More SW Dining Questions

[MelanieC]

Talked to DH and the kids and we have decided to do the "dining deal" when we go on 8/15. We were going to do Bucktooth Charlie - err.. I mean Sharks (there was a fish that had buck teeth when we went 2 years ago and so Sharks is called Bucktooth Charlie now -cuz that is what we named him, lol), but we decided that it takes up too much times with the shows since we only have one day.

At first DH was like $30 per person, how much is the food and I reminded him how it usually costs us around $70 for one meal at Busch Garden in VA by the time we do 4 drinks, a platter, etc. I know BG VA is almost a "buffeteria" style in that every side thing you order unless it's on the platter is extra and that the platters are usually between $9-$13 each roughly. The kids are eating more these days too - especially our son who is 11.

So after reminding him that we easily spent over $140 on two meals at Busch Gardens plus whatever the drinks was he agreed it would probably save money. He says he is going to have a soda or water in his hand ALL DAY, lol to make sure he gets his money worth.

Here are the questions we had:

1. We didn't eat CS at SW when we were there - How much do most of the adult meals average there before drinks (the platter type meals)?

2. How crowded are the lines in the afternoon during non lunch hours if we want to pop in line to get a drink. How bad are they during lunch hours?

3. What is the earliest you can start using this (Park opens at 9am and first show is at 10am). Just trying to make a plan on timing of eating and getting drinks. If you buy it first thing in the morning can you go through the line then for a drink? Or do they offer breakfast items like Disney does? Would you be able to get a danish and a drink in the morning or something like that?

4. If you go through at lunch time and get a sandwich, side (not dessert) and a drink........do they look at you strangely a bit later if you go back through for drink refills or just a dessert?

Thanks in advance........just trying to figure out what to expect and make sure without stuffing ourselves how to make sure we at least get the $30 per person worth.

 

[RabFlmom]

Talked to DH and the kids and we have decided to do the "dining deal" when we go on 8/15. We were going to do Bucktooth Charlie - err.. I mean Sharks (there was a fish that had buck teeth when we went 2 years ago and so Sharks is called Bucktooth Charlie now -cuz that is what we named him, lol), but we decided that it takes up too much times with the shows since we only have one day.

At first DH was like $30 per person, how much is the food and I reminded him how it usually costs us around $70 for one meal at Busch Garden in VA by the time we do 4 drinks, a platter, etc. I know BG VA is almost a "buffeteria" style in that every side thing you order unless it's on the platter is extra and that the platters are usually between $9-$13 each roughly. The kids are eating more these days too - especially our son who is 11.

So after reminding him that we easily spent over $140 on two meals at Busch Gardens plus whatever the drinks was he agreed it would probably save money. He says he is going to have a soda or water in his hand ALL DAY, lol to make sure he gets his money worth.

Here are the questions we had:

1. We didn't eat CS at SW when we were there - How much do most of the adult meals average there before drinks (the platter type meals)?

2. How crowded are the lines in the afternoon during non lunch hours if we want to pop in line to get a drink. How bad are they during lunch hours?

3. What is the earliest you can start using this (Park opens at 9am and first show is at 10am). Just trying to make a plan on timing of eating and getting drinks. If you buy it first thing in the morning can you go through the line then for a drink? Or do they offer breakfast items like Disney does? Would you be able to get a danish and a drink in the morning or something like that?

4. If you go through at lunch time and get a sandwich, side (not dessert) and a drink........do they look at you strangely a bit later if you go back through for drink refills or just a dessert?

Thanks in advance........just trying to figure out what to expect and make sure without stuffing ourselves how to make sure we at least get the $30 per person worth.

1. About the same prices as BG most are in the $9-$13 range. Drinks are almost $3 so they add up if not on the plan. ( can tell you I got my $$$ worth by eating BBQ platter for lunch, drinks and desserts(fruit) a few times during the day and then fajitas for "supper".

2. Usually had to wait for 5-10 people in June. Unfortuantely the drinks are always at the end of the food line. I suppose you could line jump for a bottle of water and just wave the wrist band, but the drinks are filled by a CM so you would hold up the line and actually be line cutting if you jumped in front of a family to get sodas.

At lunch sometimes the lines are long usually. On busy days they will be the longest line you will be in unless you ride coasters.

3. The five restaurants that you can go to on the plan open at 11 AM so can't get anything till then.

4. You can go back as many times as you want and no one gives you a look. My sons actually got fajitas,soda and chocolate cake for supper, finished them, then went right back and got chicken strips, water, and watermelon. They stopped and got drinks and watermelon or strawberries all afternoon to get out of the heat for a few minutes . They ate them on the way to the coasters and while in line.

We are one family that would do it again. My husband does not like to eat a lot in the parks so we didn't get it for him. He ate lunch only so it would cost more than just buying the meal for him.

 

[MelanieC]

Thanks I'm sold - and at least I know to have the kids eat a breakfast bar in the room before we go.

Boy Sea World is losing out by not having some breakfast items. - Then again, maybe more people eat lunch by not having them.

 

[RabFlmom]

Thanks I'm sold - and at least I know to have the kids eat a breakfast bar in the room before we go.

Boy Sea World is losing out by not having some breakfast items. - Then again, maybe more people eat lunch by not having them.

Oh, there is a wonderful bakery shop where you can purchase brownies, cookies, pastries, rice crispy things, coffee,etc. but it is not on the meal plan so you have to pay for them. Everything we have ever gotten there is very good and often big enough for 2 people to eat.

 

[f86sabjf]

yes yes there Bakery is very good we even take stuff home for the next morning when we go there. There hot chocolate rocks.

 

[MelanieC]

Ok - that makes more sense. I thought it would be silly to open at 9 and not have ANYTHING to eat before 11.