Best bang for your buck TS experience?

[megs1313]

We've done a lot of TS in the past and just went in april and did a bunch of character meals. I think this time around we will do almost all QS, but I'd love to do one TS that is high-impact, but not high cost. Any thoughts? I'm traveling with 3 kids, so while I LOVE CG, it's probably not what I'm looking for. TIA!

 

[CraigInPA]

HDDR is about as immersive and impactful as it gets...

 

[nkereina]

Agree on HDDR. Other ones that came to mind are "theme" type restaurants - 50s Prime Time, Sci Fi Dine In, Whispering Canyon. These are interesting and unique atmospheres, none are character or buffet, and for the most part have reasonably priced menu items. I also thought of Biergarten because the atmosphere is so unique, and the band provides some entertainment in addition to your meal. It's also interesting to eat at the communal tables. But it is a buffet so would be a set price.

 

[Hopefully]

I firmly believe that the "Best Bang for Your Buck" TS is the one that delights your family, regardless of cost.
We love HDDR, although it is expensive, it is a fun night.

 

[Barbydoll8]

If you aren't looking for character meals and don't mind a buffet, Trails End in the camp ground. Good food, lots to choose from and budget friendly. They offer an AP and Disney Visa discount if you have one of those too.
Another hidden gem is The Wave. Great breakfast with options of ale cart or buffet. Not Disney themed but nice to get out of the bubble.

 

[DisBuckMan]

Perhaps everyone (other than @Barbydoll8) missed the "but not high cost" part of the OP's post.

 

[nkereina]

Perhaps everyone (other than @Barbydoll8) missed the "but not high cost" part of the OP's post.

My recommendations were 50s Prime Time, Sci Fi Dine In, and Whispering Canyon. Costs at these restaurants are about as low as you can get for TS meals at WDW. Especially for TS meals that deliver something more than just a meal, which is what OP was looking for.

 

[samsteele]

As PPs have mentioned Trails End and Sci-Fi are good choices. Beaches N Cream can also be fun & relatively inexpensive. Do remember esp with Sci-Fi & Beaches N Cream that ADRs (the earlier the better) are important. Also consider a lunch TS instead of dinner. While the trend at WDW is to all day menus, some still have separate, lower cost lunch menus.

 

[Parker Clan]

Not high cost, best bang for your buck would definitely be Trails End!! But I have to agree HDDR is a can't miss

 

[Tigger's ally]

Any table service has $ attached, but as far as best bang for your buck, I think Rose and Crown with an outdoor table prior to Illuminations might fit. The NY strip with Fish and chips is reasonable (also a one credit item if you have a plan). Because of Illuminations, it almost feels like it is a "dinner show" as well. They also have quite a few unique appetizers like the Scotch egg that could be ordered instead of a full meal.

 

[momma2ethan]

Trails End brunch **only available on weekends** would be a good value. Yes, it's a buffet but at $23/adult and $13/child it's a great price imo and will offer many choices. We are going on the "free" QSDP and wanted to do one TS OOP. After much research TE brunch is what I've decided as long as I can get an ADR.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

We're big eaters, so most buffets offer the most bang. No doubt we double our value in one sitting.

Always thought O'Hana was a terrific value, food-wise.

Teppan Edo based on price and the sheer amount of food you get. It's not a buffet, but you'll leave there very full.

 

[ShellyShell]

Not high cost, best bang for your buck would definitely be Trails End!! But I have to agree HDDR is a can't miss

What's HDDR? Trying to learn these abbreviations.

 

[nkereina]

What's HDDR? Trying to learn these abbreviations.

Hoop Dee Doo Revue

 

[ShellyShell]

Hoop Dee Doo Revue

Thank you!

 

[cgattis]

I second (or ninth, or whatever) Sci-Fi. There are a couple of $$ options, but several very moderately priced ones as well. We ate there on one of our first trips (over 10 years) and hadn't again until Thanksgiving week. We really enjoyed it. Loved seeing how incredibly cheesy the movies were again Food was very tasty, and us old folks got to make out in the back seat LOL. Felt kinda old when I had to use my phone flashlight to read the menu, though!! haha

PS, we also did Cali Grill First time for DH, DD15, and DS12 and they were blown away.