cheap eating at DLR

[chrissiecutie]

First off I suggest you look at allears.net, click on the Disneyland tab at the top. From there you can search look at menus for both DL and DCA- lots of other good park info too!

My family is ALWAYS on a budget- I even posted something to this effect on another thread. Here's what we do:

1. Never eat breakfast in the park. Bring from home or buy at the grocery store. Breakfast is not something we eat out, so not even fast food breakfasts.

2. Split adult plates. Our family of 3 always splits 2 adult plates, even when dinning out at home. We never buy kids meals for DS. He can't miss them because he has no idea what he's missing!

3. Split treats. DS and I LOVE the Tigger Tails found at Critter Country, there's lots of pics on the Disney food thread. I think they are around $4 and we always buy one and split it. Works great! We also will buy 2 ice cream cones and share between the 3 of us, sometimes only 1 if we can all agree on a flavor!

4. Pack in your own food. We like to buy the chimichangas and corn dogs that are found at the carts, each around $5.50. They also have turkey legs but...yuck! I will pack in fruit, chips, soda to round out the meal. Also, DS doesn't eat most of the food at Disney. No hamburgers, chicken nuggets, etc. I will usually bring in a sandwhich for him or some pasta in a thermos. We always pack in our own drinks and water bottles too. When the water is gone, just refill and if you don't like the taste of CA water (we don't!) bring those mix in flavor packets. BTW, you can ask for ice and a cup at most CS restaurants.

We don't usually leave the park mid day as alot of folks will suggest to you. I've found we just lose to much momentum and would rather spend our time at the parks instead of walking back and forth. Plus, part of vacation and being at Disney is enjoying the food too, right?!

I will tell you though that when we drive, I bring our mini BBQ. If we leave the parks early one night, then we will have a late lunch in the park, walk back to the hotel and I will make turkey dogs or something on the BBQ. Of course you can do this if your hotel has a microwave too since I don't think you're going to bring a BBQ through the airport! We also don't eat out on our drive. I will prep food and you can usually find me at the rest stop making pancakes and bacon for breakfast. We eat homecooked, natural, organic as much as possible. But I will say that we ALWAYS make a few stops at In n Out once we are in Cali! Trust me...it's a must!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

*Bring in empty sandwich baggies to split a larger popcorn.
*I also bring in smaller plastic cups to split a large drink amongst 3 kids.
*Soups and gumbos in the bread bowls make a good, cheap meal.
*Bengal BBQ is also a good place for a cheap meal.
*Bring in water, sodas, snacks, fruit, sandwiches (saw someone with a Subway bag hanging from their stroller in Dec.)
*We almost never do breakfast in the parks...exception is GK brunch (at 11/11:30) or a late breakfast after a 7 am MM
*I never order myself a corn dog, just eat what my kids don't rotfl: they are HUGE!!!)
*order a kids meal at CS locations
*Tortilla Jo's Taqueria in DTD has great nachos that can easily be split.

 

[Peri]

we loved the big baked potatoes (they were huge) at Troubadour - over near toontown - ask around, as it is up a hill and kind of out of sight.

Also in Downtown Disney go to Tortilla Joe's go around to the left side and in a side door - there is TAKE OUT _ they have burros and nachos but you can load them (all at your choice) with black or refried beans, lettuce, salsa, tons of cheese, etc., etc - makes a HUGE meal and we paid 15 dollars US for TWO servings of this, it could easily feed four people - plus you could load on meat (chicken, steak or pulled pork). This was just last Thursday, so it is recent pricing.

I also second the vote for Mimi's, just about two blocks from Downtown and well worth the wait - for more healthy choices plus they have baked goods you can bring back to your room for later if you like - muffins, etc.

 

[kazbar]

I know its not exactly healthy but fast food in America is really really cheap compared to what we Aussies and Kiwis are used to paying.

We are a family of 5 that travel from Australia to the US when ever we can and even though the Aussie dollar is slightly better we still try and cut costs wherever possible.

You can organise over the net to get groceries delivered to your hotel and be there waiting for you when you arrive. Things like cereal, muffins & snacks, so that you can save there.

By having cheap takeways for a meal here and there you can save heaps and then if you need to spend a little more in the parks then it is not such a big drama.

I am not sure where you are staying but if you do a google street view of Harbour Blvd you can 'walk' up and down the street and see the different eating options available.

Our favorite is the Del Taco on the way to the Target up the road. They have specials like 3 tacos for $1.09.

Also, Coco's has a 'kids eat free' deal on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after 4pm. Denny's does it Tuesdays and Saturdays.


Have fun!

 

[jimreuter]

No advance online booking for DLR. However, if you do eat in the parks counter service places do tend to be cheaper than a sit down meal.

Actually, you can make reservations up to 60 days in advance for the table service restaurants by calling 714-781-DINE (the Disney Dining Line).

 

[Dizneydaz]

You've gotten some great tips here.

Ditto WWS-we love it.

The fried chicken at Plaza Inn is so shareable (not exactly healthy, but you are on vacation) It says 3 pieces but the wing and breast are attached so it's a full 1/2 chicken. I no longer get the veggies (always green beans and always awful) we get double mashed potatoes. I've shared this with my DD10 and myself as well as my DM, DD, and myself. It's plenty.

As you can see, it's plenty.

Never buy bottled water. Get it free at all locations equipped for soda in cups. Also I bring in tea bags-you can get FREE hot water at all locations that serve coffee and/or hot tea.

Don't overlook DTD locations. We eat at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Express. It's very good. Here are some choices.

Kid's corndog nuggets.

Popcorn fried shrimp-so shareable.

Gumbo Ya Ya-nice and spicy and kid's chicken nuggets (more like chicken balls, but pretty good).

Desserts-we love ice cream but my DD10 and I share different tastes. She likes mainly vanilla and recent cookie dough. I like caramel or fudge on mine. When we get ice cream, I order a 2 scoop sundae with one of her flavor choices and one of mine. I order sauce on the side. Then I take out her ice cream (ask for an empty bowl) and we each get what we want. At $3.49 for a single scoop cone, vs. $5.49 for a 2 scoop sundae, we save a few bucks this way. And we share the waffle bowl.

Here is the (chili) dog at WWS with fruit option instead of fries. I got the chili on the side.

We don't buy many sodas at DLR. I bring in my own Diet Coke cans and get free ice. If we do buy a soda it's only at the locations where you can get refills.-Plaza Inn, Pizza Port, WWS, etc.

Check out restaurant.com for money saving certificates. They have one for House of Blues and they are always offered at a discount. We just used wto on a short trip to San Fran. and they worked wonderfully. Not sure if you can get them in your country but if you know anyone here in the states they could order for you. They are sent to you via email.

Have fun!

 

[Sherry E]

Also, periodically check the Rainforest Cafe website or get on any mailing lists they have (and join their Facebook page), as they will occasionally have good coupons you can print to get $$ off your food at RFC (and RFC has a much wider variety of menu options than most of the places inside DL or DCA). It may be even be worth joining the Safari Club, as you get a little discount every time you eat at RFC when you are a Safari Club member, as well as priority seating status.

http://www.rainforestcafe.com/

Ditto for ESPN Zone - join their MVP Club, which I think is free - and not only will that assist you in making reservations at the DTD location (or any other location), but I think (I could be wrong) you can get little discounts with that too.

http://www.espnzone.com/

I have not yet eaten at Mimi's or Millie's, but they are both very popular among DIS-ers. Mimi's offers a coupon for free breakfast when you join their club(I think you have to purchase a breakfast to get the other one free, but could be mistaken on that). Check their websites for further info.

Mimi's - http://www.mimiscafe.com/

Millie's (has a Best Guest Club and a Kids Klub) - http://www.millies.com/

Naples, Catal and Tortilla Jo's are all owned by The Patina Group. Patina Group is currently offering a $30 certificate for any of their restaurants (including the ones in DTD) on your birthday if you sign up (for free) to receive their Simply Patina e-mail newsletter. Details are on their website.

http://www.patinagroup.com/joinus.php

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (to get on mailing list):

http://www.rbjazzkitchen.com/

LaBrea Bakery (to get on mailing list):

http://www.labreabakery.com/index.aspx


I also joined all the Facebook pages for any Disney-area restaurants I was interested in, including Rainforest Cafe, Mimi's, La Brea Bakery and Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. I am sure there are probably also pages for California Pizza Kitchen and all the other places in Garden Walk nearby to DLR. I would suggest getting on every Facebook page and joining every mailing (usually e-mail) list for every place you can think of, as they will send out info and alerts of special discounts, promos or coupons here and there, all to your News Feed or e-mail.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

I have not yet eaten at Mimi's or Millie's, but they are both very popular among DIS-ers. One of those two restaurants - can't recall which one - offers a coupon for free breakfast (I think you have to purchase a breakfast to get the other one free, but could be mistaken on that). Check their websites for further info.

It's Mimi's that offers the free breakfast when you purchase another breakfast entree, you must sign up for their Eclub. Don't sign up until right before your trip because the coupon they email expires approximately 2 weeks after they send it:

http://www.mimiscafe.com/EClub.aspx

 

[Sherry E]

It's Mimi's that offers the free breakfast when you purchase another breakfast entree, you must sign up for their Eclub. Don't sign up until right before your trip because the coupon they email expires approximately 2 weeks after they send it:

http://www.mimiscafe.com/EClub.aspx

Yeah, I just revised my post to include all the links, so I discovered it was Mimi's.

 

[frazzle]

Fantastic tips guys. I can move a bit on the "healthy" stuff so all these tips are going to be useful. I want to eat out of the park as much as possible to keep cost down but its good to know the "good value" eateries in DL as we are bound to have to get stuff there too. My boys eat SO MUCH these days.

Any tips for CA?

 

[rentayenta]

We are BIG believers in sharing. Other than some snacks and water, I don't like to lug a bunch of food in. Part of the fun, for us, is enjoying the yummy treats and meals that Disneyland offers. We always share snacks- none of us need an entire Dole Float and admittedly, it wouldn't be a Disney trip without them. Same goes for popcorn, dark choclate Rocky Road, and the like.

I think the portions are big at some of the restaurants. As mentioned before the Plaza Inn fried chicken dinner is easily large enough for 2. It easily feeds my DH and I. By sharing we also don't waste food.

Redd Rocket's is also another great place to share. For the 5 of, see siggy for ages, we order pizza, a large salad, and a large pasta to share. We walk away with minimal waste and satisfied tummys. Once I put to the rest of having to feel stuffed, my wallet got fatter while my waistline did not.


I like buying the Mickey ice cream bars, frozen lemonades, and churros and as long as my children are willing to share, I will continue to buy them all the fun treats that we love so much.

I think sharing will save more $$$$ than you think. Give it a whirl.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Fantastic tips guys. I can move a bit on the "healthy" stuff so all these tips are going to be useful. I want to eat out of the park as much as possible to keep cost down but its good to know the "good value" eateries in DL as we are bound to have to get stuff there too. My boys eat SO MUCH these days.

Any tips for CA?

Free tortillas (corn or flour-depending on what they are making) at the Mission Tortilla factory. Wear your Happy Birthday button and get a package, free. Used to be 12, now it varies-3, 5, 7, etc. You can get a tortilla each time you go through. Sometimes you don't even have to watch the short movie.

Across the way you can get free small pieces of sourdough bread at Boudini's.

For eating at DCA we go to WWS. It's only about 1 minute walk from the GC/DCA entrance (by GRR). And that's if you're a slow walker.

Currently under rehab is Wine Country Trattoria. I enjoy the Pizzetta Salad here. Especially on a nice day, seating outside on the terrace. It's something my DM and I will share and be more than satisfied. It's a cold salad served on a warm pizza shell. "Pizzeta Salad* - Romaine hearts, Roma tomatoes, smoked bacon, crumbled blue cheese, Kalamata olives with a creamy Italian dressing served on a warm pizzeta crust $10.99"

 

[happylrac]

we love fresh and tasty food, bbq stuff, spicy stuff. We have 3 kids ages 3,6 and 10 so sitting in a restaurant is not a priority. We will happily take our food and find a spot somewhere. Maybe one nice sit down meal would be fun. I was thinking maybe the Carnation Cafe. Does anyone know if you can book on line?

So any ideas and recommendations would be great. Cheap and cheerful and hopefully a bit healthy

Try Alertos. Cheap but tasty mexican. Large portions. Maybe not so healthy ...

I can't link until I have 10 posts... this is my first so I would head on over to Yelp.com and search for Alertos in Anaheim, CA.

You can also find a lot of other places nearby to eat on the cheap as well. Yelp is your friend!

 

[rmom]

Remember - You can get any counter meal as a-la-carte. If you order a double patty hamburger, you can get an extra bun to get two hamburger.

have a great trip!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Remember - You can get any counter meal as a-la-carte.

Your mileage may vary. It's always a good idea to ask if you can get something a la carte, but I have been told every time at Award Wieners that they do not do a la carte. If anyone has recently (or even ever) gotten a la carte there, I'd sure love to know.