*CHEAP EATS!* What and Where?

[rgoble5972]

Fate has smiled upon us (via Southwest Airline's cheap fares to Orlando) and we are lucky enough to be able to squeeze in a quick trip to WDW in September. We already have our yearly trek to the Food & Wine Festival planned for November, so the September trip has to be *gasp!* on a budget!

That's right, no Victoria & Alberts or California Grill for us this time--we're on the cheap right down to our choice of resorts, the All-Stars!

So, what is your favorite "bargain" (in Disney terms) place to eat at WDW and what do you order there? We plan on trying Trail's End at Ft. Wilderness but any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[TINK61]

That's a short list, I'm sure, especially if you don't have a car to go off-site. Sometimes we would just grab whatever just to fill our stomachs - like hot dogs from a vendor or even those enormous turkey legs. They run about $3.50. If you want a sit down restaurant, maybe you can just order apetizers. They are usually pretty large and cost less than an entree. Also - get seated before 5:00, and you can still order from the lunch menu, which is usually the same food, but for less money.

Whatever you decide, Bon Apetit.

 

[Rhonda]

We like the Boardwalk Bakery for breakfast - they have a really good egg/sausage/cheese wrap sandwich pretty cheap.

The Trail's End is a good choice for any of the meals! And, when you go there - be sure to check out the other "free" stuff too (petting zoo, blacksmith shop, browsing around the trading posts, the campfire program/movie)

At Epcot, you can get by with counter service from the various countries for lunch or dinner pretty cheap! We like the egg rolls at China, nachos at Mexico, brats at Germany, and a Beavertail from Norway for dessert! You can also order a "kids" meal from China (egg roll, fried rice, drink) for around $3. And, order a kids meal from Mexico (burrito, rice, churro & drink) also for around $3.

 

[bobcat]

Good suggestions so far. The toppings bar at Peco's Bills in the MK makes for a very filling hamburger. Cosmic Raysalso has a toppings bar but whenever we ate here in July the toppings were alwys gone and very slow to replenish.

Turkey legs can feed two easily. The meal deal available in AK is also a pretty good deal if you like an afternoon ice cream.

 

[NHLFAN]

While in the parks my budget meals include:

Turkey Legs and Baked Potatoes...

 

[diznee25]

Casey's Corner in Magic Kingdom.

We ate there and thought the food was really good for "cheap eats." Both of us had a hot dog with fries and drinks, came to $16 for 2 adults.

They have every imaginable topping you could want on a hot dog. Pile as high as you wish, doesn't cost extra.

Michelle

 

[MikeWazowski]

I hope you like bread and water, if your trying to eat cheap. LOL I would never describe Disney Dining as cheap. But, if you stick to mostly counter-service and maybe one big sit-down dinner, you should be able to stay in your budget. For conuter-service in MK I really like the Culumbia Harbor House. It's great to go up to the second floor and get away from teh hustle and bustle of the park.

 

[mazzarafe]

I second Columbia Harbor House for a cheap eat. Me and DH tried the clam and chili bread bowls and they were very filling. About $5 each too I believe. And don't forget that you can get a larger soda and ask for an extra cup with ice to cut down on drinks.

MGM has Starring Rolls Bakery for a quick breakfast.

Also staying at the All Stars they have very resonable prices for breakfast. We never ate there for dinner but there menu was not bad.

 

[GlennandAnn]

We like El Pirata y el Perico in MK, Columbia Harbor House, and Casey's Corner. You could also hop a bus or the monorail and check out the food courts in the resorts. The one in POR is a favorite of our's.

Ann

 

[rgoble5972]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions.

NHLFAN--I had forgotten about the baked potatoes! We got my nephew one at MGM once (I think at the Toluca Turkey Leg stand). It was huge and cost around $3.

mazzarafe and MikeWazowski--I have heard several good comments about Columbia Harbor House. We'll have to give it a try.

 

[Kim&Chris]

The All Star Food Courts get my vote for one of the best CHEAP EATS on property.

Last time we were there, I got a nice-sized chicken parm, along with a side of spaghetti for $6.75. The same exact thing anywhere else would have been at least twice that price.

 

[bearzabout]

I have a long list of bargain favorites (prices are my best guesses):

Magic Kingdom:
Pecos Bill Burger with all the toppings for around $6.50. Columbia Harbor house for Garden Galley Salad $6.50.
Dole whip float $3.50.

Epcot:
Fountainview Cafe: Fruit tart for $4.00.
Japan: Salad with ginger dressing, bowl of miso soup, ginger ice cream or tofu pudding for dessert $6.50.
Great Britain: Fish & Chips for around $7.00.
Norway: Sweet Pretzel for $3.00.
France: Peach tart or chocolate eclair for $4.00.
Morocco: Lamb Shawarma platter for $9.00. Add baklava for $2.50.

MGM: Grapefruit cake from bakery for $4.50.

Animal Kingdom:
Ribs from Flame Tree BBQ for $9.00 (or get a large drink and ice cream for dessert for $12.50 after tax).
Rotisserie chicken from Tusker House for $8.00.


RESORTS:

Beach Club: Go to Beaches and Cream for the best burger for $9.00. I love their chocolate shakes ($5.00).

Animal Kingdom Lodge: Sugar Cane Chicken at Mara for $8.00.
Add chocolate mouse crunch and zebra domes for $4.00.

Polynesian: Desserts at coffee bar during lunch time for around $3.00.

Downtown Disney:
Bongos walk up window for empanadas $1.25 and croquettes $.75. A few dollars goes a long way here.
Share a pizza or salad from Wolfgang Puck Express for $10.00.
Caramel apples from the confectionery: $3.50.

Many of these take away desserts become my breakfast in the morning along with grapes, an apple or tangerine.

I can go on forever. I love Disney's "fast food".

 

[rgoble5972]

bearzabout,

Wow, that's quite a list. Thanks for the good suggestions, particularly for the Downtown Disney options--I hadn't thought about eating there.

 

[Safari Steve]

Disney/MGM Studios: Starring Rolls Bakery has a Lunch Special which is a panini sandwich, regular drink, and bag of chips for $6 and some change, easily the best deal at Studios for counter service.
The other day I saw a woman coming out of the Main St. Bake Shop at MK with a similar looking sandwich. Because most people think breakfast or dessert when they think of bakeries, the wait around lunch time at both locations is pretty short (which is why I think they are offering this).

Also, if you go to Animal Kingdom, you will want to take advantage of the Meal+ vouchers $11.99 for adults includes a counter service entree and large drink + an ice cream novelty or box of popcorn + a bottled soda or bottled water. Only available at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

 

[FloridaCat]

Back Lot has good sanwichws, tell them to hold the fries for even a better deal. As a local it is one of our favorites at MGM as we pop in and out of a park at our convenience

 

[merrywether]

I'm also a fan of Columbia Harbor House. For a southern restaurant, they have some pretty good New England clam chowder, IMO.

In EPCOT, I'm a fan of the sunshine food faire in The Land. We eat there once per trip for lunch. I usually get the combo meal of a bacon and cheese baked potato, side salad, and tollhouse cookie for just under $7. What's cool about the Land is that much of the veggies they use in their restaurants come right from the greenhouses on the Living with the Land boat tour.

 

[FloridaCat]

The best cost cutter for us is to buy bottled water at Walmart and fill a waste can with ice. your looking at 30-50 cents versus 2.50.
Don't throw your bottleaway, every rest area has drinking fountains, plus venders have to give you ice.

 

[travelbug]

Columbia Harbour House at MK - love that Galley Garden Salad!

Sci-Fi at MGM - Their sandwiches are huge!! The portion of fries was also plenty big. Splitting a sandwich and fries should give 2 adults a nice amount, especially if you fill it out with a milkshake.

Tusker House at AK - rotisserie chicken meal is relatively cheap and gives plenty.

Cantina de San Angel at Epcot - pretty reasonably priced Mexican food.

Glad you're trying out Trail's End. It's a great value, and a fun laidback place to eat out.

Hey, even on a tight budget, it's wonderful that you can squeeze in another trip. Have a fantastic time!

 

[ScottOKW2K]

Another vote for Columbia Harbour House. My daughter and I usually split the Captain's Special , she takes the chicken and I get the fish. Neither one of us leaves hungry. Also, many people "forget" about the seating area and restrooms upstairs. Kinda nice to be eating in air-conditioned comfort while people-watching.

Ice cream sundae from Main Street Ice Cream Parlor - I know, technically not a meal, but it's so gooooood

.


Pecos Bills, of course.

 

[kayeandjim00]

Another vote for Casey's Corner. It's very good hot dogs and fries for a reasonable price. We always make a stop here - we just love their hot dogs!