Large family, small budget... driving... food ideas for room or dining?

[Gumbo4x4]

Surely not in standard hotel rooms, right?

Absolutely!

 

[lpoeppelman]

First off we have a large family too (seven of us). We have done multiple Orlando trips (some Disney some universal) and did most meals in the room and had a great great relaxing vacation. BUT, I really think you should at least look at renting a condo. We have stayed at Wyndham bonnet creek 4 times and we really love it there. It's great for big families. There are a few reasons I think you should look at bonnet creek

1. If this is a budget trip WBC will be a lot less than An ASM suite (even with extra parking fees or shuttle fees)
2. You will have much more room
3. WBC located past the Disney gates, so while your off property you are actually just as close to parks as on property resorts.
4 this is the big one- if you are planning to eat in the room a lot then that needs to be easy and enjoyable, a full kitchen and full size fridge will make life sooooo much easier!!!

We pack lunches and eat in the room almost all the time. I can't imagine doing it without a full size fridge and a way/space to do that. Also trying to eat in the room without a place to sit everyone is a nightmare!

I would look at the we love bonnet creek threads here on the dis (I think there 3 parts now) lots of really great info and pictures!!!


Also if you drive, bring a crock pot (well if your in a condo you can), lots of easy meals you can throw in while your out at the parks!!
WBC also has serval gas grills to use, last trip we grilled a lot, grabbed steak and chicken at Costco, marinated while we were at the parks, threw it on to cook when we got home, add a couple sides and dinner in like 20 min

There a lot of condo choices but bonnet creek is the one we have used, so that's why I recommend that one (and how close it is to the parks)

Good luck!!

Thanks... this is a great idea; however, I have a travel agent discount at the ASM suite so the price is actually very reasonable. I've stayed in condo's at Disney and loved them (We've done a few)--but I'm happy to hear about the Bonnet... I may check into that next time. Right now, it would cost me money to cancel. We leave in late-May.

 

[FLLDYTRKR]

I do think the crockpot or the electric skillet from home would be good idea. Lots you can do with both.

Breakfast--Cereals- oatmeal-grits... eggs done up in the fry pan..You could for the first few days brown up some pork sausage at home and mix in scrabled egggs and serve on muffins or in wraps for a quickie breakfast. Hard boiled eggs can be eaten as is or turned into salad as needed.

BP and Jelly.. will always tide someone over in a pinch. Keep an ice chest in the bathroom and keep filled with ice. Start hoarding the condiments packs from fast food places to use. Make sandwhiches but leave dry until ready eat they will not get soggy..Add mustard and mayo ect... just before you eat.

At Epcot--Sonshine Seasons had a wonderful selection of food///many good choices.. the chicken half is a great deal. Easlily shared by two.. remember to order less food than you think you will need at first--always can go back and get more...but can not return uneaten food... Order and extra side of fries if someone is still hungry.

Snack bars and fresh fruit are easy to carry in. Hard cookies pack in well also.

 

[JessB320]

Thanks... this is a great idea; however, I have a travel agent discount at the ASM suite so the price is actually very reasonable. I've stayed in condo's at Disney and loved them (We've done a few)--but I'm happy to hear about the Bonnet... I may check into that next time. Right now, it would cost me money to cancel. We leave in late-May.

I see well then I would prep stuff at home and pack a large cooler. Breakfast sandwiches actually reheat well. Make them then wrap each one in a paper towel and put in a Baggie or plastic wrap. Reheat in microwave with the paper towel still ON (so they aren't soggy ) works well. Same can be done with breakfast burritos. Pancakes reheat easy as does bacon and sausage.

Deli chicken, delivery pizza for a couple easy dinners . If crock pots are allowed there are lots of options.

 

[momof2gr8kids]

I would premake stuff at home and freeze it.

You can do things like Sweet and Sour meatballs or chicken (then cook those rice packets in the microwave)

Pulled pork or beef you can warm up and put it on some buns.

Since you have a vehicle you can pick up deli things from the grocery store - like the roasted chicken and a premade salad.

Not sure how long your drive is, but usually for road and camping trips I do up a huge container of washed and cut up veggies so we have them to add to our meals. I know when I'm on vacation I won't make the time to do it. LOL. I usually pack all our condiments, canned stuff, cereals and frozen pre made meals and pick up fresh stuff along the way.

If a toaster is allowed (which it may be since there's a kitchen) an easy breakfast is toasted english muffins with a slice of ham and cheese in between. Instant oatmeal packets, cereal and fruit for breakfast.

Bake muffins, make up trail mix in small packets before hand, get cheese strings. Lots of things you can do for easy grab and go stuff for the parks, without having to make sandwiches every day as well.

 

[robinb]

Maybe you can try a condo/house next time .

Since the ASM Suites have a kitchenette and are wired for a microwave, I wouldn't hesitate to use other cooking appliances like a crock pot, George Foreman grill and toaster.

Breakfast is easy: cold cereal, oatmeal, toaster waffles, english muffins, bagels, etc.

Lunch would probably be the hardest (for me) but you can think picnic food or "brown bag" lunch type of food. Since you'll have at least one stroller you can easily bring a small cooler into the parks with you. Veggies and dip (ranch, hummus, etc) can liven up a lunch of plain sandwiches. Speaking of which, Tupperware "sandwich keepers" will keep your sandwiches from getting crushed. I use them for my DD's lunch almost every day. You still have plenty of time to get some off eBay and they last forever.

Dinner ideas are endless with a George Foreman Grill/electric skillet, a crock pot and a microwave. Just make sure you don't cook too much because I think the fridge is pretty small. You may have to shop a couple times for fresh food or keep stuff in a big cooler.

So, I would suggest that you make a food plan and draw up a list of stuff to bring with you (spices, spray oil, cooking spoons, etc) and a shopping list for Orlando. I would also suggest that you buy some plastic plates and bowls and wash them (bring a sponge and small dishwashing liquid). Plastic cutlery can be found just about anywhere in WDW.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Others have suggested takeout. We really like Hungry Howies Pizza (which we don't have in MO) and you can get a large for about $10. Feeds our whole family with a couple slices left over

 

[lpoeppelman]

I would premake stuff at home and freeze it.

You can do things like Sweet and Sour meatballs or chicken (then cook those rice packets in the microwave)

Pulled pork or beef you can warm up and put it on some buns.

Since you have a vehicle you can pick up deli things from the grocery store - like the roasted chicken and a premade salad.

Not sure how long your drive is, but usually for road and camping trips I do up a huge container of washed and cut up veggies so we have them to add to our meals. I know when I'm on vacation I won't make the time to do it. LOL. I usually pack all our condiments, canned stuff, cereals and frozen pre made meals and pick up fresh stuff along the way.

If a toaster is allowed (which it may be since there's a kitchen) an easy breakfast is toasted english muffins with a slice of ham and cheese in between. Instant oatmeal packets, cereal and fruit for breakfast.

Bake muffins, make up trail mix in small packets before hand, get cheese strings. Lots of things you can do for easy grab and go stuff for the parks, without having to make sandwiches every day as well.

I like the idea of freezing items... my mind is full of ideas; if they are frozen when we leave (we have a deep freeze so theybwill be rock solid)... do you think we can reasonably keep these items for another 4-5 days if it is something like fried bacon, sloppy joes, cooked n frozen hamburger (no poultry)... of couse I will have them in their own cooler wih lots of ice (there is no freezer in the mini fridge) to keep them as cold as possible.

Thx for all the ideas.... so helpful!

 

[pooh4evr]

The "kitchen" isn't really much more than a small sink, small refrigerator, microwave and counter. I really don't think you can set up crock pots, grills or skillets in the hotel room. I would call before hauling that stuff.

 

[lpoeppelman]

Others have suggested takeout. We really like Hungry Howies Pizza (which we don't have in MO) and you can get a large for about $10. Feeds our whole family with a couple slices left over

Wow.. what a deal! Do they deliver? Do you which one you ordered from?

 

[robinb]

The "kitchen" isn't really much more than a small sink, small refrigerator, microwave and counter. I really don't think you can set up crock pots, grills or skillets in the hotel room. I would call before hauling that stuff.

I think the major issue with cooking appliances in hotel rooms is the safety of the electrical wiring. At least that's what most DISers object to. That and cooking smells. I think that the ASM family suites are OK on both accounts since microwaves are provided for cooking and the suites are wired appropriately for their use.

 

[mrsklamc]

I'd have Giordano's delivered at least once.

 

[momof2gr8kids]

I like the idea of freezing items... my mind is full of ideas; if they are frozen when we leave (we have a deep freeze so theybwill be rock solid)... do you think we can reasonably keep these items for another 4-5 days if it is something like fried bacon, sloppy joes, cooked n frozen hamburger (no poultry)... of couse I will have them in their own cooler wih lots of ice (there is no freezer in the mini fridge) to keep them as cold as possible.

Thx for all the ideas.... so helpful!

If you pack all the frozen items together in a cooler with ice and don't open it, you will probably still find some things may still be frozen when you get there. Some will thaw sooner than others, but you can take stuff out and put in fridge as required. I've pre cooked sausages, taco meat too. I do this usually a couple of months before a road trip, just cook extra when I'm cooking a meal and stick in the freezer with the intention of using it for our camping or road trip. We've done slouvaki too. Then heat up and serve with pitas and dips.

My kids always joke about how we eat when we camp, while others have hot dogs. LOL I always slice up tomatoes, pickles and cheese to put in the fridge so it's easy to put together a quick sandwich.

 

[sarah4770]

What about the cabins? they should have a discount in the time frame you are going?
You might find a good deal at sheraton vistana at that time too. I would probably eat a big breakfast in the room, have a late lunch and then come back for sandwiches or pizza in the room. I don't think the portions are as large as they used to be.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Wow.. what a deal! Do they deliver? Do you which one you ordered from?

I think they deliver as the one we went to didn't have any seating. We just drove over and picked it up though. I'll try to search out the address tomorrow.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I think the major issue with cooking appliances in hotel rooms is the safety of the electrical wiring. At least that's what most DISers object to. That and cooking smells. I think that the ASM family suites are OK on both accounts since microwaves are provided for cooking and the suites are wired appropriately for their use.

This, plus the microwave and mini fridges are both MUCH bigger amp draws than a crockpot or electric skillet. For that matter, so are most hair dryers.

 

[friend2Figment]

When we go we also drive so we are able to pack food also. Here is what we normally pack:
Applesause cups, bread/buns, carrots,cereal to go, chips, cookies,crackers, friut cups, griut snacks,goldfish crackers, granola bars, hot dogs(frozen), micro mac & Cheese, micro popcorn, mini marshmellows, nuts, cheese, sausage, zip loc bags. Oh we also bring soda, beer & a case of water. Then we stop once we are in FL for milk & fresh fruit.

If you eat a large breakfast then eat a light lunch or even snack then have a large meal in your room for dinner.

I would think you could cut the 1/3 burger in half to share and still feel you had enough with the sides.
By bringing in the applesause cups or crackers the kids are able to share a meal and not feel like they did not have enough. I should add my kids eat like birds so it may depend on how much they normally would want.

You could look up the menus at each park ahead of time so see the different foods and cost so maybe you could enjoy at least one or two meals in a park.

My husband would give up a meal to make sure he stayed onsite. He likes to park the car and not have to drive until it is time to go home.

 

[rockyroad]

If you are wanting to eat on property have you thought of Trail's End.

I have not been for a couple of years, but my kids loved riding the boat over there from the Magic Kingdom.
Especially for a late lunch.
(It is calm over there and there is a playground and ponies to look at.)
Trail's End is still expensive to me, but reasonable for WDW.

We have checked to see when certain restaurants hours for lunch are and get there for a late lunch, early dinner.
Then do a snack when we get back to the room at night.

I like to take granola bars, apples and pringles into the parks for snacks.
Chewy granola bars will squish, but not crumble.
Pringles is good for a salty fix.
And apples are juicy and satisfying.

Another thing I have always done it to take a rubbermaid pitcher which I fill with ice in the morning and the evening.
It will give you cold water when you get back to the room and if you refill it at night it is cold water to fill water bottles.
I like to pack snacks into the pitcher as to not waste any space.

We have taken a george forman and used it for grilled sandwiches.
And a toaster for toastable foods.
A hot water kettle for instant things and cocoa.

At WDW, especially if you are going when it is hot, my advice is to not get too hungry or thirsty.
Once you are hungry or thirsty the heat will just wipe you out.

 

[CherylA]

I'm going on my second month of a kitchen renovation so I've been working with a mini fridgeand microwave for a while now (plus toaster oven and other small appliances but those don't apply here)! What I've found to be the easiest meals are the frozen steamfresh veggies and rice or veggies and pasta with a sauce, then I throw in some of the perdue short cuts chicken and it's an easy meal. You cook the steamfresh in the bag in the microwave and then you need some kind of a microwavable container to heat up the chicken, everyone gets theirs in a plastic disposable bowl with a plastic spoon. Makes you want to invite yourself over for dinner at my house doesn't it?!!!

Other than that I'd try to stick with sandwiches and other cold items. It is exausting trying to cook a makeshift meal.

When we are trying to keep fast food prices down though I pack my own drinks and sides. If you have baby carrots, chips and drinks when you go to order you can order a couple orders of chicken strips or a few chicken quesadillas and that will feed a family of 5 or 6, you mostly need to fill up on the sides you brought. Pack more snacks/sides/drinks than you think you will need, they go fast! (Editing to add I don't do this at regular fast food restaurants at home, just with take out or where they have seats outside to eat)

 

[mom4graceandlogan]

We regularly share meals and only stay onsite. Here are my tips for staying onsite and great value and food. HS= Last time we went to 50's prime time it was a ton of fun but portions were tiny and we are light eaters. I think there were four French green beans on my plate and that's it. Read recent reviews and look at pics before you pic that one if you want to share. I think you will be there when they are offering the fantasmic dinner boxes that you can pick up, those sound interesting. HS is my least favorite park to eat at. One option is to boat over to the boardwalk and get a pizza at the walk up window. Good value you get to see the boardwalk entertainment and usually fireworks if you time it right. Great way to end an evening.

AK-FLAME TREE BBQ- great food bigger portions, their fruit and yogurt bowl is huge and super fresh. Great sandwiches and sides big enough for our family to share. Really great and nice area to sit down by the lake and watch the birds.

MK= I believe I have read that cosmic rays has a great rotisserie combo meal big enough to share. Look at pics and menu of Be our guest for lunch. I ate lunch their with a friend and sandwiches were reasonably priced and big enough to share. My kids are gonna share the steak sandwich for lunch next trip and the atmosphere was great. My kids cant stand the Disney kids meals so they usually share an adult meal or get a snack and share with one of the adults. ALso Casey corner dogs are big enough for kids to share and we always share fries.

EPCOT- Eat your way around the CS World! Really fun! We are a family of five . We start at England and share one basket of fish and chips. THen to France for an item at the bakery or crepes(the bakery items are usually under $3) everyone gets one item there. Then to Morocco for one sampler plate .Everyone try it. Snow cone or sushi to share at Japan. Dumplings and eggrolls are cheap in CHina. Nachos in Mexico. Split a sandwich in Norway. In France we all get one item at bakery or share a crepe and everyone is full by the end and feels like they went on a mini food adventure.( we don't do all of these each time just some of our favorites) NOt our most well balanced meal but fun. We spend about the same as if we sat down and all ordered one thing. The other fun thing is that dessert sometimes come s in the middle!

We do epcot two days so on the other day, we always do sunshine seasons. Plenty to share there(especially the Asian stirfry dishes) and wonderful quality. YOu can also share the pizza at Via Napoli. My best advice on sharing is to just watch the people as they walk away. See if it looks good and big enough to share. That is often how we pick. All three of my kids(4.9.and12) share one adult entree and the fruit and cheese sampler in the cold section and there is enough for me to have some of the fruit/cheese too. Hope this helps! these are our favorite place and a sure fire way to have options besides a chicken nugget.