Restaurants to choose that will reduce food costs without anyone noticing?

[hollypoast]

We will be spending a few days at Disney prior to a cruise this fall. I'd like to only eat lunch in the room and then eat out for other meals. The only problem is that there will be 6 (5 Disney adults-- Me, DH, DS18, DS16, DD16 and DD8) of us this time. I've done the math and even eating quick service for the rest is a bit high compared to our budget.

Any suggestions for restaurants inside the parks to choose that will put us UNDER the average of $15 per meal per person?

 

[DisneyHardin]

Pretty much any quick service would. Table service would be harder to stick to that price point unless you are willing to share entrees with no extras like drinks or deserts.

 

[3Gsandme]

Are you talking in park meals? Or meals outside of the park.

I was just looking at the Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland. A hot dog with chips or apples with a drink comes to 11.68.

The breakfast sandwiches at Starbucks are close to regular price and they range from 4.25 to 4.99. Lunch sandwiches range from 5.25 to 5.95.

 

[ekatiel]

Via Napoli-- you can split pizzas-- you might have to buy two to feed everyone, though. Our family of four bought one of the extra large specialty pizzas (it was $41, I believe). We drank water and didn't get dessert, so we made it out of the restaurant for something like $52, including tip. That's CHEAP by Disney standards. The pizza was DELICIOUS, too!!!!

 

[hollypoast]

Are you talking in park meals? Or meals outside of the park.

I was just looking at the Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland. A hot dog with chips or apples with a drink comes to 11.68.

The breakfast sandwiches at Starbucks are close to regular price and they range from 4.25 to 4.99. Lunch sandwiches range from 5.25 to 5.95.

Ooohhhh, that's a great idea. I could buy discounted Starbucks gift cards before we go and shave a little more off. Thanks!

Looking for restaurants inside the parks.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

Earl of Sandwich is still the best value in WDW in my opinion. So delicious, and you can get out for under $10 per person ($6.49 per sandwich). It's in downtown Disney, we eat there several times each trip.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

Have you had the waffle sandwiches in the sleepy hollow place in magic kingdom? The nutella fruit one is a great breakfast option ($6.69), and I love the sweet and spicy chicken one for lunch ($7.49). Very yummy and very reasonably priced.

 

[LadyRayado]

My sister and I can fill up on kids' meals (Sunshine Seasons at EPCOT and Pinocchio Haus at MK are both good), or we split an adult meal and a snack later - maybe an option if you have younger "adults." For example, at Pinocchio Haus, you can get a small pizza, a drink (can ask for soda even) and two sides - grapes, yogurt, applesauce, fries, or a cookie for $5.99.

 

[DisneyPeachNJ]

Have you had the waffle sandwiches in the sleepy hollow place in magic kingdom? The nutella fruit one is a great breakfast option ($6.69), and I love the sweet and spicy chicken one for lunch ($7.49). Very yummy and very reasonably priced.

That sweet and spicy chicken sandwich is by far the best food in MK.
Highly recommend.

 

[wendow]

My sister and I can fill up on kids' meals (Sunshine Seasons at EPCOT and Pinocchio Haus at MK are both good), or we split an adult meal and a snack later - maybe an option if you have younger "adults." For example, at Pinocchio Haus, you can get a small pizza, a drink (can ask for soda even) and two sides - grapes, yogurt, applesauce, fries, or a cookie for $5.99.

Both my dd's (14 & 12) as well as myself all order kid's meals several times during our trips. Usually only at CS but it is plenty of food and the price is great! I love the kid's burger from Pecos Bills. I load it up at the toppings bar and it's pretty tasty. Then we have room in the budget for snacks

 

[Crystal824]

Most qs places will work. If you want a TS, try the Plaza or splitting pizza at via napoli.

 

[aprilchem]

We do kids meals for adults or split an adult meal. I can split an adult meal between me and 2 of my kids, or DH and I split one. They have portion sizes that are huge for one person.

 

[HM]

Do not buy sodas or juice with meals. Drink water. That will keep down the cost by $15 right there.

Also, I've been told that you can buy a burger or sandwich without the fries for a smaller price (even though it's not on the menus...you just have to ask). They always give you a ton a fries with meals, so if some people got the full meal and others only got the sandwich/burger, you'd save right there by sharing the fries.

 

[hollypoast]

Do not buy sodas or juice with meals. Drink water. That will keep down the cost by $15 right there.

Also, I've been told that you can buy a burger or sandwich without the fries for a smaller price (even though it's not on the menus...you just have to ask). They always give you a ton a fries with meals, so if some people got the full meal and others only got the sandwich/burger, you'd save right there by sharing the fries.

Good idea on the soda. I've done this in the past and forgot about it. Easy to do with quick service meals. Thanks!

 

[HM]

Good idea on the soda. I've done this in the past and forgot about it. Easy to do with quick service meals. Thanks!

I didn't really say it, but I think you know I meant cups of free ice water. Make sure you say it that way, so they don't charge you for bottled water.

 

[kymom99]

I haven't been to WDW since 2010 but we went to DL a couple years ago. the 3 of us ate pretty well for $45, or $15 a piece. An example: we each got a sandwich and fries (burgers and turkey), 2 of us got drinks and one free water, and we shared a big cupcake. It was about $45. We could have saved a couple more bucks by getting my son water and getting one less order of fries. I'm sure prices have increased but you should be good. Have you looked at allears? They have menus and prices.

 

[eliza61]

LOL.
definitely don't sign up for Be our guest breakfast. 20 bucks a person for a glorified donut.

 

[lions1995]

If you are looking for Table service Plaza Restaurant is one of the cheapest.

 

[Crystal824]

Also, when we don't do the dining plan, we bring in bottled water and soft drinks, and juice in a soft-sided cooler. We get CS meals without drinks. That saves a ton right there. We generally bring in snacks too. In the alternative, you could get ice water at the CS places.

 

[worm761]

I would check out the menus of the CS restaurants and the snack carts throughout the parks. Most entree's run between $9-13. If you just skip the soda, you are well under your $15 price point. Though you can get soda's or bottled water with most of them and still stay under $15 each.

I like the menu's at Mouse For Less best: http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/menus/wdw/menus.shtml