Tip for DVC members not buying DDP.

[tvwalsh]

Remember to pack your GPS so that you can easily choose off Disney campus restaurants at reasonable prices from the large list on your GPS.

For many years I ate on campus, at great expense, partly because I did not know my way around the area. I even bought groceries at twice the price from the resort store!

I think the advent of the GPS is part of the reason that Disney introduced the Magical Express.

I do not mean to say that if someone is interested in a particular Disney restaurant,they should not go there. I am saying that "filling up" on Disney food is a real budget buster!

 

[spiceycat]

well that is probably why both Orlando and Kissimmee website don't mention the restuarants in their area anymore.

don't think will buy a GPS yet - actually like to get lost and kept a map of Orlando just in case...

 

[patsal]

Another excellent plan is to avoid paticipating restaurants. I find those that do not take the DDP continue to have a higher quality menu and fair prices as compared to paying OOP at those that have lessened the choices and raised the prices to give the impression of false value on the DDP.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Of course budget is always a consideration but beyond that, personally speaking, the quality and variety offered by Disney dining establishements has gone down hill. In Disney's effort to mass produce food for massive gains they've had to short cut the restaurant practices of the past. It's easy to tell that a lot of the food isn't cooked/prepared at the restaurant but rather shipped that way and the ridiculous prices they charge for it, I refuse to keep paying. Except for a few shining stars like Jiko, etc. , it all starts to look and taste the same.

The surrounding Orlando area has many restaurants that offer really great food at reasonable prices and we intergrate them as part of our vacation.

ME, you are right was strictly designed for the purpose of ensuring that every penny spent for your vacation goes/stays at Disney. A GPS is a wonderful thing, but even if you don't have one, navigating around Orlando isn't too bad!

 

[photobob]

We haven't traveled off property to eat yet. We do though try to eat breakfast and supper in the room most days. We usually have lunch at WDW restaurant. Lunch prices at TS are a bit more reasonable than dinner. When we become empty nesters we may venture off property a little more but I doubt it!! Prices want be quite as inhibitive when there is just the two of us eating.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Two weeks ago we visited the Mall at Mellinia and I was amazed at the great selection of restaurants they had there. In fact I was amazed at the mall itself.

 

[CindeBella]

Great tip! I don't leave home without my GPS. I'm taking it to Paris in a couple of months as well.

You may want to update it before you leave as restaurants and stores are opening and closing. I like to update mine the day before I leave home.

 

[manning]

I think more and more are finding this out.

Hey Iger....stupid is as stupid does!!!

 

[JimMIA]

I love my TomTom, but I actually do a lot of research here on the DIS and with Google prior to our trips. On the DIS, one good place to look for offsite restaurants is here: Best Offsite Restaurants

Since we dumped DDP when they gutted the program about 3 years ago, we've found some great places to eat, most of them just a short distance offsite. Our favorites are still Charley's for steaks and Columbia in Celebration. Both of those are pretty good dining, but there are tons of good casual places offsite as well.

I also like calling a restaurant the day of the meal, having a live person immediately answer the phone and book our reservation for whenever we want to eat with whatever party size we happen to have. I don't miss sweating out ADRs!

We find the fine-dining places somewhat better than Disney, and the casual places offer a variety of good food that you just no longer find inside WDW. The Disney food is well-prepared, but as others have said it all starts tasting the same after 4-5 days.

Plus, we enjoy just getting away from Disney for a couple of hours each night.

We do one character meal per trip, but other than snacks, that's it for onsite dining for us.

 

[mom2rb]

I have an odd question. We are staying at SSR and we won't have a car. Are there any off site resturants within walking distance of Downtown Disney?

 

[La2kw]

Another excellent plan is to avoid paticipating restaurants. I find those that do not take the DDP continue to have a higher quality menu and fair prices as compared to paying OOP at those that have lessened the choices and raised the prices to give the impression of false value on the DDP.

Of course budget is always a consideration but beyond that, personally speaking, the quality and variety offered by Disney dining establishements has gone down hill. In Disney's effort to mass produce food for massive gains they've had to short cut the restaurant practices of the past. It's easy to tell that a lot of the food isn't cooked/prepared at the restaurant but rather shipped that way and the ridiculous prices they charge for it, I refuse to keep paying. Except for a few shining stars like Jiko, etc. , it all starts to look and taste the same.

The surrounding Orlando area has many restaurants that offer really great food at reasonable prices and we intergrate them as part of our vacation.

ME, you are right was strictly designed for the purpose of ensuring that every penny spent for your vacation goes/stays at Disney. A GPS is a wonderful thing, but even if you don't have one, navigating around Orlando isn't too bad!

I agree with both of you!

 

[lugnut33]

I have an odd question. We are staying at SSR and we won't have a car. Are there any off site resturants within walking distance of Downtown Disney?

The only thing that comes to mind within walking distance is the Hess gas station right across from DTD. They have a small pizza shop in the back that makes a decent pizza at a good price. I think a large 1 topping is $8. I know we plan on doing that one night. They also have some sandwiches in there.

 

[DonnaL]

There are all the hotels on Hotel Blvd a short distance from SSR and DTD and most of them have restaurants on premises.... however, I haven't heard any reviews recently about any of them. For some reason, I'm remembering the name Giraffe Cafe (?).....I think maybe Hotel Royal Plaza....not sure. But, I have not ever dined at any of the hotels on Hotel Blvd so I can't say whether they are any good or not.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

There is a Hilton about an 8 minute walk from SSR. They have
Covington Mill

Visit Covington Mill, an elegant, casual dining restaurant. Enjoy a sumptuous Breakfast Buffet daily and a variety of salads, pastas, sandwiches, and signature dishes in a casual setting. On Sundays, take your kids to see the Disney Character Breakfast, hosted from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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Benihana Steakhouse and Sushi

Tempt your taste buds and be entertained at Benihana! Our chefs will perform before you as they cook according to a 1,000-year-old Japanese recipe. Perfect for a special occasion with family or friends, choose from a mouth-watering menu ranging from chicken.
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Andiamo Italian Bistro

Andiamo Italian Bistro & Grille is a bistro and wine bar offering an authentic and unique dining experience. Freshly prepared house specialties including hot and cold antipasti, homemade ravioli, incredible pasta selections and traditionally prepared meat and grilled fish dishes compliment award-winning service. Indulge in one of our specialty coffees and delicious desserts, including our own piccolo dolce that offers a little bit of everything! Featuring an extensive wine list and full bar, and a children friendly menu - Andiamo Italian Bistro and Grille is the perfect choice for any occasion. For reservations, please call (407) 827-3838.

The Tuscan Private Dining Room is available for groups up to 30 people. Advance reservations required for the Tuscan Room. Call 407-827-3838 or visit AndiamoOrlando.com for reservations and information.
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REGAL SUN RESORT - across the street from DTD

Sundial 24-7 - Stop by our self-serve food and beverage option, open 24 hours a day.
Oasis Grill & Pool Bar - Order your favorite grill fare and beverages at our pool and recreation complex, NEW in 2008.
Eclipse Bar - Indulge in a cocktail while cheering on your favorite team (located on the lobby level).
Horizons Bar - Unwind with a refreshing libation before dinner.
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The Hess station makes great hot pizza, hot dogs, subs, breakfast sandwiches.

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BestWestern Hotel
Traders Island Grill, on premises, Full Service, American, Open for: breakfast, dinner,

Parakeet Café, on premises, Bar/Lounge, American, Open for: breakfast, dinner, deli style

Pizza Hut Express, on premises, Bar/Lounge, American, Open for: lunch, dinner,

Flamingo Cove, on premises, Bar/Lounge, American, Open for: lunch, dinner, lobby bar

I have an odd question. We are staying at SSR and we won't have a car. Are there any off site resturants within walking distance of Downtown Disney?

 

[Dean]

Outback (not the chain) is across the street at the BV palace. There are several near the Crossroads that are within walking distance but barely so and depends on how much you want to walk. There's a Crabhouse, Red lobster, Chevy's, Olive Garden, Perkins to name a few. Some of the places in the Disney Village area have significant discounts on places like restaurant.com and the entertainment books as well as other sites. Still, if I wanted to do much, I'd look at cabs or a rental car.

 

[granmanh603]

We often walk down Hotel Plaza Blvd to 535 many restaurants there, a Disney CM told us about Millers Ale house it is a left turn at 535 to next light cross over and behind I think a gas station on corner...pub type place and all kinds of deals every day.... also at DTD there is Wolfgang puck express and I think there is a DVC discount good food and there is Earl of Sandwich for good sandwiches....and there are other discounts for lunch and some dinner at the other DTD restaraunts....in March and last Oct they had 30% off lunch at Fultons Crab House....