Big eaters

[maidmarion]

Hi, this is my first post!

My partner and I (both in our twenties) are going to WDW in December (13th-19th). He has never been, I haven't been since 1991 when I was a kid and my parents took us.

We are both very very big eaters, especially me. I get made fun of in restaurants because I am less than 100 pounds, but always clean a couple plates before the night is over. I'm just a very hungry woman!

We also tend to eat about two snacks and three major meals a day, though we might cut back (though not too much or I'll be grouchy) so we have more time for exploring the parks.

What I want to know is what restaurants can accomodate my appetite while still keeping us on a budget?

 

[jdwright13]

Most of the deluxe resorts have a buffet style restuarant, and they would obviously suit you. What kind of budget are you trying to plan per meal?

The rainforrest has always suited me well when combining salid or appitizer with a meal, so you may want to put it on your list. Their portions are very good size.

 

[Strings]

Welcome to DIS!

There are many buffets at WDW. They are "All you care to eat" Some include: Crystal palace at MK, Hollywood and Vine at MGM, Biergarten and Askerhouse(i think) at Epcot. Most deluxe resorts have one with some character meals. Off the top of my head are Chef Mickey's, 1900 Park Faire, Cape May Buffet, Boma. Ohana is all you can eat as well. Most other restaurants have large portions anyways. Enjoy. Check out the menus at Deb's site.
http://www.wdwig.com/dining.htm

 

[>>^..^<<]

Welcome to the DIS Boards...

We need more hungry people here.. mostly we hear about wanting to split meals or order from the kiddie menu

I agree.. buffets are the way to go for hungry people, but having said that, the portions are pretty good, even at counter service and restaraunts. I like a decent meal and I am always struggling to have dessert after most meals.

You can find a list of DISNEY restaurants and menus at this link...


http://www.wdwig.com/menu/menus.htm

Have fun planning your trip I don't know if you are considering concierge on your stay - that would include a continental breakfast every morning, snacks and drinks during the day.. hot and cold appetizers in the afternoon & desserts and cordials in the evening - all at your hotel.

>>^..^<<

 

[maidmarion]

Thanks so much! Buffets do seem like the way to go. (We live in NYC and all-you-can-eat buffets here don't exist for under about $60)As far as budget is concerned, I would love to find some meals under $20 per person (for dinner) and less than 15 for bkfst/lunch. That probably won't be possible for every meal, but if we had a couple of stand-bys, we could splurge other times. Concierge seems cool, but I'm not sure we could afford that right now. Any particular buffets that are favorites? We know we'd like to do a character meal or two (from another thread it looks as though we're not the only adults who need a character fix), I want Mickey!

These threads are the best! You'll be getting to know me pretty well by December. I am overwhelmed by all the information there is.

 

[Eeyore2U]

Shula's Steakhouse in the Dolphin has the biggest portions I have ever seen. It's a pricey steakhouse but well worth it.

 

[antmaril]

I would just like to say - you are a VERY lucky woman

 

[DeeP]

I would just like to say - you are a VERY lucky woman

I was just thinking the same thing! I am jealous!

 

[honeymo78]

Welcome to the boards - it is great to hear from another big eater. I can't really help with affordable food since I use the gold plan which includes 3 sit down meals a day. I'm glad other people eat 3 meals at WDW. I was beginning to think I was the only one who didn't think 3 meals weighs me down too much or makes me feel too stuffed.

 

[maidmarion]

DeeP and antmaril, I know I'm lucky. It's weird because my sister and mother really struggle with their weight and it's so sad to watch them deprive themselves all the time. I love food so much, I don't know how all you Atkins and Weight Watchers people do it!

Honeymo and<<^..^>>, I'm glad you agree. I found myself freaking out when everyone's money-saving tips were to split dishes or eat kid's meals. I was like "You mean STARVE myself?!" I get pretty dramatic about this stuff!

I checked out everyone's suggestions and they sound awesome. I definitely want to try the Hollywood and Vine. It sounds really great.

I also want to make a PS for Boma. How far in advance can I do that/ should I do that?

When I went to WDW when i was kid, we stayed offsite and ate at MickeyD's most every meal, but we did have one special meal in the park. I feel like it might have been the Crystal Palace. If that's what it was, I have very happy memories. I might want to check that out too.

I also like the idea of some plain-ole-regular-sit-down-dinners (buffets are so much work, ha ha!) Rainforest and Shula's both have amazing menus. Maybe those can be our special splurge nights. We've been planning and saving a bit for four years for this trip (I've been dying to go back since the day I left as a kid, just had to convince my partner) so we will definitely have the means for at least a couple of these things.

ALso, i saw something about all-you-can-eat skillets at Whispering Canyon Cafe which is located in the Fort Wilderness. I also noticed Trails End buffet, which seemed really reasonable. Are either of those good?

And, I can't seem to find where Mickey is! He's the one I want most! (Though I wouldn't mind Stitch too!)

Thanks again, you are all awesome. I'm so glad I got up the nerve to post on here.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Maidmarion, you're a girl after my own heart! With us, it's all about bulk loading. When I hear folks talk about eating light at Disney, I can't help but be bewildered. And sharing an entree? I ain't sharing. I've killed for less!

Here's some of our favorite buffets:

Whispering Canyon ... talk about polarizing! Folks on here either love or hate it; you seldom see middle ground. It's a carnivore's delight, but it is loud and raucous.

'Ohana ... this one gets a "quality" nod over WC, above. The skewer service is a lot of fun, and last time we were there (party of 8) we ate ourselves into a stupor.

Boma ... my absolute favorite buffet. There's plenty of bold, adventurous stuff, but familiar things, too. Frankly, we're a divided family over this one ("just OK" says DW), but it sure excited me.

Regarding sit-downs, I've found the portions at 50's Prime Time PLENTY big. In reality, I've never had any complaints about portions sizes anywhere except perhaps the Coral Reef.

Of all these, only Boma would be considered, possibly, kinda gourmet, just because of the uniqueness of the offerings.

If you've been hanging around here any, you'll find a whole host of differing opinions. You just gotta try 'em for yourself.

 

[Strings]

If you want Mickey, check out Chef Mickey's.

 

[maidmarion]

Is it easy to run into Mickey just walking around the parks or do I need a PS at a character breakfast in order to get a chance to have pictures with him?

 

[magicmouse2]

We had lunch at Le Cellier in Epcot last year and it was not very filling. We got a strip steak. All you got was 3 tiny little cold potatoes on the side For $15-17 it was not worth it. DH was still hungry. It completely put us of table service restaurants at WDW, and since then we have only eaten buffets and counter service, though I have booked Narcoosees for September as they do a special for $49 including starter, soup, main course and dessert. I would like to hear about some good table service restaurants that give you good size portions too.

 

[Minniespal]

Garden Grill Restuarant in Epcot has Mickey and it is a buffet, although it is served family style, you can eat as much as you want!!!!

 

[Scottwdw]

Hi, again, maidmarion!

Like I said in chat. To figure out which restaurants take PS and when, use my web site (use link in my signature).

On wdwig.com look for a guy who did a review on most of the buffets. I think it'll give you a lot of information on them. I am partial to the Cape May Buffet myself.

There's a Character Location Spreadsheet on my PS Webtools page at http://pscalculator.net/pswebtools.shtml It gives a list of places where characters can be seen. Over 70 of them!

Have fun planning!

 

[fantasia73]

My family is the same way! We love to eat and can pack away the food. We're not overweight and usually make the waitstaff chuckle when we order dessert after eating full meals with appetizers and drinks. We found that the best way to handle the day is to eat a big breakfast. Then bring snacks for the day with us (granola bars, peanut butter and crackers, etc.). We then have a light lunch somewhere (salads or split sandwiches) and then buy a good afternoon snack (usually ice cream or some sort of baked good). We love to snack!!! Our problem is that we don't really care for buffets. We prefer to be waited on, so that makes saving money more difficult at dinner.

 

[DrTomorrow]

I'll add a recommendation for 'Ohana at the Polynesian. It's all you can eat, but has table service, not a buffet. Between the Starters (wings, wontons, stir fried veggies, honey/lime salad & stir-fried rice ) and Skewers (flame cooked Tiger Shrimp, Sirloin Steak, Turkey Breast and Pork Loin w/ dipping sauces) you'll have to roll away from the table.

 

[holcomb-mania]

Go to Beaches and Cream and get the Kitchen Sink!

 

[burnsoc]

Hello fellow glutton!
As a big eater also, I'd recommend the turkey leg at MGM. You definitely won't be dissapointed. As far as character buffets go you might want to try Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary. You'll definitely have plenty of photo opportunities with Mickey there. The Cape May Clambake at the Beach Club has a great character buffet. It was mostly Goofy and Chip and Dale, but we did get a chance to have our picture taken with both Mickey and Minnie. The food was better than most of the other buffets. For something a little different try the Ice Cream Social in the Garden Grille restaurant at the Land Pavillion in Epcot. They have it around 3 P.M. and it's approximately $12 per person (I'm not totally sure about the price). You meet with Mickey and the gang dressed in farmer's outfits. Hope this helps!
-Chris