Here's what we do to save money on food:
--We usually fly, however, my parents winter in Florida so they meet us at WDW. They have one of those plug in cooler/refrigerators that you can plug in the car or the wall w/ an adapter. I highly recommend this!!!!!
--Because you're driving you can also bring a toaster oven with you. This is great for bagels in the morning, toasted cheese sandwiches for lunch, snack or light dinner & we have also done individual pizzas in it.
--The road that meets "Hotel Blvd" near Downtown Disney is 535. There are many off-site restaurants there (a lot of familiar chains) that are less expensive than WDW restaurants. The Orlando Ale House is a great place. Very, very extensive menu with extremely reasonable prices.
--Also on 535 is a Winn Dixie (make a left when you get to the Crossroads) & go down about a mile or 2 - it's on the right. Regular "at home" prices. Goodings in the Crossroads Plaza is quite overpriced IMO. Bringing your own food to the room will save a ton of money.
--Let each child have their own fanny pack to put snacks in when you go to the parks - dry cereal, pretzel nubs, goldfish, etc. & let them each bring their own water bottle. You can freeze them in the small part of the fridge overnight & they will stay cold all day long.
--If you do want to go out to breakfast one day a great on-site spot is Trail's End Buffet at Fort Wilderness. It's the best value on property IMO.
Have a great time when you're there.
BTW - if you were to rent a fridge through the resort it's $10 daily plus tax so for the cost you're probably better off buying your own unit & using it in your vehicle & the room if you have the space in your vehicle!!
--We usually fly, however, my parents winter in Florida so they meet us at WDW. They have one of those plug in cooler/refrigerators that you can plug in the car or the wall w/ an adapter. I highly recommend this!!!!!
--Because you're driving you can also bring a toaster oven with you. This is great for bagels in the morning, toasted cheese sandwiches for lunch, snack or light dinner & we have also done individual pizzas in it.
--The road that meets "Hotel Blvd" near Downtown Disney is 535. There are many off-site restaurants there (a lot of familiar chains) that are less expensive than WDW restaurants. The Orlando Ale House is a great place. Very, very extensive menu with extremely reasonable prices.
--Also on 535 is a Winn Dixie (make a left when you get to the Crossroads) & go down about a mile or 2 - it's on the right. Regular "at home" prices. Goodings in the Crossroads Plaza is quite overpriced IMO. Bringing your own food to the room will save a ton of money.
--Let each child have their own fanny pack to put snacks in when you go to the parks - dry cereal, pretzel nubs, goldfish, etc. & let them each bring their own water bottle. You can freeze them in the small part of the fridge overnight & they will stay cold all day long.
--If you do want to go out to breakfast one day a great on-site spot is Trail's End Buffet at Fort Wilderness. It's the best value on property IMO.
Have a great time when you're there.
BTW - if you were to rent a fridge through the resort it's $10 daily plus tax so for the cost you're probably better off buying your own unit & using it in your vehicle & the room if you have the space in your vehicle!!
but I'll explain it the way I would take. 
) The lit sign on the building is on the side road that you make the left on to. 
