Cutting food costs at Disney

[garnetandblack]

I haven't gone in my birthday month in 3 years, but I carry my ID with me anyway because I have an AP and TiW. Both of those require ID for any discounts.

Landry's has never asked for our id for our $25 credit - but they have for alcohol, lol! The credit is good from the 1st day of your birthday month until the 15th day of the following month.

 

[mousestruck]

What a great thread! We're Disney vets and thought we knew all the tricks, but picked up a few new ones here! I am definitely signing up for the Landry Select membership, since we'll be visiting during DH's birthday month. With a stacked $50 credit, we may as well do Y&Y TS instead of QS during our AK day. (I realize it's really only a $25 savings, but it will feel like $50 since we've paid $25 in advance... chalk it up to "Disney math"!)

We always have a case of water bottles shipped for free from Staples. I believe they recently changed the minimum charge for free delivery, so I may have to consider another option. But a nice savings if you prefer water bottles to cups of water in the parks. We also bring breakfast foods and snacks with us. For breakfast we like English muffins (using toaster in DVC studio) or muffins, little cereal boxes, instant oatmeal and Pop Tarts. Favorite snacks include peanut butter cracker sandwiches, goldfish, pretzels, fruit snacks, slim jims and Pringles. We still splurge for Mickey bars and other treats now and then, but it's nice to have the extra snacks on hand when kids are hungry on line. We like TS dining as a part of our Disney experience, but DD and I will sometimes order appetizers instead of entrees, or even share a meal if we're not that hungry.

Happy saving!

 

[jeeperwy]

Just as a note. I don't know if they do this at all locations because this year was the only year I've been able to use my birthday reward but at rainforest cafe in DL they DID ask to see my drivers license before they would apply my credit.
Kari

 

[poohbear1208]

Following

 

[TravelMommy]

Cutting Food Costs: When we have a full kitchen available, we have a big breakfast and usually take in drinks and snacks. One of the easiest ways to save at QS is to bring in your own drinks (we don't drink Florida water). Instead of paying for a locker you might want to consider bringing a few backpacks and that way you will have what you need when ready. A "meal" could be cheese and crackers and fruit or yogurt and fruit or sandwich wraps-they travel well, carrot sticks, fruit. We stuck a small soft sided cooler in our backpacks to put cold drinks and snacks. We have brought PB&J sandwiches, trail mix. We went earlier this year and I have seen a few menus recently and I think prices have gone up since then!- Omg, a Mickey Bar is now $4.25--what? I thought $3.75 was too much[ I once saw a rather ingenious family who stuck lunchmeat/cheese in a small cooler with ice pack and kept bread and condiments in separate bag and sat down and put all together-that way only one thing needed to be kept cool and sandwiches were fresher.] You could always pick up a meal on the way back to hotel, or stop at a grocery store-rotisserie chicken, etc., if you were hungry later.

 

[bbak30]

I was contemplating discarding a lot of our ADRs because of how expensive it already looks. We may or may not go with kid meals for most of my meals (I don't eat much, but one can never know after walking upwards of 20 mi a day), so we may just do away with some of them. But it's making me a little sad because I was really looking forward to this being an extremely special trip for us (it's his first time and it's our first vacation together and just lots of firsts!) and was willing to make the splurge, but, oy vey, our food budget is being blown out the water and we still haven't gotten to look into Universal food pricing and grocery shopping! ;___;

Why don't you get a gift card and put some money on it, then you won't have to worry about it. I'm contemplating that too. There were several times that I wanted an app for my entree but didn't get it because it wasn't allowed AND it wasn't a good value. I'm actually looking forward to some freedom without the dining plan!

 

[bbak30]

You can still order off the kids meal for her, or just get apps. My 13 year old son still orders of the kids menu everywhere we ever go, both in and out of Disney. If somewhere ever told him no, he'd just get a soup or some kind of app instead (and not because I make him)

That's the plan! We will probably book 1 character meal or buffet, but the rest will be regular table service where she can order off the kids menu or get an app. She LOVES salads and soups. So does my youngest. When we go out at home, we will often get one salad (with chicken or something) and they will share it. You can't do that on the dining plan. So we are looking forward to getting what we want.

 

[Disneyliscious]

We packed snacks on our trip this past October. Saved a ton on food costs. We ate breakfast in the condo every morning and packed things like others have already suggested. We also packed lunchables. They are lightweight, cheap, and an adult can eat like 4 of them for about $5. One thing I recommend is to make sure whatever you pack isn't very heavy. I also would not recommend a locker.

I carried a collapsible cooler like it was a purse. It wasn't very big and it went on every ride with me. I think it was like 10x15 and since it was collapsible, I could smash it down once empty space was created in it.

If you DO rent a locker for your cooler, I HIGHLY recommend taking a boat to one of the resorts and eating while on the boat ride. The one from MK to FW takes a while and it makes for an AWESOME meal!

 

[Bree]

I was referring to tables surrounding QS restaurants (BBQ restaurant in AK) and indoor tables at QS restaurants. You can easily sit at benches or find a space on a lawn somewhere. I have no problem with other patrons of the QS restaurant using them. I have never taken in a meal to the parks. I am on vacation and have no desire to haul food around the park in order to save a few $$.

Nope. Not going through walk around the parks looking for that elusive bench that is not located in a smoking area. Also not going to make my kids try and balance their food and drinks on their laps while sitting on a curb. I don't go inside quick serve locations to use tables, but tables outside or along walkways near establishments are fair game IMO. There are zero signs anywhere in WDW that state tables are reserved for QS paying customers only.

 

[kymom99]

One thing I have noticed when we have been at WDW or DL, we sometimes ate a late lunch or early dinner and plan to get something later. Then we would get busy on rides and everything would be closed. Now, I could live without eating again but I always feel like a bad mother when that happens. One time when my son was little we were in MK late in the evening and never really ate dinner. All I could find was cookies and soda available for a snack. We got back to the resort and the food court was closed. Those places just do not stay open late. Luckily someone asked a CM who was still in the food court closing up if they could get something out of the fridge case. So I was able to get a carton of milk and something else decent for my son to have as a snack before bed. When we were at DL the same thing happened. My son and I were having a great time riding rides and I had planned to get a baked potato for dinner. By the time we got around to it, the CS that sold the potatoes was closed. We did find something but I don't remember what it was and it wasn't what I had planned. So having some things in your bag or at least in your room will save you from spending a lot of money on something gross that you really don't want to eat. Just go prepared.

 

[aquabone1109]

Nope. Not going through walk around the parks looking for that elusive bench that is not located in a smoking area. Also not going to make my kids try and balance their food and drinks on their laps while sitting on a curb. I don't go inside quick serve locations to use tables, but tables outside or along walkways near establishments are fair game IMO. There are zero signs anywhere in WDW that state tables are reserved for QS paying customers only.

So you think it's ok to use up the tables outside of the Pinocchio Village haus because they are located outside and are up for grabs for anyone to use even though they are intended to be used by patrons of that restaurant?

 

[sunshinemelody]

There are several TS locations with very reasonable prices. Like Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch, Sci-Fi Dine In, The Plaza, 50's Prime Time, Yak and Yeti, etc. When we ate TS at Yak and Yeti I ordered the side of fried rice and wonton soup. It was delicious and more than I could eat. Next time I plan to order the Dim Sum basket for 2 for $13.99 as my entree. The lettuce cups for 2 is also yummy and enough for a meal for 1 - I suggest just eat QS for Yak and Yeti though since it's the same food for much less. When we eat TS meals I typically just order a side salad and my husband orders an entree. The side salads are a good size and I just eat a few bites of his entree.

We've got 50's Prime Time Cafe as an option already, so, that's great news!

Our ADRs are Beaches & Cream (D), Crystal Palace (B), BOG (D), Akershus (B), Restaurant Marrakesh (D), 50's Cafe (L), Spirit of Aloha (D), Tusker House (D), and finally Ohana (B). In that order. B&C is our cheapest meal, too! We'd like to keep them, but not too sure how to cut back on costs at places like Tusker House or Marrakesh; any ideas?

 

[splunk]

My best tip for saving on food is never pay for breakfast at disney (except maybe once or twice). I see you're staying off site, cutting out one meal in the parks saves a lot in itself.
Scope out the quick service meals online, some are big enough to share. At quick service locations order off the kids menu especially depending on your appetite, the kids meals include a drink so if you or your kids want a soda thats an easy way to get out of paying the $3 for a cup.
Water is free at every quick service location.

When it comes to snacks go into the bakery shops and DON'T go to the counter with the fresh treats. Disney has proportioned snacks that are exactly the same and you can get enough for your whole family for a little above the cost of the ones in the chill boxes. My favorite are the rice krispy treats. For $3-5 you can get the fancy character decorated ones, or for $8 you can get a bag of 8 rice treat balls. They won't have icing or cute shapes but they're DELICIOUS and also fresh.
Look for a list of free offerings, you can walk up to any of the flavored pop corn stands and ask for a free sample before you commit to buying a bucket full it's also a great way for a free quick snack.

The best tip though, don't save too much. Saving money on your trip can be easy, but you don't want to cut corners on your vacation.

Definitely try and have a picnic lunch in the hub grass though It's beautiful and you'll make a lot of good memories there.

If you change your mind about table service try a lunch, they are worth it. Lunch menu's are usually similar to dinner menu's but they tend to run a little cheaper at some locations.

Great advice!

 

[sunshinemelody]

Why don't you get a gift card and put some money on it, then you won't have to worry about it. I'm contemplating that too. There were several times that I wanted an app for my entree but didn't get it because it wasn't allowed AND it wasn't a good value. I'm actually looking forward to some freedom without the dining plan!

Our gift card is our already large budget for meals which has already been factored into our savings for the trip. Getting a gift card won't make a difference to us, unfortunately. At least, I don't believe it will. I just don't see the difference between a gift card and my saying, "Hey, we put aside such-and-such an amount for this."

 

[Marionnette]

We've got 50's Prime Time Cafe as an option already, so, that's great news!

Our ADRs are Beaches & Cream (D), Crystal Palace (B), BOG (D), Akershus (B), Restaurant Marrakesh (D), 50's Cafe (L), Spirit of Aloha (D), Tusker House (D), and finally Ohana (B). In that order. B&C is our cheapest meal, too! We'd like to keep them, but not too sure how to cut back on costs at places like Tusker House or Marrakesh; any ideas?

Tusker House is a fixed-price buffet. The only discounts available are TiW (if you can even purchase it). Other than that, your only option is to pay with Disney GCs that you've acquired for less than face value.

Marrakesh offers both DVC and Tiw discounts. At least you can choose what you eat in order to keep your costs down. Skip the appetizers and desserts. Ask for water (filtered, not the bottled version) instead of ordering a beverage. And again, pay with a Disney GC that you got for less than face value.

Don't forget to tip your server appropriately in each situation.

 

[Marionnette]

Our gift card is our already large budget for meals which has already been factored into our savings for the trip. Getting a gift card won't make a difference to us, unfortunately. At least, I don't believe it will. I just don't see the difference between a gift card and my saying, "Hey, we put aside such-and-such an amount for this."

You need to read the Disney Gift Card Deals thread. You could save some money by using GCs, if you don't pay the face value of the GC.

 

[Bree]

So you think it's ok to use up the tables outside of the Pinocchio Village haus because they are located outside and are up for grabs for anyone to use even though they are intended to be used by patrons of that restaurant?

Yup. If there was nowhere else to go I would glady sit there. We have parked ourselves there many times to eat a Mickey bar.

ETA: A mickey bar being sold at a cart right near the tables, FWIW.

 

[mefordis]

Yup. If there was nowhere else to go I would glady sit there. We have parked ourselves there many times to eat a Mickey bar.

ETA: A mickey bar being sold at a cart right near the tables, FWIW.

I wouldn't expect you to make your kids sit on the ground to eat their lunch. I think unless a cm tells us otherwise the tables are fair game for eating. What bothers me is when people sit at the tables without eating while the place is full and not enough tables for people with food, bought or brought.

 

[Epcotgal8]

Nope. Not going through walk around the parks looking for that elusive bench that is not located in a smoking area. Also not going to make my kids try and balance their food and drinks on their laps while sitting on a curb. I don't go inside quick serve locations to use tables, but tables outside or along walkways near establishments are fair game IMO. There are zero signs anywhere in WDW that state tables are reserved for QS paying customers only.

Really? As many have said in this thread there are many places for your family to eat their picnic that don't take up a table at a counter service restaurant. Several counter service places won't even let you get a table until you get your food so they sure don't want their customers to not find a seat because of others who have brought their picnic take up a table. They don't need to put up signs for that. It's just common sense and common courtesy.

 

[sunshinemelody]

Tusker House is a fixed-price buffet. The only discounts available are TiW (if you can even purchase it). Other than that, your only option is to pay with Disney GCs that you've acquired for less than face value.

Marrakesh offers both DVC and Tiw discounts. At least you can choose what you eat in order to keep your costs down. Skip the appetizers and desserts. Ask for water (filtered, not the bottled version) instead of ordering a beverage. And again, pay with a Disney GC that you got for less than face value.

Don't forget to tip your server appropriately in each situation.

You need to read the Disney Gift Card Deals thread. You could save some money by using GCs, if you don't pay the face value of the GC.

PP never said Disney gift card, they merely said gift card, so, it's not like I would've known.

Also, of course? I don't see why mentioning the tip has anything at all to do with this. I don't stiff waiters their fair due.