New to TS-which are the best?

[JustAustin]

We're planning our second trip to Disney, and going without a meal plan this time. Last year we found that the QS plan was too limiting-we didn't have enough choices, and we wound up wasting a ton of food. We're not huge eaters, so desserts would either go untouched or we'd take one bite because we felt like we had to. And this year, we're staying at Kidani, so we'll have a kitchen and are planning on ordering some food for breakfasts at least.

Our group of four is made up of three adults and one 5 year old. We like most cuisine, expect one in our party can't eat Indian food due to spice/allergy reactions. We plan on splitting meals when we can to save on cost, but we won't be doing any signature or deluxe dining. And of course we have some QS places that we do love (SS! WPE! ) so we'll be doing some cheaper meals, too.

With all that in mind, what do you guys suggest would be the best places to try to hit in the parks and in DD? I've checked out some of the reviews, and love the pics , but are there any fan favorites across the board, or places that you've been to multiple times and always enjoyed?

 

[ChrissyBeth29]

I've heard that Cosmic Rays has HUGE portions if you get the barbeque chicken or some others. Those would be good for sharing. We ate at the outdoor 'food court' on the road outside of Tower of Terror and Rock and Roller Coaster. There are lots of choices and it's very good.

If you do want a table service that isn't 'too' expensive, try Mama Melrose in Hollywood Studios. The flat breads are great and we paid out of pocket and it didn't hurt too much.

At DTD...Raglan Road has great dishes and it wasn't too expensive!

Good luck!

 

[PrincessBetsy]

My family has never gotten the dining plan, as we feel that it's not the best deal for our family. We normally eat at 3 or 4 TS restaurants a trip and have CS the rest of the trip. We typically share meals, since the portions are huge and it cuts down on cost. It also saves us from overeating, so we can have a few snacks later in the day. If you are also looking to cut down on cost, I would recommend eating a TS meal for lunch, since the prices are much lower than during dinner. Buffets and the like will also be the least expensive for breakfast.

My favorite TS (in no particular order): Crystal Palace and 1900 Park Fare (both have superb breakfast buffets and good character interaction), Liberty Tree Tavern, The Plaza, Le Cellier, Whispering Caynon Cafe, Beaches and Cream (great burgers and ice cream)

Popular TS I haven't tried (yet): Yak and Yeti, Chefs de France, Via Napoli, Ohana, Kona

I would also check out this link (http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm#ak) for menus. Have fun planning out your meals and let me know if you have any further questions!

 

[JustAustin]

If you are also looking to cut down on cost, I would recommend eating a TS meal for lunch, since the prices are much lower than during dinner. Buffets and the like will also be the least expensive for breakfast.

Yeah, we've definitely been planning on trying TS meals at lunch, simply because it can get pricy. But we'll probably shy away from buffets, since we're not huge eaters and the cost never seems to justify what we actually eat.

I've looked over menus of places that sound good, and LTT lunch sounds great! Other places that I'm interested in are the Rainforest Cafe in AK and the french restaurant in Epcot.

I'm betting we'll spring for dinner on the nights when we stay later in the parks for fireworks. Which Mexican restaurant in Epcot have people had good experiences with in the past? What about either of the Japanese places?

Thanks for helping out the newbie.