Dining suggestions, please help :)

[eleda72]

Hello from Norway
So DD (23) and I am traveling to Orlando this summer. We have booked 14 days at POFQ with DP, but I think we are going to make some changes.
I have an AP

Since we would also be going to Universal, I am thinking of a split stay (9 days at Disney and 5 days at Universal)

I am also thinking of changing our resort at WDW to Pop (and Cabana Bay for Universal)

I think the DP alone was around $1300 for 9 and I am thinking we don’t eat that much. We don’t drink alcohol.

So I am thinking of canceling the DP
But I have ADR’s for California Grill Brunch
Storybook Dining
50’s Prime Time
Garden Grill

I really need some suggestions for places to eat (TS and QS) inside and outside the parks and Disney Springs that is nice and not to expensive. Somewhere in the middle is nice.

Can we share a meal?
I know some places like buffets, character dining etc you can’t share.

Should I keep brunch at California grill?
We had a great dinner there (DH and I) in November. It was our favorite meal with Garden Grill as a good second.

We also ate at Liberty Tree Tavern, but I did not have a good meal there.
The character meal with Ariel etc was just okay.

I am thinking maybe some of the QS and not so expensive restaurants at the resorts would be okay to try?
Something different.

I would really appreciate some help
Thank you.

Adele Marie.
Ps; we are visiting all the parks and Disney Springs.

 

[Eve & Wall-e]

These are our favorite QS restaurants:
MK: Pecos Bill
EP: Electric Umbrella
AK: Satu’li Canteen
HS: None (always do table service)
Disney Springs: Earl of Sandwich

We've had three long stays at POFQ. It's our favorite Disney resort. We've never done the dining plan. We haven't been to California Grill yet. One of our favorite TS is Sci-Fi.

We were at Cabana Bay at Universal Dec. 2017 and really liked it there. Great theming.

 

[sparkle78]

Quick service - share a meal all the time. Columbia haRbour house has a fish, chicken, and shrimp meal that we added a snack of Mac n cheese and it feed two people. Also ordered a small hamburger off kids menu at a few places that came with applesauce or mandarin oranges. I’ve heard good things of QS inside the contemporary resort which is just a few steps from MK.

Yes, restaurants at the resorts can be just as good as the parks, just not as well known. We just enjoyed story book dining, food is a little different. Check the thread devoted to it. But atmosphere was lovely and not as hectic as many other character dining.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would keep the ADR's that you have. All are good IMO. I thnk you will have plenty to share at 50's PTC. The other choices you made you will not be allowed to share.

Personally, I think the resort restaurants offer a better dining experience than those in the parks, and choose them over in park dining often.

For good choices that offer plenty and are TS: Tratorria al Forno on the Boardwalk is a reasonably priced TS restaurant that has excellent food and service, and that you will be able to share an entree beteeen the two of you Add an appetizer or dessert and you will have a lovely meal for two at the price of one. Grand Floridian Cafe is another lovely TS restaurant that allows for you to order what you want off of the menu and has generous portions, a beautiful setting and no ordering restrictions.

Counter service? Oh muy, we love BE Our Guest for lunch in teh MK.
Pecos Bill, Columbia Harbor house as well.

In DHS we like Backlot Express.

IN DAK Flame Tree BBQ.

In Epcot? Too many to mention

I would check out the Disney food Vlogs and blogs on Youtube. There are snack options that are large enough to sub as a meal, and suggestions about choices in every park, resort and in DIsney Springs.

 

[Pygoplites]

You might get more/better responses if you separate your request for opinions..it's a lot to cover.

Here are a few of my thoughts:

1. Do the split stay between Pop and Cabana Bay.

2. Keep your current ADRs if they fit into your planned days. Definitely splurge on CA Grill Brunch.

3. Do NOT do the Dining Plan, especially since you can save a bit by using AP discount.

4. You can share at all restaurants except buffets, AYCE non-buffets (Garden Grill, 'Ohana, etc.), "event" dining (Hoop De Doo, Fantasmic package, etc.).

5. Sharing entrees and/or ordering appetizers instead of entrees is a good way to save money and avoid overeating/wasting food.

6. Eating at bars/lounges is great, even for non-drinkers. Most have interesting non-alcoholic creations. No need for reservations, ability to "graze" and try different places. Generally MUCH better food quality than QS. Plus, you can escape the summer heat!

7. Good values at Disney Springs: Blaze Pizza, Chicken Guy, quick service options at nicer restaurants (Morimoto Street Food, Pepe, The Basket, Cooke's of Dublin, etc.)

8. Use OpenTable instead of Disney ADRS for sitdown dinners whenever possible. Many DS and Universal Citywalk restaurants are on OpenTable.

9. The restaurants/lounges at Swan/Dolphin are conveniently located for Epcot/DHS days, the food is better, and are better values since they are not on DDP.

10. Diners' reviews on OpenTable are often a better resource than Yelp, TripAdvisor, and us. Most places are neither as terrible nor as "OMG, best meal ever" as those resources may indicate.

 

[Wild4Walt]

DDP is always a challenge for us because we typically can't justify the cost. For us, it's usually less expensive to pay out of pocket.

DDP is very convenient though, which is always my husbands stance on things.

On our last trip, we really enjoyed our dinner at Bongos at DS. The food was very fresh and the service was outstanding. This was the best meal of our trip.

I also like Todd English Blue Zoo if you want to do seafood - it is on the higher end though. ESPN zone at BW is standard fare but a fun experience for any sports fan ( they even have European sports on sometimes ). Boma at AKL is a very good buffet also.