Where can you find home cookin?

[hegfam]

It doesn't take long for our family to get tired of burgers and chicken. Although we'll have Italian, and probably a steak somewhere along the way, our bodies start craving mashed potatoes and vegetables from home.

We've eaten at the 50's Prime Time Cafe, and it's o.k, but way expensive for a family of 6. We also have ressies for the character dinner at Chef Mickeys.

There used to be Morrisons Cafeterias in the area, but they are gone now. Where in the Disney area have you found good food to keep you going?

[Aimeedyan]

Perkins is in the area and pretty good... its also affordable. I'm trying to think of others... but that was the first thing that popped into mind =)

[otownguy]

Just find the nearest Cracker Barrel, there is one at the kirkman road exit off of I-4 about ten miles east of disney, there is probably one closer but you can check. They have the best "home cooking" type food. I really like the country ham and the greens.

[jkovick]

Trails End at Fort Wilderness has ribs, chicken, mac & cheese, potatoes & gravy, corn on the cob etc on their dinner buffet. It's a bargain for around $16.00 and the food is good.

[Terk-1]

I would recommend the following:

1. Whispering Canyon Cafe
2. House of Blues
3. O'Hana's
4. Crystal Palace
5. Liberty Tree Tavern
6. Garden Grill
7. Le Cellier
8. Rose & Crown

[DonnaDuck]

On my first trip to WDW a year ago, we had PS at Liberty Tree Tavern.

I didn't know what to expect...but it was so good.

Being from NC also, I am used to Sweet Iced Tea at every meal...this was the only place that we found that we could get it there.

The food was really good also.

Needless to say, we ended up eating there 3 times during our week long trip.

My DH is already looking forward to eating there.

Good Luck!

[DCSingle]

For inexpensive off-site food for the family, I'd recommend one of the local Shoney's. Wide range of choices including meats, sanwiches and pasta all served with a good salad and vegetable bar. Good kids menu.

[anditoo72]

I second the Whispering Canyon (its a great fun restaurant and the food is great!!!!)
I would also vote for Liberty Tree Tavern they do have great home cooked meals if you are in the MK.

If you havn't been on allearsnet.com they have all the menu's posted and the prices you could compare prices if you are undecided. I've been having a hard time deciding on restaurants too (we have nine people in our party) and I find being able to look at the prices of the meals is a definate deciding factor.

[campingcorgi]

We really enjoyed the Golden Corral buffet--offsite but everywhere!

[BabyFigment]

Olivia's Cafe at OKW has great "home" food and isn't too busy. They have a wonderful Buttermilk Fried Chicken and, of course, key lime pie.

If you are renting a car, I have found GREAT home cookin' at the diner (Market Street Griil?) in Celebration. (Celebration is "the town Disney built" a few years back.) The town is about 10 minutes from WDW and the food at the diner is great! Last time, I had chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, and really good mixed veggies while DH had a cuban sandwich, with sweet tea!

[monarchsfan16]

Liberty Tree Tavern. They have AWESOME mashed potatoes. Actually I have to say their cooking may be better than at home. It's exactly like our Thanksgiving at Grammy's, only they add in ham and steak to the menu too. Plus it's served family style, so it really feels like home. No ordering from a menu. Everything is in front of you.

[Forever42]

Oooooooh, Cracker Barrel!

That's my favorite home style cooking restaurant. Much much cheaper than Disney!

The Shoney's by Disney has been declining lately, IMHO.

[Planogirl]

Trails End at Fort Wilderness is pretty good and a lot of fun to visit with its petting zoo and free outdoor movie. But of course, everywhere in WDW will be somewhat pricey so you may want to go offsite.

Personally, I love the chicken and dumplings at Cracker Barrel. :)

[kayeandjim00]

Another vote for Cracker Barrell! Great food at reasonable prices. ::yes::

[Pooh Girl 71]

We found ourselves craving veggies too. We ate at Sweet Tomatoes on International Drive. It was yummy. They had an awesoem salad bar, a variety of soups and some other things too (pastas, breads and desserts) and were pretty reasonable.

[Forever42]

Originally posted by Pooh Girl 71
We found ourselves craving veggies too. We ate at Sweet Tomatoes on International Drive. It was yummy. They had an awesoem salad bar, a variety of soups and some other things too (pastas, breads and desserts) and were pretty reasonable.

I love Sweet Tomatoes, as well :) That and Panera Bread are the two restaurants DBf and I visit the most.

You can even check their website, http://www.sweettomatoes.com, and click on "Locations," then "Orlando 1," to see the menu.

The chocolate lava cake is awesome :teeth:

[Bonnie40]

Third vote for Sweet Tomatoes! We heard about this restaurant on the Universal Boards and tried it 2 years ago. When we went again this past March, we made a point of going again! A really nice change and the food is all fresh and very tasty! All you can eat, but nothing like Ponderosa or Golden Corral - and all for under $9 a person!

[Forever42]

Sweet Tomatoes is definitely nothing like Ponderosa or Golden Corral. For the OP, it's mainly:

a large salad bar, with a huge selection of varied vegetables and toppings (the roasted garlic dressing is to die for);

six soups, of which they always have chili and wonderful chicken noodle;

a bread area with muffins, a hot dessert after 4, fresh baked bread, and they always have corn and chocolate muffins;

a pasta bar that's never really pleased me :(

a dessert area with soft serve ice cream and yogurt and fruits, jello, and cottage cheese

[Bonnie40]

okay, this is so cool...I posted about trying Sweet Tomatoes and when I saw my post, I realized that I'd been tagged by the Tag Fairy and what was my tag but a previous comment about Sweet Tomatoes! Go figure!

[Jordan's MOM]

Another vote for Trails End. It has the best home cooking around at a really great price. It's on site and a fun boat ride over from the magic kingdom. WE also like the food at LTT but that is a lot more expensive if that is a big issue.


Jordans' mom

[DMRick]

And yet another vote for Trail's End. Need to relax for a bit away from MK? A quick boat ride and relaxation awaits you! We love to veg out in the rocking chairs on the porch, and pretend we are running ourselves ragged.

[Epcotgal8]

Originally posted by Bonnie40
Third vote for Sweet Tomatoes! We heard about this restaurant on the Universal Boards and tried it 2 years ago. When we went again this past March, we made a point of going again! A really nice change and the food is all fresh and very tasty! All you can eat, but nothing like Ponderosa or Golden Corral - and all for under $9 a person!

Seriously, under $9 per person? Is that for adults and kids? It is very ironic y'all mentioned this restaurant since earlier today I had read a post about it and went to their website but I never saw a price and was curious. My family are all BIG salad eaters, especially when we've had our fill of burgers, chicken strips, fries, and pizza.

[Forever42]

Originally posted by Epcotgal8
Seriously, under $9 per person? Is that for adults and kids? It is very ironic y'all mentioned this restaurant since earlier today I had read a post about it and went to their website but I never saw a price and was curious. My family are all BIG salad eaters, especially when we've had our fill of burgers, chicken strips, fries, and pizza.

As of lately, the price in Orlando has been $8.50/adult, and somewhere around $4-5 for kids (I don't have any, so I'm not sure). Drinks are not included, though, they're $1.69. Many weekends, the Orlando Sentinel has coupons for $1.50 off, I think, but I don't get the newspaper any more so I'm not sure how often they do it.

[ILoveMyDVC]

Francesscas on 192 right at the intersection of 536. The owner is from Boston and she cooks fabulous Italian food (as well as acts as waitress and hostess if need be) - very reasonably priced. The building is a little tacky but overlook the decor and you will be very pleased.

[DisneyMin]

Another vote for Trail's End. Their lunch buffet is good,,includes a drink and i think,,is 8.99 for kids,,9.99 for adults. (maybe a buck more). Whispering Canyons is also good,,great mashed potatos!

[eeyoregirl]

I agree with Terk-1. Liberty Tree Tavern has great homestyle food. Maybe it has something to do with their affiliation with Stouffer's (or at least they used to). Not only is the food consistently good, dinnertime is character-time too!!

[Miniefan]

Well, I can certainly relate to this topic. By the end of every trip, I can't wait to get back home to cook and eat some real food. We are going back to WDW in Oct. and have decided to stay at the Ft. Wilderness Cabins. They have complete kitchens with pots and pans and plates and eating utensils, all you have to do is bring the food. I am very excited about being able to eat in the room, not only the food we want to eat, frankly I haven't really been impressed with a lot of the food in Disney, but I believe the extra money we will spend on the room, will make up for itself with the money we save on food. But I can make some recommedations on restaurants for you. This is what I did last time we went. I wrote down a list of all of our favorite restaurants at home and looked them up on the internet and found out if they were also in Orlando. While we were there we ate at Sonny's BBQ, ( I believe these are only in the South??) they are very reasonably priced. $25.00 for family of 4, 2A,2K, Damon's grille, Cracker Barrel, and Golden Corral. As for the On property restaurants I can't really help you on that one, this trip we really budgeted cheaply and only ate at the counter services and at the food court in ASMu. Hope this helps you in some way,
Kim

[mrslane]

Originally posted by kayeandjim00
Another vote for Cracker Barrell! Great food at reasonable prices. ::yes::

There was one on HWY 192 in Kissamee too.

Fort Wilderness may have something....they used to have Crockett's Tavern - WOW!

[hegfam]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the replies! You have given me loads of places to try, many I've never even heard of. We are staying off-site, so we'll be able to try both off-site and on-site restaurants you guys have mentioned.

My stomach thanks you and I thank you!

If you have any more, keep 'em coming!

Carolyn