Sorry Disney, I Can't Eat On-site

[maggiew]

That's why I said "for us". One big difference I see is that we usually go during the off season when the park hours are much shorter. When we go, DHS usually closes at 7 and MK at 8, so long breaks just cut too much into park time.

Our plan for Studios on our Aug trip, for example, is the same as yours through noon but after that we take in some shows, track down a few characters for DD2, have a sitdown lunch around 2 to get a break from the heat, and wrap up any missed must-dos/use up the fastpasses between lunch and the 7pm park closing. I don't see how, even with a car, we could fit an off property lunch into those park hours without missing a lot.

We usually go mid-summer when the park hours are longer. However, what I would do in this situation is have a counter service meal in the park and then go offsite for dinner AFTER the park closes. (If I were planning to go eat offsite.) I wouldn't do it for lunch.

Maggie

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Absolutely true about the difference in park hours. During off-season in December an non-emh morning is never before 9 and MK can close at 7PM for MVMCP.

LTT is one of the few places that I think has actually improved since going to a non-character lunch. The Pot Roast is fork tender and the Turkey is real turkey. My BIL had the chicken penne which I thought was a choice but it was really good. The mac and cheese is still Stouffers but since we don't feed it to our kids at home they love it. They used to have a crab cake that was OK but the bean salad (name escapes me) was tremendous. Probably a victim of free dining.

 

[MiniMinniMinnie]

Colleen, the parks don't close at 7 in August.

We have been there in Oct when the parks close early and we didn't leave the parks at noon either unless we were at DHS. That's a super easy park to get into and out of.

Hollywood Studios closes at 7 pm for several days (about half not counting Extra Magic Hours) in August. And, of course, Animal Kingdom closes at 7 pm or earlier every night in August.

 

[lugnut33]

Hollywood Studios closes at 7 pm for several days (about half not counting Extra Magic Hours) in August. And, of course, Animal Kingdom closes at 7 pm or earlier every night in August.

You would be hard pressed to spend all day at both of those parks if you are there at opening.

Also why I have indicated that we do eat at Flame Tree BBQ in AK. Breakfast in our room, at rope drop, lunch at Flame Tree, probably leave park around 5, head back to room for dinner (or head to DTD for supper).

Also, if hte parks close early, there is more reason to eat your dinner off-site and save.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

You would be hard pressed to spend all day at both of those parks if you are there at opening.

Also why I have indicated that we do eat at Flame Tree BBQ in AK. Breakfast in our room, at rope drop, lunch at Flame Tree, probably leave park around 5, head back to room for dinner (or head to DTD for supper).

Also, if hte parks close early, there is more reason to eat your dinner off-site and save.

We often open and close parks. Particularly if it is a short trip. AK is pretty empty close to closing. I just booked Biergarten on my AK day. I know I will have FP's for later in the afternoon so I will make a round trip to Epcot on the boats. I also like to book Boma for 1/2 hr after closing.

 

[SouthernExplorer]

I agree! Those people try to justify it's not about the money, when in fact...it is. They would rather save money and eat at places like cici's, golden corral, etc. If I planned a WDW vacation and had to resort to eating at places like that, I've done something wrong. I think it's ironic how those people won't eat at the WDW restaurants because of the price and quality, but yet, will eat at those garbage places....I bet most of them won't even try the WDW restaurants. They just see the prices and run off to the nasty chain restaurants off site.......just to save a few bucks.

Excuse me? Please get off your high horse and don't pass judgment on what others do with their own money, especially in this economy. If you want to throw your money away on, to use your word, nasty over-priced garbage, again using your word, and give more of your money to a greedy and souless mega corporation that is symbolized by an over-grown, filthy, nasty rodent then be my guest.

 

[Uncleromulus]

This is pretty much a "to each his own" sort of thing.

For us, eating meals at WDW (and seeing all the resorts as we do so) is a major attraction of each WDW trip. We certainly enjoy restaurants that we could find offsite (like TGIF, Ruby's etc) but we have them aplenty here at home. And tho we are DVC and could easily cook in the kitchen in our room, we cook at home. So we like to get away from that at WDW.

 

[HunnyJar]

Excuse me? Please get off your high horse and don't pass judgment on what others do with their own money, especially in this economy. If you want to throw your money away on, to use your word, nasty over-priced garbage, again using your word, and give more of your money to a greedy and souless mega corporation that is symbolized by an over-grown, filthy, nasty rodent then be my guest.

I don't mean to be rude, I really don't. But.. Why are you on these boards? If you aren't a fan of Disney and you don't want to waste your money on them.. why bother joining a place that is filled with Disney fans? Filled with people who are genuinely happy about going to Disney. Are you just trying to start something? Because honestly, that's the way it is coming across. And you are totally entitled to your own opinion, but I'll take that "rodent" over any other mascot any day.

 

[MSLRAC]

Excuse me? Please get off your high horse and don't pass judgment on what others do with their own money, especially in this economy. If you want to throw your money away on, to use your word, nasty over-priced garbage, again using your word, and give more of your money to a greedy and souless mega corporation that is symbolized by an over-grown, filthy, nasty rodent then be my guest.

Whoa! Why even go to Disney at all if you feel it is "a greedy and souless mega corporation that is symbolized by an over-grown, filthy, nasty rodent"?

This is pretty much a "to each his own" sort of thing.

For us, eating meals at WDW (and seeing all the resorts as we do so) is a major attraction of each WDW trip. We certainly enjoy restaurants that we could find offsite (like TGIF, Ruby's etc) but we have them aplenty here at home. And tho we are DVC and could easily cook in the kitchen in our room, we cook at home. So we like to get away from that at WDW.

We feel the same way but I can understand who others feel totally different...like you said, to each his own.

 

[ElliBelle]

I don't mean to be rude, I really don't. But.. Why are you on these boards? If you aren't a fan of Disney and you don't want to waste your money on them.. why bother joining a place that is filled with Disney fans? Filled with people who are genuinely happy about going to Disney. Are you just trying to start something? Because honestly, that's the way it is coming across. And you are totally entitled to your own opinion, but I'll take that "rodent" over any other mascot any day.

I 100% agree. Why are you here?

 

[ElliBelle]

And I'll say it again, I wish I had not used Chick-fil-a (eventhough for us northerners it's a novelty) as a comparison. I should have used Sweet Tomotoes or Macaroni Grill. Sorry about that.

Blech! I drive by both of those every day without going in (have tried them both) No way I would go off site to eat at them but I'm glad other people do! More Disney availability for those who can and do enjoy it.

I really don't think you can compare Sweet Tomatoes buffet to a Disney Character buffet though and therein lies the problem. It seems like very often you aren't comparing apples to apples. You want to save money great, you love spending a lot if time at your resort? Great.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Just planning our itineraries for a 10 night trip at the end of August and I am having trouble pulling the trigger on any meals inside WDW due to the cost of said meal. We will have a car and a kitchen in our DVC and that is another reason why I can't see us eating meals on-site.

Heck, me and my 13 year old were looking at making a reservation and even she decided it is too expensive to eat at the parks. When we looked eating at the Sci-fi, even with out Tables In Wonderland card, we just couldn't justify the price considering we can buzz off property (while heading back to the room for our afternoon break) and grab some Chick-fil-a or something like that. It's not like the food is that good at the Sci-fi. Other than Boma, I've been disappointed in our buffet meals lately

Anyways, I'm not sure we'll eat more than one meal on-site the whole time we are there.

Are you surprised by the responses and the re-actions from your thread! I certainly am!

Why should anyone judge whether it's legitimate to enjoy spending $300 on a fantastic dinner at Timpano's Italian Chop House in Orlando rather than spending the same $300 at Les Chefs, which I consider inferior. I understand the ones who are Disney passionate, express your opinions of what you like or dislike but don't judge others or their motives for eating off site! I love Disney and happen to enjoy Boma (theonly buffet we do) but don't crucify someone for eating off-site at Chick Filet or any where else for that matter!

 

[ElliBelle]

Are you surprised by the responses and the re-actions from your thread! I certainly am!

Why should anyone judge whether it's legitimate to enjoy spending $300 on a fantastic dinner at Timpano's Italian Chop House in Orlando rather than spending the same $300 at Les Chefs, which I consider inferior. I understand the ones who are Disney passionate, express your opinions of what you like or dislike but don't judge others or their motives for eating off site! I love Disney and happen to enjoy Boma (theonly buffet we do) but don't crucify someone for eating off-site at Chick Filet or any where else for that matter!

The OP posted her opinion own judgmental opinion regarding Disney dining on a public forum. She should not be surprised when people respond with their own opinions. You did.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

The OP posted her opinion own judgmental opinion regarding Disney dining on a public forum. She should not be surprised when people respond with their own opinions. You did.

I enjoy reading peoples opinions, I don't however understand the the rude comments, those for me don't fall in the "opinion" category!

 

[Terri2007]

I think if you went back through this thread I've never said the Disney restaurants are bad. I certainly don't begrudge anyone for eating at them. People should be happy I'm going off-site since I won't be calling at 180 days out and fighting for a reservation with them. I don't really care for planning my restaurants that far out. Eating offsite also gives us flexibility.

Like I said earlier, we are not going to stay in the parks all day during August. That mid-day heat is unbearable. So, let me give you an idea of our first days itinerary for our August trip (staying at Kidani):

7am, wake up and eat breakfast in the room (we will have a full kitchen).
8:30, Jump in car and head to DHS for 9am open
9-12:30pm - Follow Unofficial Guide touring plan
12:30-5pm - Head back to room for lunch (sandwiches, snacks, etc), swimming, resort activities, animal watching, game playing, etc
5-9 - Swing by fast food joint, eat while heading back to DHS

For us that is a good day and our total food bill will probably be under $70 because we will also have snacks in the parks (love Mickey Bars).

Next day will be a Magic Kingdom day:

6am - Wakeup, eat breakfast at resort, be to MK by 8
8-12 - Follow UG touring plan
12 - eat at Pecos Bills
2-7 - Head back to resort for rest, swimming etc. Run out and grab pizza for dinner in room.
7-11- Head back to MK for parades and fireworks.

Again, our total dining bill for that day will probably be under $70.

Are we really missing out on anything?

Sharona, you and I think exactly alike. Scary isn't it?

Sorry off topic for a sec:
What is the UG touring plan?
Thx

 

[lugnut33]

Blech! I drive by both of those every day without going in (have tried them both) No way I would go off site to eat at them but I'm glad other people do! More Disney availability for those who can and do enjoy it.

I really don't think you can compare Sweet Tomatoes buffet to a Disney Character buffet though and therein lies the problem. It seems like very often you aren't comparing apples to apples. You want to save money great, you love spending a lot if time at your resort? Great.

I would put Sweet Tomatoes' buffet higher up than any buffet on Disney grounds except Boma. Then again, with Boma you are going to pay approx. $100 more to eat there. That is why it's hard to justify eating at Disney.

And there's no way you can tell me that any of the restaurants at WDW are any better than restraurants outside the bubble, especially if serving comparable food. Is 9 Dragons that much better than other Chinese food I can find outside the bubble for 70% less money? Is Teppan Ido any better than Benny Hana (not sure I'm spelling that correctly)? What about Le Cellier in comparison to Outback?

BTW, I'm a he, not a she. I also plan all our meals while on vacation because I like to do that.

Also, I do enjoy hearing everyone's opinions on this matter as most have been very civil. The only thing that irked me was when some were saying we shouldn't go to Disney because we can't affor overpriced meals at WDW restaurants.

 

[lugnut33]

Sorry off topic for a sec:
What is the UG touring plan?
Thx

Terri,

The Unofficial Guide is a book about planning a trip to WDW. Very informative.

Well, there is a website associated with that book (just do a google search for WDW touring plans and it's the first link) that will help you plan what days your should go to which parks. It also has touring plans that give you an attraction by attraction itinerary for touring the park in the most effective manner for that day.

 

[ElliBelle]

I would put Sweet Tomatoes' buffet higher up than any buffet on Disney grounds except Boma. Then again, with Boma you are going to pay approx. $100 more to eat there. That is why it's hard to justify eating at Disney.

And there's no way you can tell me that any of the restaurants at WDW are any better than restraurants outside the bubble, especially if serving comparable food. Is 9 Dragons that much better than other Chinese food I can find outside the bubble for 70% less money? Is Teppan Ido any better than Benny Hana (not sure I'm spelling that correctly)? What about Le Cellier in comparison to Outback?

BTW, I'm a he, not a she. I also plan all our meals while on vacation because I like to do that.

Also, I do enjoy hearing everyone's opinions on this matter as most have been very civil. The only thing that irked me was when some were saying we shouldn't go to Disney because we can't affor overpriced meals at WDW restaurants.

My apologies for the gender confusion. however I will continue to disagree with your comparisons. It's good that you like what you like, Others however may have a different take on it (Mickey and gang will never hug my child at Sweet Tomatoes) in some cases a different palate (Le Cellier to Outback?). if you enjoy those places then good for you. Enjoy. And I really don't see the issue with cost either. My DS and I had dinner last night for $75 here in Tampa and that was relatively inexpensive since we shared an appetizer and dessert. WDW's pricing is not that far off. But I don't compare it to Chick-fil-A, CiCi's or Macaroni Grill because those are not places we would ever eat anyway. Its apples and oranges.

 

[Caren]

With us it's not so much that it's expensive, it's that the food is often not very good and that Disney dining is a hassle. Sorry, I don't want to plan my ADR months ahead of time to wait at the crowded podium to eat sub-par food in a crowded restaurant. And Disney counter service has deteriorated big time with fewer places open and worse food.

Nowadays we order groceries and have most of our meals in our villa. Both the food and the ambiance are better that way.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I signed up last week for the Sweet Tomato coupons and got some a few days later. One was a BOGO the other was a family of four can eat for $19.99 total. Love Sweet Tomatos and its not far from DTD its about 1 mile away. So it will not take much time out of our vacation to have diner and save a lot of money.
Last month I got an $10 coupon emailed to me from Bahama Breeze which we plan to use on our trip since there is one close to DTD. Just this morning on Restaraunt.com I got a $25 gift cert from House of Blues and it cost me $2.00.

We have been to Disney 16 times and very rarely eat onsite. The amount we save by eating off site pays for our rental car.

Oh another tip I would like to share. A cheap place to eat while visit MK is the Hess gas station by the Car Care center located on the main road leading to MK. We have eaten lunch the on many occasions. They have a nice cafe area inside with about 10 tables. You can get hot dogs 2/$1 a whole pizza for $8.00. they also serve chicken sandwiches, subs, a few mexican items. The last time we ate lunch there we got 4 hotdogs, two 20 oz soda, and a bag of combo's Total cost for 2 people was $7.35.

My problem with ADR means I have to structure my vacation around what time we need to arrive to eat. When on vacation we would rather eat when we are ready to eat.