We ate for free in the Animal Kingdom at the Yak & Yeti restaurant.
We could also have eaten at two other places for free, and both of them are the Rainforest Café, one also at Animal Kingdom, and one at Downtown Disney.
How? you are asking, and I know you are dying to know!
We are on a strict budget and just did our 10 day trip to Walt Disney World for almost free. My hubby has been unemployed for over a year and this was the only way we could pull off a vacation. I had cashed in 10,000 American Express points for a $100 Morton’s gift card. All of the aforementioned restaurants are part of the Landry’s umbrella of restaurants, so the Morton’s gift card is good for use at any of their restaurants, all over the US!
I exaggerated, we only had one free meal at WDW, but I could have cashed in more points and used more gift cards. We also have a Landry’s membership card (read all about that!), so no reservation needed at any of their restaurants, ever. We get seated within five minutes!
We have also been known to order kids meals, they are a great deal! Lastly, all the free Coca Cola from around the world can be found at EPCOT, we love stopping in the Coke store for a refresher!
I have always enjoyed the times we have eaten at the Rainforest Café. Clever to cash in some points to use for a gift card before your trip.
Fantastic tips! Enjoy your pics, too. Club Cool at Epcot is a great spot for free cola samples. When we had passes 3 + years ago: Epcot’s Electric Umbrella restaurant offered free refills (self serve soda machines) I often ordered kids’ meals, too! Typically $8 or less and includes a drink. Magic Kingdom’s Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe used to have a Kid’s cheeseburger/fries and drink for $6.xx. Or, Animal Kingdom’s Backlot Express: used to offer chicken tender kid meal. Backlot Express also had FREE soda refills at self serve. Now, it’s likely they’ve altered machines to read bar codes on cups to know number of refills and type of cup.
I have been to Walt Disney World twice but it has been 15 years ago since I have been. I am wanting to go and take my grand daughter. Disney World is not cheap and you had some good tips on how to save money. I sometimes order kids meals too and get plenty to eat.