Just back: food at all parks really marginal and EXPENSIVE!

[pnelson]

Personally I have found the food at WDW to be good and the kids meals especially to be very reasonably priced. I think for about $5 or $6 dollars you can get a complete meal with a drink and cookie.

I'm sorry, but I make my child a PB& J sandwich every day for school and I am not going to do it on vacation.

Personally, I think the drinks (alcoholic) are more of a rip off then the food. I paid about $7.00 for a chi chi that had a splash of vodka in it while I paid $3.50 for a virgin chi chi for my son. Believe me, WDW is making a killing on those mixed drinks. I think next time I will bring my own vodka in and order a virgin chi chi.

 

[Eeyore2U]

We all have differerent tastes and different senses of worth. I find the counter services we go to above the level of the chain fast foods. We find many of the restaurants comparable or exceeding the same level of restaurant at home. We live not far from Boston so we don't experience sticker shock.

I think we are also victims to our own expectation.

 

[Mississippian]

Although I have no plans to head to CRT anytime soon, my view is that the price is much too cheap.

Anytime people are calling in exactly 60 days in advance, and the seats are all sold within 10 minutes, it is a sign that prices need to be raised out of fairness to those not willing to sit by the phone day and night.

Certainly I do agree that Disney should work to make the CRT food edible. But with the crowds lowing like cattle to get in, it is unlikely they are too concerned.

May family eats out from time to time at casual dining places like Fridays, Chili's, Applebee's and so forth. The tab usually exceeds $50. So at Disney I would not be upset if a sit-down meal cost from $60 to $75.

Puffy, I do appreciate your comments, and see your point. I've been pretty happy with most of our Disney food, although there have been some real dud meals. It's always upsetting to pay big money for food that isn't good.

 

[travelitis]

Raising the prices at CRT to the point the call volumn goes down would only result in ill-will and feelings of economic discrimination. I'd rather miss out on CRT because I didn't win the phone lottery than because our family absolutely couldn't afford it. If Disney resorted to that tactic and soaked us worse than they already do for this meal, we'd rethink taking our family as often. I suspect there are others who feel the same way. However, your point is well taken that considering the demand, we shouldn't be griping about the pricing as it's commensurate with other character dining.

Good values at WDW include the ham and cheese croissant at the Boulangerie Patisserie for $2.95.

 

[Misti]

I think the prices have gone up resort-wide. Buffets are now over $20 for adults, drinks no longer included as of last year. Expensive--yes. I think, overall, the value is good though.

Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your dining experiences this time around. Another consideration next time may be a unit with kitchen facilities--that can be a money-saver. Also, you can try to eat at the very last lunch seating at some places to replace dinner. The prices are usually a bit lower for lunch. Plus, by dining early you can save room for some of the yummy snacks Disney has all over property.

 

[mcr5298]

Honestly, I don't get the point. Anywhere you go in the world (Not Disney), you are going to pay inflated prices. If you don't like it stay home or as you suggested pack PB&J. I go to Disney for the FOOD. Yum and I know what it costs and that is what I like to spend my $$$$ on.

If Disney prices turn your stomach try going to the US Open in NY. I went this year for the first time and spent $17 for 1 Hamburger ($7), 1 Fry ($6) and 1 Bottle of Water ($4).


The joy of Disney is exploring and trying different things.

Relax, your on vacation...

P.S. with all this talk of PB&J, check out this CNN story on Military PB&J

http://www.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/diet.fitness/10/29/offbeat.three.year.sandwich.ap/index.html

 

[loveswdw]

Okay, I'm probably gonna get slammed here but here goes... Yes, food is expensive at WDW. That's a given. But what does it cost per day to run WDW? You pay double for food because it costs a ton of money to run parks like WDW. Disney is not a not-for-profit company. I know many of the major attractions are underwritten by corporate sponsors but there is still MAJOR costs incurred by Disney. That's why food, souvenirs, everything are so expensive. Supposedly Disney is Florida's number one employer. That's a lot of salaries (and most of them don't make that much anyway)! Yes, you will pay inflated prices and I am the first to admit that but I'm a sucker and willing to do it as are millions of others who must make the mecca to the mouse.

My bargain: breakfast at POFQ food court-- banana nut muffin (huge) and a fruit cup, $4.50 per day (drink with refillable resort mug not included). Not a whole lot more than McDonalds. Plus, we try the nicer restaurants at lunch. They aren't much cheaper but $5 less per entree is better than nothing! Plus, if you don't want the combo meal, tell them to keep the fries. You won't get charged for them.

loveswdw

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by mcr5298
Honestly, I don't get the point. Anywhere you go in the world (Not Disney), you are going to pay inflated prices. If you don't like it stay home or as you suggested pack PB&J. I go to Disney for the FOOD. Yum and I know what it costs and that is what I like to spend my $$$$ on.

If Disney prices turn your stomach try going to the US Open in NY. I went this year for the first time and spent $17 for 1 Hamburger ($7), 1 Fry ($6) and 1 Bottle of Water ($4).


The joy of Disney is exploring and trying different things.

Relax, your on vacation...

P.S. with all this talk of PB&J, check out this CNN story on Military PB&J

http://www.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/diet.fitness/10/29/offbeat.three.year.sandwich.ap/index.html

I think the food at Disney is pretty cheap compared to the price have to pay at home. When were at Disney last year, I paid @ $16.00 for typical counter service meals for my son and I. (burgers\hot dogs, fries, drinks)

The last time we went to a Mets game I paid $27.50 for 2 hot dogs, 2 fries, 2 sodas, and a pretzel. I'd take Disney prices over these any day.

 

[eeyore0062]

If you want a character breakfast truly worth the $19.99 per person, then go to the one at 1900 Park Faire. The buffet is terrific, and the made to order omelets are fantastic. The service is top notch, and you NEVER run out of fresh orange juice. The characters were great, and the kids had a blast. I have to agree that $19.99 for an adult breakfast is alot, but this one was truly worth it for the selection, the quality, the service, and the character interaction!

I do agree that if you do research, you can come out with some reasonably priced meals, that are of good quality. Try somewhere where the menu is noted for large portions, and share... or maybe get one of the flatbread pizzas and a salad, and share that. There are ways, and believe me, there is GOOD food in the World!

 

[Dopey Sharon]

We have been to quite a few amusement parks. The food at all the parks is expensive, compared to what you would pay at a restaurant at home. Comparing the food and prices at WDW to the other parks...I feel as though price, quantity and quality are better at WDW.

 

[Jen D]

Disney World-- Mets Games- US Open-- Airports-- what do all these things have in common? You're a captive! Leaving for more gently priced fare is not worth the trouble, and they know it, so they gouge you. Alas, it is a fact of life.

It's a given, so, as I said above, our best defense is to do our homework and find the restaurants that do their job well. WDW has many of these, along with the clunkers.

I still can't believe I actually pay $20 for a breakfast that doesn't come with a Bloody Mary.

(disneyjunkie-- good to see another Brooklynite on the boards!)

 

[Jinnyboom]

Wanted to reply to Disneyjunkie regarding your $16 meal at Disney as opposed to the prices you paid at a Mets game....
and to Jen D who speaks to being held captive at "big ticket" parks and sporting events....

Tonite.... I paid $15.86 for two large orders of "twisty fries", two large orders of mozzarella sticks, and 1 chocolate shake...(bet you are all envious of this "healthy diet")

This "culinary adventure" was acquired via a drive thru window at an Arby's in West Virginia

Everything is relative...give me Disney and Disney prices...(yes...within my pre-planned budget)...any day over this

 

[sha_lyn]

As others have pointed out WDW food quality and prices are great when compared to other "attractions". Just look at what a coke, popcorn and candy cost at a movie these days. At SixFlags over GA we paid more for a cold hamburger with no extras, than what a burger with fries(or carrots) and the toppings bar at Pecos Bill's. We had decent buffett at Cedar Point a couple of years ago but the food wasn't as good as most WDW buffets (better than CM's however) and it cost just as much.

 

[smjj]

I guess, we too think the food is too high but look at it like this.
All places like WDW hves high food prices. We go more for the entertainment aspects and not the food. We do go to the dinner shows but expect the food to be what it is, food prepared convention style for the many thousands of people who go each day. I don't expect that much so we are not that disappointed(except for the price that is). We went to King Island this last summer and their prices were just as high there for fast food so its like that I suppose at all the theme parks..smjj

 

[crisi]

In my experience, I have had only a few exceptional meals at WDW. But some pretty darn good ones. And, on occation, a lousy one. In some cases, I've paid less than I would have for a similar meal at home, in most cases, slightly more, and in a few cases, I've said "who'd pay $12 for a hamburger" and haven't eaten there.

In general, I find fast food to be pricey compared to home, but the portions are larger and the food is better. Drinks are expensive - alcoholic are very expensive, but even pop isn't cheap. And there are bargains in fast food as well (sandwiches at Cosmic Rays).

Like others, I think its a bargain compared to going to a ball game, eating at the movie theatre, and competative to other theme parks.

I have noticed that my perception of quality and value (not at Disney - but at places I go more frequently) can be variable depending on my mood. If I'm feeling broke, I seldom feel like I am getting a value - even if I was at the same restaurant two weeks before, had the same thing, and thought the price was fair. And if I feel its expensive to start with, I'm never happy with the quality.

 

[wdisneyaholic]

I don't neccesarily think that all the food at Disney is expensive. They definately give you alot of food for what you pay. Where they really get you is on your drinks. If you want to cut some food cost just take your drinks and you would save alot. I have enver had a problem paying the food prices at Disney because I always thought that the food was pretty decent. Now that I have kids I take food because they tent to be pretty picky eaters. They will only eat a certtain kind of mac n cheese. They will eat until they pass out for breakfast and so will my husband, so going to a buffet for breakfast is a good way for us not to be hungry for lunch.

This year I will be taking more food for my kids because I absolutley hate to pay for a meal and have them throw it away. I definately agree you judge prices at Disney with where you dine daily. It is expensive to go and eat at any theme park, ball game etc. At least with Disney you have tons of optins.

We went to Six Flags in Ohio and not only was the food outrageously expensive, it was awful and not many choices. Do your research before you go to Disney and eat a late lunch/early dinner and then get a snack late at night and you can cut your costs.

My husband would pay $100 a day just to have breakfast buffets at Disney, he absolutely loves them. So instead of doing character buffets all the time we have discovered the Whispering Canyon breakfast. For $9.99 a person it is a great deal.

 

[patman]

The food (counter service) at walt disney world is far superior compared to six flags. I don't think that it is a valid comparison to a ball game though, you don't have to eat at the ball game it is over in 3 hours, your at Disney for multiple days. Same thing for six flags, they are only going to get you for one meal so they sock you.

A large value meal at Mickey D's or BK cost almost $6,00 bucks in New England. At Disney My wife and I will get a large Drink and share it so that it is only a little bit more expensive. $8.50for chicken strips though is a bit much. 20 years ago the prices were twice if not more what you would pay at the fast food places, I guess Disney realizes you can only get so much for a burger.

I travel during peak times so I go back to the condo during early afternoon or we park hop. I will have a picnic lunch in the car as we drive between parks. a nice quiet break. You won-t belive the amount of nice places to spread a blanket in the shade between parks.

 

[kalamazoo]

I have noticed a definite change in the offerings within the past year or two. The portions are not as big as they used to be (though still fine). Used to be that many meals had enough for 2 to share . Now really more a 1 person meal. Other than that and the closing of 1 or 2 favorite restaurants, we are still pretty happy with the food at WDW. Obviously it is possible to encounter some duds, but we tend to stick to the places we know we like and try only a few new places each trip. Sometimes even a favorite meal is not up to par but usually it is just an off day. To be sure WDW food is expensive, but ITA that eating out anywhere these days is very pricey.

One thing I was surprised to read was Puffy's comment on Columbia Harbor House being noisy. That is one of our favorite counter-service restaurants at MK partly because we have always found that the layout (many rooms instead of one big room) was conducive to a fairly quiet dining experience.

 

[sha_lyn]

The food (counter service) at walt disney world is far superior compared to six flags. I don't think that it is a valid comparison to a ball game though, you don't have to eat at the ball game it is over in 3 hours, your at Disney for multiple days. Same thing for six flags, they are only going to get you for one meal so they sock you.

No one has to eat at WDW. You can stay at a home away from home resort onsite and eat all your meals there. You can stay off site, or drive off site to eat, or you can stay off site at a place where you can prepare your own meals.

 

[dvc guy]

You need to pick your spots at WDW, just like anywhere else. We are DVC members so we eat breakfast in the room and pack lunch for the family.

Disney has some great places to eat, I think that you did not find them on this trip. Try chef mickey's for dinner, not fancy but you get pretty good food, and you will not waste valuable park time eating breakfast.

Working in NYC I don't find Disney SUPER expensive, but it still adds up. I would guess by packing lunch and drinks we save 30 dollars a day.