Best Bang for the Buck ?

[Easto]

What are some food spots you guys like that have real good food and a reasonable price?

- At the parks?

- At a resort?

 

[pa. dad]

Reasonably priced and theme park resorts are just mutually exclusive terms. Its like asking what real bargain food did you find at the Major Lg Baseball stadium?
You'll have to go off property if you want bargains.
That being said, some places are a little better deal than others. I'll see it as less overpriced if I like that type of food or the place has a unique atmosphere. I think that many of us have to balance the really pricey meals with just grabbing a hot dog on the run sometimes to keep the budget on target.

 

[ineedavacation33]

The Wave at the Contemporary was priced reasonably for WDW and was delicious (dinner). Their breakfast buffet also gets good reviews.

 

[JZCubed]

What are some food spots you guys like that have real good food and a reasonable price?

- At the parks?

- At a resort?

Reasonable price & good food are subjective.

Magic Kingdom has three spots for guilty pleasures (that we enjoy):
1.) Sleepy Hollow offers savory waffle combinations - a.) Fried Chicken 'n' Waffle, and b.) Ham & Cheese 'n' Waffle. The Fried Chicken one is our preference and arrives with a sweet & spicy sauce topped with some greens and slaw. Only available from 11am-4pm(?).
2.) Casey's footlong BBQ hotdog topped with pulled pork and slaw - and can be enjoyed with live piano music.
3.) Plaza Ice Cream shop (directly across from Casey's) has good value ice cream sundae. There is better ice cream at Disney, but this sundae is good value.

Epcot:
-- Restaurant Marrakesh & their outdoor Qwik Serve kiosk (Tangerine Cafe?) offer excellent value if you want large portions for your money.

Hollywood Studios:
-- While not the best food quality, certainly great bang-for-the-buck is 50's Prime Time. Some of the entrees are large enough to share. Some people 'swear' by the PB&J milkshake, we prefer margaritas. No extra charge for the antics.

I would not generally recommend a resort food place for fear that you will waste precious vacation time traveling for little benefit, but....
-- Whispering Canyon could be the one spot that might make sense under the right circumstances for some families. The resort is lovely, and the lunchtime antics are somewhat akin to 50's Prime Time and the unlimited beverages can provide a bit of value.
-- Sanaa (curry) in AKLodge is not for everyone, but the daylight views of the animals on the Savannah do create added-value.
-- ESPN is another guilty pleasure we have after coming back from Animal Kingdom or just during down time when staying at/near Boardwalk. Cold beer and good pub grub. Big River Grille is also a spot for reasonable value on Boardwalk.
-- If you like fresh juices (like beets, carrots, wheatgrass) then Fresh inside Dolphin hotel is a place for breakfast. I know that $25 for breakfast is not inexpensive (discounts for AAA members, etc.), but a few glasses of these juices can provide value for some customers who might typically pay $7 just for juice.
-- Similarly, Cape May & 1900 Park Fare have extensive breakfast buffets that can include smoked salmon and other fairly pricey items that makes these places good value for people who enjoy a big breakfast/brunch....and Characters greet you at your table.

Downtown Disney:
-- These places are not Disney operated and have to compete for their business. While not inexpensive, quality meets price at most every table service restaurant. The current standout is The Boathouse.

You're gonna' get laundry lists by the time this Thread ends.

My advice is that if one list appeals to you more than another, assume that person/family has similar tastes to yours.

 

[serene56]

Sleepy hallow did away with the chicken waffles

 

[GAN]

Trails End at Fort Wilderness is probably the biggest bang for your buck.

 

[goofy4prez]

I would not generally recommend a resort food place for fear that you will waste precious vacation time traveling for little benefit, but....
-- Whispering Canyon could be the one spot that might make sense under the right circumstances for some families. The resort is lovely, and the lunchtime antics are somewhat akin to 50's Prime Time and the unlimited beverages can provide a bit of value.
-- Sanaa (curry) in AKLodge is not for everyone, but the daylight views of the animals on the Savannah do create added-value.
-- ESPN is another guilty pleasure we have after coming back from Animal Kingdom or just during down time when staying at/near Boardwalk. Cold beer and good pub grub. Big River Grille is also a spot for reasonable value on Boardwalk.
-- If you like fresh juices (like beets, carrots, wheatgrass) then Fresh inside Dolphin hotel is a place for breakfast. I know that $25 for breakfast is not inexpensive (discounts for AAA members, etc.), but a few glasses of these juices can provide value for some customers who might typically pay $7 just for juice.
-- Similarly, Cape May & 1900 Park Fare have extensive breakfast buffets that can include smoked salmon and other fairly pricey items that makes these places good value for people who enjoy a big breakfast/brunch....and Characters greet you at your table.

I would have to politely say that the statement above in red is entirely based on opinion and not one that is fact or even one that may be true to the OP... Perhaps for a park commando who feels that their entire vacation needs to be within the confines of one of the parks from rope drop to closing then yes, this would be a very accurate assessment and perhaps is what works for you when on vacation at Disney. For me, I am not a park commando. I hit the parks at rope drop, often head back to the resort, rest up, enjoy the pool, perhaps walk around the resort and then almost always enjoy one of the fine restaurants for dinner at one of the resorts and then head back to one of the parks for the evening. For me, it is not a waste of precious vacation time and offers a lot of benefit... Again, not flaming you at all, a Disney vacation is a different experience for everyone and enjoying the restaurants out of the park are an important part of mine.

As for your recommendations for Whispering Canyon and Sanaa, I agree 100%

 

[JZCubed]

I would have to politely say that the statement above in red is entirely based on opinion and not one that is fact or even one that may be true to the OP... Perhaps for a park commando who feels that their entire vacation needs to be within the confines of one of the parks from rope drop to closing then yes, this would be a very accurate assessment and perhaps is what works for you when on vacation at Disney. For me, I am not a park commando. I hit the parks at rope drop, often head back to the resort, rest up, enjoy the pool, perhaps walk around the resort and then almost always enjoy one of the fine restaurants for dinner at one of the resorts and then head back to one of the parks for the evening. For me, it is not a waste of precious vacation time and offers a lot of benefit... Again, not flaming you at all, a Disney vacation is a different experience for everyone and enjoying the restaurants out of the park are an important part of mine.

As for your recommendations for Whispering Canyon and Sanaa, I agree 100%

Disney does not make getting resort-to-resort easy.

This has nothing to do with being a Park Commando.

If you enjoy taking an hour to utilize transportation to get from resort-to-resort - bully for you.

But for the typical family that has not been to or plans on visiting Disney less frequently than you & me, getting from one resort to another can be a waste time that is not budgeted. This is exacerbated when traveling with young children.

And I'm betting that someone asking for bang-for-the-buck ideas is not as familiar with Disney and would have a difficult time Park Hopping as you & I do....and Park Hopping is an added cost that someone looking for value might not be willing to expense.

 

[Lisa F]

It can be good downtime with young kids too.

But for the typical family that has not been to or plans on visiting Disney less frequently than you & me, getting from one resort to another can be a waste time that is not budgeted. This is exacerbated when traveling with young children.

And I'm betting that someone asking for bang-for-the-buck ideas is not as familiar with Disney and would have a difficult time Park Hopping as you & I do....and Park Hopping is an added cost that someone looking for value might not be willing to expense.

I have a young child and have built in some non-park time restaurants. Disney transport is an attraction in itself (the boats and monorails are at least, not the buses so much!). I love the resort launches... they are so small and you're so close to the water and you get to take a load off and relax and drink in the atmosphere of just being in Disney and then you get to land in a resort with amazing theming and go to a restaurant also with great theming and fun food and atmosphere. Don't sound like a waste to me. There is only so much of the parks we can do and a week is sufficient to do whatever we want to do and still take some breaks/down time to enjoy the walt disney resort as a whole. These are the magical moments of our trip where we have a chance to breathe and sigh and just enjoy being on vacation.

In park some good values are:
Flame Tree BBQ (I dare you not to share one of their bigger platters!)
the plaza at MK
via napoli in epcot
50's prime time in HS (again hugely sharable dinners and desserts)
Wolfgang Puck Express - QS prices but more like a TS atmosphere.

 

[GAN]

What are some food spots you guys like that have real good food and a reasonable price?

- At the parks?

- At a resort?

In addition to Trails End ...I'd have to say at $8.99 Columbia Harbor House has a darn good broccoli peppercorn chicken salad. Also at MK, The Plaza is a pretty good value in a nice setting overlooking the castle.

I'd second Tangierine Cafe in Epcot(Morroco), but sorry I would advise you to stay away from Marrakesh.

 

[kyle3423]

Entrees at 50's primetime are huge. Fried Chicken was great.

At Whispering Canyon Café at Wilderness Lodge you can "Bang" out pretty decent BBQ meats, Corn, Salad, beans, and delicious cornbread to your hearts content....or stomach's allowance for like $29.99. Compared to some of the other all you can eat offerings at Disney, that's a pretty good deal. They also offer all you can drink milkshakes. I had 3 chocolate ones.....I mean....I was on vacation, right?

 

[Lisa F]

Entrees at 50's primetime are huge. Fried Chicken was great.

At Whispering Canyon Café at Wilderness Lodge you can "Bang" out pretty decent BBQ meats, Corn, Salad, beans, and delicious cornbread to your hearts content....or stomach's allowance for like $29.99. Compared to some of the other all you can eat offerings at Disney, that's a pretty good deal. They also offer all you can drink milkshakes. I had 3 chocolate ones.....I mean....I was on vacation, right?

dang. my child would be in heaven. I never even let him get milkshakes outside of disney!

 

[LtRazor]

My favorite resort QS place is at port orleans riverside. Always good food choices there and reasonably priced for Disney. My family loves the make your own pasta and salad options and I love the roasted turkey with sides.

 

[10CJ]

Via Napoli in Epcot!

I do think getting from resort to resort can be difficult depending on which resorts and mode of transport. If you have a car that certainly makes things easier.

 

[Dis703]

For TS I thought Liberty Tree Tavern lunch was very reasonable and very good. The Plaza is also a decent option for a more affordable TS meal.

While not cheap necessarily, for buffets we feel like we really get our moneys worth at Biergarten for lunch. It's more affordable than dinner and we leave completely stuffed every single time and completely enjoy everything they have here.

 

[shortnsassy730]

The Plaza at MK, The Contempo Cafe has nice QS sandwiches at the Contemporary, the breakfast buffet at the Wave is very very good and much more reasonably priced than other buffets. Wolfgang Puck Express at Disney Springs is very good QS but like others mentioned, it is more of a table service atmosphere. Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs is good too. And, Via Napoli at Epcot is quite affordable when sharing a pizza.

 

[Lisa F]

In addition to Trails End ...I'd have to say at $8.99 Columbia Harbor House has a darn good broccoli peppercorn chicken salad. Also at MK, The Plaza is a pretty good value in a nice setting overlooking the castle.

I'd second Tangierine Cafe in Epcot(Morroco), but sorry I would advise you to stay away from Marrakesh.

oooh I will have to add this to my mental "light lunch" list. Kiddo was just asking me where we'd eat lunch at MK on those days... for one I have a very early dinner planned but for one I have a later dinner and a character buffet... going to need lunch in there somewhere. I have always wanted to try that salad but always show up starving there

 

[GAN]

oooh I will have to add this to my mental "light lunch" list. Kiddo was just asking me where we'd eat lunch at MK on those days... for one I have a very early dinner planned but for one I have a later dinner and a character buffet... going to need lunch in there somewhere. I have always wanted to try that salad but always show up starving there

I'm a decent sized guy and I'm remarkably filled by that salad ...one of the best on property IMO.

 

[belle7708]

Parks:
- Quick service in Mexico - great seating if you can get a table by the water!
- Starring Rolls
- Cosmic Rays/Caseys if you want basic burgers, chicken, or hot dogs

Hotels:
- Sanaa - A bit more expensive because it's table service, but in the grand scheme of Disney food prices, I think one of the more reasonable options.

Disney Springs:
- Wolfgang Puck Express - A favorite! Reasonably priced and good, healthy, hearty food.
- Earl of Sandwich - The most economical and tasty sandwiches/salads too!

 

[Farps]

We have been hitting up Boma for a late breakfast on our AK am EMH day, it is kind of like a brunch for us with the carved ham and all you care to enjoy. And the French toast bread pudding is in two words De - Licious !!!