Advice wanted for lunch/dinners

[Stacy's a freak]

I am not doing the DDP for my next trip because I think that I can spend less per day than the $38 fee (+ tips at TS). So, I'm looking for any advice that you seasoned DISers have for filling meals at CS. Also, I'm wondering when "lunch" ends and "dinners" begin in the hopes that I can eat a late lunch as my "dinner".

Also, I plan to eat breakfast in the room most days to avoid that meal - probably cereal or granola bars. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I have heard others have groceries delivered to their room, but for a single person, I don't think that will be very cost effective for me.

TIA!

 

[IUHoosiers]

I am by no means a "seasoned" DISer - I have just returned from my first Disney vacation! However, I will say that the one thing we noted on our trip was how large the CS meals were for lunch. Specifically Flame Tree BBQ at AK, Sunshine Seasons at Epcot and Columbia Harbour House at MK. All had very large portions and offered what I would consider "dinner" items. I believe these places offer the same menu for lunch and dinner, so you can eat at anytime.

Also - even though I didn't love the pizza there, Pizza Planet (HS) had an individual pizza and salad combo for around $8.00. We didn't eat there, but Pinocchio Village Hau at MK had a similar menu. I can't remember the name of it, but there was Mexican CS at MK (in Adventureland) that offered taco plates for less than $6.00. I'd say you have several good choices!

 

[kathie859]

The DDP isn't quite the value it used to be; in fact, the only value I see is being able to prepay for meals (with the exception of TS tips).

I like a light start to the morning and do a coffee or tea with a piece of fruit and a granola bar or packaged pastry. All easily packed in my luggage. Apples and oranges travel well (use a shoe box/wrap each piece of fruit in tissue--put in your snack bars and add tissue so nothing shifts around). I like a little milk with my coffee and buy small containers on site. I usually ice it down and it'll keep a day or so. I even have an electric gizmo which will boil and individual mug of water for instant coffee.

I may grab a mid morning snack in the park (usually another coffee) and then have a late lunch at a TS place. That will do me until evening when it's time for another snack <G>..One of my favorite lunch spots is Chefs de France. They have a lunch special which is fantastic and inexpensive. I like LTT in MK (lunch is NOT a character event--just a nice time to sit down and take a break!).

I don't know if there's a universal cut off time between lunch and dinner service. You may have to check with Disney Dining to get that info.

 

[sharonmickey]

I'm with you. I do not spend enough on food to make the dining plan worthwhile. I have a small breakfast. A big, late lunch. Then a small dinner or snack if I'm still hungry. I try to plan for a late lunch so I get the less expensive meal options. It works well for me.

 

[karmalicousss]

what they said!

 

[Disneydd2]

I am by no means a "seasoned" DISer - I have just returned from my first Disney vacation! However, I will say that the one thing we noted on our trip was how large the CS meals were for lunch. Specifically Flame Tree BBQ at AK, Sunshine Seasons at Epcot and Columbia Harbour House at MK. All had very large portions and offered what I would consider "dinner" items. I believe these places offer the same menu for lunch and dinner, so you can eat at anytime.

Also - even though I didn't love the pizza there, Pizza Planet (HS) had an individual pizza and salad combo for around $8.00. We didn't eat there, but Pinocchio Village Hau at MK had a similar menu. I can't remember the name of it, but there was Mexican CS at MK (in Adventureland) that offered taco plates for less than $6.00. I'd say you have several good choices!

I'm totally in agreement with IUHoosiers regarding FTBBQ, SS, CHH, and PP. My DW and I can get two meals and DS 6 can easily share. The portions at all these restaurants are more than enough.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

bump

anyone else? Any $ totals for 6 nights/7 days per person without the DDP?

Thanks again!