Dining plans for non-dining people

[sukhakuli]

We're going for a Mon-Fri trip soon, and I'm doing some planning.

We're taking my MIL, who hasn't been to DL since she took my dh in the 80's. I don't think they were huge fans, because they stopped going and started going to Magic Mountain instead. She doesn't like to eat out much, and neither does my dh. But, obviously we have to eat out, and the kids and I like to. So I'm trying to make everyone happy. I want to keep the plans flexible, but I also want to avoid standing around for an hour while we just keep saying back and forth "where do you want to eat?" "I don't know, where do you want to eat?"

We're going to have a fridge and microwave, so I was going to bring some oatmeal and breakfast sandwiches for some quick mornings, and sandwich stuff for some quick lunches and dinners in the room.

The kids want to do Mickey and Friends, so I will book that for a breakfast. We are going to plan on a Rainforest Cafe late lunch/early dinner. We'll probably do an IHop or Mimi's stop one day if I know the kids. And a stop at Wetzels Pretzels for pretzel dogs and Haagan Daaz, once again, kid choice. And then we will probably stop at our favorite counter service places in the parks for other meals as needed, so I think that will work out.

I'm wondering if I should book the Blue Bayou or that other restaurant in the French Quarter for another meal? Or do you think that starting to push it for the "I hate sit down meals" crowd? That would be a sit down meal at Mickeys, Rainforest, and probably Ihop or Mimis', in 5 days.

 

[millie0312]

I'm no DLR expert, but I have heard RAVING reviews from BB and the atmosphere is wonderful! I would think if you keep it to places like BB and Rainforest Cafe that have so much to look at and do and are really a fun place (as opposed to sitting down to an Ihop), it will make a difference. I would think with the two themed places, the Mickey breakfast (you probably won't be paying attention to the food AND its a buffet) and only one Ihop you should be fine. If they are really against Ihop since its a "normal" place to eat maybe grab some mickey pancakes for breakfast from one of the places in DLR or DTD- then that is themed and is probably a little quicker than Ihop. GL and hopefully the two anti-eating out people will enjoy the fun places to eat!

 

[Chrisfilm]

What's their opposition to eating out? That might help with making recommendations.

 

[peterpanandwendy]

Yeah, I agree with PP, what is the reason why they don't like to eat out…. cost? health reasons? picky eaters?

My husband doesn't care for eating out because of cost, but I'm a HUGE foodie, and eating out is part of the thrill for me.

Knowing that answer might help for giving suggestions….

 

[mybestieismickey]

I think that 3 sit down meals in 5 days is a good balance for people that like to eat out v. those that don't. I would however consider swapping the RFC for Blue Bayou (or another choice). I find the noise level in RFC to be overwhelming and I find it difficult to enjoy my food or have a conversation. That could be a real turn off for someone who doesn't really want to be there anyway.

Some things to keep in mind:
1. BB is expensive. Maybe not a good choice for lukewarm diners.
2. BB gets very mixed reviews here on the boards. Keep that in mind. I haven't been since 2006, and I'm not missing it. I just don't find it to be a good value. But for a splurge trip, I would consider it, but mostly for the atmosphere.
3. There are a few restaurants in the parks that I consider to be in-between. Certainly not sit down, but way nicer than your average counter service. My favorites are the Plaza, the French Market, and Flo's. Maybe give those a shot?

Good luck with your planning! I know how hard it is to coordinate a ton of people.

 

[sukhakuli]

They don't like to eat out because it takes so much time, and costs too much money. My MIL especially is very anti-spending money. She is a hard core Christian, and part of her beliefs are against "abundance." I was stunned when she accepted our invitation to go when she had always refused before. I really want her to have a good time.

We have done the BB before, and I wasn't all that impressed. I think most of that was that our seat was right by the entrance, so we didn't get to experience much of the atmosphere. But, I think if we could see Pirates, maybe the rest of the fam would have fun.

I chose RFC because the kids love it. I guess I figured if MIL is going to be shaking her head over food prices and giving me her disapproving face, we might as well choose places to eat the kids like. Maybe it will soften her up a bit. So, basically, everything I chose was with the kids in mind. My MIL would prefer eating sandwiches in the room for every meal. We booked her a hotel room, too, she would probably rather sleep on the floor in our room, but we're paying for it and I figured she deserved a bed. She once spent 2 nights sleeping in an airport to save hotel money on a trip. It's just the way she is. And no, it's not a budget issue, they are doing well financially.

 

[Chrisfilm]

Fair enough. Unfortunately it sounds like anywhere you eat will not please your MIL if she gets anxious about the costs. As far as the time issue, I'd suggest finding some counter services that look like they have nice ambient seating areas. Then you have the feel of eating out but as soon as you finish your meal, you can be up and going again. No waiting around for your food or for the bill.

 

[peterpanandwendy]

I agree with PP, skip the New Orleans dinner. The restaurants in New Orleans, while lovely, are expensive, and you are really only paying for ambiance. I'm totally ok with that, but many people (it sounds like your MIL) may not be.

There are plenty of counter service places that are nice, like French Market.

Also, you *can* bring sandwiches into the park. I know they say you can't, but people do it all the time. If you don't want to go back to the hotel for lunches/dinners you could pack a small lunch size cooler with an ice pack and some sandwiches, then when you stop for lunch at a CS place, she could just have a sandwich if she wanted. You can also pack snacks and stuff for your family to have during the day.

In all honesty, I AM a 'eating out' sort of person, I love nice dinners, but we only have 2 sit down meals planned in our ENTIRE 5 day trip… one at BB and one at BTRB, the rest is hotel meals (breakfasts) and counter service or back pack snacks… so your itinerary sounds like a lot of sit down meals to me already…

 

[Liltx]

Are you paying for the meals? If so then maybe buffets would be good, that way she doesnt have to look at menu prices. If not, then I would tell them your plans and ask them if they would like to join you or make their own plans. A few meals apart might not be a bad idea anyway.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

If you haven't already done so, look over the menus for all of the restaurants in the parks, resorts, and DTD. There's a section on this site, or you can go to www.allears.net. With two picky kids (and a somewhat picky husband), I always make a list of the places where everyone will find something to eat. There's nothing worse than walking around with a hungry family and reading menus, trying to find somewhere to eat. You can also see the current pricing for each place.

It's also sometimes fun (and cheaper) to think outside of the box at mealtimes. You can hit the food carts and pick up a few snacks rather than sitting down for a full meal. For example, if everyone isn't starving, sometimes a Mickey pretzel and fruit will fit the bill (leaves room for ice cream a little later!).

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

Meals are the least of your worries. If your MIL is that stingy, she'll probably have non-stop sticker shock every time she sees a price tag or menu anywhere in DLR. Disneyland is no fun with people who complain about the experience of being there. You might want to prep her and set some ground rules--and boundaries--in advance. No matter what she believes, it's your vacation and if anything her duty is to be grateful for being included. (Then again, I have no qualms about ditching Disney downers, family or not.)

 

[Liltx]

Meals are the least of your worries. If your MIL is that stingy, she'll probably have non-stop sticker shock every time she sees a price tag or menu anywhere in DLR. Disneyland is no fun with people who complain about the experience of being there. You might want to prep her and set some ground rules--and boundaries--in advance. No matter what she believes, it's your vacation and if anything her duty is to be grateful for being included. (Then again, I have no qualms about ditching Disney downers, family or not.)

Just want to mention that sometimes people have very good reasons for being anxious about money. My dgm is like this because she grew up during the depression and they nearly starved to death. Others may have similar stories or issues and "ditching" them might not be right or fair if you already know how they are most likely going to behave. Now, knowing this about my grandmother we choose to take her on cruises or stay in beach condos. I wouldnt take her to disney and expect her not to worry about money or ditch her if she did. I would let her know the plans and let her choose whethet or not to join us and then offer alternate plans if she didnt want to join us for dinner. Although we always pay so not much chance of her not joining us.

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

If you do BB, you can split the plates. If you want 2 first courses (i.e., salad or soup) from that one meal, there is a split plate charge. Otherwise, there is no charge for an extra plate. Honestly? Those sandwiches are big enough for 2 adults and 2 kids. You can also request waterside seating; it will likely be an extra 20-30 minute wait from the time you check in.

You could also do something like Hungry Bear where you have MIL sit next to the water with the kids, while you go and order the food. She would never see the menu. The salads are big enough for 2. I have never had more than a 5 minute wait there and always get great seats.

 

[purplecrush]

Meals are the least of your worries. If your MIL is that stingy, she'll probably have non-stop sticker shock every time she sees a price tag or menu anywhere in DLR. Disneyland is no fun with people who complain about the experience of being there. You might want to prep her and set some ground rules--and boundaries--in advance. No matter what she believes, it's your vacation and if anything her duty is to be grateful for being included. (Then again, I have no qualms about ditching Disney downers, family or not.)

I agree 100% with this!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Meals are the least of your worries. If your MIL is that stingy, she'll probably have non-stop sticker shock every time she sees a price tag or menu anywhere in DLR. Disneyland is no fun with people who complain about the experience of being there. You might want to prep her and set some ground rules--and boundaries--in advance. No matter what she believes, it's your vacation and if anything her duty is to be grateful for being included. (Then again, I have no qualms about ditching Disney downers, family or not.)

Totally agree with this, but as the other poster said "split" I would use the word "share" since there is a split plate charge.

Jack