Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
A Mouseketrips Mouseke-tip: How to make eating out at Disney World NOT take a bite out of your wallet
Disney travel expert Scott Liljenquist returns with some tips about how you cut food costs during your next WDW vacation.
I remember sack lunches. You know, those meals lovingly packed by Mom each day before you headed off to school. The ones that contained, by the time you got around to opening the tattered brown bag, a completely flattened PB&J, a baggie of what were once full-sized potato chips, a well-bruised apple, and some warm carrot sticks. A whole day's nutrition neatly contained in one flexible, squishable, and throwable portable container. How many of you are alive today because of sack lunches?
Unfortunately, too many folks seem to think that their Walt Disney World trip must, due to budgetary constraints and the stratospheric food prices charged at the parks, include some form of sack-lunch-type cuisine. The Disney theme parks do have a (well-earned) reputation of supplying hideously overpriced food and beverage services. It's still possible, however, to enjoy plenty of very good food at reasonable prices while on your Disney vacation by using a few tips and tricks discovered by Disney park veterans over the years. Maybe you could even eliminate the sack lunch from your repertoire once and for all.
Saving money on food during your Walt Disney World vacation really isn't all that difficult, it just requires a little bit of advance planning and a slightly different way of thinking. Here are a few of the best tips that we've compiled over the years for making the most of your food budget while you're visiting the House of Mouse.
- Stock up on small grocery items.. When you arrive in Orlando, make a grocery stop between the airport and your hotel. If you're not renting a car, most town car transfer services will include a complimentary grocery stop on the way to your hotel – make sure to ask your driver. Stock up on snacks, sodas, bottled water, and breakfast items. Buy some paper cereal bowls, small paper plates, and plastic utensils. Purchase some milk and/or juices if you know your hotel room will have a refrigerator. (By the way, Disney announced yesterday that they will be equipping all of the rooms in their Deluxe and Moderate category resorts with refrigerators at no extra charge. The Value category resort rooms can still be equipped with a refrigerator upon request, but there will be an extra charge.)
- Eat breakfast in your room. Eat a quick breakfast of bagels, cereal, fruit or other simple items in your room. Use the complimentary in-room coffee maker for making coffee, but keep in mind that it can also produce hot water for hot chocolate, tea, and even for preparing instant oatmeal. Everyone is excited to get to the parks anyway, and a fast breakfast only speeds the process.
- Carry a fanny pack/backpack. This can be a real money-saver. Take some of the items you purchased at the grocery store into the park with you. Bottled water from the grocery store is under $5 for a six-pack. Bottled water purchased in the parks is $2.50 per bottle. Another handy tip – if you have a freezer in your hotel room freeze a bottle of water the night before. Then put the frozen bottle in your fanny pack to keep other items cool. You'll also have a cool drink for most of the day as the ice melts in the bottle. Carry some granola bars, fruit snacks, and crackers to keep the kids happy in between meals.
- Split entrees. Disney's portions are usually huge. Most of the time you'll find that there's enough food in one portion to split between two people. This is a very common request at Disney restaurants, and most table service restaurants will even split the entrée for you in the kitchen and present it on two plates. This works really well if you're traveling with kids who are too tired, picky, or excited to eat very much.
- Skip the entrée altogether. Another option lots of folks, myself included, really enjoy is to order an appetizer or two and dessert, and just skip the entrée altogether. Most appetizers are large enough to count as a meal, but still small enough that you're not too stuffed to sample the dessert tray!
- Order a kids' meal. Don't hesitate or be embarrassed to order the kids' meal at Disney counter service restaurants, even if you're not quite a kid anymore. Many people find the portions offered in the kids' meals to be just the right size, and the cost is significantly lower than the adult menu prices. Do keep in mind that this only works at counter-service eateries, you can't order from the kids' menu at table service restaurants.
- Meal Vouchers. There are several different types of meal vouchers available:
o Animal Kingdom "Meals Plus". The Meals Plus program, available only at the Disney's Animal Kingdom, provides a coupon which can be used for a counter service meal with a small drink, a coupon for a box of popcorn or an ice cream, and a coupon for a bottle of water. These vouchers sell for $11.99 adult and $5.99 child, which is a significant savings over the regular price of these items if purchased separately.
o Quick & Casual Meal Vouchers. "Quick and Casual" meal vouchers can be purchased from many ticket brokers and wholesalers. They are priced at $17.50 each and can be used for lunch or dinner at most counter service and some table service restaurants. These vouchers have to be used carefully in order to realize a big savings – you have to order the priciest items in order to come out ahead.
o Character Breakfast Vouchers. Also available from ticket brokers and wholesalers are Character Breakfast vouchers which can be used for any of the Character Breakfast meals offered throughout the resort. These vouchers don't really end up saving anything, and in my opinion are more trouble than they're worth.
- Alter your eating schedule. I've saved this tip for last, because I've found it to be the best and easiest method for saving money on food during my Walt Disney World trips. Most folks eat breakfast early in the morning, followed by a lunch around midday, with dinner being the "big" meal of the day sometime around 6:00 pm or so. If you just alter your food schedule and priority a little bit, it can end up saving you a lot. Let me explain what I mean.
For breakfast, my family will either eat in the room using the food we bought at the grocery store, or, if we're eating at a restaurant for breakfast, we schedule a very late Priority Seating. Sometime after 10:00 a.m. is best, which makes Priority Seatings very easy to get. We can catch an hour or so in the parks as soon as they open and enjoy the shorter lines, and then head to breakfast just as everyone else is arriving. After breakfast we return to the parks and use the snacks and water we brought with us to hold us over until late afternoon.
We eat our "big" meal of the day at around 4:00 p.m. – as late as we can before the restaurant changes from the lunch to the dinner menu. Lunch prices are always significantly lower than dinner prices, and most of the entrees served from the lunch menu are the same size or just slightly smaller than those served from the dinner menu. As an added bonus, we enjoy the shorter attraction lines in the parks while everyone else is trying to find a place to eat lunch during the "normal" lunch hours. It's also lots easier to get a table at the more popular restaurants later in the afternoon.
For dinner, which is a much lighter meal than lunch, we wait until late in the evening. If our trip is during the off-season when the parks close early, we'll wait until leaving the park and perhaps drive off-site somewhere for a less-expensive meal, or get quick service food at our hotel. If we're in the parks until later, we'll find a snack at an outdoor vending cart or a quick bite at a counter service restaurant.
Well, there you have it. While this is certainly not a comprehensive list of money-saving ideas for your Walt Disney World meal budget, it does contain the most effective ideas we've found so far. We're always learning new tips and tricks, and would love to hear any ideas you might have that we have not covered. Our readers, friends, and clients are our very best source of information, and we love finding new and unique ways to stretch vacation dollars and enhance the fun of a Disney vacation.
So fold up the brown bags, put away the Thermos, and close the box of sandwich baggies. Leave your sack lunches home – you're going to Disney World!
Scott Liljenquist is co-owner of Mouseketrips.com, the web's best Disney-only travel agency. A graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge, he suffers from a serious Disney Obsession Disorder. Unhappy unless he's either on a WDW vacation or planning the next one, he can usually be found scouring the 'net for the latest Disney news, rumors, and gossip. For further information on the sorts of trips and tours that Mouseketrips offers, visit the Mouseketrips web site.
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Disney’s Forgotten Halloween Event: The Original Little Monsters on Main Street
When most Disney fans think of Halloween in the parks, they immediately picture Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World or the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort. But before those events took over as the must-attend spooky celebrations, there was a little-known event at Disneyland called Little Monsters on Main Street. And its origins? Well, they go all the way back to the 1980s, during a time when America was gripped by fear—the Satanic Panic.
You see, back in the mid-1980s, parents were terrified that Halloween had become dangerous. Urban legends about drug-laced candy or razor blades hidden in apples were widespread, and many parents felt they couldn’t let their kids out of sight for even a moment. Halloween, which was once a carefree evening of trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, had suddenly become a night filled with anxiety.
This is where Disneyland’s Little Monsters on Main Street came in.
The Origins of Little Monsters on Main Street
Back in 1989, the Disneyland Community Action Team—later known as the VoluntEARS—decided to create a safe, nostalgic Halloween experience for Cast Members and their families. Many schools in the Anaheim area were struggling to provide basic school supplies to students, and the VoluntEARS saw an opportunity to combine a safe Halloween with a charitable cause. Thus, Little Monsters on Main Street was born.
This event was not open to the general public. Only Disneyland Cast Members could purchase tickets, which were initially priced at just $5 each. Cast Members could bring their kids—but only as many as were listed as dependents with HR. And even then, the park put a cap on attendance: the first event was limited to just 1,000 children.
A Unique Halloween Experience
Little Monsters on Main Street wasn’t just another Halloween party. It was designed to give kids a safe, fun environment to enjoy trick-or-treating, much like the good old days. On Halloween night in 1989, kids in costume wandered through Disneyland with their pillowcases, visiting 20 different trick-or-treat stations. They also had the chance to ride a few of their favorite Fantasyland attractions, all after the park had closed to the general public.
The event was run entirely by the VoluntEARS—about 200 of them—who built and set up all the trick-or-treat stations themselves. They arrived at Disneyland before the park closed and, as soon as the last guest exited, they began setting up stations across Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. The event ran from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and by the time the last pillowcase-wielding kid left, the VoluntEARS cleaned everything up, making sure the park was ready for the next day’s operations.
It wasn’t just candy and rides, though. The event featured unique entertainment, like a Masquerade Parade down Main Street, U.S.A., where kids could show off their costumes. And get this—Disneyland even rigged up a Cast Member dressed as a witch to fly from the top of the Matterhorn to Frontierland on the same wire that Tinker Bell uses during the fireworks. Talk about a magical Halloween experience!
The Haunted Mansion “Tip-Toe” Tour
Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of Little Monsters on Main Street was the special “tip-toe tour” of the Haunted Mansion. Now, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion can be a pretty scary attraction for younger kids, so during this event, Disney left the doors to the Stretching Room and Portrait Gallery wide open. This allowed kids to walk through and peek at the Haunted Mansion’s spooky interiors without actually having to board the Doom Buggies. For those brave enough to ride, they could, of course, take the full trip through the Haunted Mansion—or they could take the “chicken exit” and leave, no harm done.
Growing Success and a Bigger Event
Thanks to the event’s early success, Little Monsters on Main Street grew in size. By 1991, the attendance cap had been raised to 2,000 kids, and Disneyland added more activities like magic shows and hayrides. They also extended the event’s hours, allowing kids to enjoy the festivities until 10:30 p.m.
In 2002, the event moved over to Disney California Adventure, where it could accommodate even more kids—up to 5,000 in its later years. The name was also shortened to just Little Monsters, since it was no longer held on Main Street. This safe, family-friendly Halloween event continued for several more years, with the last mention of Little Monsters appearing in the Disneyland employee newsletter in 2008. Though some Cast Members recall the event continuing until 2012, it eventually made way for Disney’s more public-facing Halloween events.
From Little Monsters to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash
Starting in the early 2000s, Disney began realizing the potential of Halloween-themed after-hours events for the general public. These early versions of Mickey’s Halloween Party and Mickey’s Halloween Treat eventually evolved into today’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash. Unfortunately, this also marked the end of the intimate, Cast Member-exclusive Little Monsters event, but it paved the way for the large-scale Halloween celebrations we know and love today.
While it’s bittersweet to see Little Monsters on Main Street fade into Disney history, its legacy lives on through these modern Halloween parties. And even though Cast Members now receive discounted tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash, the special charm of an event created specifically for Disney’s employees and their families remains something worth remembering.
The Merch: A Piece of Little Monsters History
For Disney collectors, the exclusive merchandise created for Little Monsters on Main Street is still out there. You can find pins, name tags, and themed pillowcases on sites like eBay. One of the coolest collectibles is a 1997 cloisonné pin set featuring Huey, Dewey, and Louie dressed as characters from Hercules. Other sets paid tribute to the Main Street Electrical Parade and Pocahontas, while the pillowcases were uniquely designed for each year of the event.
While Little Monsters on Main Street may be gone, it’s a fascinating piece of Disneyland history that played a huge role in shaping the Halloween celebrations we enjoy at Disney parks today.
Want to hear more behind-the-scenes stories like this? Be sure to check out I Want That Too, where Lauren and I dive deep into the history behind Disney’s most beloved attractions, events, and of course, merchandise!
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition
The spooky season is already in full swing at Disney parks on both coasts. On August 9th, the first of 38 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) nights for 2024 kicked off at Florida’s Magic Kingdom. Meanwhile, over at Disney California Adventure, the Oogie Boogie Bash began on August 23rd and is completely sold out across its 27 dates this year.
Looking back, it’s incredible to think about how these Halloween-themed events have grown. But for Disney, the idea of charging guests for Halloween fun wasn’t always a given. In fact, when the very first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party debuted on October 31, 1995, it was a modest one-night-only affair. Compare that to the near month-long festivities we see today, and it’s clear that Disney’s approach to Halloween has evolved considerably.
A Not-So-Scary Beginning
I was fortunate enough to attend that very first MNSSHP back in 1995, along with my then 18-month-old daughter Alice and her mom, Michelle. Tickets were a mere $16.95 (I know, can you imagine?), and we pushed Alice around in her sturdy Emmaljunga stroller—Swedish-built and about the size of a small car. Cast Members, charmed by her cuteness, absolutely loaded us up with candy. By the end of the night, we had about 30 pounds of fun-sized candy bars, making that push up to the monorail a bit more challenging.
This Halloween event was Disney’s response to the growing popularity of Universal Studios Florida’s own Halloween hard ticket event, which started in 1991 as “Fright Nights” before being rebranded as “Halloween Horror Nights” the following year. Universal’s gamble on a horror-themed experience helped salvage what had been a shaky opening for their park, and by 1993, Halloween Horror Nights was a seven-night event, with ticket prices climbing as high as $35. Universal had stumbled upon a goldmine, and Disney took notice.
A Different Approach
Now, here’s where Disney’s unique strategy comes into play. While Universal embraced the gory, scare-filled world of horror, Disney knew that wasn’t their brand. Instead of competing directly with blood and jump-scares, Disney leaned into what they did best: creating magical, family-friendly experiences.
Thus, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was born. The focus was on fun and whimsy, not fear. Families could bring their small children without worrying about them being terrified by a chainsaw-wielding maniac around the next corner. This event wasn’t just a Halloween party—it was an extension of the Disney magic that guests had come to expect from the parks.
Disney had some experience with seasonal after-hours events, most notably Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which had started in 1983. But the Halloween party was different, as the Magic Kingdom wasn’t yet decked out in Halloween decor the way it is today. Disney had to create a spooky (but not too spooky) atmosphere using temporary props, fog machines, and, of course, lots of candy.
A key addition to that first event? The debut of the Headless Horseman, who made his eerie appearance in Liberty Square, riding a massive black Percheron. It wasn’t as elaborate as the Boo-to-You Parade we see today, but it marked the beginning of a beloved Disney Halloween tradition.
A Modest Start but a Big Future
That first MNSSHP in 1995 was seen as a trial run. As Disney World spokesman Greg Albrecht told the Orlando Sentinel, “If it’s successful, we’ll do it again.” And while attendance was sparse that night, there was clearly potential. By 1997, the event expanded to two nights, and by 1999, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party had grown into a multi-night celebration with a full-fledged parade. Today, in 2024, it’s a staple of the fall season at Walt Disney World, offering 38 nights of trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, and special entertainment.
Universal’s Influence
It’s interesting to reflect on how Disney’s Halloween event might never have existed without the competition from Universal. Just as “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” forced Disney to step up their game with “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” Universal’s success with Halloween Horror Nights likely spurred Disney into action with MNSSHP. The friendly rivalry between the two parks has continually pushed both to offer more to their guests, and we’re all better off because of it.
So the next time you find yourself trick-or-treating through the Magic Kingdom, watching the Headless Horseman gallop by, or marveling at the seasonal fireworks, take a moment to appreciate how this delightful tradition came to be—all thanks to a little competition and Disney’s commitment to creating not-so-scary magic.
For more Disney history and behind-the-scenes stories, check out the latest episodes of the I Want That Too podcast on the Jim Hill Media network.
History
The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown
Disneyland in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide, I mean heck, it’s where the magic began after all. Over the years it’s become a place that people visit in search of memorable experiences. One fan favorite area of the park is Mickey’s Toontown, a unique land that lets guests step right into the colorful, “Toony” world of Disney animation. With the recent reimagining of the land and the introduction of Micky and Minnies Runaway Railway, have you ever wondered how this land came to be?
There is a fascinating backstory of how Mickey’s Toontown came into existence. It’s a tale of strategic vision, the influence of Disney executives, and a commitment to meeting the needs of Disney’s valued guests.
The Beginning: Mickey’s Birthdayland
The story of Mickey’s Toontown starts with Mickey’s Birthdayland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1988 to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, this temporary attraction was met with such overwhelming popularity that it inspired Disney executives to think bigger. The idea was to create a permanent, immersive land where guests could step into the animated world of Mickey Mouse and his friends.
In the early ’90s, Disneyland was in need of a refresh. Michael Eisner, the visionary leader of The Walt Disney Company at the time, had an audacious idea: create a brand-new land in Disneyland that would celebrate Disney characters in a whole new way. This was the birth of Mickey’s Toontown.
Initially, Disney’s creative minds toyed with various concepts, including the idea of crafting a 100-Acre Woods or a land inspired by the Muppets. However, the turning point came when they considered the success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” This film’s popularity and the desire to capitalize on contemporary trends set the stage for Toontown’s creation.
From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Toontown
In 1993, Mickey’s Toontown opened its gates at Disneyland, marking the first time in Disney Park history where guests could experience a fully realized, three-dimensional world of animation. This new land was not just a collection of attractions but a living, breathing community where Disney characters “lived,” worked, and played.
Building Challenges: Innovative Solutions
The design of Mickey’s Toontown broke new ground in theme park aesthetics. Imagineers were tasked with bringing the two-dimensional world of cartoons into a three-dimensional space. This led to the creation of over 2000 custom-built props and structures that embodied the ‘squash and stretch’ principle of animation, giving Toontown its distinctiveness.
And then there was also the challenge of hiding the Team Disney Anaheim building, which bore a striking resemblance to a giant hotdog. The Imagineers had to think creatively, using balloon tests and imaginative landscaping to seamlessly integrate Toontown into the larger park.
Key Attractions: Bringing Animation to Life
Mickey’s Toontown featured several groundbreaking attractions. “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin,” inspired by the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” became a staple of Toontown, offering an innovative ride experience. Gadget’s Go-Coaster, though initially conceived as a Rescue Rangers-themed ride, became a hit with younger visitors, proving that innovative design could create memorable experiences for all ages.
Another crown jewel of Toontown is Mickey’s House, a walkthrough attraction that allowed guests to explore the home of Mickey Mouse himself. This attraction was more than just a house; it was a carefully crafted piece of Disney lore. The house was designed in the American Craftsman style, reflecting the era when Mickey would have theoretically purchased his first home in Hollywood. The attention to detail was meticulous, with over 2000 hand-crafted, custom-built props, ensuring that every corner of the house was brimming with character and charm. Interestingly, the design of Mickey’s House was inspired by a real home in Wichita Falls, making it a unique blend of real-world inspiration and Disney magic.
Mickey’s House also showcased Disney’s commitment to creating interactive and engaging experiences. Guests could make themselves at home, sitting in Mickey’s chair, listening to the radio, and exploring the many mementos and references to Mickey’s animated adventures throughout the years. This approach to attraction design – where storytelling and interactivity merged seamlessly – was a defining characteristic of ToonTown’s success.
Executive Decisions: Shaping ToonTown’s Unique Attractions
The development of Mickey’s Toontown wasn’t just about creative imagination; it was significantly influenced by strategic decisions from Disney executives. One notable input came from Jeffrey Katzenberg, who suggested incorporating a Rescue Rangers-themed ride. This idea was a reflection of the broader Disney strategy to integrate popular contemporary characters and themes into the park, ensuring that the attractions remained relevant and engaging for visitors.
In addition to Katzenberg’s influence, Frank Wells, the then-President of The Walt Disney Company, played a key role in the strategic launch of Toontown’s attractions. His decision to delay the opening of “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” until a year after Toontown’s debut was a calculated move. It was designed to maintain public interest in the park by offering new experiences over time, thereby giving guests more reasons to return to Disneyland.
These executive decisions highlight the careful planning and foresight that went into making Toontown a dynamic and continuously appealing part of Disneyland. By integrating current trends and strategically planning the rollout of attractions, Disney executives ensured that Toontown would not only capture the hearts of visitors upon its opening but would continue to draw them back for new experiences in the years to follow.
Global Influence: Toontown’s Worldwide Appeal
The concept of Mickey’s Toontown resonated so strongly that it was replicated at Tokyo Disneyland and influenced elements in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each park’s version of Toontown maintained the core essence of the original while adapting to its cultural and logistical environment.
Evolution and Reimagining: Toontown Today
As we approach the present day, Mickey’s Toontown has recently undergone a significant reimagining to welcome “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” in 2023. This refurbishment aimed to enhance the land’s interactivity and appeal to a new generation of Disney fans, all while retaining the charm that has made ToonTown a beloved destination for nearly three decades.
Dive Deeper into ToonTown’s Story
Want to know more about Mickey’s Toontown and hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, then check out the latest episode of Disney Unpacked on Patreon @JimHillMedia. In this episode, the main Imagineer who worked on the Toontown project shares lots of interesting stories and details that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s full of great information and fun facts, so be sure to give it a listen!
-
History8 months ago
Unpacking the History of the Pixar Place Hotel
-
History8 months ago
The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown
-
History9 months ago
From Birthday Wishes to Toontown Dreams: How Toontown Came to Be
-
News & Press Releases8 months ago
New Updates and Exclusive Content from Jim Hill Media: Disney, Universal, and More
-
Film & Movies6 months ago
How Disney’s “Bambi” led to the creation of Smokey Bear
-
Merchandise6 months ago
Introducing “I Want That Too” – The Ultimate Disney Merchandise Podcast
-
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment1 month ago
The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition
-
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment2 weeks ago
Disney’s Forgotten Halloween Event: The Original Little Monsters on Main Street