Dining for college kids

[freshstart19]

My DD is planning on spending spring break at Disney with about 4 friends. They will be on a tight buget and trying to do things as cheaply as possible. They will be there for 8 nights. If you were 21, which one restuarant would you splurge on? Have not made lodging reservations yet. Trying to figure out transporation to both Disney and Universal parks from an off site location which is cheaper than the value resorts. May wind up at a value resort but again that is expensive for college kids on there own!

 

[momof2disprincesses]

My dd is in college also. If she had to "splurge" on one sit-down restaurant with friends, I think she would pick either Whispering Canyon Cafe or Sci Fi. However, she is too young to drink, so I don't know if that factors in here.

Other good ideas might be the new pizza place in Italy (Epcot), Via Napoli or really any of the WS restaurants.

In downtown Disney, Rainforest, T-Rex or Planet Hollywood could also be fun.

 

[tiggerunner]

T-Rex is pretty expensive, but fun and you can order the appetizers as a meal if not a huge eater.
We loved Earl of Sandwich in DD and Epcot counter service gives you the same food as sit down, but not huge portions and cheaper.

 

[FutureDis]

Splitting meals would certainly be your best bet on a budget. I assume they want a nice(er) sit down meal? What about Trail's End? Would be a nice boat ride over to Wilderness resort, and if they eat lunch ($14.99 - cheapest buffet on property I think) then they could have a light dinner / snack and save money there... At any rate, I'd do a nice lunch somewhere to save money, as lunch is cheaper, but can still have the nice experience. The lunch skillet at Whispering Canyon is only $15.99...

 

[pixarmom]

I just love this question because, while college was a very long time ago, I have great memories of college trips to WDW! I can remember all the fun AND all the budget issues - we stayed at Sports or off-site.

Our splurge meal was lunch at Biergarten in Epcot, and I would highly recommend it to the 21-and-over college crowd! Of course, we had lots of options with Pleasure Island at the time, but of the existing restaurants, I think Biergarten is a good choice.

OP, I hope your daughter has a great time!

 

[freshstart19]

Thanks for the suggestions! She actually went to the Biergarten with us back in 2008. I don't even recognize some of the names being thrown out. We live near NYC so Rainforest Cafe is not a big draw for her. There's actually one of those in the mall near us. I do recall it is cheaper to sit down at lunch. I'll pass this info along. Looks like the gang is already dwindling down. May just be 2 girls now. The others want a beach vacation.

 

[Jen12573]

Years ago when I was in college my friends and I did a day at Epcot and ate a late lunch at Tutto Italia. The food was great and well, the waiters were so handsome and attentive, it was fun for giggling college girls. Not to mention they met us at Pleasure Island for drinks and dancing that night. I think we shared meals to save on our expense.

 

[Madhatter266]

We went to Disney with our college DS (21) and six of his friends. They all had a great time - we stayed in a 2BDR at SSR. The ate several meals in - hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, etc. We did go out several times and they loved Prime Time, Chef Mickey's, Liberty Tree, the Princess Breakfast and the splurge was Le Cellier. All of them had saved their money during the previous 12 months.

 

[Pumbaa_]

go to restaurants.com and order a $25 (off $35) gift certificate for House of Blues. First time we went there and it was so good!

Che4ck around, there are usually codes to get the GC for $2. I had the voodoo shrimp and OMG!

DH had the catfish fingers and sweet potato fries appy.

We will go back and just order appies. The nice thing is you don't have to order 2 entrees, just $35 and get the $25 off

 

[Sweet Melissa]

At 21 and on a budget, I think I would make my one "splurge" Kouzzina. It's on the Boardwalk so there's good nighttime entertainment close by, and it's got a fun and celebratory atmosphere and great Mediterranean-inspired food.

 

[freshstart19]

Thanks for all of your replies! I'll share these with her. Just hopping she finds a friend who will commit to going. The airfare keeps going up as she waits for someone to commit!