First year without DDP and oldest turns 10.....HELP PLEASE...

[TnTWalter]

So this will be the year I do the opposite of what I've done. Usually I'm figuring out where to go to get my best bang for the cost I've paid...most expensive TS and CS ideas etc. Now I need to do opposite.

We're going to be doing offsite eating as well this time to save money.

If there are threads discussing this, please link as well. [my search doesn't work very well on here].

Best CS in terms of pricing at the parks for either lunch or dinner.

Best snacks in terms of pricing.

Best cheap healthy options.

Best character meal for the least money. [breakfast at xxx or late lunch instead of dinner at xxx].

Best TS choice for cheapest lunch or dinner.

Best FUN offsite choice [staying at Windsor Hills].

We'll probably make some meals and do some carry-out as well..

Thanks so much. I've been reading allears trying to price things out but knew you guys would know it better and faster.

 

[TnTWalter]

You don't have to answer all questions...but if there's something you found that answers one...that would be great.

 

[monarchsfan16]

Cosmic Rays is probably the best overall value for MK counter service. You can get I think half a rotisserie chicken and a couple sides for a reasonable price (check allearsnet for the price). I know we bought 2 of those and it fed 5 of us (2 parents and 3 teenage girls). Flame Tree Barbecue appears to have similar deals with I think both chicken and ribs in AK.

 

[Smile4Me]

Best counter services by far in all of WDW are Cosmic Rays and Flametree BBQ! So much food!

Have you considered bringing any of your own snacks in? If you carry a back pack, bring in a couple bottles of water and granola, fruitsnacks, pb& j sandwhiches etc. It shouldn't weigh you down too much and is a great way to hold you over. I've also read on other threads, that people will bring small collapsible coolers and put them in a locker, and then come back to eat or snack out of them throughout the day.

 

[TnTWalter]

Good to know!


OK...here's what I've come up with....

AK
Yak & Yeti...~$40 for 5 of us CS

MK...
1 day Casey's ~ $30
1 day Pecos Bills ~ $40
hit Main Street Bakery once ~ $30 for treats

EPCOT
1 day Boulangerie Pattiserie
~$35 for sandwiches; cheese plate; baguette; and split 2 treats

1 day Sunshine Season
~ $40

STUDIOS
more snacking here [probably bring subs here]
~$25 various items

Sadly kids and I don't do meat on bones...so the deals at CR and FT not good for us.

Character meals are crazy expensive sadly...
we have been spoiled.

Thinking we'll splurge on dinner @ Ohanas even though no characters. We stayed at Poly last time and it would be nice to hang there for a while. Plus this is one of the more reasonable dinners I think.
~$133 after tip for all of us. Yikes! But breakfast @ Chef Mickeys would be $120 crazy!

WE are for sure bringing in snacks and waters. At least 1 day we'll bring subs too [possibly two]. I would also like to do some fun eating at the parks but affordable.

 

[B-Ride]

Sadly kids and I don't do meat on bones...so the deals at CR and FT not good for us.

Cosmic Ray's has many other choices and Flame Tree has a fabulous fruit plate my wife always gets.

Also, Mama Melrose has some low priced flat breads for a reasonable TS location for dinner.

 

[jcriket]

The best advise to save money is share CS meals, you can always go back for a little extra if someone's still hungry. For TS I would skip the all you can eats, and you can do all right if you limit appetizers, and desserts. We did not think Yak and Yeti was that great, and I thought the portions were a bit small. If you want Asian food, I think Lotus Blossom at Epcot is a better choice. Cosmic Rays has way more options than chicken on bones, They have burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders, last time I went a friend ordered a turkey wrap, and it was big enough for two adults to share. Ak has Pizzafari which is ok, if you don't want Flame Tree. I miss Tusker house, that was the best CS anywhere. If you want to go to Poly to eat don't forget Captain Cook's, I know it's not the same, but the food is ok, and it can be relaxing sitting outside in the evening, and a dole whip is a perfect dessert. T-Rex is open now, the food not great, but if you have boys it may be a very fun TS for them, and not as expensive as a character meal for you. Cape May's breakfast is a bit cheaper, and I liked it better.

 

[Smile4Me]

Sunshine seasons is one that I forgot, but see it got mentioned already. Lots of food,,I've had the best baked potato of my life there for under $5 (it was huge! and you could pick the toppings) but I don't know if they still offer them!

 

[TnTWalter]

Cosmic Rays was my LEAST favorite place. It was a ZOO. So it's hard to get me back there...but everyone seems to like it...will have to reconsider!

I'm curious why you don't think Ohana's is a good deal? It would be $133 after tip and tax for my family of 5 based on my calcs....what would be a more reasonable TS to consider? I'd like to do another. With smaller kids the 'all you can eats' work pretty well as they're impatient and sometimes dislike something...they can always get something else.

Thanks for all the great ideas!!