Offsite inexpensive dining?

[frannn]

So we leave in about 23 days for a very expensive but tightly budgeted trip to WDW. Even though we rented a car, DH prefers not to drive too far because he's "on vacation". I think we can probably get some great, inexpensive meals offsite without driving too far outside WDW gates. Any suggestions/directions? Thanks!

 

[Ecdubfan]

192 is not far from Disney Property, and there is just about every restaurant concept that you can imagine on that stretch. Parts of it has been under construction, though, so consider that. The Crossroads area also has many choices. Plus, don't forget, there is a McDonalds at DD and another near AK, I think. While not the best food, it does make for an inexpensive, and quick, breakfast, lunch, or snack.

There are also a plethora of guidebooks offering coupons for many places. Use them. My wife and I do, and we save a bit on each meal outside of DW.

Christmas 1979
July 1989 offsite
July 1996 Offsite
August 1999 Offsite
March 2000 Offsite (Fairfield Cypress Palms - new owners)
2001 - TBD

 

[frannn]

Sorry if this this is a silly question. What food choices are there?

 

[mgrebenc]

frann- crossroads is at the lake buena vista entrance to WDW village: I-4 at Exit 27 (state road 535) There is a TGIFridays, Pizzaria Uno, Chevy's, Red Lobster, Jungle Jims and a few others.

 

[wdwpixie]

We did the Crossroads area last March while in town -- had good luck at McD's and Taco Bell (family likes - I hate <yuck>) -- but avoid Denny's....they were infuriatingly slow...unless you don't mind waittttttttttttting...we did eat at the International House of Pancakes across the street from Denny's...not bad, but maybe not the cleanest one we'd been in...there are a lot of places in this area and you won't get lost finding your way "home"...have a blast!!

 

[goofymom/pop]

Is right at the top of the hotel road across from the Marketplace....so if you leave the marketplace and drive past the Grosvenor (check location on Dis map) you will run directly into the crossroads. Check out Chevys there if you like Mexican food, it is wonderful and very inexpensive. Sis and I will share meal there in May as they are quite large and with the chip and salsa before hand neither of us can finish a meal. I would avoid the spot called Jungle something or other. We ate there last spring and had a horrible experience. It was the only bad meal our entire trip to Florida. Have funnnn!

Caribbean Beach 91
Off site 92
Off site Caribe Royale 97
All Sports 00
HIFS 5/01

 

[frannn]

Thanks for your help! Any others? (like, where's the closest Olive Garden?)

 

[momuv2poohs]

I love the Olive Garden, so me too, anyone know where the closest one is. Also any other great restaraunts that are close by. Thanks. <IMG WIDTH="15" HEIGHT="15" SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif" alt="razz"> <IMG WIDTH="15" HEIGHT="15" SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif" alt="razz"> <IMG WIDTH="15" HEIGHT="15" SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif" alt="razz"> <IMG WIDTH="15" HEIGHT="15" SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif" alt="razz"> <IMG WIDTH="15" HEIGHT="15" SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif" alt="razz"> <IMG WIDTH="15" HEIGHT="15" SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif" alt="razz">

 

[bunnie]

AT THE CROSSROADS ON THE MAIN ROAD, PAST THE OLIVE GARDEN ON THE RIGHT IS A SMALL PLAZA. THERE IS A STEAK AND SHAKE. WE HAD 4 FULL MEALS WITH A SALAD AND DRINK FOR AROUND 20$, CHEAPER THAN THE MC DONALDS. PLUS MUCH BETTER FOOD AND A LARGER SELECTION. SERVICE WAS PRETTY FAST. ALSO A SUBWAY ACROSS THE ROAD, FOR A LITTLE HEALTHIER CHOICE.

 

[kbp13]

This is not the cheapest palce but it's reasonable. We would go for the petite sirloin and get salad and wonderful bread rolls. this si really a fine meal for a good price. The prices are better than an Outback or Lone star in my opinion.

Kurt from MI

CB 1995
Vero/ASMov 1999
DVC joined 1999
OKW 1999
HH 1999
Disneyland Paris 2000
Vero/DCL/BW 2000
HH Dec 2000
DCL July 7 2001

 

[Geebs]

the Olive Garden is located past the Crossroads....Take a left out of the village hotels and it's not too far up the road. I don't remember exactly how far is, but not too far. Another place to go is to head towards Celebration City....Plenty of restaurants around there

 

[robinb]

I loved Sweet Tomatoes up International Drive near Universal. It's a buffet-type restaurant with very fresh food. It has a long salad bar, plus pasta, pizza, soup, potatoes, fruit and ice cream. With a coupon (available at any tourist location) it's only $6.50 per person!

I also like Jungle Jim's at the Crossroads as well as Chevy's.


-- Robin

 

[dizneenut]

Anyone know how much kids are at Sweet Tomatoes? Are they also $6.50 or cheaper??
TIA!

<font face="Comic Sans MS"><img width"200" src="http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/techca/tigger3.jpg"></img>

<font color="red">first family vacation--WDW--July 2001</font>

 

[robinb]

Kids are cheaper, I think they are charged by age. Drinks are extra for everyone, but only $1.39 (I think) and self serve.


-- Robin

 

[tink2dw]

a pamlet from the HIFS that has many many discounts for food!!