Staying offsite - meal questions

[momof1+1+2]

We will be staying offsite (Bonnet Creek) for the first time this November. We are very excited but I'm a little worried. There are 6 of us - 4 children and my husband and I. In the past we have always had the dining plan so..I hope this doesn't sound bad but, since it's a vacation, I don't want to cook every meal but I have a feeling that eating at the parks will be super expensive so...my thought is that I will feed everyone breakfast in the room - something easy and fast. Lunch at a counter service at the parks and have plenty of snacks in our back pack to munch on. Dinner??? Typically we don't leave the parks until they close so...I am worried about having two meals at a park. If we leave for dinner and then come back, I feel like that will be about 2 hours at least. My kids are older so we don't need to leave for breaks. Any guidance?

Second question is, can anyone recommend some restaurants close to Bonnet Creek if we do go out to eat?

Thanks so much!

 

[wdwmom0f3]

We are also spoiled to the dining plan and also staying at Bonnet Creek this Nov. for the first time. We ended up booking ADRs for most of the days there but I chose a couple of them that we could do on a budget.

For example, I booked Via Napoli for lunch one day so that we could split a pizza. It gets great reviews and for my family it will be about the same or cheaper than a CS meal would have been but a better pizza and a neat experience.

As for places to eat, there are lots of places just outside of Disney. I know that if you exit from the DTD area and go straight across there is a Red Lobster, Fridays, Cheveys, an Italian place, and a McDonalds. If you exit and turn right you will find CiCis Pizza, Chick Fil A, Wendy's and there are lots and lots of places to go.

I guess I should add that some of our ADRs are for lunch so on those days we plan to eat dinner at our resort. I am bringing my crock pot and planning meals that I can throw in there to be ready when we return. We like to take late afternoon breaks anyway so this will save us some time. We can come in, freshen up, relax and have a quick dinner and then hit the parks again.

Also if you check the dining tab at the top and search for menus you can get a better feel of the prices for both CS and TS meals.

 

[smidgy]

I have gotten flamed for this in the past.. but.. I'll try it again.
try to "rethink" the 3 squares a day "mind set".as long as you feed your kids healthy throughout the year... geez it's vacation.

just nibble. NIBBLE. you dont' have to EAT , just cause it's.. "DINNER TIME".

those funnel cakes at sleepy hollow in MK? hubby and a split one and are good to go for hours!

if a twinkie or slim jim keeps someone's tummy happy in the morning , at the bus stop, so be it.l a couple people can split a soft pretzel, or a taco meal. for lunch.

 

[nilseks]

We are in the same boat. Staying offsite (also Bonnet Creek) for the first time this December. We have always had the dining plan. But with that said, the *only* reason we got the dining plan last time was because I wanted to pay ahead of time and be done with it.

Before our last trip, I sat down and did a breakdown analysis to see if the DDP would be worth it. I had already booked our ADR's, so I did a spreadsheet with every restaurant we were going to, and looked at the menus on All Ears and figured out what I thought each of us would order in each restaurant (we're pretty predictable ). In the end, I figured that the dining plan would save us a WHOPPING $15. Yes, $15 over the course of a week. Sheesh. So this time I know we will end up saving $ because we are going to do breakfast in the room every day. I really don't plan on doing any cooking other than that. Might buy a frozen pizza for the room or something, but for the most part we will eat out. We will still do some nice table service meals, plus DH wants to go to the Orlando Ale House (which is way cheaper than any Disney table service).

The thing that shocked me is my kids are EXCITED not to have the DDP this time. They are 'morning eaters' and they don't want to have to wait to ride a bus and get to a restaurant. They want to roll out of bed, not be rushed, and eat their breakfast. They also don't want to spend tons of time doing table service meals every day.

 

[Sparkly]

I'll repeat myself with a glowing recommendation for Sweet Tomatoes on Crossroads, as well as Fuddruckers for yummy burgers!

 

[crusoe2]

I have gotten flamed for this in the past.. but.. I'll try it again.
try to "rethink" the 3 squares a day "mind set".as long as you feed your kids healthy throughout the year... geez it's vacation.

just nibble. NIBBLE. you dont' have to EAT , just cause it's.. "DINNER TIME".

those funnel cakes at sleepy hollow in MK? hubby and a split one and are good to go for hours!

if a twinkie or slim jim keeps someone's tummy happy in the morning , at the bus stop, so be it.l a couple people can split a soft pretzel, or a taco meal. for lunch.

No flames here - totally agree with you. OP, depending on what time you're leaving your resort to head to the parks, you might try having an early lunch or hearty snack to hold you over so you can have your first meal in the park late in the day. My sister and her family always sleep in and hit the parks late morning or so. Yeah, I know - that's blasphemy to some folks. But she says they get up late, have sandwiches and such in the room before they head to the park, and then grab an early dinner at a CS. They generally stay till closing time and just fill in with a couple snacks here and there. She says this works great for them and they don't spend a fortune on food.

Another thing you might consider - stop by a Publix or Walmart deli and see what kinds of ready-made stuff you can find that your family will like and try to do a few easy meals in your condo. You can usually get a roast chicken pretty cheap and there are lots of easy sides you can make to go with. Even if you only do this once or twice during your trip, you'll save quite a bit compared to the cost of those couple meals inside the park.

 

[KellyNY]

As others said you can eat all day long, a bit of this, a bit of that and be fine. I also suggest to share meals, use double burger/extra bun trick. also consider kids meals, cheaper then adult meals and still big enough. Do not forget you can get free ice at any food place. Pack some snacks, instant oatmeal, instant soup and use them in a morning or night.

 

[dobtia]

8th trip to Disneyworld all off-site. We always have a decent breakfast at our timeshare, and have plenty of time to make rope drop. When son was younger we would do Tusker House character or Chef Mickey. To keep that magic feel we normally book 3 to 4 table meals for our trip. (This trip we are doing Le Cellier, Biergarten, Yak and Yeti, and one of the Fantasmic dinner meals).

Like others have said, don't be married to the 3 meals needed. We often have a lighter lunch/snack when we are having a table meal.

I don't mind cooking supper at our timeshare two or three times on nights when we are not in parks till closing. On a day like that we have a nice counter meal and something not to labor intensive for supper.

I bet you will find a good way to make things happen, have fun, and enjoy the Disney Magic.

 

[hockeymomNS]

We rented a house for a week of our stay earlier this spring. We found a good rhythm that we got into was a decent meal in for breakfast, light snack (from our backpacks), a big meal around 2 or 3 and then a snack of sorts or light meal either in the park or back at the house. This really worked for us and saved money as a bonus, even though we really didn't plan it.

 

[lovethattink]

We will be staying offsite (Bonnet Creek) for the first time this November. We are very excited but I'm a little worried. There are 6 of us - 4 children and my husband and I. In the past we have always had the dining plan so..I hope this doesn't sound bad but, since it's a vacation, I don't want to cook every meal but I have a feeling that eating at the parks will be super expensive so...my thought is that I will feed everyone breakfast in the room - something easy and fast. Lunch at a counter service at the parks and have plenty of snacks in our back pack to munch on. Dinner??? Typically we don't leave the parks until they close so...I am worried about having two meals at a park. If we leave for dinner and then come back, I feel like that will be about 2 hours at least. My kids are older so we don't need to leave for breaks. Any guidance?

Second question is, can anyone recommend some restaurants close to Bonnet Creek if we do go out to eat?

Thanks so much!

Have you considered making lunch ADRs? There are many restaurants inside the parks that aren't that much more expensive than counter service. (On Sunday I saw a cart at DHS for a chili cheese dog for $10.50. We ate at Sci Fi and the food wasn't much more than that.) Other TS lunches that aren't that much more than counter service are Le Chefs de France, Biergarten, Whispering Canyon, The Plaza Restaurant, Liberty Tree Tavern, Sci Fi.

Cross Roads has Chevy's, TGI Fridays, Mc Donalds, Red Lobster, Taco Bell, Fudruckers, Sweet Tomatoes. If at the light instead of going straight into cross roads you turn left, there is Olive Garden and Cici's Pizza. Further down the road on the left side there is Joe's Crab Shack. To the right there is Steak n Shake and NY China Buffet.

I'll repeat myself with a glowing recommendation for Sweet Tomatoes on Crossroads, as well as Fuddruckers for yummy burgers!

I love Sweet Tomatoes!!! I was invited to their grand opening there, haven't been back since the rest of the family doesn't care for salads and soup as a meal.

 

[torinsmom]

I plan on making easy meals like spaghetti, mac n cheese, etc. Then we'll have rotisserie chicken from the grocery store with baked potatoes and salad one night. We'll also hit some buffets like Golden Corral. I have a restaurant.com gc for Giordano's pizza. We ate there last year and it was SO good.

 

[spiceycat]

Another thing you might consider - stop by a Publix or Walmart deli and see what kinds of ready-made stuff you can find that your family will like and try to do a few easy meals in your condo. You can usually get a roast chicken pretty cheap and there are lots of easy sides you can make to go with. Even if you only do this once or twice during your trip, you'll save quite a bit compared to the cost of those couple meals inside the park.

definitely agree

there is a publix not far - just go right leaving WBC - then at the traffic light turn left - then go to Victory way and turn left (2nd traffic light) (CBR is the first one)

go pass Pop and AoA - (2 traffic light) - turn left (traffic light - across is WWoS) at W Oceola Parkway - once you are pass the Gaylord hotel - big hotel you can't miss it - turn right (international Drive South) - right after the over pass you need to turn left for Publix.

this publix has a bunch of things for you (no cooking) and your family - lots of good stuff. the worst you or your kids might need to warm something up in the microwave.

now for places to eat - these are a little closer than going to DD - at least there is less traffic -

go the same way - but you turn right (at W Oceola parkway) go as if you are going to AKL/V but at the traffic light before AKL/V you turn left - now you are on Sherberth road - at the end of this road go right or left - food is both ways

 

[kathy884]

We have a party of ten. What we usually do is have a big breakfast at the condo prior to rope drop. We also pack a bunch of sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, juice boxes -- We have cooler backpacks and some small soft sided back backs. And then we just snack on these at the parks till about 4 p.m. Some people end up buying drinks. At 4 p.m. we sit down and have a counter service meal. Later in the evening before a show or something we splurge on a Mickey bar or something like that. Then when we finally leave the park 9 p.m. or so - We do the Wendy's drive through (get a few things on their dollar menu) and supplement that at the condo with salad, fruit, coleslaw.

We'll do a few dinners out on a trip -- maybe three -- usually two of these will be inexpensive places (Sweet Tomatoes, Steak n Shake) and usually we splurge on one Disney table service ADR for dinner -- Ohana or Boma (expensive, but fun to spend some time at the resort too).

All our stays are condo stays, and we've done over 20 trips.

 

[Brian Noble]

n the past we have always had the dining plan so..I hope this doesn't sound bad but, since it's a vacation, I don't want to cook every meal but I have a feeling that eating at the parks will be super expensive so..

I have never, not once, spent as much just eating what, where, and when we want vs. what the "appropriate" dining plan costs. Usually, this is because we don't eat exactly the "right" number of each kind of meal. But, even when we do, we inevitably mix in some less expensive meals with the more expensive ones---not because we are trying to save money, I ignore prices on vacation---but because that's just the way we tour.

We generally have breakfast in the villa, because it's easier. Some eat while others are getting ready, and vice versa. We then make rope drop, and have lunch in the park. Most days, we take an afternoon break at the resort, and usually return to a park for dinner and evening entertainment. We might have *one* dinner in the condo, but that's probably just pizza delivery, or *maybe* I make something simple, like fajitas. Most often, I don't even bother doing that. You don't have to eat "at home" if you don't want to, and it won't break the bank.

 

[MinnieTeacher]

Have you considered making lunch ADRs? There are many restaurants inside the parks that aren't that much more expensive than counter service. (On Sunday I saw a cart at DHS for a chili cheese dog for $10.50. We ate at Sci Fi and the food wasn't much more than that.) Other TS lunches that aren't that much more than counter service are Le Chefs de France, Biergarten, Whispering Canyon, The Plaza Restaurant, Liberty Tree Tavern, Sci Fi.

Cross Roads has Chevy's, TGI Fridays, Mc Donalds, Red Lobster, Taco Bell, Fudruckers, Sweet Tomatoes. If at the light instead of going straight into cross roads you turn left, there is Olive Garden and Cici's Pizza. Further down the road on the left side there is Joe's Crab Shack. To the right there is Steak n Shake and NY China Buffet.





I love Sweet Tomatoes!!! I was invited to their grand opening there, haven't been back since the rest of the family doesn't care for salads and soup as a meal.

Where is the "CROSSROADS" from Bonnet Creek?

 

[nichanda]

There are plenty of restaurants near at Crossroads, and a few other chains on the same street. McDonalds is there too, which does have a *few* healthier choices for a low price.

We stayed for 10 days and did quite a few meals in our room. We wanted to save money and knew we'd be too exhausted some nights to go out. However, we also ate at least one meal a day out, sometimes two meals.

There is a grocery store in Crossroad which often have pre-made salads, chicken and other grab and go meals. This would be a cheaper alternative without making your own. Often hotel lobbies will also have pre-made sandwiches and subs and microwaves you can use for whatever you want. You could also order in Pizza or Chinese food. Or, save some leftovers from a meal out to have the next day if you have a cooler or mini fridge. (If you don't, hotels have ice machines - grocery stores sell the styrofoam coolers or you could bring your own zipper cooler which usually pack really easily).

I brought my own toaster. I know that sounds weird, but it saved us a ton. Even just having bagels and cream cheese in the morning was nice. The toaster was my old cheap one from home, so I didn't bring it back when I left. It served us well there. (Which gave me more room for souvenirs too! )

We also had items in the room to make nachos (we had a mini fridge and a microwave), sandwiches, and canned pasta & soups. These were for the days we were too tired to go out and find a restaurant to eat at. I'm very thankful we did this, more for convenience than the money saving factor. (Just don't forget to pack some utensils if you do this, spoons, forks, knives, etc)

Also having some snacks handy will be great. Granola bars, fruit, protein bars, beef jerky, bottled water/juice, crackers, etc.

There are a few grocery stores that you can order online with, and will deliver to your room if you didn't want to pack or go grocery shopping.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[MinnieTeacher]

There are plenty of restaurants near at Crossroads, and a few other chains on the same street. McDonalds is there too, which does have a *few* healthier choices for a low price.

We stayed for 10 days and did quite a few meals in our room. We wanted to save money and knew we'd be too exhausted some nights to go out. However, we also ate at least one meal a day out, sometimes two meals.

There is a grocery store in Crossroad which often have pre-made salads, chicken and other grab and go meals. This would be a cheaper alternative without making your own. Often hotel lobbies will also have pre-made sandwiches and subs and microwaves you can use for whatever you want. You could also order in Pizza or Chinese food. Or, save some leftovers from a meal out to have the next day if you have a cooler or mini fridge. (If you don't, hotels have ice machines - grocery stores sell the styrofoam coolers or you could bring your own zipper cooler which usually pack really easily).

I brought my own toaster. I know that sounds weird, but it saved us a ton. Even just having bagels and cream cheese in the morning was nice. The toaster was my old cheap one from home, so I didn't bring it back when I left. It served us well there. (Which gave me more room for souvenirs too! )

We also had items in the room to make nachos (we had a mini fridge and a microwave), sandwiches, and canned pasta & soups. These were for the days we were too tired to go out and find a restaurant to eat at. I'm very thankful we did this, more for convenience than the money saving factor. (Just don't forget to pack some utensils if you do this, spoons, forks, knives, etc)

Also having some snacks handy will be great. Granola bars, fruit, protein bars, beef jerky, bottled water/juice, crackers, etc.

There are a few grocery stores that you can order online with, and will deliver to your room if you didn't want to pack or go grocery shopping.

Enjoy your trip!

Can anyone please tell me where the "Crossroads" is? I'm staying at Bonnet Creek. I'd love to eat at some good "cheaper" places since we are staying offsite. Thanks!!

 

[lovethattink]

Can anyone please tell me where the "Crossroads" is? I'm staying at Bonnet Creek. I'd love to eat at some good "cheaper" places since we are staying offsite. Thanks!!

This is the address of Goodings at Cross Roads. Cross Roads is located on State Road 535. 12521 State Road 535, Orlando, FL32836.

Basically you'll drive past DTD. Buena Vista Drive will turn into Hotel Plaza BLVD. When it does you want to be in the middle lane to go straight into Cross Roads when you get to the traffic light, cross over SR 535 right into Cross Roads. You'll see Pizzaria Uno on your right and McDonalds on your left as soon as you pull into Cross Roads.

 

[nichanda]

Yes, as listed above. A very quick drive from Bonnet Creek. (5 min tops). If you didn't have a car, it should be a cheap cab ride.

If you wanted to see it on a map, google map "crossroads Lake Buena Vista". Or even "Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista" and it's at the top of that road.

 

[spiceycat]

it is over pass DD

going out of WBC turn right - at the traffic light turn right - get in the middle lane - once you are pass TL get in the right lane - turn right on Hotel Plaza - stay on this road (it changes name) just stay on it at the big traffic light where hits 535 - don't turn - stay straight - you are at crossroads

that say still like us 192 a little better.

the traffic going thru DD can be pretty bad.