Inexpensive TS Restaurants?

[excited4dis]

I decided to forgo the dining plan for our 10 day stay in August 2018 because with the price increase, the calculator shows it's not worth it anymore for us. I'm still going to keep most of TS places we want to go to on our list, but I'm eliminating Crystal Palace and Fantasmic Mama Melrose. I'm keeping Sci-Fi (lunch), 1900, Chef Mickey's, Whispering Canyon, Cape May, T-Rex, Via Napoli, and BOG on our list for places to eat dinner. Can anyone recommend another place or two to go to that won't be overly expensive? (Something that would cost about $25 or less an entree) I know the buffets and character meals are expensive, so I don't need anymore of those places. Maybe another place in World Showcase or Magic Kingdom? Thanks! Also, I forgot to add. I'm not a fan of 50's Prime's menu, so that is out for us as well.

 

[sharonabe]

the calculator shows it's not worth it anymore for us

If you're using any of the old calculators, I highly doubt they have been updated to include the changes in the plan. If you're likely to order an alcoholic drink or two per night of stay, you may want to redo your own calculations. If you like to get a milk shake or smoothie with your meals, those are included as well.

I'm not advocating FOR the dining plan, as we don't use it either, but wanted you to know the calculators are probably not giving you a clear picture right now.

If you decide to continue with OOP, The Plaza and lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern are two cheaper places to go. Hollywood Brown Derby LOUNGE at HS might be an option.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

I have to say that even eating at the character meals works out cheaper than being on the dining plan.
We love Ohana - that is not less than $25 but delicious. The restaurants that we enjoy that might be less than $25 are Kona Cafe, The Wave, The Plaza, Rose and Crown and Sanaa.

 

[excited4dis]

If you're using any of the old calculators, I highly doubt they have been updated to include the changes in the plan. If you're likely to order an alcoholic drink or two per night of stay, you may want to redo your own calculations. If you like to get a milk shake or smoothie with your meals, those are included as well.

I'm not advocating FOR the dining plan, as we don't use it either, but wanted you to know the calculators are probably not giving you a clear picture right now.

If you decide to continue with OOP, The Plaza and lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern are two cheaper places to go. Hollywood Brown Derby LOUNGE at HS might be an option.

I used the Disney Dining Plan calculator which is up to date. I also went and priced out all the menus, and it still isn't worth it even if we get milkshakes. I will most likely not be getting an alcoholic drink every night, maybe just 1-3 for my entire trip.

I was thinking of the Plaza and LTT as two options. Thanks for your recommendations!

 

[excited4dis]

I have to say that even eating at the character meals works out cheaper than being on the dining plan.
We love Ohana - that is not less than $25 but delicious. The restaurants that we enjoy that might be less than $25 are Kona Cafe, The Wave, The Plaza, Rose and Crown and Sanaa.

You are correct. Even if I kept all my reservations, it would still be cheaper to eat OOP. The dining plan doesn't seem like a good deal for us unless we get "free dining," which I don't think I'll get for our August 14-23 trip. Thanks for your recommendations. I haven't looked into Koana, The Wave, or Sanaa, but I will now.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

You are correct. Even if I kept all my reservations, it would still be cheaper to eat OOP. The dining plan doesn't seem like a good deal for us unless we get "free dining," which I don't think I'll get for our August 14-23 trip. Thanks for your recommendations. I haven't looked into Koana, The Wave, or Sanaa, but I will now.

I don't get people getting the dining plan - I have calculated that we would have saved a lot of money each trip paying OOP versus the dining plan. I will say that there was a free dining offer this August 2017 - we aren't doing it but it was offered - so you never know for next year.

We love Sanaa for lunch or dinner; we love Kona for breakfast and lunch and dinner; we also really enjoy for the Wave lunch - haven't done dinner yet at the Wave. Enjoy!

 

[excited4dis]

We love Sanaa for lunch or dinner; we love Kona for breakfast and lunch and dinner; we also really enjoy for the Wave lunch - haven't done dinner yet at the Wave. Enjoy![/QUOTE]

I just looked up Sanaa. I've never heard of it before, but the atmosphere looks amazing! Too bad I don't think my kids would like the food much. It would be a really cool place to try if I every went on a trip without them!

 

[Wild4Walt]

Kona Café at Poly ( one of our favorites ) , ESPN and Big River Brewery at BWI, Nine Dragons at Epcot....

 

[jdisnut]

The Plaza Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom and Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club are two other relatively inexpensive table-service options that come to mind. Generally, the non-signature locations at the hotels tend to be on the cheaper side, at least compared to in-park restaurants. I'm referring to places like Kona Cafe at the Polynesian, Grand Floridian Cafe at the Grand Floridian, The Wave at the Contemporary and Captain's Grille at the Yacht Club.

 

[tinka-belle]

Trail's End at FW is the cheapest buffet on Disney property, prices can vary with the season, last time there on Memorial Day weekend $30 before the discount. We use our Disney Visa card to get 10% off there and at some other meals. Plaza in MK is reasonable but a limited menu.

 

[dsnydiva2]

Trail's End at FW is the cheapest buffet on Disney property, prices can vary with the season, last time there on Memorial Day weekend $30 before the discount. We use our Disney Visa card to get 10% off there and at some other meals. Plaza in MK is reasonable but a limited menu.

I second that Trails End is not only economical, but fantastic food also. I highly recommend breakfast or brunch. I've heard The Wave breakfast buffet is also a great value and really good food.

 

[curious_st]

I recently made my ADR for my 1st ever trip to Disney World, so I have been looking at quite a few menus lately. Both Restaurant Marrakech (Epcot) and Skipper Canteen (Magic Kingdom) have entrees in the $25 range. I obviously haven't been to either of them, but they both look interesting.

 

[samsteele]

I second many of the PPs suggestions: Sanaa, Marrakesh and Trails End (best economical buffet on property).

Also consider Beaches & Cream (but tough to get an ADR) and BOG for lunch instead of dinner (less $ but no Beast). If adults only trip, I'd also add Brown Derby for lunch at Hollywood Studios. Their signature cobb salad plus desserts are same price range as most quick service park options.