Dining outside Disney

[potterfanatic]

We are a family of five from New England headed to Disney for 6 nights. In a very very strange coincidence we booked our trip at the same time that my Brother and Sister in law from SC booked their trip to Universal Studios. When we told my husband's parents from FL they they decided to come do the Universal trip with the other two. We all decided since we had trip tickets and park tickets to different parks that we would only meet up for dinner one night. There are now going to be 9 of us, and we are looking for a budget friendly sit down restaurant outside of either of the parks (They will have a car and will be picking us up as we are not renting a car). I have been doing so much planning for this trip that I feel like reservations are really important. Does anyone have any tips for a restaurant outside of Disney that takes reservations?

 

[powellrj]

Name a chain and it will be there! Check restaurant.com for some great coupons. At the end of the month they are usually cheaper.

 

[shoney]

One of our favorites down there is TuTu Tango. It is a tapas place, so with 9 ppl you will be able to have lots of variety.
http://cafetututango.com/

 

[lubob]

I love margaritaville at city walk. Great atmosphere and the food is excellent!!

 

[bearzabout]

Millers ale house can fit large parties and has some great specials. Dinners are generally less than $15 each. There is a Cheesesteak factory north of Universal. Bahama Breeze is an ok chain. Be careful of places like Citywalk or Pointe Orlando that charge for parking.

Cafe Tutu Tango would be great.

Restaurant.com often has a deal for 50% off at House of Blues at Disney Springs.

 

[dromio42]

One of our favorites down there is TuTu Tango. It is a tapas place, so with 9 ppl you will be able to have lots of variety.
http://cafetututango.com/

Totally agree! We went there three times our last trip. lots of options, you can order as you eat so that you don't over order, and the have happy hour deals weekday 4:30-6:30 on the patio - full menu available, but many discounted items.

 

[potterfanatic]

Thank you everyone! I'm so thankful for all the great suggestions that I can pass on to the group so that it can go smoothly!

 

[Minniesgal]

We always visit Bahama Breeze and Cheesecake Factory but neither take reservations which can be a pain so we tend to do lunch not dinner.

We also love Smokey bones

 

[MickeyManiac]

We love Miller's Ale House near Disney Springs. It's a must do for every trip. There are also lots of restaurants in Disney Springs but they are on the pricier side.

 

[kj2mom]

We are from MA and have to say we fell in love with Steak N Shake. The meals were very inexpensive, even getting shakes for drinks. There is one just outside Disney Springs. To make it even less expensive I bought a gift card for less than face value that almost covered our meal. When we went they also had an app that when you download you get a fee shake reward (not sure if that it still the case now?).

It is a very casual, bottom of the line kind of place but my children loved it. We found ourselves there for shakes 3 more times after going for dinner on our arrival night.

 

[cedricandsophie]

If they are coming to Disney to get you, there are lots of options at Disney Springs, like Splitsville. Plus, just curious...do they a car big enough for 9 people? If not, it would be easy to meet them at Disney Springs.

 

[dacraig09]

I would consider a place at Disney Springs or a sit down at one of the resorts. Some of the best restaurants on property are hidden at the resorts and are rarely super busy.

 

[potterfanatic]

Plus, just curious...do they a car big enough for 9 people

No, they will be bringing two cars. Although, I do love the idea of a 9 seater car!


Thank you for all of the great ideas! I now feel a bit more prepared when they ask, "Where should we go for dinner?"

 

[sdchickie]

We love Hash House A Go Go. The serving sizes are huge so you can easily split meals. When the 4 of us go we usually split 3 meals and then we get a great variety. All the food we've had there has been delicious!

 

[LovesTimone]

I would go with something at Disney Springs, like T-Rex or Rainforest, Fun atmosphere, and the portions are quite large and easy to share. Raglan Road would be another option for a large group. Great food and music, and Irish dancers.

After dinner you could walk around and spend some more time together. Lots to see and do, music performers in the evening are super talented, and a huge variety of styles.

If adult beverage come into play I would suggest that a cab, car service so that everyone is safe.

 

[potterfanatic]

We love Hash House A Go Go.

Those serving sizes look huge! We are all into trying each other's foods so this might be a good way to go. Is it in Disney Springs?

If adult beverage come into play I would suggest that a cab, car service so that everyone is safe.

Thank you for this. My mother in law and sister in law don't drink, so we don't have to worry about that, but I honestly believe people don't advise others to be safe often enough. I appreciate it.

 

[Praying Colonel]

We like the Lake Buena Vista Giordanos, which serves Chicago-style pizza and other Italian favorites (although we go for the Chicago-style).

 

[Anthony1971]

There is a Texas Roadhouse near Animal Kingdom outside of Disney... It is a chain steak place there steaks are good they also have hand cut steaks that are much higher quality and price.. they also have ribs chicken burgers etc... They do not take reservations but have call ahead seating check the website if interested they are very reasonable price wise and most have a 8.99 special on weekdays before 6 with some decent options. There portions are also large... they however usually have peanuts in shells everywhere which is great if you like them but not so good if someone has an allergy...

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

We are a family of five from New England headed to Disney for 6 nights. In a very very strange coincidence we booked our trip at the same time that my Brother and Sister in law from SC booked their trip to Universal Studios. When we told my husband's parents from FL they they decided to come do the Universal trip with the other two. We all decided since we had trip tickets and park tickets to different parks that we would only meet up for dinner one night. There are now going to be 9 of us, and we are looking for a budget friendly sit down restaurant outside of either of the parks (They will have a car and will be picking us up as we are not renting a car). I have been doing so much planning for this trip that I feel like reservations are really important. Does anyone have any tips for a restaurant outside of Disney that takes reservations?

Miller's Ale House. 35 fried shrimp for 10.49...twin lobster tails for $19.99...budget friendly and tasty.

 

[sk8jdgca]

Hash house a go go is on International drive up by Universal. It is amazing! sweet Tomatoes at the crossroads is very good and if you sign up you get good coupons sent to you. We want to try Teck too it looks so good.