Favorite offsite restaurant

[DLfan4]

another budget idea is to buy veggies, fruit, and sandwhich making at a grocerty store. then for dinner, go back to your hotel, grab the sandwhiches and veggies etc and then go for a walk and find a nice spot to sit, relax and eat.

 

[crystal1313]

Agree that hair in your food is gross, but accidents happen. One time doesn't mean it is the norm. I found a hair in my potatoes at CCR. Pointed it out to the server who then reported it to the kitchen. Did you call Marri's to tell them about this incident? At CCR, the CM who had plated my food and the CM who cooked the potatoes were tracked down and addressed on the issue. A one time incident does not mean I won't ever eat at CCR again. (Now if it happens on a regular basis? Whole 'nother story!) Always report things like this or the problem won't get fixed. The kitchen can't address what they don't know about.

It was food that was delivered. And no, we never complained. I know most people love that place and that's great. We just have chosen not to go back. If they messed up our order or something like that, we would have tried them again. There's plenty of other places we can go to while at Disneyland. This was a couple years ago.

 

[sheetz]

Offsite chains can sometimes be much cheaper by using coupons combined with discounted gift cards.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I am a well seasoned WDW veteran and know how to eat budget in the park. I also know that there are deals to be had outside the park. We are planning afternoon breaks and returning in the evening. Pizza outside the park is definitely cheaper than in the park. Earl of sandwich is on our list. We love this option in Florida. I am looking for family friendly sit down type places because those are definitely cheaper than table service in the park.

The family-type places offsite would probably be more comparable to counter service in the parks. And will likely cost the same or more.

 

[Jajone]

Many of the restaurants people are listing are good, but with a family of 5, you may or may not save money. There is a Panera nearby, that could work for you as well. If you do go to table service restaurants, you might look at their websites for clubs/rewards to sign up for, and usually they send out coupons. We did this with Mimi's, and they send out buy one, get one coupons frequently (however, breakfast there cost a small fortune, and one of our meals was a kids meal!). The farther you move away from Harbor/Katella, the better luck you might have with family restaurants that are probably cheaper.
Thanks for the info about Mimi's coupons.

How old are your kids? At DCA, the mexican restaurant serves LARGE portions, and that can help keep costs down with kids. At Cafe Orleans, my husband and I always share the Monte Cristo, because it is too big for one person to eat. My daughter is only 4, so we often stop at Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta because they have uncrustables (PB&J) and applesauce at the pay stations.

I have 3 kids, 10, 14 and 16. Only my 14 y.o. is a big eater, the other two eat off kids meals most of the time.

It's about this time that I like to warn any potential budget sensitive guest not to try Captain (gag) Kids buffet across the street. The low price is tempting but trust me, that "stuff" is the oldest, nastiest muck in the area.
Avoid at all cost.

Thanks for the heads up.

Our family of 5 loved Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles. Yummy & large portions.

Thank you. I'll check this out.

 

[amyg1975]

Oh, I forgot to mention, perhaps take a look at raise.com to see if you can find any discount gift cards. I often buy Landry's (Rainforest Cafe/Bubba Gumps) for about $35, instead of $50!

 

[ChrisParker]

That's our situation as well Olive Garden is downright exotic when you live in Canada.

HA! I laughed when I read this. So true. Most of our television/media is American so when you (and your kids) watch all those commercials for places we don't have, it makes them exciting to visit. I did Bubba Gump once. That was enough! But I may check out the Cheesecake Factory....