Sorry, I don't know. We always bring our own stuff, as we drive. I don't have a photo of the recreation fees, so I'm not sure of the exact cost.
Wish I could remember. But since so many seem surprised by the fee, at the risk of being an apologist, I for one am glad they charge a fee. It keeps it pretty much empty of them. Trust me if they were free the lazy river would be stuffed full of them and it isn't that big.
I loved floating in it without one and not having 18 million kids with them in there.
You can't get an actual, infallibly accurate price until the day you get there.
You can find menus on unofficial sites but there is no guarantee they reflect the current price, or the prices you will find on a future trip.
At certain times of year (peak periods), yes, there are surcharges on buffet prices - the prices go up about $4 per adult and $2 per child during these periods. Disney used to announce the dates for this but they no longer do. They're usually about a week surrounding Easter, a week or so before Christmas through New Year's, and the period between Memorial Day and the 4th of July (yes, that includes the entire month of June). I don't remember if they also apply around Thanksgiving.
You can call WDW-DINE and ask what the price is today. However, if your trip is in the future, there's no guarantee the price they give you will still be the exact price displayed when you get there.
I am sure Disney moved to price ranges on their website to avoid complaints that people read one price on the website, but were charged a different price upon arrival at the restaurant. Disney reserves the right to adjust menu offerings and prices at any time without notice. Online menus should be used as guidelines, not absolute reflections of what the prices and offerings will be when you arrive.
Much good info - just a few things:
1. Seasonal pricing - This year, Disney changed the summer peak season to be first of June to Aug 15. So, a longer summer season than in year's past. We spend several weeks each July, so we get caught paying surcharges each year, as kids still love character meals.
2. Price ranges - There are a few buffets, 1900 Park Fare and Akershus, for sure, that are actually higer than the $35.99. I'm pretty sure they are $39.99 for dinner during peak season, or very close to it. We didn't do either in July, and we usually always do them, but when I called for pricing, I said no way! They are getting too expensive, especially since we pay cash in the summer peak season.
The prices for buffets during peak season, are getting out of hand, IMHO. As we've all been discussing, guests' threshold amounts are probably higher due to Free Dining. What about when that is over with? Cash guests will be left with buffets that more than likely top out at well over $40.00 or $45.00. And for DP guests, the DP will surely rise, as it has been each and every year, to overinflate the whole value of the plan. I can't imagine paying that, but many people will. We've done them all a million times, but there will surely be people who still pay that, and it won't really be an issue, as they have the Dining Plan.
Such an artificial system that Disney is creating with setting prices based on a dining plan, that works on a credit system, and one that gives out free food most of the year.
Tiger