Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse at Magic Kingdom

Even frugal families will likely find that at some point, your crew will need a place to sit, rest, and recharge before going back into the parks and soaking up more Disney magic and Orlando sun. Here are some of my favorite places in the Magic Kingdom to find a quiet(er) corner and to feed my family on a budget.

1. My Overall Favorite

Pinocchio Haus (in Fantasyland - behind the Carrousel, to the left): Pinocchio Haus is in the same building as It's a Small World. With flatbreads around $12 each that are big enough for smaller appetites to share (I'm an adult woman and I could only eat half of mine), chicken nuggets and fries for $10, and pasta with sauce for under $7.50, this family-friendly restaurant appeals to both plant-based diets and omnivores. The line may be shorter than other restaurants because Pinocchio Haus is tucked away behind the Prince Charming Royal Carrousel and many people walk on past. Outdoor seating is available, but our favorite spot inside overlooks the boarding area of Its a Small World.

Tip: There as a less-crowded restroom tucked just behind Pinocchio Haus between the restaurant and the entrance to the New Fantasyland additions.

2. Most Likely Place with a Quiet Corner: Columbia Harbour House

Until I discovered Pinocchio Haus, Columbia Harbour House was my favorite place to eat in the Magic Kingdom. There have been times, between the regular lunch and dinner rushes, when we were one of just a few families in the upper dining rooms. Harbour House is a good place to get away from the chaos and heat of the crowd and take a load off your feet while refueling your family . The last thing you want your kids to be in Disney is tired and hungry! The menu is mostly seafood-themed, so the variety isn't quite what other restaurants offer, but sometimes the relative peace can make the compromise worth it!

Tip: The ordering lines can be a bit chaotic, but once you have your meal in hand (or if you have a kid or another adult who can go scout out a place to sit), go up the stairs and you'll be more likely to find a quiet(er) place to eat up on the second floor.

3. Great for Meat-Eaters

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn is a Tex-Mex-style restaurant offering a good variety of meaty entrees as well as a couple of plant-based options for under $14.99. My favorite aspect of Pecos Bill's, however, is the condiment bar. Here, patrons can accent their meals with lettuce, tomatoes, salsas and other Mexican food embellishments from a condiment buffet available with the purchase of your meal. It's a great way for vegetarians to get more of what they want while protein-focused family members enjoy their carnitas, cheeseburgers, or tacos.

Tip: Seating here can be very crowded, especially around parade time, as the restaurant sits just across from the parade entrance. While there is seating inside, outside, and around back, it's best to avoid Pecos Bill's prior to parade time and from 11-2, when lunch time is at its peak.

4. "Kid Food" Friendly: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe

Ray's is a classic burger / hot dog / fries joint that also offers a nice Greek Salad. My favorite thing about Cosmic Ray's, though, is that -like Pecos Bill's- they have a condiment bar that allows guests to add pickles, sautéed mushrooms, and other veggies to their meals. As with all Disney restaurants, they have added an allergy section to their menu. Scroll to the bottom to see the great variety of offerings for sensitive diets.

Tip: Like most restaurants, Cosmic Ray's is a popular place during mealtime rush, 11-2 and 5-7. Consider planning "brunch" around 10:30, or if you had a hearty breakfast and brought some good snacks, try to hold off until after 1:30. Alternatively, head up to Pinocchio Haus and see if it's a little less crowded.

5. Best Character Dining

Cinderella's Castle This is a hard one, because it depends upon what your goals are. If you absolutely must see a princess, then it's definitely table service at Cinderella's Royal Table. For a more budget-friendly tab (and early park access!), make breakfast reservations. If Winnie the Pooh and Crew make your littles happy, Crystal Palace is your spot. With a lower price point than Cinderella's, Crystal Palace buffet is a great way for kids to experience a character meal.

Tip: Breakfast reservations always cost less than lunch or dinner, and if you plan carefully, you can make a reservation that gets you into the park ahead of the crowds. Or, if a brunch is more to your liking, consider a late breakfast reservation at Crystal Palace before they start bringing our the foods (and the price point) for the lunchtime service.

While bringing in your own food is allowed (and something I strongly recommend for snacks to keep your tribe going!), it's advisable to schedule a real meal during the day to get some food in your family and keep their energy up for all of the fun that's to be had. Choosing a place that meets your nutritional needs as well as your budget can be simple with a little planning.

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