s menu. The kiddos could, instead, split a chicken breast nugget meal (8 decent-sized chicken nuggets and fries) or a bowl of spaghetti with meatballs (or any other entree). Hopefully, you’re lucky and your kiddos will want to eat the same entree.
  • Cups of water are FREE.
  • Get the Popcorn Bucket IF you LOVE popcorn. It’s $13.00 and a popcorn refill is $2.25 for the entire length of your stay! It’s a great snack… and you can share! The bucket also counts as a souvenir that you can take home!
  • You can bring your own snacks and even meals to Disney World. I’ve seen a mom whip out bread and peanut butter from underneath her stroller and start making sandwiches for her kids. While waiting in line for 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, I watched a young man behind us pull out a Tupperware of pasta to eat.
  • You can split an entree and add a side or two to keep costs down. Or, add bread (a few restaurants offer complimentary bread). These can make your meal more filling and make for an inexpensive breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I’ve tried to give you many examples of these in the lists above.

What are your favorite Cheap Eats at Animal Kingdom? Anything I missed?

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