FOOD PRICES: Disney vs Olive garden

[Jeffdz]

We were in DW in early June.
We ate at Sci-fi diner (good cheeseburger)
Fulton's crabhouse (bland, poor service)
Ohana (dry and overooked meats, good appetizers)
HDDR (good)

One afternoon while it was raining we were driving around and stopped at an
Olive Garden for lunch. Now, I tend to avoid the Olive Garden at home since there are too many really good Italian restaurants in Houston. It turned out to be the best meal we had all week. The food was good, the waiter was attentive, and we spent about half what we would have spent at a Disney restaurant that I know I would have been disappointed with in the end.

We also went to Emeril's Tchoup Chop at Universal and it was a big dissapointment. We dressed up to celebrate our anniversary and when we entered the restaurant and saw Billy Bob with his blue jean shorts on, we felt like we had made a mistake. We ordered a couple of tropical drinks and the ceramic glasses they served them in had several chips in them. When I asked a question about one dish and whether it had a certain item in it, the waiter had no clude, but did go and find out.

 

[MeLaNie9]

Though I can say... Ive had almost every item on the menu at Olive Garden, and that Tuskana whatever soup is better than most of their steaks and signature dishes. The soups at Olive Garden are a small secret. They are AWESOME.

All I wanted to say to the OP is that I absolutely love the Zuppa Toscana at Olive Garden!!!!!!!! You're right - it is awesome!
However, our local Olive Garden is SO incredibly crowded for dinner (every night) that we never go

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

I think that the OP was trying to compare lunch prices in general not really trying to compare TS inside the World vs CS outside the World.

Bingo! Finally someone that gets it.

I RARELY EVER eat at ANY restaurant outside of WDW. The local BBQ restaurant is the only exception, and thats because Lexington BBQ is the best in the world! (but THATS another thread of debate!!!)

As far as Golden Corral. Been there many times. NOT impressed. and McDonalds... I definately dont do McD or BK. I worked there as a teenager. I saw too much. I dont do fast food outside WDW period, but were all different. If you do thats fine.

My point was the next time someone says its SOOOOO expensive to eat at WDW, you *COULD* COME BACK WITH "Well, actually you can eat a meal in WDW for less than you spend at Olive Garden if you order correctly".

Use it for that "know it all" at work whos only been there once in 25 years who knows more about Disney than you, when you go every year. I'm sure I'm not the only one whos met that "person".

 

[hmp2z]

My point was the next time someone says its SOOOOO expensive to eat at WDW, you *COULD* COME BACK WITH "Well, actually you can eat a meal in WDW for less than you spend at Olive Garden if you order correctly".

Well, here's my issue with this. If I told the average person, "You can eat a meal in WDW for less than you spend at Olive Garden," I would think that the figure they might have in their mind for Olive Garden is definitely above $18 for a family of four. My husband and I are hard pressed to spend below $30 at the Olive Garden, for just the two of us. I don't think we've ever done it, in fact.

So this may not convey the impression you're intending - they probably have a much higher figure in their heads when you say "Olive Garden." I also don't see the average person doing the whole extra buns and only water to drink thing. I think that most people, when on vacation, want to sample a variety of foods.

I also don't see how one could pay $18.51 at the Olive Garden for 4 soups without stiffing the waiter.

Cheers!
Heather W

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I don't think DF and I have ever spent less then $50 when we go out for dinner. We always each have our own entree, and I usually have at least one alcoholic drink, as well as an appetizer and / or dessert. DF usually just haves his entree and coffee.

In fact one time, I believe we were at Red Lobster, I could not make up my mind about what I wanted, so I ordered two appetizers, an entree, (which was a sampler with three different items,) and two desserts, as well as my drink(s.) DF just had some fish entree. That cost way more then $20, though DF paid for it so I don't know how much, since I didn't look at the bill.

 

[Kath2003]

I don't think Disney is badly priced - it's competitive with the other theme parks in the area. Sure, some places you pay a bit of a premium but it's okay. We founded the one thing that really adds up is the sodas - it's summer, it's hot, you want one every half an hour and at $2.50 a go, that stings. We just drink from water fountains.

That said, I agree that two adults at Olive Garden is nearer $30. We ate at the one on I-Drive 3 times during out 8 night stay and got soup, entreés and wine for just over $20 per person with a tip. Nice. Sadly, we went to the bar afterwards, and spent another $20 on cocktails

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

I think the key is also the fact that you don't generally go to restaurants in "the real world."

I do. Love em! But I prefer to go to independant places rather than chains. We love ethnic food -- chinese, mexican, thai, japanese and italian.

Also, when we are on vacation we tend to be "on vacation." We plan our dining according to what appeals -- and we research it. We mix in counter service with sit down. Love Boma, Crystal Palace breakfast, Le Cellier, Kona Kafe and much more. But I also love a good burger with the fixings like at Cosmic Rays.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I think the key is also the fact that you don't generally go to restaurants in "the real world."

I do. Love em! But I prefer to go to independant places rather than chains. We love ethnic food -- chinese, mexican, thai, japanese and italian.

Also, when we are on vacation we tend to be "on vacation." We plan our dining according to what appeals -- and we research it. We mix in counter service with sit down. Love Boma, Crystal Palace breakfast, Le Cellier, Kona Kafe and much more. But I also love a good burger with the fixings like at Cosmic Rays.

ITA! I've eaten out seven times in 2007, five of those were in Disney, on my three-night trip, the other times were once in Feb and once in May.

I think I only ate out three or four times in 2006, not counting the almost twenty sit-down meals I had while at Disney.

 

[mill4023]

My point was the next time someone says its SOOOOO expensive to eat at WDW, you *COULD* COME BACK WITH "Well, actually you can eat a meal in WDW for less than you spend at Olive Garden if you order correctly".

Use it for that "know it all" at work whos only been there once in 25 years who knows more about Disney than you, when you go every year. I'm sure I'm not the only one whos met that "person".

Yes you could do that I suppose.

Or you could just be honest and say :
"yes, you're right, it is expensive, but not any worse than other theme parks, sports venues, etc. where there is no competition. And Disney has better food than most of those places. And hey, you can save some money if you only drink water and share 2 burgers and 2 fries between 4 people."

As others said, the two places you're comparing have nothing in common at all. Compare the prices at an Olive Garden to those at Alfredos or Tony's. Compare the prices at Pecos Bills to those at McDonalds. Heck, Disney's incredibly expensive if it cost $17 for two burgers and fries. You could have gone to McDonald's and had 2 double burgers and fries for like $8.

We eat regular meals at WDW and we order something for every person in our family. 2 adults and 4 kids (1 of whom usually orders off the adult menu).
Our CS meals at WDW are usually around $40-$45.
A comparable meal in the real world would be about $25.

Our TS meals at WDW average $80-$100. A comparable meal in the real world runs about $50-$70.

 

[CindyBella]

This is VERY similiar to a previous post I did several months ago, but I'm sure it will be read by lots of different people.

We went to Olive Garden today and had LUNCH. I'm trying to get my children to appreciate the great taste of soups, because they avoid soups like the plague. My wife and I are soup fanatics. were just trying to open their minds to something they dont seem to enjoy very much.

We ordered 4 soups (with breadsticks... yummy) and 4 cups of water.
The total was $17 and some change. After tax the total was $18.51.

On our recent May 2007 trip to WDW we ate 3 different meals that were $17 and some change after tax. All three of the meals were for our same family of four. One of them was at Pecos Bills, one at the restaurant in the American Pavilion in Epcot, and the third (I believe) was Cosmic Rays in MK. All 3 costed less than the cheapest thing on the menu at Olive Garden. Most families I know wouldnt be as cheap as we were today and all 4 people get soups. (Though I can say... Ive had almost every item on the menu at Olive Garden, and that Tuskana whatever soup is better than most of their steaks and signature dishes. The soups at Olive Garden are a small secret. They are AWESOME.)

At the 3 places we ate at Disney we ordered the same thing: 2 double bacon cheeseburgers, 2 extra buns, and 4 cups of water. (With Kool-Aid, Tea, or Crystal Lite packets who needs drinks??? Water is free!) At all 3 places we ate till we were stuffed. No lack of food. We split the burgers to the extra buns, and shared the fries. Load up at the fixins bar... (I LOOOOOOOVE fixins bars!!! I can easily eat 20-30 pickles on my burger! Thats how I fix them at home too.)

I said all this to make the point that Disney food is VERY WELL PRICED if you use a little common sense. When I hear people say the food is so high... I say to myself... YES, it CAN be VERY VERY expensive, but it can ALSO be reasonable if you put forth the effort. It dont HAVE to be expensive if you dont want it to.

I have to ask.....SOUP for lunch?? Maybe your kids do not like them because they are not filling at all. I have never just thought of going to a retaurant for soup. It is fine but, I never even imagined it. I always have thought of soup as part of a meal like a "soup and sandwich".

I does not make sense to compare Olive Garden to WDW CS to me either. Seems like a lot of work with the extra buns, 30 pickles and packets to flavor water. Not trying to be rude....I am just a little shocked that is all.

 

[Lewisc]

I'm not sure how ordering 4 soups, 4 glasses of water and then filling up on complimentary bread sticks at the Olive Garden is either "ordering correctly" or is indicative of what a typical family of 4 would order at the Olive Garden.

I'm not sure how ordering water, and making your own iced tea is "ordering correctly". I'm not sure how filling up at the "condiment buffet" is "ordering correctly. I'm not sure how ordering extra buns is "ordering correctly".

Technically you're not doing anything wrong, but Olive Garden won't be able to stay in business if their average customer orders the same way you do.

I don't think it's fair to compare a non-Disney table service meal at the Olive Garden with a counter service meal at WDW. Use some coupons and you could probably get the same food at Burger King for half of what you spend at the CS restaurants at WDW.

The fact is food costs more at WDW then similar restaurants at home. Soup at Mama Melrose is $5.49 or $21.96 (+ tax +tip) as opposed to the $17 at Olive Garden. That's a 21% price premium, assuming Mama Melrose doesn't charge for breadsticks.

My point was the next time someone says its SOOOOO expensive to eat at WDW, you *COULD* COME BACK WITH "Well, actually you can eat a meal in WDW for less than you spend at Olive Garden if you order correctly".

Use it for that "know it all" at work whos only been there once in 25 years who knows more about Disney than you, when you go every year. I'm sure I'm not the only one whos met that "person".

 

[CindyBella]

I'm not sure how ordering 4 soups, 4 glasses of water and then filling up on complimentary bread sticks at the Olive Garden is either "ordering correctly" or is indicative of what a typical family of 4 would order at the Olive Garden.

I'm not sure how ordering water, and making your own iced tea is "ordering correctly". I'm not sure how filling up at the "condiment buffet" is "ordering correctly. I'm not sure how ordering extra buns is "ordering correctly".

Technically you're not doing anything wrong, but Olive Garden won't be able to stay in business if their average customer orders the same way you do.

I don't think it's fair to compare a non-Disney table service meal at the Olive Garden with a counter service meal at WDW. Use some coupons and you could probably get the same food at Burger King for half of what you spend at the CS restaurants at WDW.

The fact is food costs more at WDW then similar restaurants at home. Soup at Mama Melrose is $5.49 or $21.96 (+ tax +tip) as opposed to the $17 at Olive Garden. That's a 21% price premium, assuming Mama Melrose doesn't charge for breadsticks.

I think the OP post would have been better suited for the budget board. I am still shocked........

 

[branv]

This reminds me of a story DH likes to tell. We were corralled (haha..pun intended) by DH's family into going to Golden Corral. I walked over to the meat carving section, and the guy asked which slice I wanted...the well done or the medium. When I pointed to the medium cooked, he laughed and said, "You must have health insurance!" Now if the guy serving it is saying that....

That being said, I agree. CS and TS are very different. Personally I like some things at Olive Garden, but then I know what I'm getting going in. Cheap americanized italian food. But, if I want authentic Tuscan I have to pay 4x more, so the good stuff is our "special occasion" place I would still rather have Olive Garden than practically everything I've eaten at WDW. Except Le Cellier...that truly impressed me. Also thought Boma was charming. Never done signature so can't compare. Even the "cheaper" table service like Plaza is close to the same price as Olive Garden, and I'm only getting a sandwich...no "free" salad and breadsticks

 

[BabyPiglet]

EDIT: Nevermind

 

[Barbers2005]

Personally I like some things at Olive Garden, but then I know what I'm getting going in. Cheap americanized italian food./QUOTE]

Don't forget "prepackaged" and "frozen." A lot of the stuff they serve comes in individual serving size plastic bags and they throw it into a big pot of boiling water to heat it up. Two guys at dh's old job moonlighted as waiters at OG, and one of them had a pretty funny "duh" story. The customer was allergic to a particular ingredient and asked the waiter if it was in the dish he wanted to order. Waiter goes back to the kitchen, checks, comes out to the customer and says "it isn't listed in the ingredients." Ooops...he was teased unmercifully by the other waiters for weeks.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I see what the OP is saying (and I see why she/he is debt free, good for them, I am envious), but I just can't ever order that way myself, at WDW or anywhere else. I might go to Olive Garden and order some soup, but I would probably feel funny if that's all we all ordered. The poor waitress would go broke if all her tables did that. I was a waitress in college and I well remember this group of professors who used to come in to where I worked at a Mexican restaurant, feast on the free chips, order one thing a la carte, and then hold the table for three hours while they solved all the world's problems and left me a 15% tip off their very measley orders (many of them would get one taco at around $1.50 each and tip me off that since the water, chips and salsa were free). 20 years later and I can still see them! We used to groan when they came in and would take turns on who got this table (actually around three tables since they were a large group).

I do agree that Disney food isn't that overpriced considering the location and if you order properly. Which to me means you order what you can eat. We often share meals but we don't do the extra bun thing since a double cheeseburger is plenty cut in half with no exra bun needed. And I have to say, if my family went to McDonald's and ordered four dbl. cheeseburger extra value meals it would be a little over $17 with tax (I think that particular meal is around $3.99 at my local McD's). But again, we'd all have our own fries and drinks and wouldn't have to be farting around trying to pry off gooey, cheesey, hamburger patties to get them on the extra bun.

Some trips we are a bit frugal, eat mostly cs and share, others we eat tons of ts and don't share. Either way we do it, our food bill is higher than if we ate at comparable restaurants here at home but we are okay with that. We may get a burger at say Applebee's but we wont' get to eat in a cool car like we do at Sci Fi. And if my son doesn't finish his veggies at a restaurant here, the waiter won't "airplane" them into his mouth. So often at WDW we are paying for entertainment, or a nice view of the castle, not just the food. So its okay to charge more, I'm on vacation and I budget that all in.

As for going offsite to eat at Golden Corral, Olive Garden or wherever, I would rather not do that simply because I dont' want to leave the magic and that requires renting a car for me which isn't cheap. When I figure in renting a car to eat offsite, its cheaper to stay onsite and eat right there.

 

[familyS]

Considering we are choosing to eat on site rather than renting a car and being able to go off-site, I don't think Disney prices are that outrageous. There are plenty of places where family members can share a meal if they choose to.

Now, we have some great, family owned Italian restaurants here at home. Many have very reasonable lunch specials (soup and/or salad and/or half sandwhich- choose 2- with drink for $5.00).

So Olive Garden isn't really in my top 20 for Italian, but if that is all someone has available and he/she wants to go for soup and water, it doesn't bother me.

 

[kcrew]

.


The fact is food costs more at WDW then similar restaurants at home. Soup at Mama Melrose is $5.49 or $21.96 (+ tax +tip) as opposed to the $17 at Olive Garden. That's a 21% price premium, assuming Mama Melrose doesn't charge for breadsticks.

Well they don't have bread sticks but they DO charge for the bread now, so it would just be the soup and water for $21.96(sounds more like a prison meal than dinner out ) Now THAT's comparing apples to apples--without figuring in Disney ambience of course!!

 

[raven69david]

Two soup & salads and a kids spaghetti w/ 1 bellini tea came out to $25.90 including tip this past Sunday. It's cool that you're, to be blunt, cheap but your comparison is skewed as others have stated. I like to save money myself, but i never try to sacrifice a good meal by buying 2 double burgers and splitting it into several pieces so everyone gets a full burger, or whatever the proportion may be; then followed by taking that burger and going to town on the fixins bar to esentially have a burger and salad included in the burger. If i saw that, you'd definetly get "the look" from me and i know you wouldn't care, but i'd have to at least let you know that i know what you're doing and, imo, that's not cool. Unfortunately, you'll pass this cheapness on to your kids who will in turn repeat this process later on in life probably.

But some people have no shame or care less about what they do, hence some people (not referring to OP) act like ***** in public and could care less while the rest of us point and laugh at them (verbally or internally, but we still acknowledge it). If you think you're getting over on Disney by eating outside of the park you're not, they know they have a great food product that's competitive with other restaurants out there and thousands eat there everyday. Besides, anyone can go to Golden Corral or Olive Garden in any major city, but you can't find a Jiko, Bomas, Le Cellier, Crystal Palace, Narcoossee's, Ohanas, etc where you live so that's why we visit those places. The prices are not too bad, plus the portions are so big you can even share a plate. We all know the prices are high, but the price we're paying for the trip, including airfare is about $2,500.00 to $3k so why cheap out the rest of the way?

On this trip i'll make sure it's enjoyable and i won't, nor will i ever, try to cheat myself out of a good time. I work too hard to do that to myself or my family. I tell my wife, get whatever you want, we're on vacation and deserve the best. Now with my DD2, she'll get the same response from me. It's nice to work very hard to afford these types of trips for your family that, for some folks like us, only come once a year....which is more than what other families can say that only visit once every so many years.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

My parents are cheap like that. Luckily that did not pass along to me and my sister. As a matter of fact, my sister is the exact opposite of cheap, she splurges on things way too much, and will probably always be in debt. Now me, I like to splurge, but I know the limits of my bank account.

When I grocery shop, I'll buy things on sale, and use coupons. I only spend about $20 a week on groceries, though at the begining of the month I did "splurge" and spend $50 one week since there was a birthday at the house, and I bout some $$$ meat and a cake.

When I'm at Disney, I don't worry about the cost of things. Sure, I keep track of how much I'm spending, but I don't not order something because it costs too much.