Food prices are absurd but it's no different than a sporting event. We went to a Rays game and a 12 ounce beer is $10.00. If I recall correctly, hot dogs were
$8.00.
Some food prices are high but much of it is affordable.
Sushi combo at Japan is about $ 1 or more than Publix.
Seasons at Epcot has fresh (veggies are raised on site) meals priced around $ 10.
Flame Tree BBQ and Yak And Yeti at AK are reasonable. Large portions. Adult couples split the entree.
Most counter service items can be split and combos can be reduced to sandwich only. Ice water is free at counter service outlets with or without purchase.
Character dining is IMO a ripoff, but if you're one a once a generation trip with kids or grand-kids, go for it.
Liquor is expensive; no Villages 241 happy hour there.
Disney is a
resort and priced accordingly. You can go cheaply by cutting corners or have the lavish vacation of your life, but not both.
We have seasonal weekday passes and love going anytime we would want to go (wouldn't be caught dead there at busy seasons) and since everyday is Saturday at the Villages the weekends don't matter.
I'm just glad there is a Walt Disney World to entertain the world.
