offsite food budget?

[petunia]

We are used to the disney dining plan, so when staying offsite this trip how much should I budget for lunch and dinner, sd we will eat breakfast in room. Id like a mix of fast food and some olive garden type restaurants. We are 4 adult eaters and 2 kids.

 

[happymommy]

I would safely assume you'll spend less than the dining plan.

My kids and I stayed offsite for 15 nights August 2012, and spent a LOT less than the dining plan. We had breakfast in the condo, then counter service in the parks a lot, then dinner either counter service or in the condo (and a couple of days we just hung out and maybe did mini golf instead of the parks). We went to both water parks (but got chased out by the typical afternoon thunderstorms which thankfully I saw coming on my phone app) and there you can bring large coolers. I took our big softside cooler with me with water, soda, and sandwiches and chips, so we didn't buy food at the water parks (anyway, I don't want some huge burger and fries when I can have a nice little turkey sandwich).

We bought groceries mostly at Super Target and Walmart, and probably ate healthier than dining out.

Just figure what you usually spend at the typical restaurants you like, then add in for snacks at the parks too.

I guess I spent about $800 or so total - definitely not much more than if we were home.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

What do you spend at home if you go out to eat when its fast food or sit down? Then I would take that number and add about 10% to that figure to factor in for the prices in Florida. Compared to what I pay at home I feel the prices for food outside of the park are only about 10% - 12% more than at home.

 

[jerseygirl81]

If you decide to eat at any counter service in the park you can look at the menus with prices online. Linda

 

[FreeThinker]

Plan out meals with left-overs! On days you will be at the condo longer, make a big meal. On days you will be in the parks, eat left-overs! Easy ideas are hambergers/hot dogs, grilled chicken, roast or chicken breast in the crock pot, tacos, ect. Easy sides are mac and cheese, those packets of pasta sides or rice-a-roni, baked potatoes and French fries. Veggies are carrots/broccoli and dip, corn on the cob and canned green beans. All are quick and easy! We also keep some fruits cut up for dessert! I just make up a meal plan with easy dinners, and go ahead and make up my shopping list before I get there. I also plan for taking in snacks in the park each day. And of course Gatorade and water.

 

[blessedby3]

We are used to the disney dining plan, so when staying offsite this trip how much should I budget for lunch and dinner, sd we will eat breakfast in room. Id like a mix of fast food and some olive garden type restaurants. We are 4 adult eaters and 2 kids.

We are staying off site for 2 weeks in June. I have been buying up gift cards to restaurants around where we are staying. A mix of fast food and sit down places (Olive Garden, Chilis, Chick Fil A, Steak n Shake, Cracker Barrel, etc). I buy a $25 every two weeks when DH gets paid. We will have lots of meals pre paid:good vibes
When we went down a year ago this past Oct, we stayed at Bonnet Creek (same place we are staying again) and we found it cheaper to eat at off site sit down places than CS in park places.

 

[vikster1]

Cici's pizza buffet is cheap and if your on a budget work it in. $4.99 adult. pizza, salad,pasta and soup. Plus brownies and cinnamon rolls.

 

[wendybeth75]

What do you spend at home if you go out to eat when its fast food or sit down? Then I would take that number and add about 10% to that figure to factor in for the prices in Florida. Compared to what I pay at home I feel the prices for food outside of the park are only about 10% - 12% more than at home.

I agree with that. Look around at coupon books before you go. I found a BOGO coupon for CiCis pizza on our last trip. Ended up two adults ate for $12. Also, if you have a smart phone, Urban Spoon is great. It gives you all the restuarants near your current location.

 

[Brian Noble]

We are used to the disney dining plan, so when staying offsite this trip how much should I budget for lunch and dinner

When I stay offsite, I don't really eat any differently. Breakfast is always in the room (a condo, townhome, pool home, or DVC Villa). Lunch and dinner are generally in the parks.

That said, I've never, not once, spent as much eating just what, when, and where I wanted as the appropriate dining plan costs.