one-day trip to MK: cheap eats for the frugal?

[lc1965]

I am bringing a couple of friends to MK tomorrow just for the day. They are frugal people ... not cheap, just frugal. That is to say, they will pay as little as possible to get what they want, but will pay more if getting what they want costs a bit more.

Personally, I like to walk into the counter svc place of choice & order a kid's meal. It's usually more than enough food & leaves room for a frozen banana! But, I want them to be delighted with their meals (& the cost, if possible), not just full.

Any suggestions?

THANKS!

 

[neffernie]

Turkey legs in Frontierland and some of the chicken meals at Cosmic Rays can be shared. The hotdogs at Casey's Corner are a good deal too since they come with all those toppings. You can get a chili dog and order the chili on the side. We do that sometimes for DD12 since she likes the chili but only a little. DH eats the rest.

 

[Hopefully]

I am afraid that cheap eats and the MK are an oxymoron.
I think sharing a meal at Cosmic Rays is the best idea.
Good Luck

 

[pumba]

I so agree with Cosmic rays..the meals there can be shared ...especially the half chicken, potatoes and seasonal veggie..
I love that place

 

[lc1965]

Don't think I ever ate Cosmic Rays after dozens of trips to WDW. Okay, I'll see if they want to give it a try, thanks! Thanks for the rec re: the turkey legs, too, but we've already talked about how gross they are! LOL. Takes all kinds to make a world. I was at MK about a month ago & was flabbergasted at the price of dogs at Casey's. All I wanted was a quick bite & I thought I wouldn't have gotten out of there for less than $9. I ended up going to an empty place at Downtown Disney for a kid's meal for the drive home. Soooooo good. Thanks, again!

 

[TDC Nala]

I would think there is pretty much no chance of them being "delighted with" the kids' meals at MK unless they're delighted by processed chicken nuggets. Sharing is the way to go.

 

[lc1965]

I think Disney's gotten very good w/ their kids' meals & have branched far out from the nugget garbage. I don't think nuggets delight anyone!

 

[k^2]

Wanted to second the half chicken meal at Cosmic Ray's, and if they need another meal outside of MK, Earl of Sandwich at DTD is delicious and cheap!

 

[sharonabe]

That really depends on what they want.

DH and I love to split the tuna sand and the chilli at Columbia Harbour House. Pinnochio Village house has a salad we share with either the sandwich, pizza, or a pasta entree. Both Liberty Tree Tavern (lunch) and the Plaza have cheaper prices for their entrees and they are both delicious, but not sure if you can get an ADR at this late date. You could try a walk-in.

 

[Herbie]

What about the taco salad and massive topping bar at pecos bill? You can make a full salad out of that.

 

[Colleen27]

I think sharing at The Plaza is the most "wow" for your dollar at the MK - you walk away having paid counter service prices (an $11-13 sandwich/fries combo easily feeds 2) for a sit down experience and you've got the option of sharing some fabulous (and huge) desserts as well.

 

[TwoAtDisney]

I second the taco salad at Pecos Bill's - with the works bar, we call it the "Taco Salad that just keeps on giving"! When you buy it, you are given a taco salad shell (good tall sides) with some ground beef in the bottom. Then a trip to the works bar - lots of fresh veggies, great on the spot grilled & hot mushrooms, salsa, melted cheese, shredded cheese, etc. Plus lots of salad dressing options.

Hubby & I always split one & just keep going back to the works bar until we're full - we don't even eat the taco shell & we don't care about the hamburger, so when it runs out, no big deal.

Sometimes, we split their biggest burger (which comes with FF) & do the same thing. We ask for 2 plates & split it all. By the time we fill the burger & our plates up with the works bar, we are so full & their big bacon burger is really good. If the BarBQ sauce is not on the bar, ask for it - yummy on the burger & for dipping the FFs.

We think these are really good deals, especially when sharing.

 

[lc1965]

Thanks, everyone, for the great suggestions! We ended up going to Columbia Harbour House for salmon, hummus sandwiches & fish & chips. Yum. Love that place.

Was sorry to see they no longer serve the soup in bread bowls. Was also surprised that when I asked for the sandwich w/o the chips they charged me a lot less. I thought I would pay the regular price & just not take the chips. As always, the staff there was efficient, accommodating & took my request in stride.

 

[Sugardimples]

Sleepy Hallow(a food kiosk in Liberty Square) has show waffle sandwiches that I hear are very good and very reasonably priced.