Packing food for the parks

[texasroni75]

Our last few trips we drove, so it made it easier to bring snacks from home to cut some $$ from the food budget. I liked being able to put a few juice boxes and waters and some trail mix and fruit snacks in my bag so I didn't have to run to buy something when one of the kids was hungry between meals. Our trip in 2009 I even brought some english muffins, donuts and bagels which helped bring our breakfast budget down considerably - they didn't replace breakfast entirely, but each day someone had something from what I brought along with a fruit cup, or eggs from QS food court. When paying OOP it can add up to big savings.

But, honestly, on our last trip we ended up bringing home nearly everything we brought along. We had the QS Free Dining for the first time and there was MORE than enough food and drinks that we really didn't need what I brought. And, since we hadn't been to WDW in 4 years, everyone really wanted to eat "park food" and not something they could have any old time at home. Some of it we used to snack on the roadtrip home, but most of it went back into the pantry!

 

[HopperFan]

Last trip I was kinda excited to be trying out the QSDP. After day five all I wanted was a sandwich in my backpack. Heading out in a few weeks and glad to be bringing much of my own. I drive but I know there are folks who have food delivered to the hotel.

Breakfast in the room: Bagels with creme cheese, Yogurt, Banana, Box OJ

Lunch in park: Make sandwiches on rolls and put in flat tupperware. Tube of Pringles. Neither get smooshed. Applesauce, fruit cup or pudding. Bottled water. I don't take a cooler, I carry a backpack that has some insulation to it and it has always been fine.

Snacks in park: Craisins, goldfish, pb crackers etc.

Dinner: I try to book mostly TS (I have TIW) for days will stay in park late, if not then some nights we eat at DTD or resort. This means I only spend money for one meal per day.

 

[quandrea]

Last trip I was kinda excited to be trying out the QSDP. After day five all I wanted was a sandwich in my backpack. Heading out in a few weeks and glad to be bringing much of my own. I drive but I know there are folks who have food delivered to the hotel.

Breakfast in the room: Bagels with creme cheese, Yogurt, Banana, Box OJ

Lunch in park: Make sandwiches on rolls and put in flat tupperware. Tube of Pringles. Applesauce, fruit cup or pudding. Neither get smooshed. Bottled water. I don't take a cooler, I carry a backpack that has some insulation to it and it has always been fine.

Snacks in park: Craisins, goldfish, pb crackers etc.

Dinner: I try to book mostly TS (I have TIW) for days will stay in park late, if not then some nights we eat at DTD or resort. This means I only spend money for one meal per day.

. Sounds like us. I love eating our own food. Makes the meals out so much more special

 

[HopperFan]

. Sounds like us. I love eating our own food. Makes the meals out so much more special

I found our stomachs are happier too

There are so many tucked away quiet spots at the parks it's just nice to eat in quiet, make plans for what to do next and just enjoy each other's company without the chaos of most the eateries. We are not only fed but refreshed. And agree, the meals we do get (usually TS) are that much better and we are more relaxed about getting the extras and truly enjoying them.