I bellied up to the bar of my favorite Disneyland watering hole for what must have been at least the 50th time. (Spoiler: It’s the ultimate in escapism, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel.) At many other spots in and around the park, I’d be perusing the menu, but here, my order is always the same: I’ll have a Zombie, the Mouse’s version of the classic cocktail from the golden age of the tiki movement, and a kids chicken teriyaki bowl. 

Yes, I’m old enough to order an alcoholic beverage, and I’m still ordering off the kids menu. For $12, the generously portioned chicken teriyaki comes with jasmine rice, broccoli, teriyaki sauce, pineapple slices and a bottle of water. It’s a perfect meal.

This Disney “hack” is growing in popularity as prices parkwide are increasing. Just recently, Disneyland quietly upped the prices for many concessions. For example, a regular soft drink increased from $4.59 to $4.99. The popular Asada Fries from Award Wieners saw a hike from $12.49 to $12.99. One of the largest price hikes was at Grand Californian’s GCH Craftsman Grill, where the popular poke bowl increased from $24 to $26. 

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The kids chicken teriyaki bowl at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel.

I spend a lot of time in theme parks, often around 75 days per year (call it an occupational hazard), and there are a few reasons I’m opting for a kids meal when I can. Price is an obvious factor, as kids meals are typically around $9-$11, while adult meals can cost upward of $20. Portion size is another reason. I’m usually flying solo, and I find that adult meals are quite large; I’m often left wasting food (and, in turn, money). On top of that, kids meals are usually more balanced offerings, coming with fruit or vegetables, not to mention a beverage included in the cost. 

By saving both money and space in my stomach, I’m left with money........

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