ponderesa

[Rannoch]

We intend to go to the Ponderesa for a couple of breakfasts.

Problem is that the 2 kids eat very little at breakfast.

Would we have to pay for a full breakfast for them, or can we order individual items - e.g. bowl of cereal, cup of tea.

 

[UKDEB]

According to their website, it only costs $3.99 (cheaper for children 6-10 and free for children under 5), so I'd say it doesn't really matter whether they eat it or not.

 

[Scottish_Maleficent]

Yes, it is very cheap, and there are enough things in the buffet to tempt even the fussiest kids - even jelly!!!

Cath

 

[amf]

Can I suggest that you also consider The Golden Corral, which is a similar chain to Ponderosa, with similar prices?

I've found the quality of food on offer at TGC a lot better than Ponderosa. The one at LBV (Crossroads Shopping Centre) is one I visited on a DIS recommendation and I'm happy to pass on that recommendation.

 

[Lisa1976]

Ponderosa sounds like somewhere we could eat as we are trying to budget whilst on our march holiday. Do they have restaurants all over?? We are staying at the Sheraton on International Drive and planned to have a big breakfast which should keep us going to dinner.

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

We love ponderosa, they are everywhere in america, and there is one located on I-Drive.
We go all the time, wether you are on a budget or not they offer great food, at great prices, and I agree there is loads on offer, Chelsea loved the jellies in different colours for her breakfast!!!! she is a fussy eater also but when there she is like a kid at christmas

Enjoy!

 

[Korbs]

Originally posted by Lisa1976
Ponderosa sounds like somewhere we could eat as we are trying to budget whilst on our march holiday. Do they have restaurants all over?? We are staying at the Sheraton on International Drive and planned to have a big breakfast which should keep us going to dinner.

Is that the sheraton at the universal end of I Drive? If it's the one i'm thinking of, we stayed just near there (Clarion Universal), and went to either Ponderosa or Sizzler (basically the same with a different name) every morning for breakfast. It's only a couple of minutes walk (just down from wet n wild) and very cheap for as much as you can eat!

 

[Otto's Doll]

We love the Golden Corral. The closest one to us in PA is 55 miles away, and we still make the trip now and then just for that. We like Ponderosa also, but GC has MUCH better food, a better selection, and it has been our experience that it tastes fresher as well. Sizzler is another good choice, don't know if they are in Florida though.

 

[Lisa1976]

Hi Korbs, its the Sheraton World which is just over the road from Seaworld so completely the other end of I-Drive. I think the nearest Ponderosa is down the other end of I-Drive, so it doesn't look like we will be eating there. I am hoping the hotel will offer some kind of buffet breakfast

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

The Ponderosa is great. We always pay several visits when we go to Florida. An all you can eat brekkie at 8am fills you up til around 4/5pm. I would really reccomend it. It's npot all stodge either, for the health conscious there is mountains of fresh fruit, though I'm a pancake and syrup girl myself.

 

[wendydis]

hello everyone ,
we are planning on staying at HJP universal gateway on south Kirkman Road is there a Ponderosa near? as it sounds great.

 

[allie5]

Aw, is it just me who hates these flamin' places!!!??? DH loves em, I loathe em, so as a compromise we do one per week of the trip. PERSONALLY speaking, I find the food processed, poorly cooked, bland, salads warm and hot food cold or lukewarm, poor quality ingrediants, unfriendly staff and the cleanliness leaves a lot to be desired. Sizzler I find a tad better than Ponderosa (far and away the worst, foodwise) and Golden Corrall I have hygiene issues with (sticky floors and cutlery...ewwwww).

Cant stand these "Pile em high stuff your face" sort of places, whose sole purpose seems to be to fuel British Tourists with the lure of cheap prices. You very much get what you pay for, which isnt very much at all in reality. I much prefer Dennys for breakfast, where the food is still cheap, but served freshly cooked to your table. As for dinner or lunch, then you can have a fabulous meal at 1000 other places which would be preferable to these "buffets", even on a tight budget.

I do know these places have A LOT of British fans, but believe me, you can do so much better.

Well, thats MY opinion anyway. Try them and make up your own mind.

Have fun.
Allie.

 

[SidB]

We've got a fussy daughter, but she always found something at the GC. They even serve ice cream, and seeing as we're on holiday we let her get away with it. One morning she had pizza, chips, ice cream and jelly. I think the best breakfasts in Orlando are at IHOP. Not as cheap as the buffets, but far better food. I hated Denny's. Almost the worst service (excluding the Rainforest Cafe at AK) and food I've eaten

 

[uksaint]

Allie, its not just you. We ate at the Ponderosa near the 535/536 intersection. Food was average at best, but cutlery was filthy - the whole place just reminded me of a really bad 1970's motorway service station restaurant. It might be cheap, but that doesn't equate to good value for money.

 

[Little Starfish]

Ponderosa was our favourite on our first few visits for a big breakfast before the parks. Now we really enjoy the Sizzler for a yummy breakfast with lots of crispy bacon and scrambled eggs. We tried the golden corral but it was a bit busy when we went. Have always enjoyed Dennys for a quick breakfast on our journeys to the beach.

 

[Rannoch]

We are staying at Greater Groves.

Can anyone advise if there are any Ponderosa, or Golden Corral, or Sizzlers, or IHOP restaurants in that area.

Thanks,

rannoch

 

[allie5]

Unfortunately, the whole of Central Florida is cursed with a very liberal sprinkling of these places. You will be almost guaranteed to be within 10 minutes of one of them.

Dont mind me, Im the one who hates them Im going now.

Allie

 

[Enright78]

Its OK Allie, I don't like them either!
Always full of Brits with MOUNDS of food!!
We like Waffle house for breakfast, like you say fresh food cooked to order and not really more expensive. Also IHOP.
Know what you mean by sticky floor syndrome eeeugh!
The only buffet we really liked was Sweet Tomatoes (not a breakfast place) for the fresh salads.
So I'm with you.
Still each to their own

 

[mike230652]

Allie

YOu've got more reinforcements here !!

Ponderosa, Shoneys and particularly Dennys are just fast, naff, processed foods. The idea of my kids having artificially coloured jelly for breakfast wouldn't appeal....they can be hyper enough without that sort of junk!

Sizzlers, I do like.... the bacon is excellent... and we also liked Waffle House for "real" breakfasts.

The rest of 'em are just an embarrassment to any worthwhile restaurant, cheap crap piled high ( IMHO ). Fiona, you also had it bang on about the Brits who pile their plates as high as they can, I can't voice my opinions about them or I'd be banned from the Boards!!

mike

 

[SidB]

Originally posted by Enright78
Always full of Brits with MOUNDS of food!!

You're right sbout the Brit's, but we've eaten in the GC at the junction of International Drive and Sand Lake Road, where they take coach parties. The worst are the school kids and the coffin dodgers (old folks). Now they can eat !