Have WDW restaurants gone up alot in price??

[Julia M]

Is it just me, or have the prices at WDW gone up alot in the last couple of years? We took a trip in April, 2001, and now, reading the menus from Deb's site, everythnig seems so expensive! At most of the "nicer" restaurants, it seems the entrees are $20+ and more.

I am working out a budget, and am thinking we'll be eating alot of counter service!

Julia

 

[Uncleromulus]

I'm sure they've "eased up" over the years.
But putting it in perspective--we went out twice for dinner to fairly "nice" restaurants this week (alas, locally and not at WDW) and virtually every entree was at or near the $20 range--and a few were pushing $30. As an example-two Md. crabcakes were $27.50. The 8 oz filet came in at the same price.
But a good thing at WDW is that there are places to eat for less money, so if food budget is a concern, at least there are options.

 

[Goofyposter]

Like UncleR I'm sure there's been some adjustments....but another important thing to remember is that the serving sizes are sooo huge...many people find that they can comfortably split an entree which certainly helps on the budget!

 

[MELSMICE]

JMO, but we have always found the WDW restaurants to be rather pricey & not all that great. We always rent a car & in most cases choose to go off-site for dinners.

Everything else about Disney I love, I just think they could improve on their food. Like I said - JMO.

 

[MelissathePooh]

Given the lack of good restaurants in our area we always feel that WDW provides us with excellent dining options at very reasonable prices. For us its a value!

What I mean is that a good steak at a good restaurant here in Lansing will cost easily between $25-$30 - I mean a nicer restaurant - not a Ryans or Ponderosa. When you add the inventive and original accompanyments, great service and beautiful theming - I've always found it to be reasonable.

I've only had a few meals at WDW that I didn't care for - I think over the past 10 years in particular the improvement in the Dining experience has become one of the most important factors in going to WDW.

As far as the cost of counter service food in WDW - to me its not any different than at any other theme or water park in the world - I always expect it to cost more. I don't think that is unique to WDW at all. But I truly believe that in the cases of the sit down restaurants most are priced reasonably for what they prepare.

Melissa

 

[patsal]

I found a box the other day when I was cleaning my closet. It was filled with reciepts from a trip we took in 1996. One thing that stood out for me was that the Luau was about 75.00 for two people back then. It reallly has not gone up that much considering in 1996 the tip was not included in the price. I figure it is only up about 9(or 4.50 per person) since on $75 I would have tipped at least 14.00. When food prices go up so do restaurant prices. I took the family out this weekend MIL was here for a visit, and I spent $125.00 before tip (no place fancy just Red Lobster), nearly every entree was around the $20.00 mark. I have nearly always found WDW food to be a fair price considering the quality of much of the food.JMHO

 

[crisi]

I've noticed my grocery bill has gone up over the past couple years as well.....

 

[Krissalee]

I think the price of restaurants in WDW are comparable to the restaurants I frequent at home. I prefer to dine at some of the nicer places in WDW (Flying Fish, California Grill, Artist Point, Narcoossee's, etc.). I realize that while I am at WDW, I will be dining out with a lot more frequency, than while at home (on vacation I will dine out nightly, while at home, we dine out once every 2-3 weeks), so I plan to spend more on food.

We don't eat at chain restaurants (DH hates them - I have gift certificates for Applebees, Outback Steakhouse, and TGIFridays burning a hole in my pocket). We don't eat fast food, either - I wouldn't eat that food at home - why would I eat it on vacation????

I don't mind spending money on food while I am on vacation - for me it is the total escape - If I don't have to work, and cook, and clean, and wash the dishes, plus I get to eat an incredible meal, I'll pay what ever the cost!