Eating outside the parks

[JessL]

I know it's a long time away yet, but we're going to DL from November 14-21 (me, DS14 & DS11). We're trying to keep costs low so we won't eat in the parks most nights. Do we need to make reservations for restaurants in Downtown Disney or along S Harbor Blvd? If so, can we book that day, or do we need to book further in advance? Whilst I know a couple of places we want to eat, I'd prefer to decide Where each day - but without having to queue for an hour!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

For just the 3 of you, reservations for DtD aren't necessarily essential, especially if you eat at less popular times. But if there is somewhere you really want to eat, e.g. Jazz Kitchen of Rainforest Cafe, then I would go ahead and make the reservations. Those two restaurants in particular are popular and can have longer walk up waits. For places on Harbor, unless you want something high end, like Ruth's Chris or Mortons (and those aren't really places to save money!), I don't think you'll need reservations. If you choose a crowd favorite, like Buca de Beppo, try to eat early or late to save on wait times.
And remember, for DtD, you can call the Dine Line, ask at the podium, or go online for a reservation the day of, so that gives you more flexibility with your schedule.

 

[Indiana Scott]

We have gone many times during that time of year and you really dont need resi's for the establishments outside the parks.

 

[SMD]

I wouldn't say that any of the places in DTD that take reservations are going to save money over CS in the parks. I think you get a better bang for your buck eating lunch outside the parks and eating CS for dinner, since the price for CS stays the same whereas lunch menus are available at some places.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Wherever you decide to eat outside the parks, stay away from Captian Kidd's! It looks like a bargain, but is some of the worst food in Orange County.

 

[ten6mom]

It's not in DTD, but the Pizza Press on Harbor is a favorite of ours. I think a build your own pizza is about $10. The biggest disadvantage IMO is that there is very limited seating, so try to go at non peak times.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Pizza Press offers various discounts (military, D23, etc.), so be sure to ask if you qualify for any.

 

[offwithyourhead]

It's not in DTD, but the Pizza Press on Harbor is a favorite of ours. I think a build your own pizza is about $10. The biggest disadvantage IMO is that there is very limited seating, so try to go at non peak times.

Lots of seating in DTD by way of the built-in 'benches' on all the flower beds. I don't think you'd get stopped going right into either of the parks, either, so that's an option. I've seen people with pizzas and we brought subs and Chinese food in. So even if their seating is full, you can always head back into the parks and eat in there while you people-watch (Tomorrowland is great for that!)

 

[figment_jii]

I have to agree that the places in DTD aren't really likely to save you much money in terms of eating in the parks. That being said, if you want to eat RFC, I highly recommend making a reservation. Whenever I've been to RFC, regardless of the day of the week, the wait time has been at least an hour for all party sizes (longer for bigger parties). If you join the Landry's Select Club ($25 to join, but you get a $25 welcome certificate), you do not need to make a reservation. Otherwise, you can look into Open Table to see which DTD (or other locations along Harbor) locations accept reservations; including day-of reservation. I would strongly encourage you to make reservations if you're going there on weekend night (Fri to Sun).

In terms of nearby locations, I liked the Anaheim Packing District; it's a large and eclectic food court. The only drawbacks are, it's not within walking distance of DLR and parking is somewhat limited/tough to find.

 

[tlovesdis]

The only places close by outside the park that will save you a little bit of money is Pizza Press, McDonalds and maybe Panera, although around here their prices are pretty high. Most of the places in DTD are going to cost the same or more as some of the places in the parks. Denny's and Ihop prices across the street are crazy!

To save money on food, we usually share meals. My niece and I love to share the cheese enchilada platter at Rancho. It's about $14. And you can't go wrong sharing the fried chicken at Plaza Inn. We also share at Cafe Orleans, the three cheese Monte Cristo and Pomme Frittes are the best!

Whitewater Snacks at the Grand has some decent prices as well and the nachos are yummy!

 

[sherilaine]

I get not wanting to plan every single meal. But when we go to DLR I like to have it more planned out that other vacations - just because there are a lot of fun decisions to make during the day already and people get tired and cranky fast when they have been walking far longer than they normally do on a regular day! For that I think a balance of at least planning the night before is a good idea - as when people are tired and cranky the last thing they want to do is debate where and then stand in a long line!

Will you have a car - or are you limited to DTD and just across the parks on Harbour?

 

[lvdis]

We were there recently and really like eating at Earl of Sandwich in DTD. I thought prices were reasonable and food was very good!

 

[sherilaine]

Also, check out Visit Anaheim as they have McDonalds and Tony Roma and Pizza Press coupons. Also, check restaurant websites - many of them have email subscriptions where when you join you get some form of welcome thank you and if your birthday is close to when you are travelling you can get a bonus for that as well - some that do this are Mimi's and Panera on Harbour and Tortilla Joes and Earl of Sandwich in DTD. Sometimes it's just 10% off but better than nothing.

 

[StageTek]

Just adding my agreement to what most are saying. In order to save money (pay less than
you would in the parks) you will not want to eat at a place that needs reservations. Denny's
and Ihop and McDonald's across the street. Earl of Sandwich and Napolini in DTD. No reservation
needed. Otherwise you'll be paying the same as eating in the park.

 

[tlovesdis]

We were there recently and really like eating at Earl of Sandwich in DTD. I thought prices were reasonable and food was very good!

YES! EOS is a great deal. I beleive all of their sandwiches are $6.99 and they are good!!! Totally forgot about that one!

 

[lvdis]

YES! EOS is a great deal. I beleive all of their sandwiches are $6.99 and they are good!!! Totally forgot about that one!

Their salads and kid choices are good too! My adult daughter decided to get their kids turkey and swiss and she loved it.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Earl of sandwhich. Lots of food, great prices. And IMHO (as other posters above) the full service restaurants in DTD won't save you money. They're full price tourist restaurants. There are some with take out windows. I have no experience there so I don't know if they're cheaper. Our favorite money saving food tips:
-consider spliting meals at counter service places. Watch others as they walk out with their trays to evaluate the amount of food. Splitting the Fried Chicken at Plaza Inn is my fave!
-eat breakfast in your hotel room, cereal, juice boxes, fast and cheap
-bring your own water bottles if you like filtered water, otherwise just ask for a water cup when ordering food. You can get free water cups at all counter service locations whether or not you are purchasing something.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I agree with others. Eating at DTD would likely be more expensive than eating counter service in the parks.

You can check out menus and prices here - http://allears.net/dlr/dining/menus.htm

 

[MrDisneyFan]

At least for mornings an easy option for the kids is to keep a few things on hand in the hotel room. We'll usually bring either some disposable bowls and spoon (or red solo cups work very well too!). Keep some cheerios along with some milk in the hotel fridge (if your hotel has a fridge). The kids can have cereal in the room as we're getting ready early. That takes care of breakfast and they don't need a snack until mid-late morning. At night usually they'll be tired by the time we're in the room but if they need a late evening snack it works in a pinch. Another really easy option is if the room has a microwave just some instant oatmeal packets or keep some fresh fruit. there are a few stores in the area. If you don't want to go out to get some items for the hotel I understand there is a Vons that will deliver. You just may have to be present when the delivery is made.

I haven't ate at a lot of places in DTD but we really enjoy Tortilla Jo's. We find the prices are very reasonable, good for a sit down place. What I would consider 'normal' - not hiked up resort prices. Portions are generous there so often my wife and I will share an order of fajitas. They do take reservations so you usually don't have to wait too long if you've planned ahead. I would recommend checking out the menus on the DTD website, prices are there so you can make your own call on what's in your price range.

Happy planning!!

 

[lunaland]

We love Mimi's, near Hojos on Harbor. Good food at reasonable prices. They also have buy one, get one free meal coupons and free muffins if you join their mailing list.