Help plan for two 18 year olds?

[mymartianromance]

We're in WDW from 4/23-4/26 since its a school trip, parts of the trip are already planned (and obviously unchangeable). But, what we choose to do and where to eat we can plan ourselves. What are some cheaper areas to eat? And crowd wise for attractions or dining? We don't want to get stuck waiting for food or lines that have more people in them than our entire high school and then be unable to do something we wanted to do.

 

[Mark P.]

Can't go wrong with a dog & fries at Casey's Corner. There's a few seats inside, but mostly outdoor seating under umbrellas, and the castle view ain't bad!

If I may also suggest what my Wife, Son and I usually do at least once for lunch at a quiet "little-known secret" place to eat and relax:
They love the tuna fish sandwich at Columbia Harbor House, next to Haunted Mansion, whereas I prefer a Casey's dog. We split, and I'll get a dog and fries (although I think they're the same at both places).
My Wife & Son order their stuff, along with a drink for me at Columbia, that way I'm not leaving a trail of soda and wearing most of it, too.

Here's the "secret hidden gem": Rather than sit downstairs, head upstairs, and for an added bonus, there's seating on the "bridge", whereas you can look down at the guests as they go from Fantasy Land to Liberty Square. Last August, it was quite busy overall at the MK, but nice and peaceful for recharging up there.
There's a station with condiments and restrooms upstairs, too.

Just a little friendly advice...Happy Planning

 

[mountdew1]

There are several web sites that post the menus along with prices. AllEars and WDWInfo both have them, so take a look to see the prices and options. Without knowing what parks you will be in, it's hard to offer good suggestions beyond general rules of thumb.

I'd guess you are leaning towards CS instead of TS. Almost every entree you will order will come with sides. So the menu may say "Angus Burger $9.79" or whatever it is. That will come with fries, or something similar. If you don't want them you can order the entree with no sides, and save a few bucks. Each park will usually have a few locations that offer entrees that are big enough to split. Lots of people think the 1/2 chicken with sides at Cosmic Rays in the MK is big enough to share, along with any of the platters at Tangierine Cafe in Morocco at Epcot.

To avoid waiting in lines for food, avoid the rush hours. If you can eat lunch at say 10:30 or 2, you will almost always miss the lunch crowds. Same thing with dinner, eat at 5 or 9.

 

[BalooFan]

I agree with hitting the counter service restaurants at off times. If you don't want to stand in long lines, don't go to a counter service restaurant at 12:00 pm or 6:00 pm. You can find a few reasonably priced table service restaurants, like The Plaza at Magic Kingdom, but you will want to make advance dining reservations for table service meals. Take advantage of Fast Pass + for the more popular rides. If your schedule allows, try to be at the parks at opening (rope drop) and you will be able to do a lot before many people are in the parks. Save the less popular rides and those that move a lot of people through quickly for the afternoon and evening when the parks are fuller.

 

[mymartianromance]

Well, here is our school itinerary, everything has to be planned around those times (food places listed aren't required eating, they're just meet up spots):

2/23 Noon: hotel arrival
12:30: Dismiss to MK or HS
4: Report to hotel
5:30: Go to MK
8: Meet up at Tomorrowland Terrance
12: Make it back to your hotel room before they tape the doors shut

2/24 9: BB or Epcot
1: Meet at LottaWatta Lodge/Electric Umbrella
4: Hotel
5:30: HS
8: BatB
11: Hotel

2/25 8:30: AK or Epcot
1: Pizzafari/Electric Umbrella
4: Hotel
5:30: Epcot
7: Electric Umbrella
11: Hotel

2/16 8: Load up Truck
8:30: MK
12: Tomorrowland Terrance
4:30: Board bus to airport

 

[Skullcrusher]

Can't go wrong with a dog & fries at Casey's Corner. There's a few seats inside, but mostly outdoor seating under umbrellas, and the castle view ain't bad!

If I may also suggest what my Wife, Son and I usually do at least once for lunch at a quiet "little-known secret" place to eat and relax:
They love the tuna fish sandwich at Columbia Harbor House, next to Haunted Mansion, whereas I prefer a Casey's dog. We split, and I'll get a dog and fries (although I think they're the same at both places).
My Wife & Son order their stuff, along with a drink for me at Columbia, that way I'm not leaving a trail of soda and wearing most of it, too.

Here's the "secret hidden gem": Rather than sit downstairs, head upstairs, and for an added bonus, there's seating on the "bridge", whereas you can look down at the guests as they go from Fantasy Land to Liberty Square. Last August, it was quite busy overall at the MK, but nice and peaceful for recharging up there.
There's a station with condiments and restrooms upstairs, too.

Just a little friendly advice...Happy Planning

The fish and chips are great and another vote for upstairs for seating.

 

[Doug M]

Best CS in MK is Cosmic Rays which you could easily split between two, plenty of food, or Columbia Harbour House.