eating

[wages1234]

We are going to Magic Kingdom, Hollywood, and Epcot (2 days) the end of June. It's going to be me, husband and 2 kids(ages 12 and 16) and none of us have ever been before. I've been reading all these tips and soaking up all the advice I can. One thing I am confused about is the dining plans. We are off site and so what I've read we can't use the dining plan. From what I read it seems like everyone uses it though. Are we going to be in trouble not having it? Is there not places that you can just walk into and eat? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[MarinLezlie]

The dining plan is totally up to you. Do your kids eat like birds? If so, probably a waste of money for you. You can eat wherever you want in WDW no problem. And in my personal opinion its a waste of money, BUT for some poeple its a huge save of money depending on how much you eat and if you want to eat at a fancy restaurant every day its totally for you! Epcot is quite tempting with all the nice restaurants they have, but most of the "countries" have quick serve food from that country that isn't too spendy at all.

 

[TheDisneyingNewfie]

Dining plan is tied to resort stay and I don't think there's any other way to get it.

But, don't sweat it. You can still make advance dining reservations for any table service/sit down restaurants you want (6 months in advance). You don't need reservations for the quick-service-style restaurants.

Oh, the reason that people are always talking about it is that it forces us to make all of our plans and reservations to ensure we use up our coupons.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[lovetoscrap]

You will probably not have much luck just walking up to a Table Service (sit down) restaurant like a character meal and getting in without an ADR. There are some restaurants that do book up months in advance. But you can go on line to the Disney site and go ahead and make those reservations. Those are not affected by the fact that you are staying off site.

There are also a wide variety of Counter Service (fast food) locations throughout the parks that you will have no problem getting into and they have a wide variety of choices.

The Dining Plan is really only a way of prepaying for your meals. And really, not everyone on site uses it--it is just a very hot topic of discussion. Even with the Dining Plan you still have to make ADRs and if you don't you will be in the same boat as everyone that isn't on the DP.

Take a look here and you can see what restaurants there are and what they have on the menu: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/disneydining.cfm

 

[ZoZo]

Don't worry - not "everyone" uses a dining plan! In fact, although I always stay on site, I eat mostly CS meals, and eat breakfast in my room every morning (saving both money and time).

 

[MissAndrea]

We don't use the dining plan. Do not feel like you have to use it! For some it's a money saver, for some it's a waste. You can still have table service meals without it!!!! Just book ADR's for TS well ahead of time and you'll be fine. I considered using the plan after our last trip but once I did the math, it would have been a waste for us. Good luck!

 

[wages1234]

thank you for all responses. I am getting out of panic mode now!!!

 

[plutolovr]

Looking at your post I have to ask if you're really only planning on 2 days to see Epcot, MK and DHS? I know with my family, Epcot is at least a full day, if not more and MK is also a full day. If it's your first visit I wouldn't try to cram too much in or you won't enjoy yourself.

 

[wages1234]

No I guess I didn't make that very clear. We are going 1 day to MK 1 day to Hollywood and 2 days to Epcot. We are also going to discovery cove, seaworld, and a day at the ocean.

 

[Lindsaygirl27]

Don't be worried.. You know your family's eating styles best.


I agree with all of the other posters.. Just make sure that you make ADR's for the TS places/ character meals/ Dinner shows that you want to attend..

As long as you have reservations you have nothing to worry about!

Enjoy the trip it sounds like its going to be a Magical one!!!

xoxo
Lindsay

 

[MichaelH]

Don't sweet it. Just make reservations and you will be fine. I would recommend the Teppan Edo in Japan at EPCOT. It is great. The restuarant in Italy is another good choice. If you like steak, the Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada is great.

 

[Hootch]

seen the menus but in case not I'll link the page for this site. Each restaurant has some reviews linked under its heading.

In Epcot some of my favorite TS locations are:

Le Cellier in the Canadian Pavilion. This is one the harder ADRs to get.
Biergarten in the German Pavilion one of my personal favorites and an easier ADR.
Restaurant Marrekesh in the Moroccan Pavilion. Has some entertainment and not as spicy as norma Moroccan food.

Sunshine Seasons has a wide variety of counter service foo that is better than average food.

In MK I like Crystal Palace for a table service meal and Cosmic Ray's for counter service. You may also consider going to one of the monorail to Kona, Grand Floridian or The Wave.

Sci Fi at DHS doesn't have the best food options but the atmosphere is kitchy and fun.