Best Food Value in DL?

[outlander]

After numerous trips to WDW, we are taking our first ever trip to DL in June and I was wondering if I could get some help in planning meals.

To give an idea of what I would put on such a list in WDW:
We really like Flame Tree BBQ in Animal Kingdom and Cosmic Rays in Magic Kingdom.

What are your suggestions for places to eat/menu items in DL? Where is the best value?

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[Shell4624]

Good post, I'd like to know this too!

 

[Kayla's Mom]

IMO some of the best values would be at Carnation Cafe - the bowl of loaded baked potato soup is only $5 and change and comes with 2 rolls.

Pizza Port has a plate of chicken fusilli pasta that is 8.99, I believe. We split that, although I just read that they are now making the portions smaller like Plaza Inn. We were there last week and I didn't really notice a difference though - so not sure if they just started that or not.

I think for the most part, food portions are pretty generous and can be split. Rancho Del Zocalo is another one that has larger portions.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

well if you want to do some the charcter meals an have plans for bb. I might sugest the dinning plan at dl. its not as good as wdw but it dose have a nice amont of food an you can use it at all the 3 disney hotel places an in the parks. Bangle bbq is good. they are also opening a bbq place with woody an jess but not charcter meal an 28 for adult an 19 for kid so not sure id go there or not.

also golden horse shoes one my favs

 

[LavenderPeach]

Bengal BBQ is good. I think the chicken skewers are better than the beef ones. Not the cheapest meal in the park but yummy. My new favorite is RiverBelle Terrace because the turkey sandwhich has real turkey and not deli meat so I felt like i was eating "real" food. DH and I split a turkey sandwhich there and it came with beans and a side so it was a decent amount of food. We used to split pasta and breadsticks from Pizza Port but haven't been there yet this year. Over at DCA I love the Pacific Wharf Cafe. The salad in a bread bowl is really good. Haven't tried the soup there but it looks good too.

 

[brenda1966]

Bengal BBQ is yummy and we try to eat there once each trip, but I wouldn't call it economical.

I'm not sure there is such a thing as economical Disney! But what I usually do is order a kid meal for myself, or order an adult meal and split it with a kid.

 

[ballarinamom]

Bengal BBQ is yummy and we try to eat there once each trip, but I wouldn't call it economical.

I'm not sure there is such a thing as economical Disney! But what I usually do is order a kid meal for myself, or order an adult meal and split it with a kid.

I agree about Bengal BBQ. Not very filling for the price. And I didn't particularly like them. I know- someone will burn me for that one!

At Rancho del Zaccalo, they have huge portions for the price. One example is 2 enchiladas, a fajita strip, beans and rice and tortillas for $11ish. Or half a chicken with beans and rice and tortillas for $13

Also, the chicken strips and fries and fish with fries at the Stagedoor I thought were a very good counter option- $8ish.

We also love Wine Country Trattoria. For a full service, the portions are large, reasonable and yummy!

Have you checked out the menus on allears.net?

 

[disney-super-mom]

The best food value is probably the Carnation Cafe, considering it's a table service restaurant with great meals for under $11 per adult.

Pizza Port is a great value choice for counter service. It has good pasta/pizza/salads with generous adult portions for $6-$9 per person.

And heck, for snack, those skewers at the Bengal BBQ are AWESOME! We love them. The "safari skewer" is my favorite.....bacon wrapped asparagus. YUMMO! Value wise, they're okay at $3.50-$4.00 apiece.

 

[LavenderPeach]

I agree about Bengal BBQ. Not very filling for the price. And I didn't particularly like them. I know- someone will burn me for that one!

DH didn't like Bengal BBQ either so you're not the only one. He refuses to go back. He got the beef skewer and said it had one piece that was all gristle and he thought the asparagus was over-cooked. The first time I went I tried the beef and the chicken and both were good but the chicken was better. The second time I got the chicken and the veggies and both were very good.

I agree, that it's not a bargain but the value, if you like the food, is that you get something different than the usual theme park food and it's nice to eat "real" food sometimes.

 

[4everluvDisney]

Want answers too!

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

I say Taste Pilot's over at DCA has good food and is decent in price.

 

[bumbershoot]

Tomorrowland Terrace breakfasts (some of them) because they include a beverage.

 

[CanadianPaco]

I bring my own bottled water. I HATE spending money on water. So then I don't HAVE to be economical on food!

 

[PinkBudgie]

I think Whitewater Snacks at the GCH is a great deal. It is a short walk through the DCA exit to the hotel and then turn left. It isn't open late but has snacks you can grab like yogurt or you can order something cooked like burgers, nachos, and my favorite- the chicken sandwhich.

As you can see in the pic, they offered to cut it for us and DH and I split it and we were both full on half. It was about $8.00 or $8.50. Around that. When you add in the fact that this place is very uncrowded and quiet, it is a bargain compared to other food places. This is one of our favorite meals.

Also, to save money we order a cup of water with our meal instead of soda.

I have never used their dining plan but I have read here and in the UG to DLR and on Mouse Savers that it doesn't save you money like the WDW can.

Bengal BBQ is a favorite also. I never had chewy beef there and I always get a meat with a veg. one and it makes a full meal for me. No, not a bargain, but it is better than a burger and fries all the time.

 

[mechurchlady]

Hello and I am on a no wheat/gluten, 99% no soy and egg, no grapefruit, and avoid caffeine, fizzy drinks, dairy and chocolates. My religion abhors alcohol in drinks, medicine, and food.

I woudl say the best value is Taste Pilot's Grill. $25 with AP discount got Calvin 5 yummy ribs, coleslaw, and choice of criss cross fries or onion rings that are so yummy while I had same choice, a giant cheddar burger on gluten free bun, and we had drinks. They have condiment bars with mayo, mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, onions, tomatos, lettuce, pickles and probably more.

This is the only burger location I know of that lets you have all them condiments. Award Weiners also has great hot dogs and in Toontown is a hot dog stand. Carts and the stand on Boardwalk sell premade hot dogs so they have to be cooked, put in a bun then stored for shipping to the cart or stand.

Ariel's Grotto is about $32 with tax and tip as are character buffets but you get entertained and tons of food, Ariel's is sit down and prix fixe.

Coke Corner at WDW has its counterpart in DL as the Refreshment Corner and has gluten free buns that look real. That is cheap and comes with chips just like Coke or Casey's Corner.

Bread Bowls come with gumbo, chowder, or soup and are very filling. There is a shop tucked behind Pirates on the west corner. There is a shop on the west corner of the wharf behind the bakery that sells them.

The Golden Horseshoe Review and the restaurant next door are a waste of money when you can bring food from Rancho Zocalo. They sell fried fish, nuggets, and cheese. Sharing oil is caring. You pay $8 for chicken nuggets that are fried with the fish. Go to the Rancho and get dinner.
The mile high cake used to be good and at $6 or so is a great deal if you are sharing. Turkey is yummy but avoid the cart as it costs a lot to make a meal and it is a messy meal with turkey grease and tendons.

Burrito Sonora
"Fajita Style" Beef, Chicken or Vegetables plus Refried Bean and Cheese. Wrapped in a Flour Tortilla and topped with a traditional Guajillo Sauce - $10.49

That is a great deal because it is a full meal and you can take it over to the Horseshoe Saloon to set and wait for the show. Meals come with beans and rice or veggies.

The popcorn and other snacks are about the same as WDW.

 

[outlander]

A million THANKS for all of the thoughtful replies. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to give suggestions.

We are going to be in DL for at least three days so any and all suggestions are most welcome.
I know Disney and 'economical' don't necessarily go together but we would like to find good food in reasonable sized portions at a fair price (comparatively)

Thanks again for your help!

 

[outlander]

Will we need PS for Carnation Cafe?

 

[ScooterL]

If you like sourdough bread, you can really fill up on one of the soups or salads served in a bread bowl at Pacific Wharf Cafe in DCA. The servings of salad aren't that large, but it's an awful lot of bread to eat!

Other things that are economical and healthy are the pieces of whole fruit you can buy at the various fruit stands. Not nearly as exciting as a churro or a Dole whip, but a lot healthier!

The meals at Plaza Inn used to be quite generous - though I've heard they have recently reduced the portion sizes. We could get one fried chicken meal and then get a side salad and/or a side of mashed potatoes and that would feed two of us.

 

[Queenbillabong]

Will we need PS for Carnation Cafe?

I would. It's a popular place (and good!). If you don't mind waiting or taking your chances, you don't have to, but it is recommended (try the loaded baked potato soup )

The meals at Plaza Inn used to be quite generous - though I've heard they have recently reduced the portion sizes. We could get one fried chicken meal and then get a side salad and/or a side of mashed potatoes and that would feed two of us.

I was just at the Plaza Inn in early March and if the chicken is reduced in portion size (this was my first time there) - it must have been huge before! There is still more than enough for two people with one dinner. Three large pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes, veggies, and a biscuit. I would just get a salad and another biscuit and you're good to go for two people!


Have you taken a look at the Dining Review (food porn) thread? There are some great photos there. Also, take a look at the menus/prices HERE. Along the left hand side you can click on dining options in DL, DCA, DTD, or the hotels. It's very helpful (also tells you which land the place is in).

I would also suggest the corn dog - yummo!! It is HUGE and tasty. It's about $6 and comes with chips or apple slices. It is big enough for lunch (or if you're a teenage boy, a nice snack )

Have a great trip!!!

 

[jolynda]

I always feel like we get a good value for our $ at Plaza Inn for dinner. You get a MONSTROUS plate filled with chicken or pot roast, mashed taters and veggies - for smaller appetites, 2 people could easily share - the price is reasonable - something like 12 oe 13 dollars? Kids meals are also reasonable and you get a GREAT meal - kids can do the pasta bar or the chicken meal. Salads are also huge and sharable.