Cheap counter service lunch at Magic Kingdom

[Lisa P.]

At Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in MK, a 1/4 lb. cheeseburger with fries is $5.49 plus tax. Adding a second 1/4 lb. burger (total 1/2 lb. meat) to the same sandwich is a dollar more, $6.49+.

We asked for the double burger without fries - it came to $4.80 ($5.05 after tax). By sharing it, we each had a good 1/4 lb cheeseburger for about $2.53 - not bad for MK! Needless to say, we piled on the sautéed onions, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes & honey mustard dressing from the toppings bar for a filling sandwich.

This was a better deal than a lot of the other lunch options we found at the parks. Anyone else have a favorite in-park meal for those seeking quick & cheap?

 

[travelitis]

I've only read about this but checked the menu at www.wdwig.com, and it was listed. Boulangerie Patisserie in WS has a ham and cheese croissant for $2.95. I do plan to give it a try.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

That's a great value, IMO. Especially when you can load up on the veggies at the toppings bar. Skipping the fries not only makes a healthier lunch, but it leaves room for some of the other goodies to enjoy around the park!!

 

[Mic]

In March, 2000, while at Epcot, a CM at the counter service restaurant in America proved very helpful when we asked him if they had a child's hamburger(something I learned from this board...always ask). It turns out they did not, but he suggested my DH, who was getting a 1/4 lb. burger combo anyway, order a 1/2 lb. burger combo($6-7...has 2 patties)and an extra bun($.50) for our son. For less than $8, they each had a burger and fries, and each fixed his own burger to his liking from the fixings bar. Like Lisa P., I did not think this was too bad, considering where I was.

 

[disneysteve]

It's important to be aware that many of the restaurants offer options that may not be on the menu board. For example, if there is a cheeseburger and fries, you can just get the burger and skip the fries. You can also get a plain burger which may not be on the menu. Cosmic Ray's is great because they have a fantastic toppings bar so you can just get a plain burger and at the free toppings bar you can get cheese, lettuce, tomato, mushrooms, onions etc.

<P>Steve

 

[BethR]

Our family has always enjoyed Pecos Bill's in Frontierland. We like their toppings bar the best of all. We have not tried all of the "options" that you all have mentioned - except to get burgers instead of cheeseburgers (DH does not eat cheese ) - but it is definately something that we will consider on our next trip.

 

[bobcat]

I didn't even think to ask for a bun. Buying a double burger works well since my DD always wants a burger and can't get them on the kids meal.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

I think that Disney feeds so many people, even on the NON-busy days, that if they *published* all the options guests REALLY have, it would be a HUGE nightmare for them! Best for US to be informed and ask for what we REALLY want, not simply what they are offering!

 

[cinamin27]

also at Cosmic Rays, at the chicken section you can get 1/2 a rotissiere chicken & a scoop of mashed red potatoes for only 6.99, which can be EASILY shared! (if of course one person would eat the white meat & the other the dark meat) we were easily able to break/cut it apart & we just asked for an extra plate.

and at the Columbia Harbour House (the counter service restaurant in Liberty Square in front of the Haunted Mansion & next to Peter Pan ride) they offer a captain's platter that consisted of 2 pieces of fried fish & 2 chicken fingers & fries for $6.79. this was actually plenty of food to share, I did order a side of coleslaw for only 99cents. When we were there this past Sunday, it looked as if almost everyone near us was sharing the baskets of either the fish, chicken or combo.

what I couldn't understand is seeing people order botteled water at the counter service restaurants when you can ask for a cup of ice water (served in a medium sized cup) for free!

 

[Geebs]

at cosmic rays I ordered a steak and chese sandwich and a soda. THe whole thing came to about $7 or $8 . I was disappointed because I threw over half of it away. It could easily be shared...even for a dinner!

 

[AllStarFan]

Cosmic Rays has some of the best values in MK. My wife and I share the cheese steak and fries mentioned above, and we both have plenty. The kid's offerings are pretty good too. My boys love the corn dog nuggets. We were there two weeks ago and ate lunch there on both of our days in MK.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

bumping!

 

[Bunchkin]

IMO Cosmic Ray's is one of the best places to eat at in MK!!
The food is good, the prices are fair and as many have said portions can be shared. We ate there many times on our last trip to WDW. And I will admit to eating the corn dog nuggets myself one day for lunch!! They were tasty!!