Paying out of pocket, what's reasonably priced?

[autismgoesdisney]

We just decided to extend our vacation by one day. Our first day we aren't getting park passes, but just going to get in, go for a swim and maybe check out a resort. We won't have the dining plan that first day. Looking for a reasonably priced restaurant either downtown or at a resort. Preferrably at a resort. We would like to keep it cheap! (ok impossible for Disney, but cheaper I should say!)

Suggestions?

 

[OhThePain]

If you want reasonably priced stay away from buffets and family style meals. There is nothing reasonable about those prices. I see you are staying at POR. If you want to just stay on property go to Boatwright's. It's not a restaurant I would suggest people go out of there way to, but if your staying at POR and don't really want to leave the resort it's a nice option. I'd also suggest Sanaa at Kidani. Check out the menu's on allears.net to give yourself an idea of what the menu's offer as well as typical prices.

 

[Hootch]

for a table service or counter service place?

If a CS then I would head to DTD. Earl of Sandwich and Wolfgang Puck Express are fairly reasonable. I think our recent tab for two adults and two kids was $37 at WPE. At EOS I think the sandwiches are about $7 apiece. These are two of the better CS locations in WDW and the boat ride from POR is nice.

One thing you may consider is going to lunch instead of dinner. A lot of TS locations change the menu to more expensive items. You might be able to find sandwiches on the lunch menu changed to steak and fish on the dinner one. Instead of $12-$15 dollar items tou will get $21-$25. For those - Grand Floridian Cafe, Kona or Whispering Canyon Cafe are located in interesting resorts.

 

[Pakey]

Turf Club at SSR is quiet, reasonably priced, good food and one of the best kept secrets at WDW.

 

[sdzman]

Olivia's at OKW is great and very reasonaly priced, Kona at the Poly is another great bargain and the food is terrific.

At DTD, I vote WPE for counter service as being on of the best.

 

[francie57]

If you want a sit down in DTD try Captain Jacks. We went there for the first time last week and the meals we had were wonderful, plenty of food, and reasonably priced.

 

[Bell30012]

I think that the Grand Floridian Cafe is a reasonable priced sit down meal that is easy to get an ADR for. I also like the Plaza Restaurant at MK but you said specifically at a resort.

 

[Karlzmom]

Have you looked at Sanaa? I found our dinner in Feb to be quite reasonable and very, very yummy! Add in the animals - what more could you want?

 

[Aunt Bee]

We always start our trip with a meal at the Poly. Kona's is reasonable and 'Ohana is fun, but more pricey. We schedule our ADR to finish up in time to see the electrical water parade and wishes from the beach area. To us, that says, yea, we're at Disney!!!

At Kona, servings are large enough to split meals. Also, order water to drink unless, like me, you can't resist a Tropical Adult Beverage. Water saves money. Tropical Adult Beverage makes me smiles....

Aunt Bee

 

[Quin]

One way to keep it cheaper is to go to what I would call a more "upscale" resort CS - CS prices but more than just basic burgers and fries. I am especially thinking of Pepper Market at CSR and Contempo Cafe at CR.

At CSR you could then explore the grounds, maybe let the little ones play at the Dig Site playground for a while. At CR you could then ride the monorail around the loop, or ride the boat launches back and forth. Only danger might be that the kids can SEE MK but you're not going in; for some younger kids this just results in a meltdown.

 

[Belle83]

The Fountain at the Dolphin is very reasonable, imo.

 

[pooch]

in Downtown Disney. The boat ride from POR is lovely and relaxing. WPE is a counter service location with table service, uhhh, service! You order at a counter but the food, which is fabulous, is brought to your table by waiters. Best of both worlds!!!

 

[SYLVESTER7577]

The cafe at the Grand Floridian can be reasonable with choice. It also is a nice place as far as atmosphere goes. The grounds and lobby add to the pleasure as well as you can Monorail to The Contempory and The Polynisian for shopping and more site seeing from there.

 

[hannahdrewmom]

I'd suggest house of blues in dtd. Often they have coupons on restaurants.com that you can get for like $2... also they have happy hour appetizers that are half off. It's a great meal!

 

[c3363]

Were you looking for table service or counter service? One of our favorite counter services that is extremely reasonable in price by Disney standards, is Riverside Mill in Port Orleans Riverside. They have tons of choices and they make the hot food fresh. The portions are huge. You may even be able to share a meal!

 

[ash&abby'smom]

Check out Big River Grill over at the Boardwalk. We had burgers there that were really good. Some of the entrees are pricey but we only spent around $40. We sat outside and really enjoyed it. The kids loved walking around and seeing the acts. It's a great area with lots of entertainment.

 

[bcrook]

One way to keep it cheaper is to go to what I would call a more "upscale" resort CS - CS prices but more than just basic burgers and fries. I am especially thinking of Pepper Market at CSR and Contempo Cafe at CR.

At CSR you could then explore the grounds, maybe let the little ones play at the Dig Site playground for a while. At CR you could then ride the monorail around the loop, or ride the boat launches back and forth. Only danger might be that the kids can SEE MK but you're not going in; for some younger kids this just results in a meltdown.

Although it is easy to run my bill up pretty high if I am not careful, I agree that Pepper Market is a great option. The food is great. But it is easy to keep adding items as you wander through all the food islands. But I am big fan.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Will you have a car and want to drive it to dinner? If so, there are so many great restaurants to choose from at the resorts and downtown disney.

If you will not have your own transportation, where are you staying? I recommend eating at your resort or at a resort that is within walking distance (like the Epcot Boardwalk resorts) or one on the monorail (if you are staying at a monorail hotel). The transportation to go to and from a restaurant just to eat is such a hassle.

You might also consider one of the dinner shows for a unique experience as well and that way you get some entertainment too!