Preparing for our trip

[nextbigloser]

We are getting anxious and counting down the days. I am trying to be as frugal as possible. We decided to do breakfast in our room and a sack lunch. I read some where that you can bring a soft sided cooler into the park. Does anyone know if this is true? We are ordering from garden grocer so I need to get an idea of what we can take into the park. We are staying at POR. I know that there is a fridge in the room but can anyone tell me if there is a microwave? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[PJAY]

We are getting anxious and counting down the days. I am trying to be as frugal as possible. We decided to do breakfast in our room and a sack lunch. I read some where that you can bring a soft sided cooler into the park. Does anyone know if this is true? We are ordering from garden grocer so I need to get an idea of what we can take into the park. We are staying at POR. I know that there is a fridge in the room but can anyone tell me if there is a microwave? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

According to All Ears no microwaves. Yes you can bring in a small soft sided cooler.

 

[kidsicet]

We've brought in lunches in the past, and it was fine. They do allow soft-sided coolers. When the kids were in strollers, we could just bring the cooler with us in the basket of the stroller. We're past that stage now, and the last time at WDW we ate at all CS or TS restaurants, which was okay, but I have to say we were all pretty tired of the long lines, "fast food", etc. The next time we go, I will pack lunches. It saves a ton of money as well as time.

Sorry, I can't help with the microwave question. I think the food courts usually have one available for use.

 

[SnowWtch]

The food courts do have microwaves and a toaster for use. It's one of those industrial slide the food in toasters. Not a traditional toaster.

 

[OldMan]

Using a value resort is by far the most frugal way to go. Also...although it seems like a lot...if you do a meal by meal cost...the basic meal plan is the frugal way to go. Also the refillable mugs are drink for drink better. Meal plan alone saves a good 50 dollars for two people.

I am about as frugal as Old Scrooge McDuck so take my word for this.

Have a Magical Day

 

[nextbigloser]

We are a family of 5 so POR looked to be the cheapest. As far as meal plans I had gastric bypass and can't see paying for a meal plan that I will not use most of. Thanks for the help.

 

[sherry7]

Hi Kim, it's Sherry7 from TT. Fancy seeing you here, lol. Cinderbelle (Cindy) is around here too on occasion.

Not sure if you know about this, but you can order a case of water from Costco even if you're not a member. It's around $8 or so, shipping included, and it's delivered to your resort and held for you. Water is very expensive in the parks, so it's a good option. Oh, and the tap water from the fountains tastes like swamp water. If you plan on drinking it, be sure to bring some Crystal Light drink packets with you.

You can also get free ice water at any of the counter service restaurants. The swamp water actually tastes better when it's cold, lol.

Will you have a rental car? The buffet breakfast at Ponderosa is only $3.99, and there are usually coupons for 10% off that in the various brochures. Even though I won't eat my $3.99 worth, DH and DS definitely will. The drinks are fairly expensive though, but ice water is always a free option.

I'm not sure about the cooler in the park thing works, since we haven't done that. We got tired of carrying a small backpack along, so a cooler definitely wouldn't work for us. In the past we just had a big breakfast at Ponderosa, a small snack later on, and then had dinner somewhere off-site.

Since my food options are limited like yours, I plan on bringing along some snacks for myself...beef jerky, dry roasted edamame, almonds, protein bars, etc.

Can you tolerate hamburger? If so, a double hamburger is just a bit more than a single hamburger. You can always eat the extra patty from one of the family members portions. I believe you can also buy an extra bun, if you ask. That would be a good way to split a meal between 2 kids.

We're going in January, but decided to rent a condo instead of staying on-site. I was surprised to learn that it was a lot less expensive than even a Budget resort.

When you get back, please PM me on TT, and let me know what kind of gastric bypass friendly food you find in the parks. I'm rather worried about that.