Some things just go together, like Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney. But cheap eats and Disneyland? You must be thinking: You've got to be kidding me. Many people plan their visits to Disneyland around a ride on Space Mountain or a hug from Minnie Mouse. While those are great, I typically crave a different type of thrill. You may not believe it, but Disneyland restaurants (over 100 in total) are home to a bounty of foodie finds. And here, a dream is a wish your stomach makes. I would know — I've dined all throughout this magical kingdom (some of it is really good, I promise).

When I tell people I'm a Disney foodie, I'm met with a heavy dose of skepticism and a dash of pity that I may very well be blowing my retirement fund on Dole Whip and Mickey pretzels. And alas, it's true: Everyday life is not a fairytale, money most certainly doesn't grow on trees and I can't drop hundreds on a whim for the chef's counter at Napa Rose. While Disney World excels at table service dining, the best food at Disneyland can be found within its line-up of incredible small plates and snacks.

From shockingly good bao buns to hand-dipped ice cream bars, you can have a magical experience, even when dining on a budget. Keep reading for how to do it.

Editor's note: All prices listed below were accurate at time of publication.

Banyan Skewer: $6.99

Where: Bengal Barbecue

When you smell the intoxicating whiff of freshly grilled meats, you'll know you're in the right place. Bengal Barbecue is an open-air stand serving up skewers of freshly prepared grilled meats and vegetables. The absolute must is the banyan skewer with perfectly prepared chunks of steak, tossed in a sweet-yet-spicy house-made banyan sauce with complimenting flavors of cayenne, soy and garlic. There's also a chicken skewer, a pork belly skewer, and, if you're feeling adventurous, a Safari skewer (bacon-wrapped asparagus.)

Bao buns and Dole Whip: $6.49 each

Where: The Tropical Hideaway

The vegetarian-friendly Tropical Hideaway, another gem of Adventureland, serves up pretty legit steamed bao buns, making for the perfect on-the-go theme park snack that's a whole lot better than a soft pretzel that's been baking in a heater all day. While the mainstays are delicious — try the spiced vegetable bao with chickpeas — its seasonal options really deliver, like a sweet and sticky roasted pork bun.

Pro tip: Ask for a side of the spicy bao sauce (and you're welcome.)

Although you can find Dole Whip in quite a few locations around Disneyland, this is the preferred spot because there are so many options. Tropical Hideaway doesn't just offer pineapple, but often other flavors, too, like a pineapple-and-strawberry combo and even inventive sundaes (the chile-mango whip with chamoy and seasoning is pretty interesting). The outdoor dining patio sidles up to the river of the Jungle Cruise, offering fantastic views of the boats gliding by.

Matterhorn Macaroon: $3.99

Where: Jolly Holiday Bakery

What's in a name? Here, it says it all. The Jolly Holiday Bakery serves up an adorable twist on a coconut macaroon, shaped after the iconic Matterhorn. It's a sort of mashup of a classic macaroon and a butter cookie, offering a moist base topped with melted white chocolate and sugary "snow." The Matterhorn Macaroon is well executed, highly photogenic and a longtime favorite of Disney regulars.

Pro tip: Mobile order this one as the Jolly Holiday Bakery is generally a hot spot. Pick up your macaroon, or a number of other delectable treats, and make the short walk to snag the perfect shot with the actual Matterhorn in the background.

Cheese Pizza Flop-Over: $9.99

Where: Café Daisy

While many cheap eats at Disneyland could be generally considered snacks, this one is the whole darn meal. Café Daisy's cheesy pizza flop-over is a newcomer to the park, but an amazing addition for a lunch that hits the spot without breaking the bank. (There's a pepperoni one, too.) It's the grown-up hot pocket of our dreams, with fresh dough packed with a tangy marinara, mozzarella and provolone. If that isn't up your alley, the menu also has packed hot dogs, wraps, desserts, and, of course, an extensive kids menu.

Churro Toffee Square: $7.49

Where: Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, Trolley Treats

If you're looking to pick up a sweet treat that will hit the spot, this is it. The churro toffee square is a bit of a Disneyland legend — and for a good reason. Made-from-scratch toffee is coated with creamy white chocolate and then covered in cinnamon churro sugar. You can find this Disney magic at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen and Trolley Treats.

Flavored popcorn: $6.99

Where: Kat Saka's Kettle

There are just some cold hard truths. And one is that it's a proven fact that popcorn just tastes better in space. The otherwise-expected theme park snack is given a well-appointed upgrade in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Served from Kat Saka's Kettle, a tiny stand within the Black Spire Outpost, try creative flavors, like banana or savory sour cream and chive — all a far cry from the usual butter.

Walt's Chili: $10

Where: Carnation Café

It's more than easy to drop a small fortune at a sit-down restaurant at Disneyland, but Carnation Café not only offers stellar people-watching right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A. it also offers a dish that's historic and affordable. For lunch or dinner, you can order Walt's Chili, inspired by one of the big cheese's favorite dishes. It's comfort food to a T and a little bite right out of Disney history. Entrees here are a bit pricier, but none top $20 and desserts fall under $10, too.

Grey Stuff Gâteau: $5.99

Where: Red Rose Taverne

Even though it's called the "grey stuff," this cake is absolutely delicious. This decadent dessert, served at Red Rose Taverne, is a red velvet cake stuffed with a raspberry center and topped with a piped white chocolate Oreo cookie mousse. If you don't want something sweet, the pepperoni flatbread comes in just around $10, with sandwiches and burgers just a few bucks more. There are also several dishes on the menu that are gluten-free and allergy friendly (milk, egg, peanut, you name it).

Hand-dipped ice cream bar: $5.69

Where: Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream

You may be inclined to quickly grab a prepackaged, Mickey-shaped ice cream from one of the many kiosks found throughout the parks. Those are cute, but I recommend something even better over at Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, which includes a customized hand-dipped ice cream bar. You can get a vanilla ice cream topped with a creamy chocolate coating and your choice of toppings, from crushed peanuts and sprinkles to colorful Mickey confetti. Ice cream by the scoop and the regular sundaes fall well under $10 here.

Stuffed Bread Cones: $9.99

Where: Cozy Cone Motel

Cozy Cone Motel is home to some of Disney's most favorite and most affordable snacks, but it's the stuffed bread cones that keep the masses coming back time and time again. Here, find goodies like mac n' cheese topped with bacon, stuffed inside a freshly baked bread cone. There are also other delicious, affordable snacks, like corn on the cob, popcorn, ice cream and churros.

Panko-crusted Long Beans: $10

Where: Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar

Hear me out before you tilt your nose up at the thought of eating greens while at Disney. You may not crave vegetables on your mouse house visit, but trust me, these are far from the garden variety. You'll need something to soak up those Zombie cocktails from Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar, Disney's most loved tiki bar, and these do the trick. Fresh long beans are panko-crusted and fried, then served with a cool, tangy togarashi aioli, offering a hint of spice. It's crunchy, utterly delicious and satisfying, especially when paired with a drink. Be warned: Trader Sam's other appetizers are closer to $20 than $10, and the cocktails will set you back about twenty bucks, too.

Beignets: $9.99 for 4

Where: Beignet Expressed

Mickey-shaped beignets may get all the attention, but for a true taste of Louisiana, you'll have to head to Beignet Expressed at Downtown Disney. These are done to NOLA perfection and I swear will transport you directly to Café Du Monde. If you're willing to fork up a few more bucks, you can try a twist on the classic with glazed beignets and wash them all down with a non-alcoholic frozen mint julep.

Churros: $5-7

Where: Various locations

The cool thing about Disneyland churros is they don't simply serve the standard cinnamon and call it a day. From various stands throughout the park, you can find inventive flavors that push the limits of what you thought a chef could do with churros — from sweet, like a s'mores flavor, to savory, like a spicy chile-cheese churro, which tops deep-fried dough with crushed spicy cheese chips and nacho cheese sauce. Flavors are switched up seasonally. It's pure foodie fun to try the different creations the culinary Disneyland masterminds whip up.

Angry Dog ($9.79)

Where: Angry Dogs

Who doesn't love a theme park hot dog? The drab is made fab here at Angry Dogs, the "Inside Out"-themed outpost that serves up the Angry Dog, an all-beef hot dog that's kicked up a major notch with spices and flavor built right into the wiener, and served alongside a small bag of "hot" fries. (There's also a Slightly Annoyed Dog, which is less spicy and served with potato chips.).

Pro tip: Add those "hot" fries right on top of the dog for a spicy punch.

It's Snow-Capped Lemon: $6.29

Where: Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats

On a hot day, nothing hits the spot like the refreshing It's Snow-Capped Lemon from Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats. The crisp, non-dairy lemon soft-serve is topped with cascading white chocolate, making for the ultimate treat. If you want something a bit more adventurous, and also under $10, try It's Chile-Lime Mango — mango soft-serve topped with chamoy, chile-lime seasoning and diced mango. There are other plant-based offerings, like a pixy pier frosty parfait, that also go for well under $10.

Filmstrip Fries: $4.49

Where: Award Wieners

If it's fries you're after, the very best can be found here. Award Wieners' filmstrip fries have a near-cult following with Disney fans. The thick-cut steak fries have a crunchy exterior and a pillowy interior. Perfect on its own, Award Wieners also creates seasonal varieties, like fries topped with carne asada or beer cheese (these go for a few extra bucks). There are also several hot dog offerings on the menu. Anyway you prefer to munch, we give this spot a 10 out of 10.

Cheddar Cheese Stick: $9.99

Where: Corn Dog Castle

Disney does corn dogs — and it does them extremely well. There are several spots throughout the park to grab a hand-dipped-upon-ordering creation, but you've got to try (at least once) the Cheddar Cheese Stick at Corn Dog Castle. There's no dog here but instead, a big ol' hunk of cheese that's dipped in a sweet corn batter and then fried. Call it gluttony in its purest form, but it's oh-so-good. (If you're feeling guilty, or just downright sick, you have the option to pair it with a side of mandarin oranges rather than a bag of chips.)