Disney World's best bargain restaurants

"Magical" is undoubtedly the most popular description of any stay at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. It's where your favorite fictional characters not only come to life, but also give you a hug and pose for photos with your family. Historically, however, dining in Disney has not been the most enchanted experience. Why?

Restaurants in Disney fall into one of two categories: the lower-cost counter-service joints or the pricier table-service establishments. The latter are targeted toward adults, with higher-end choices often located in hotel lobbies, convenient for weary parents and their overstimulated children. But not everyone can budget for a multicourse prix fixe at Victoria & Albert's, leaving most of us with the counter-service option. Up until a few years ago this would've meant fish sticks, chicken fingers and glossy fast food to catch the eyes of kiddies, the true decision-makers at Disney. After all, what is the point of truffle-ing those frites or dry-aging that cheeseburger when the core demographic is going to think it's icky? Why mess with farm-fresh produce or ethnic diversity when kids will always go with ham and cheese (no pickles)?

But in an age where caring about what you eat is trendy and knowing about food is cool, restaurants have gotten increasingly competitive with their menus to stay afloat in the biz. The trend does not exclude Disney; there have recently been major improvements in the quality of discount grub around the resort. It seems even Mickey is ditching cheddar for chèvre.

So have no fear, food lovers! Go forth and enjoy that family vacation. Rest assured: there will be more than grilled cheese to indulge in along the way. We have assembled a list of the top 10 most affordable and pretty darn decent restaurants around Disney World!

To find out where to get the best affordable barbecue, fried shrimp platters for less than $10 bucks, or a juicy Caribbean Jerk Chicken sandwich for as little as $5.99, click through our slideshow.

Roaring Fork

Looking for a carefully curated artisanal sandwich to help you through that midday slump? Check out Roaring Fork at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Try their Barbecued Pork and Slaw Sandwich ($9.19) or signature Roast Beef and Blue Sandwich ($10.19) with a side of cucumber salad or house-made chips included.

ABC Commissary

Hailed as one of the most popular counter-service joints at Hollywood Studios, ABC Commissary has one of the best burger deals around. For only $10.99 you get a 1/3-pound Angus cheeseburger with special horseradish sauce, along with three fried shrimp and a choice of fries or apple slices on the side.

Gaston's Tavern

Although the menu is rather limited at this Fantasyland tavern, if you're in the mood for their signatures, you're in luck. Indulge in a 20-ounce pork shank ($9.99) that's slow roasted until tender and finished with a tangy barbecue glaze. And for dessert, a warm, gooey cinnamon roll ($3.99) is fit for a king.

Tangierine Café

Located in the Morocco pavilion of the Epcot World Showcase, Tangierine Café boasts a diverse Mediterranean menu with Moroccan specialties to spice up your day. Ideal for sharing is the Chicken and Lamb Combo Shawarma Platter ($13.99), which comes with juicy, grilled meat, hummus, tabbouleh, tangerine couscous salad and fresh Moroccan bread.

Columbia Harbour House

For a nautical treat and a break from the commotion of Disney's mean streets, head upstairs at Columbia Harbour House. While "seafood" and "inexpensive" are terms not often combined, the menu at Columbia abounds with fresh seafood items. Try the fried shrimp platter with coleslaw ($9.99) or indulge in a savory lobster roll ($10.19).

Earl of Sandwich

Perhaps the best bang for your buck can be found at Earl of Sandwich, in Downtown Disney. Sandwiches range from Caribbean Jerk Chicken ($5.99) to Hawaiian BBQ ($5.99) with ham and pineapple. Looking to keep things light in the summer months? Try one of their signature soups or salads.

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

For Cajun-Creole classics at an affordable price, head over to Sassagoula in the Port Orleans French Quarter. A layered, meaty muffaletta ($9.19) is sure to satisfy the most ravenous in the group, while their jambalaya ($9.49) will swing you into NOLA-style comfort. For dessert: airy, sugar-dusted beignets ($4.29 for six).

Yorkshire County Fish Shop

In the mood for fish and chips after a long day with the kids? Try Yorkshire County Fish Shop at Epcot World Showcase for lightly battered fish served piping-hot out of the fryer with a side of chips ($8.99). With an icy cool brew to wash it down with, doesn't that sound ideal?

Flame Tree Barbecue

A great spot for affordable barbecue is Flame Tree on Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom. Our favorite deal? The half slab of juicy, moist St. Louis ribs ($11.69) served with baked beans and a corn muffin. Or, for the same price, choose the ribs and smoked half chicken combo.

Yak and Yeti

Following our advice, you've saved a boatload! It's perfectly OK to splurge a little when it comes to dessert. Our recommendation? Fried wontons ($7.99) at Yak and Yeti in Animal Kingdom. Unlike any dessert we've ever had, this cult favorite brings together crunchy wontons, vanilla ice cream and fresh pineapple into one decadent, sweet mouthful!