Onsite dining prices are getting ridiculous...

[Booknut]

Hi Eloise!
Where you guys are going for longer trip, would it be worth if for you or Phil -but not both of you- to get an AP? If one of you had one you could get the TIW card for additional savings, as well as the regular AP savings at restaurants, shopping, PARKING, etc?
Also, I don't think Jo Jo's circus is even on in the States anymore- Joel had no idea who they were but man was he CHUFFED to see Leo! We did H&V for lunch and I was pleasantly surprised with how good everything was compared to the last time we went (which was for a non-character dinner)!

Hi hon! Nice to see you on the UK boards I did think of getting an AP, i'll have to speak to our friends from Orlando first, they're coming over to us for dinner in a week.

I'm still not 100% convinced that the expense is worth it, I absolutely want to give Matilda a great experience but I still think there has to be some room for being sensible!

I did notice however that the price for breakfast and lunch is the same at H&V, no idea why, we'd probably do the lunch now as we could make that our ma in meal of the day. Tell ya what, if you guys are there too we can go together (of course by then Joel and Tilda won't be interested in Little Einsteins will they )

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I must say I have never thought meals onsite are that badly priced, compared with what the same type of food (with no characters) would cost in London, though I suppose the exchange rate at the minute would make me think twice.

Compared to DisneyParis where we're going next week, I think the prices in Orlando are a positive bargain. I can't believe how much food seems to be over there (again a bad exchange rate doesn't help) and I think I'll be surviving on a pack of mars bars for the week!!!!!

 

[wedreamofdisney]

I would pay for it!! Absolutley definately

My daughter is into fairies and princesses and her face when I took her to Auberge in DLRP was someting that makes me fill up with tears everytime I think about!

My son loves Buzz Lightyear and when he got to meet him, again I get choked up!

If your daughter isn't going to meet June any other way, then take her, I will guarantee you that it will be worth every penny!!!

Will she enjoy meeting all the other characters?? Without a doubt she will love it, but if June is her own personal favourite then take her

Maybe just you and her could go as a special suprise??

I know the costs are getting ridiculous, but is there no way u could cut back a tiny bit somewhere else??

 

[Dollyrar]

I do feel that people are kidding themselves if they think that the price of food at Disney is comparable to what they'd normally pay when eating out in this country.
If this breakfast works out at around £50 for 3 people with the current exchange rate, then where the hell are you people eating breakfast!!??!
I lived in central london for 5 years, and never payed £15-£20 per person for a breakfast in my whole time there. That included eating at a lot of great different places, including large chains, nice hotels and buffets.
I do agree that you are paying for the experience at Disney, and we really enjoyed eating at Inventions, California Grill etc in DLP for this reason, but I find it crazy that people would consider it 'good value' compared to what they would normally pay for similar food in the UK?

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Hi hon! Nice to see you on the UK boards I did think of getting an AP, i'll have to speak to our friends from Orlando first, they're coming over to us for dinner in a week.

I'm still not 100% convinced that the expense is worth it, I absolutely want to give Matilda a great experience but I still think there has to be some room for being sensible!

I did notice however that the price for breakfast and lunch is the same at H&V, no idea why, we'd probably do the lunch now as we could make that our ma in meal of the day. Tell ya what, if you guys are there too we can go together (of course by then Joel and Tilda won't be interested in Little Einsteins will they )

I like to do character breakfasts later in the morning - count it as lunch and we have spent less for food during the day because breakfast is usually cheaper than lunch or dinner. The food variety and quantity is usually sufficient to do this. You can always give the kids something small to tide them over until brunch. That way you still get the character interaction and smaller price tag (even if it is all way overpriced).

 

[Booknut]

I do feel that people are kidding themselves if they think that the price of food at Disney is comparable to what they'd normally pay when eating out in this country.
If this breakfast works out at around £50 for 3 people with the current exchange rate, then where the hell are you people eating breakfast!!??!
I lived in central london for 5 years, and never payed £15-£20 per person for a breakfast in my whole time there. That included eating at a lot of great different places, including large chains, nice hotels and buffets.
I do agree that you are paying for the experience at Disney, and we really enjoyed eating at Inventions, California Grill etc in DLP for this reason, but I find it crazy that people would consider it 'good value' compared to what they would normally pay for similar food in the UK?

I totally agree, i've lived in London for over 13 years and there is no way that comparable restaurants cost the same as in WDW...in fact I find its the opposite, to find the same quality of food that we're used to in London you have to pay considerably more at WDW i.e. places like Le Cellier which really are about the same quality as a Chez Gerard, perhaps not even as good.

But of course you're paying the premium for being at Disney and I accept that but no, its not good value for what you're eating. A typical 3 course meal for 2 at the California Grill is probably the equivalent of around £110 with tax and tip but no alcohol...I can certainly get an excellent quality meal in London for less than that. I just won't be able to go ride Splash Mountain afterwards

 

[stephensmum]

I'm still not 100% convinced that the expense is worth it, I absolutely want to give Matilda a great experience but I still think there has to be some room for being sensible! )

I'm sure you will see that Matilda has a fantastic time whether you go for this meal or not. She'l love just been in Disney, there's so many little things, that may not cost anything, that you'l all love.

First time we took Stephen, then just turned 8, we did'nt know about character meals, in fact it was the first year of free dining, so everytime we went for a meal we could'nt get in. Had about 4 TS all holiday, still have the most fantastic memories.

You're the one that can decide what's best for your family. I'm sure you'l make the best choice.