Disney Dining at Resorts less expensive?

[travelingmom4]

We are staying onsite this time, first time ever, and so excited. We try and save as much as we can and so in the past we've eaten dinner outside of the parks. But since we are staying at CBR I'd love to not leave the parks and just eat dinner at a resort once the park closes. (Some of our days in January they close pretty early) First, are there table service resturants cheaper than what we would find in the parks? Second, any recommendations for table service or counter service? Third, will we find more variety at the resort dining versus inside the parks? This is alot of questions, Ill start my own reserch too, but wanted the Dis boards input!! Thanks a bunch!!

 

[glassslippergirl]

First, are there table service resturants cheaper than what we would find in the parks?
Second, any recommendations for table service or counter service?
Third, will we find more variety at the resort dining versus inside the parks? !

For your first question, not really. I like your idea of maximizing park time by waiting until closing and eating after, but I don't think you'll save a lot of money. The resorts house the signature restaurants, which are the most expensive on property. Dinner shows like HDDR are in resorts, and will really set you back. I'm pretty sure all moderates and deluxes have a non-signature TS, too. But dinner-- just entrees-- for two at the Wave cost us close to $100-- comparable to in-park TS.

For your second question, the Wave was great. Kona Cafe and Olivia's are popular on this site. Beaches and Cream is also popular, but I thought it was way overrated. The reason to go there is dessert, so I've heard, but my dinner left me feeling ill, so I had to skip dessert. Sanaa is definitely unique. You can watch the AKL animals as you eat African-styled food. Bread service thereis popular and a good way to feel like you're trying something unique without really stretching yourself. Menus for every place are available online and on MDE.

For your third question, yes, if you look at WDW resort as one big whole. If you are looking to go right from the park to a close-by restaurant, not so much. For example, if you leave MK at close, you can find more variety in the restaurants at the monorail resorts than you would find in MK, but if you want Mexican right away, you're out of luck. You'd have to go to CSR's Maya Grill. And honestly, I can't imagine LEAVING Epcot to look for variety in restaurants. There's so many options in-park there.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I agree with glassslippergirl. The resort restaurants really aren't any cheaper than the park restaurants and, in some cases, they are more expensive. In the MK area, the resort restaurants are, IMHO, much better than the park restaurants. To keep expenses down, I would consider going to The Wave, Kona, GF Cafe or Trails End (probably the most economical). You can always control how much you spend by, perhaps, ordering two apps instead of an entree, skipping dessert, just getting an entree and no app, etc. If you want QS on the monorail, I would go to Contempo Cafe.

For EP, you will find the most variety in the park, but if you want to wait until park closure, I would recommend Trattoria al Forno, Capt. Grille, the Fountain (at the Dolphin) for TS. For QS, we really love just going to the Boardwalk and going to Boardwalk Bakery and Ample Hills for dessert.

For DHS, again, you can accesss the EP resort restaurants (same as above)

For AK, your most economical bet will most likely be Rainforest Cafe, but if you'd like to head over to AKL, I would look at Sanaa for TS and the Mara for QS. You could also head to Disney Springs and try out some of the new QS there - Blaze and D-Luxe Burger.

 

[travelingmom4]

For your first question, not really. I like your idea of maximizing park time by waiting until closing and eating after, but I don't think you'll save a lot of money. The resorts house the signature restaurants, which are the most expensive on property. Dinner shows like HDDR are in resorts, and will really set you back. I'm pretty sure all moderates and deluxes have a non-signature TS, too. But dinner-- just entrees-- for two at the Wave cost us close to $100-- comparable to in-park TS.

For your second question, the Wave was great. Kona Cafe and Olivia's are popular on this site. Beaches and Cream is also popular, but I thought it was way overrated. The reason to go there is dessert, so I've heard, but my dinner left me feeling ill, so I had to skip dessert. Sanaa is definitely unique. You can watch the AKL animals as you eat African-styled food. Bread service thereis popular and a good way to feel like you're trying something unique without really stretching yourself. Menus for every place are available online and on MDE.

For your third question, yes, if you look at WDW resort as one big whole. If you are looking to go right from the park to a close-by restaurant, not so much. For example, if you leave MK at close, you can find more variety in the restaurants at the monorail resorts than you would find in MK, but if you want Mexican right away, you're out of luck. You'd have to go to CSR's Maya Grill. And honestly, I can't imagine LEAVING Epcot to look for variety in restaurants. There's so many options in-park there.

Thank you so much for your input!! Considering we are paying for 5 kids, 3 of which eat adult entrées and my husband and I, I'm thinking table service is out for us, considering you paid 100 for 2!.
And I forgot how big the parks are and it makes sense to just find a place close to where we will end up at the close of the day. Alot of great info, thank you so much!

 

[travelingmom4]

I agree with glassslippergirl. The resort restaurants really aren't any cheaper than the park restaurants and, in some cases, they are more expensive. In the MK area, the resort restaurants are, IMHO, much better than the park restaurants. To keep expenses down, I would consider going to The Wave, Kona, GF Cafe or Trails End (probably the most economical). You can always control how much you spend by, perhaps, ordering two apps instead of an entree, skipping dessert, just getting an entree and no app, etc. If you want QS on the monorail, I would go to Contempo Cafe.

For EP, you will find the most variety in the park, but if you want to wait until park closure, I would recommend Trattoria al Forno, Capt. Grille, the Fountain (at the Dolphin) for TS. For QS, we really love just going to the Boardwalk and going to Boardwalk Bakery and Ample Hills for dessert.

For DHS, again, you can accesss the EP resort restaurants (same as above)

For AK, your most economical bet will most likely be Rainforest Cafe, but if you'd like to head over to AKL, I would look at Sanaa for TS and the Mara for QS. You could also head to Disney Springs and try out some of the new QS there - Blaze and D-Luxe Burger.

Thank you for the recommendations!! Looks like it will be QS for us, we will give some of your recommendations a try, thanks!

 

[Harambe]

The QS at the Polynesian looks great, too. Give that a try! We are doing the Contempto Cafe because it has a lot of variety and those lovely cupcakes!!!

 

[LovesTimone]

We are staying onsite this time, first time ever, and so excited. We try and save as much as we can and so in the past we've eaten dinner outside of the parks. But since we are staying at CBR I'd love to not leave the parks and just eat dinner at a resort once the park closes. (Some of our days in January they close pretty early) First, are there table service restaurants cheaper than what we would find in the parks? Second, any recommendations for table service or counter service? Third, will we find more variety at the resort dining versus inside the parks? This is alot of questions, Ill start my own reserch too, but wanted the Dis boards input!! Thanks a bunch!!

First, are there table service restaurants cheaper than what we would find in the parks? Really everything is across the board for QS is all about the same. At TS you will get some difference price's but really going upward, based on where you are dinning.

Second, any recommendations for table service or counter service? For a TS you might want to try the Plaza inside MK, basically burgers and sandwiches, milkshakes really not much more than QS, they also have really good meatloaf, and this can be split easily.


Third, will we find more variety at the resort dining versus inside the parks? - Each restaurant has something, some kind of theming or specialty item to think about trying, so we look at what we want to try and go from there.

You can still do table service but you might have to rethink it how you dine.

1) Sharing is always a huge cost cutting way to go, the portions are big a Disney and easily shared, just tell your server that you want to share a meal, normally they split it up in the kitchen we have had once in a while were they brought the plates for us to do it. Going this route eliminates waste both on the plate and in your wallet. Sharing QS serve is a easy way to cut budget.

2) Going the appetizer route and just sharing everything, Rainforest, T-REX, have a lot of offerings and the portions are huge, Check out the appetizer route to see what your family likes and make a plan,

3) Breakfast is the less expensive time, maybe splurge on a character breakfast, which you get to eat, have the characters come to you with a photo op. Of you go this route make sure everyone fills up, then snack later on then share a few QS meals...

4) Breakfast in room, will save you a bunch, cereal cups, pop tarts, breakfast bar, you can pick up milk/juice at the resort stores, with that snack bars for while in the parks, and maybe something to much on at the end of the day, a case of bottled water would go at the top of my list with 7 you might want to start with 2, depending on how long your staying you might need three. This will save you a bunch. Garden Grocer delivers to the resort, just watch what you get to prevent waste.

5) Eat around the world over in Epcot, sharing QS meals as you go...

6) AS a suggestion you might want to run the numbers and see if a dinning plan might be the way to go for your family. You can share meals on this as well.

We will be there in January to for DGS 2 birthday bash and 1st trip.... I can't wait... Have a magical trip.

 

[Bete]

A savings tip is to split some meals. Depending on how hungry everyone may be this could work and save a few bucks. Don't starve, but appetites are different.

Try to drink water at every meal. Beverage costs are ridiculous. Bring powered packets to add flavor.

Not sure if you are driving your own car, but if you are then you can eat outside of the Disney complex. You can bring your own snacks and such, too like protein bars and nuts and such. You can make a few runs to the grocery store while you are there.

Limit souvenir spending and that will give more available dollars for meals.

Maybe, you can ask for cash gifts for you and your kids for Christmas and have some extra money that way for the trip.

If you do a TS meal, lunch is cheaper than dinner.

 

[loves to dive]

I agree with the previous poster about sharing. Also remember, you can order a QS meal without the side and save about $1. I don't eat large meals so I tend to order kid's meals at QS for me and often they are too much so even though 3 of your kids might be adult age they can still order kids meals. Some of the QS location snack items are big enough for a meal. At AK Yak and Yeti has a chicken fried rice that I get and actually end up not being able to eat it all. I don't drink soft drinks at home and don't drink them on vacation so take advantage of the free water you can get at all the parks. The TS meals are often very large and certainly can be shared, my adult son and I have been known to do it and he is grown and a big eater.

 

[Harambe]

I agree with the previous poster about sharing. Also remember, you can order a QS meal without the side and save about $1. I don't eat large meals so I tend to order kid's meals at QS for me and often they are too much so even though 3 of your kids might be adult age they can still order kids meals. Some of the QS location snack items are big enough for a meal. At AK Yak and Yeti has a chicken fried rice that I get and actually end up not being able to eat it all. I don't drink soft drinks at home and don't drink them on vacation so take advantage of the free water you can get at all the parks. The TS meals are often very large and certainly can be shared, my adult son and I have been known to do it and he is grown and a big eater.

So where do you ask for the free water at QS? Do they give you a cup and then you go to the beverage station and just fill up with water? We have always grabbed bottled water because we hate the taste of Orlando tap water, but I'm willing to give it another try to save some moola!

 

[figmentedfollies]

So where do you ask for the free water at QS? Do they give you a cup and then you go to the beverage station and just fill up with water? We have always grabbed bottled water because we hate the taste of Orlando tap water, but I'm willing to give it another try to save some moola!

Most QS locations will already have cups filled with water ready to go when you ask for them. May I also suggest getting a reusable water bottle to take down? I got an inexpensive one with a filter just for Orlando tap water.

 

[caroline1851]

No, not cheaper. Maya Grill at CSR is really good. Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge is good and fun.

 

[travelingmom4]

Didn't think about dining plan being cheaper, so I can only buy, say a dining plan for 5, and then just use the credits and split meals? Good thought, if that's possible!
Thanks for the great tips! Love the appetizer route, who doesn't love appetizers!! And the plaza tip! We do plan on eating breakfast in the morning in our room. We will have a car so we are picking up food before we check in.

 

[travelingmom4]

Oh and we are taking our 7 year gap baby (he will be 14 months) for the 1st time!! Can't wait to introduce him to the magic.

 

[travelingmom4]

No, not cheaper. Maya Grill at CSR is really good. Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge is good and fun.

Do you anything about the all you can enjoy skillet at whispering canyon?

 

[LovesTimone]

Didn't think about dining plan being cheaper, so I can only buy, say a dining plan for 5, and then just use the credits and split meals? Good thought, if that's possible!
Thanks for the great tips! Love the appetizer route, who doesn't love appetizers!! And the plaza tip! We do plan on eating breakfast in the morning in our room. We will have a car so we are picking up food before we check in.

Lovestimone here

We are going in January... 5 of us total but only having to pay for 4 adults as DGS is going to be 2.. So if the other 2 kids are under 3 then you will only need the dinning plan for 5. Other wise you will need 6, but the price is a bit less for children up to 9..

2017 Disney dinning plan

QS meal plan - - 2 quick service meals ( meal and drink included), 2 snacks and 1 refillable mug ( only good at your resort Food Court), ... 46.34 for adults, 20.18 for kids 3 to 9 --= per person per day

Regular dinning plan - 1 table service meal ( meal. drink and dessert included), 1 QS meal (meal and drink included), 2 snacks, and 1 refillable mug - 67.33 for adults, 24.22 for kids 3 to 9 -- =per person per day.

Deluxe dinning plan - 3 meals per day - doesn't matter TS ( appetizer, meal, dessert, drink included) or QS (meal and drink included), 2 snacks, and 1 refillable mug - 103.57 for adults, 37.62 for kids 3 to 9 = per person per day.

The regular dinning plan works great for If you are wanting to do some character meals, and Mom and Dad need to be waited on to...as its their vacation too.

With 2 snack credits, they don't have to be sweets, you can use them for savory items as well, You have to do your homework so to speak on the snack options, you could make a meal, or add to a meal your having that you might be splitting. Buy water don't waste a snack credit on water...

The mugs come in handy, DH would go get coffee in the am while I was helping kiddos get dressed, When we used a stroller we would wash them out store them in the day bag, and hit the food court on the way back for some beverages, and maybe a snack or treat to end the day. They are great pool side, so you are not spending a lot of money on drinks pool side not unless they are adult beverages that mom and dad deserve for bring the kids to see Mickey and the Gang... and they are a great souvenir..

You have to get creative when dinning at Disney... No matter what you choose to do have a magical time...

 

[IrishNYC]

Didn't think about dining plan being cheaper, so I can only buy, say a dining plan for 5, and then just use the credits and split meals? Good thought, if that's possible!
Thanks for the great tips! Love the appetizer route, who doesn't love appetizers!! And the plaza tip! We do plan on eating breakfast in the morning in our room. We will have a car so we are picking up food before we check in.

You'll have to buy a dining plan for everyone that needs a ticket, so everyone but your 14 month old, and you need to buy it for length of stay.

It does sound like you'll have 2 rooms with 5 kids and 2 parents, so it sounds like you'll have 2 rooms. If you only wanted to buy for 5 instead of 7, you could put 1 adult and one kid plus the baby on one room reservation, then the other 5 of you on the other room reservation, and then just buy for the room with 5 in it.

 

[loves to dive]

So where do you ask for the free water at QS? Do they give you a cup and then you go to the beverage station and just fill up with water? We have always grabbed bottled water because we hate the taste of Orlando tap water, but I'm willing to give it another try to save some moola!

Depends on the location. Some will have it already out on the counter. Some you go to the order line and ask for it and more often than not, they will point you to a different counter where a CM will get you one. If I'm in Epcot I like to use the little walk up place with the African drums, there are not usually long lines there and they give you a big glass. It comes out of the coke machines so it's filtered.

 

[tbholc81]

So where do you ask for the free water at QS? Do they give you a cup and then you go to the beverage station and just fill up with water? We have always grabbed bottled water because we hate the taste of Orlando tap water, but I'm willing to give it another try to save some moola!

Many QS places (especially ones at the resort) will have lemon slices. We would throw a bunch into our water bottles in the morning and dump cups of water we got into our water bottles. It really helps with the taste.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I would advise you to do some math before committing to a dining plan. The adult food portions are big - too much food for anyone except teenage boys, in my opinion. I often order kid's meals at QS places and we do not do table service every day. I know I would lose a lot of money on the dining plan. It might work for you if you do as one poster suggested above and get the plan for one of your rooms.

I definitely think you can split (adult) meals many places though.The kid's meals really aren't big enough to be split. They're standard "kid meal" size. My 13 month old can already almost finish a kid's meal just about everyplace we go. I'm already planning on purchasing him his own meals when we take him at 18 months!

As far as restaurant suggestions, I like the QS Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary Resort and Roaring Fork at Wilderness Lodge. WL is a beautiful, peaceful resort and Roaring Fork was pretty quiet when we visited.