Best BANG for the Dining Plan...WHERE??

[nbodyhome]

I don't agree. I think the nice thing about the dining plan is that you can try restaurants and dishes that you'd not ordinarily pay for. Like - I used all my extra counter service credits for takeout at Coronado Springs instead of Earl of Sandwich. Why? Because Earl is somewhere I go regularly, because it's so reasonably priced. Coronado is more of a treat, I brought home some ribeyes for my husband, and chicken fajitas and chicken bourbon for me. I love the fast food at the Tangerine Cafe, but only eat there very occasionally due to the price. So the dining plan would be good for that. I wouldn't use the dining plan for a character breakfast, I'd use it for a nice lunch or dinner. That doesn't mean I order the most expensive item on the menu, but at least I feel I'm getting value for the dollar (for me, $38 to eat on property in a day is a lot of money, so I'd want to feel like it's something special).

Denise

 

[vpack05]

The best bang is eating where you want to eat and what will make you happy rather than worrying about squeezing every dime out of the plan.

Anne

Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of being able to NOT worry about "squeezing every dime". I'm a single mom of 4 kids under 12 and I need to maximise every penny I can. We'll most likely save desserts for breakfasts the next day whenever possible, but any helpful advice is most definitely appreciated-by me and my family!

 

[vpack05]

I totally agree about Le Cellier. In fact, I think it used to be 2 TS credits (is that right?). Definately get your money's worth there! Also, if you're going after Jan. 1st, Coral Reef is dropping from 2 credits to 1! I hear the atmosphere is beautiful and it seems like an even better deal now!

You just made my day!!! WE LOVED the Coral Reef last time we went. Even though it was lunch time, we still spent over $120. If we can eat there more often, my kids will be in heaven!

Thanks again-

 

[vpack05]

I don't agree. I think the nice thing about the dining plan is that you can try restaurants and dishes that you'd not ordinarily pay for. Like - I used all my extra counter service credits for takeout at Coronado Springs instead of Earl of Sandwich. Why? Because Earl is somewhere I go regularly, because it's so reasonably priced. Coronado is more of a treat, I brought home some ribeyes for my husband, and chicken fajitas and chicken bourbon for me. I love the fast food at the Tangerine Cafe, but only eat there very occasionally due to the price. So the dining plan would be good for that. I wouldn't use the dining plan for a character breakfast, I'd use it for a nice lunch or dinner. That doesn't mean I order the most expensive item on the menu, but at least I feel I'm getting value for the dollar (for me, $38 to eat on property in a day is a lot of money, so I'd want to feel like it's something special).

Denise

You read my mind! This is exactly my point of view. We're not picky eaters so being able to eat (at places I could never afford even an appetizer at normally!) is a BIG thrill for all of us! That was the original intent of my posting, to find the biggest BANG for the buck. Thanks to all of you truly! It'll going to be a budget trip, but it's always a Dream trip no matter what - thanks largely to all of you helpers!!

 

[Donnask8pro]

I just wnet on mousavers and saw The Coral Reef as 1 credit. I am assuming its correct. Better than Alfredos?

 

[It's A Happy Day]

We got to try the dining plan during a promotion. Normally I don't think I would have booked our vacation with dining but sooooo glad this opportunity came along and will probably include it in future trips.

Our biggest bang for our buck was CRT for dinner and Concourse Steakhouse. Both places had great choices for both traditional fare and also some choices for those that want to try something different as well. Our group consisted of 4 adults and 2 children and both bills were in the vacinity of $250-$300 range!!! Most of our other bills were in the $150 range for 2 adults and 2 children (my inlaws ate with us at the 2 mentioned above for the 6 people total). Desserts at Concourse Steakhouse (and pretty much all restaurants) were happily doggie bagged and brought back to the hotel room for a snack later on as most of the time we were just too full! CRT desserts tended to be ice cream/sorbet type things (can't remember if they had any cake type things that would travel well.) so we had those with our meals. Believe me I too wanted the biggest bang for our buck but 1st and foremost make sure you will eat the food options served at the restaurants of choice before venturing there - you can check out menus at allearsnet.com to get an idea.

 

[vpack05]

I just wnet on mousavers and saw The Coral Reef as 1 credit. I am assuming its correct. Better than Alfredos?

I've never been to Alfredo's so I can't compare, but the Coral Reef was terrific! The large aquarium is right in front of you the entire time and we spent so much time saying "oooh..look at that one...". Each kid got a drink with light up ice cubes. The best part for the kids was when they figured out that banging the ice cube turned it on/off. My DS 1 1/2 was THRILLED, mommy was not so thrilled! LOL...Also, the divers went in to do some routine maintainance of the tank and were funny! My kids adored this place and to be able to return without breaking the bank is tickling me!

Where did you find a list on Mousesavers?

 

[maggiew]

I just wnet on mousavers and saw The Coral Reef as 1 credit. I am assuming its correct. Better than Alfredos?

Wow. I just checked too. Thanks for the info. We might try there. Although, I was thinking about doing Les Chefs de France.

Maggie

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of being able to NOT worry about "squeezing every dime".

Hi, vpack. I think what folks are saying is you are paying the $35 no matter what you get. Doesn't it make good sense to order something that your kids like?
Ordering lobster may be getting the "best bang", but if your kids don't eat it, the $35 is wasted.

I don't understand how ordering the most expensive items is "squeezing every dime" out of the plan. It's still $35. It's not like you get money back for ordering expensive items.

MG

 

[GoodFairies]

Hi, vpack. I think what folks are saying is you are paying the $35 no matter what you get. Doesn't it make good sense to order something that your kids like?
Ordering lobster may be getting the "best bang", but if your kids don't eat it, the $35 is wasted.

I don't understand how ordering the most expensive items is "squeezing every dime" out of the plan. It's still $35. It's not like you get money back for ordering expensive items.

MG

And just to add to this, if you are looking to "get the most for your money" the dining plan probably isn't the way to go, since you are paying full price for the room. You'd be better off searching for a room discount and paying to eat out of pocket, especially at your kid's ages.

 

[vpack05]

Hi, vpack. I think what folks are saying is you are paying the $35 no matter what you get. Doesn't it make good sense to order something that your kids like?
Ordering lobster may be getting the "best bang", but if your kids don't eat it, the $35 is wasted.

I don't understand how ordering the most expensive items is "squeezing every dime" out of the plan. It's still $35. It's not like you get money back for ordering expensive items.

MG

That's actually not my intention. I must be communicating badly today! I'm saying that my kids love lobster and other high end items that normally they wouldn't be allowed to get as I couldn't afford it. My question was asking if it's $35 to eat at such and such a place (but the price/quality of the items is low), then where would I be able to get a higher quality/style (ie, fast food vs fine cuisine) for the same $35. Does that make sense? I truly appreciate everyone's advice, and truthfully, I had forgotten that I would lose my room discount when I tried to get a package. Hmmmm....now I'll puzzle that one out. We are booked for POR for $97/nt from 4/13-4/23/06. I don't want to pay full price for the room unless the dining plan will really save me loads. I'm more confused now! WAHHHH....

 

[mickimgm]

We're leaving this Sunday! My DH and I will share meals at all places but the buffets. We never eat appetizer, entree and desert, so we will split it, that way we can make the credits lasts longer.

 

[frozone]

I totally get where you're coming from. I think a lot of the people responding that you should just "eat what you want" are probably already really familiar with WDW restaurants and know where the quality food is. If you aren't as familiar, it makes sense to get some advice. Because, really, some of the places offer way better deals than others based on the quality of food served.

I did a previous dining plan (different system) so I'm not up on the points, but if Coral Reef is going to 1 point, I'm guessing that will be a great deal. My meal there was excellent! Le Cellier was also a fav of mine, as was Spoodles. Both had good, fresh food, lots of choices, and a great atmosphere. I also loved Rose and Crown; since I was on the plan, I went with the prime rib instead of regular fish and chips and ended up with a fantastic meal. finally, if your kids like trying new things, Boma's is a real treat...so much selection!

 

[Camping Griswalds]

The best bang is eating where you want to eat and what will make you happy rather than worrying about squeezing every dime out of the plan.

Anne

I whole heartedly agree!!! Enough already! There is plenty of food, enjoy yourself, and if you come out ahead...wonderful, if not ...did you get enough to eat??... Wonderful!!!

 

[LoveWDW]

We were there last week, and lobster was not allowed on the plan. I'd say of the places we ate that Spoodles and Le Cellier were the best food value. I agree with the recommendations to examine the menus and decide based on those. If we had gone to Biergarden, for example, we would have paid and saved our credits for a more expensive place.

 

[crisi]

I tend to agree with Anne, but just to add some more confusion....

Not everyone is going to agree regarding the quality of food. Most people here rave about both Boma and Jiko. I didn't like Boma and ended up ordering wrong a Jiko and really didn't like my meal. Coral Reef and Alfredos have both been mentioned as good values, both have bad repuations. I haven't been to Coral Reef in years, but I was at Alfredos a few months ago, and I didn't enjoy my meal. Moreover, not everyone is going to agree on what "BANG!" is. It it the bill at the end that proves you "saved" the most money (Le Cellier and Kona are good bets for this). Is it giving your kids an experience they wouldn't get on a budget (I'd be tempted to combine dining credits and eat at Signature places, may not be the best "value" but if you are looking to give your family the type of food they seldom get, that is what I'd do. Or combine credits to get a dinner show - another "memory" experience). Is it quantity of food (can't go wrong with buffets if you want to eat ALOT of food).

Some of my favorite restuarants at Disney are:

Le Cellier
Marrakesh
Flying Fish
Sci Fi (food isn't great, atmosphere is wonderful!)
Teppanyaki

Le Cellier will probably be a good value however you slice it. Its one credit, food is pretty darn good, and its pretty expensive. Marrakesh may not be. We love it here, but if you don't like it, its money wasted. Flying Fish is two credits, so not a good value credit wise, but our food and service was incredible! Certainly a "fine dining experience" where I wouldn't count any of the others as fine dining. Sci Fi, as noted, doesn't have great food (though their portions are huge), but is great for ambiance. Its just plain ol' lots of fun, and not the sort of restaurant you'll ever go to outside Disney (other restaurants like this are the 50s Prime Time Diner, Ohana, Whispering Canyon, and any character meal!). Teppenyaki is like any teppan grill place (Benihana) you have near home, but once again, its a lot of fun. We make it a regular stop at WDW, but never book the Teppan grill three miles from our house. They are the pickiest on keeping your meal reasonable, but its still possible to come out ahead, and they do feed you well.

 

[vpack05]

I totally get where you're coming from. I think a lot of the people responding that you should just "eat what you want" are probably already really familiar with WDW restaurants and know where the quality food is. If you aren't as familiar, it makes sense to get some advice. Because, really, some of the places offer way better deals than others based on the quality of food served.

I did a previous dining plan (different system) so I'm not up on the points, but if Coral Reef is going to 1 point, I'm guessing that will be a great deal. My meal there was excellent! Le Cellier was also a fav of mine, as was Spoodles. Both had good, fresh food, lots of choices, and a great atmosphere. I also loved Rose and Crown; since I was on the plan, I went with the prime rib instead of regular fish and chips and ended up with a fantastic meal. finally, if your kids like trying new things, Boma's is a real treat...so much selection!

That's exactly what I'm trying to express! Thank you for being more eloquent. This was the best explanation of what I was trying to do-to give my kids an experience they wouldn't get on a budget . I really appreciate all your suggestions and I've definitely put Le Cellier, Teppanaki on my list.

Even if I can't get the dining plan, I am an AP and DDE holder. So, I figure no matter what we'll save and experience the ambience we never have before!

(I'd be tempted to combine dining credits and eat at Signature places, may not be the best "value" but if you are looking to give your family the type of food they seldom get, that is what I'd do. Or combine credits to get a dinner show - another "memory" experience) These are great ideas! Thank you very much!!

 

[CJ123]

Vpack - I totally understand where you are coming from. I too consider the dining plan a great opportunity to enjoy eating at places that you would normally not be able to do without watching every penny. My family also loves lobster. However it is usually to expensive to order. I know in the past you were able to get lobster on the plan but I have heard rumors that it is not available at some of the places as it was in the past. I am leaving for DW in 10 days and I still have not exactly figured out where we might have that option.

TO ALL: Does anyone know where lobster tails are still allowed on the dining plan?

Thanks!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

That's exactly what I'm trying to express! Thank you for being more eloquent. This was the best explanation of what I was trying to do-to give my kids an experience they wouldn't get on a budget . I really appreciate all your suggestions and I've definitely put Le Cellier, Teppanaki on my list.

Even if I can't get the dining plan, I am an AP and DDE holder. So, I figure no matter what we'll save and experience the ambience we never have before!

(I'd be tempted to combine dining credits and eat at Signature places, may not be the best "value" but if you are looking to give your family the type of food they seldom get, that is what I'd do. Or combine credits to get a dinner show - another "memory" experience) These are great ideas! Thank you very much!!

Now that makes sense!
(At least from an emotional standpoint. Didn't figure out the financial end of it...)

Using this is an opportunity to do something special for your kids is great!

MG

 

[Merriwind]

That's exactly what I'm trying to express! Thank you for being more eloquent. This was the best explanation of what I was trying to do-to give my kids an experience they wouldn't get on a budget . I really appreciate all your suggestions and I've definitely put Le Cellier, Teppanaki on my list.

Even if I can't get the dining plan, I am an AP and DDE holder. So, I figure no matter what we'll save and experience the ambience we never have before!

(I'd be tempted to combine dining credits and eat at Signature places, may not be the best "value" but if you are looking to give your family the type of food they seldom get, that is what I'd do. Or combine credits to get a dinner show - another "memory" experience) These are great ideas! Thank you very much!!

That makes much more sense to me--thanks for clarifying! I would still look at the menus, if you have a chance, and try to go with what's most appealing. Wishing you and your kids memorable dining experiences! Enjoy!