Time spent eating

[slumpert]

Hi, general question - about how long do you typically spend eating at a table service meal? (including wait time, if any) How about quick service? Versus how long would you say it would take to leave the park (we will have our own car, but may stay on property) return to hotel (on property, or off closeby) eat something there or at nearby off property restaraunt, then get back to the park?
We are debating the dining plan. We only have 3 1/2 days at Disney, I don't want to spend a ton of time eating. (I know, it is part of the experience, but I would rather spend more time riding, exploring, etc.) Also don't want to leave the park for hours to eat. I have 3 kids, ages 11,13,15, so they are adaptable (and one would be happy to eat pizza and hot dogs for every meal!) I can't imagine that we could (or should) eat $800 worth of food in just 4 days! (That is my grocery budget for the entire month!) I know we can pack snacks, sandwiches, etc. in a soft cooler, but figured we might want to have a "real" meal without paying $20+ per person. (if only the kids stayed little!) Thanks for your help. I have spent DAYS reading all of the posts, and I think I am more confused now. Too many choices!

 

[danielle782001]

I would recommend the Quick Service Plan if you are concerned about time...A table service can take about an hour or amybe a bit more if it is a character meal or really busy...We actually like sitting down because we like to forced time to relax but you are there for a short time and it sounds like you want to make the most of your park time...The QS plan may work out because you get a lot of food and a mug for the money...QS service meals are as long as you let them be...Make your kids eat in 10 minutes or take a bit more time and be there for 30 minutes or so....Lines for food and getting the food goes really quickly...

I also do not suggest you leaving the parks to eat then returning...It takes lots of time parking, walking, security, and lines getting in..Not worth the savings for the time lost.

 

[danielle782001]

oh and

Congrats on your first post....Have fun planning!

 

[hannahdrewmom]

Overall I plan for 90minutes at a TS restaurant. More if you are going to be trying to eat during a very busy time say 12:30. When we do table service we try to eat when restaurants first open... the meals tend to be quicker.
CS is probably 30-40 minutes... again it's faster if you don't eat at peak times.

To get from park to park or resort to park I normally budget about 60 minutes.
From resort to resort 90 minutes (it's easier to take a cab).

With kids that age and the desire to do maybe 1 ts to "experience" it... I'd say no dining plan for your kids. They are all considered adults and QS dining plan only really work to save you money if everyone is going to eat a dessert at every meal or if you have kids on the plan. Most families would not choose a dessert for every meal and therefore the savings is moot. I'd look at which restaurants interest you and maybe plan one meal at a non-peak time. I'd choose something that is not like anything you can get at home. CS in Disney is very good and if you choose well you won't have to eat hotdogs or hamburgers the entire time!

PS- if you are going to do the regular dining plan you need to eat where you are at. MK eat at MK or a local resort. The same for each of the other parks.