$40 a Day for Dining at Disney

[stayhomemom77]

Isn't it, though? I'm not even sure DH and I could actually eat all that I've listed, but it would be fun to try. When you consider that this is still $11.50 UNDER the price of 2012 DDP (and we've already paid our tip too!), it should show how important it is to really think about whether the DDP is the right way to go. Granted, we're not eating steak, but I think there were stayathome did a few samples with steak!

I sure do have (at least) one with steak! When we average things out there's money in the budget for that. It occurred to me that:

a) since we'd been bending the rules from time to time from the original outlines of this thread I could do it again with the averaging out thing

b) realistically, on vacation my carnivore hubby would likely WANT to choose steak at least once and it would be great to factor the possibility in

c) surprising people by being able to do a plan with character meals and steaks under the $40 a day budget is the whole point of this thread

I have another plan in the works with some different restaurants (Le Cellier) so you may just be seeing steak yet again!

Stay tuned!

 

[mrtoffee]

It is our Spring Break and I ended up catching an episode of Rachel Ray's $40 a Day television show. She was in North Carolina and seemed rather impressed with herself that she ate three meals and a snack for under $40.

I think that should be pretty easy outside of really expensive places like Rome, Paris, or New York. Then my mind turned to Disney World, so I decided to see if I could put together a menu at each park where an adult could have Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a snack for under $40.

Here are my self imposed rules:

No DDP or Tables in Wonderland.
No Kids Meals for Adults.
At least one sit down meal per day.
Leave a tip of 18% (I do not want to argue this, just used this number as it is the one Disney suggests most prominently)
Drink something besides water for at least two meals per day.
Vacation food that either myself or immediate family would actually eat.
Try to include some Disney specific foods either exclusive to Disney or very rare elsewhere.

Prices listed include tax for counter service, and tax plus tip for Table Service.
Bolded meal is the Table Service


Animal Kingdom: $39.28

Rainforest Cafe for Breakfast. Tonga Toast and a Coffee $15.04.
Pizzafari for Lunch. Ceasar Salad plus Chicken with a soda. $10.63
Dinner at Flame Tree. 1/2 slab of Ribs with Beans and Slaw and water $11.17
Snack: Churro $2.44


Disney Hollywood Studios: $39.42

Starring Rolls for Breakfast. Choc. PB Cup Cake and Milk $5.84
Fairfax Fare for Lunch. 1/2 Chicken with sides and lemonade $12.66
Momma Melrose for Dinner. Pepperoni Flatbread and soda $17.78
Writer's Shop for snack. Carrot Cake Cookie $3.14

Epcot: $39.94

Sunshine Seasons for Breakfast. Oatmeal with raisins and hot tea $5.31
Chefs de France Fixed Price three course lunch and water $24.90
Boulangerie for Dinner. Ham and Cheese Croissant with Strawberry Smoothie $7.61
Kringla for snack. School Bread $2.12


Magic Kingdom: $39.43

Breakfast at Mainstreet Bakery. Cinnamon Roll and Coffee $5.95
Lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern. Colony Salad and Iced tea $19.77
Dinner at Columbia Harbor House. Fried fish basket and soda $10.31
Snack at Aloha Isle: Dole Whip $3.40


So, how did I do?
What would you change?

Im very impressed indeed

 

[vanillarum]

Sharonabe, you are correct. That is a CM (and their family) rate. Or in our case, an interns rate.

 

[stayhomemom77]

Okay, here's another installment with even MORE steak. DH would be thrilled with this plan!

Some of the menus have not been updated in a while so I'm leaving a $14 cushion in my budget in case some of the entrees have gone up by a dollar or two. Generally, I try to ensure I get as close as possible to that maximum, but in this case I thought it would be better to err on the side of caution.

Same stats as before:

5 days, $600 (Actual Spent is $585.57)

and this time I have 7 TS meals, one of which is at a signature restaurant.

Bon Appetit!

DHS day $123.40

Lunch at Hollywood Brown Derby
Noodle Bowl
Cobb Salad
Kid's Meal
Kid's Meal

Snack: 2 Carrot Cake Cookies

Dinner at Sci Fi
Burger for ladies to share
Shake for ladies to share
Burger for menfolk to share
Shake for menfolk to share


Epcot Day $113.07

Lunch at Le Cellier
Filet Mignon
Chicken Crepe
Kid's Meal
Kid's Meal
Soda

Dinner at Boulangerie Patisserie
4 Ham and Cheese Croissants
4 Chocolate Milks
4 Assorted Pastries



Non Park Day $126.85

Lunch at Turf Club
Pork Chop
Buffalo Chicken Wings
Kid's Meal
Kid's Meal
Soda

Dinner at Shutters
Aruba Styled Roasted Chicken
Shrimp Fritters and Black Bean Soup
Kid's Meal
Kid's Meal
Soda

MK day $122.04

Lunch at Pinnochios Village Haus
Meatball Sub
Chicken Parm
Kid's Meal
Kid's Meal
Soda

Dinner at Wilderness Canyon Café
Whiskey Maple Glazed Trout
Chicken and Penne Pasta
Kid's Meal
Kid's Meal
Soda

Snack: 4 Mickey Ice Cream Bars

AK day $100.21

Lunch at Yak and Yeti
Shaoxing Steak and Shrimp
Egg Rolls and Chicken Fried Rice
Kid's Meal
Kid's Meal
Soda
Trio of Sorbet

Dinner at Home Resort
Large Cheese Pizza
Soda
Chocolate Milk to split

 

[stayhomemom77]

This baby's been dead for a while...time for a revival!

This plan works using the 2012 prices!

$40.03 Animal Kingdom
Breakfast Kusafiri Bagel with Cream Cheese and ice water
Lunch Tamu Tamu Refreshments Cheeseburger Basket and Soda
Dinner Sanaa Tandoori Chicken and ice water
Snack Dino Bites Snacks Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich


$38.96 Hollywood Studios
Breakfast Writer's Stop Carrot Cake Cookie and Milk
Lunch Brown Derby Cobb Salad and Ice Water
Dinner Fairfax Fare Burrito and Chocolate Milk
Snack Treat Cart Mickey Bar


$38.15 Epcot
Breakfast Sunshine Seasons Oatmeal and Silk Soy Milk
Lunch Chefs des France Croque Monsieur with salad and ice water
Dinner Yorkshire County Fish and Chips Fish and Chips with soda
Snack Karamel Kuche Caramel Pecan Bar


$38.96 Magic Kingdom
Breakfast Main Street Bakery Cinnamon Roll with ice water
Lunch Liberty Tree Tavern Pilgrim's Feast with ice water
Dinner Golden Oak Outpost BLT Flatbread and Soda
Snack Aloha Isle Dole Whip

 

[havoc315]

Considering basic dining plan is now $51-53... maybe it's time to change this to $50.

For $50 per day, I could eat so much better than the allotments of the dining plan.

 

[erikawolf2004]

Thank you so much for keeping this going...I love all the ideas. We are going this summer and will be doing the DDP for the first 4 nights of our trip, because we are going to do a few buffet meals that would bring the total of one TS into the range of the cost of the DDP within $15...I know we would spend more than $15 on QS and snacks for those days. But the 4 nights of DDP will cover 5 days of meals with this and will probably stock our little fridge with a few left over QS and snacks. So I'm going to try and do $80(DH, DD7 and me) a day for the other two park days, with breakfasts in our room, we drink lots of water, light eaters and like to share, so...

AK day
breakfast in room
Yak & Yeti
Honey Chicken $9.99 x 2 and Chicken Fried Rice $3.99
total $23.97 plus tax

Sanaa
Bread Service Serves Two $8.99
Chicken with Red Curry Sauce $18.99
Shrimp with Green Curry Sauce $18.99
Chai Cream $5.49
total $52.46 plus tax & tip
TOTAL $76.43 + T & T

MK day
breakfast in room
Columbia Harbour House for lunch
Chicken Nuggets $5.49
Anchors Aweigh Sandwich $8.99
Fried Fish Basket $7.49
total $21.97 + tax

Plaza Resturant for dinner
Chicken Strawberry Salad $14.99
Angus Chuck Cheeseburger $13.99 shared
Creamy Hand-Dipped Milkshakes $4.69 shared
total $33.67 plus tax and tip
TOTAL $55.64 + T & T
Even better than I hoped...might have to have an extra treat or two in the park.

Now I'm thinking I need to rethink our other days

 

[stayhomemom77]

I always, always, ALWAYS advocate doing the math!

Sometimes you find it's better to have the dining plan (such as when you have a lot of buffet meals as you said you were planning on doing) but sometimes, when people sit down and really think about what they would be likely to order and add it all up, the dining plan just doesn't make sense.

Here on this thread we always add in the tax and tip to our totals. The DDP does factor in the taxes but not the tip. For curiosity's sake, I added tax and tip to your totals and got $90.84 for your AK day and $65.32 for your MK day, which is still under your $160 budget by $3.84 but doesn't really leave any room for extra snacks or drinks. Still, $80 a day for one TS and one QS for a family of three is a bargain!

Good luck crunching the numbers and have a great trip this summer!!

Thank you so much for keeping this going...I love all the ideas. We are going this summer and will be doing the DDP for the first 4 nights of our trip, because we are going to do a few buffet meals that would bring the total of one TS into the range of the cost of the DDP within $15...I know we would spend more than $15 on QS and snacks for those days. But the 4 nights of DDP will cover 5 days of meals with this and will probably stock our little fridge with a few left over QS and snacks. So I'm going to try and do $80(DH, DD7 and me) a day for the other two park days, with breakfasts in our room, we drink lots of water, light eaters and like to share, so...

AK day
breakfast in room
Yak & Yeti
Honey Chicken $9.99 x 2 and Chicken Fried Rice $3.99
total $23.97 plus tax

Sanaa
Bread Service Serves Two $8.99
Chicken with Red Curry Sauce $18.99
Shrimp with Green Curry Sauce $18.99
Chai Cream $5.49
total $52.46 plus tax & tip
TOTAL $76.43 + T & T

MK day
breakfast in room
Columbia Harbour House for lunch
Chicken Nuggets $5.49
Anchors Aweigh Sandwich $8.99
Fried Fish Basket $7.49
total $21.97 + tax

Plaza Resturant for dinner
Chicken Strawberry Salad $14.99
Angus Chuck Cheeseburger $13.99 shared
Creamy Hand-Dipped Milkshakes $4.69 shared
total $33.67 plus tax and tip
TOTAL $55.64 + T & T
Even better than I hoped...might have to have an extra treat or two in the park.

Now I'm thinking I need to rethink our other days

 

[LindaBabe]

"IN MY OPINION FOR 5 DOLLARS MORE YOU CAN ADD THE DINING PLAN AND GET A COUNTER SERVICE A TABLE SERVICE AND A SNACK EVERYDAY. "

Ah, well, the dining plan costs $45.99 for adults per day. That is already $5.99 beyond the $40 per day limit. During "high season" they jack up the price by another two dollars to $47.99.

In addition, you must pay the tip for the table service meal out of pocket. Even if one were to have an entire table service meal for $20, almost impossible at Disney, you would still need to pay an additional $3.60.

At that point you are paying $9.50 beyond the $40 limit and are only getting one sit down meal, one counter service, and one snack.

My plan provides three meals per day, including a sit down and two counter service meals per day, plus a snack.

I am not saying it is the only way to go, but I was exploring the idea of the Rachel Ray inspired idea of eating on vacation, all costs included, for under $40 per day.

When we pay out of pocket, we tend to average about $50 per adult per day due to extra sides, drinks, and soups. Yet, I would be happy on this budget/meal plan and enjoy my vacation.

GREAT job! Next trip, I'm going to keep track and see how I do - only difference will be - I only drink water to avoid the sugar.

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

I have just found this thread and realized I've been on it for an HOUR! Thanks to all that put it together. You are all amazing!! I can't wait to try to price out some meals. We decided our next trip, unless we get free dining, we're going OOP. I know how I'll be spending my lunch hour tomorrow-planning meals!

 

[stayhomemom77]

Time for another one...

Several places have been updated for January 2012, especially in Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios so I thought I'd post this:

$39.36 Animal Kingdom
Breakfast at Kusafiri Bakery: Cherry Turnover and Apple Juice
Lunch at Dino Diner: Hot Dog, Chips, Med Soda
Dinner at Capt'n Jack's: Penne Pasta Alfredo/ice water
Snack at Ghiradelli's: Double Sugar Cone


$40.01 Hollywood Studios
Breakfast at Starring Rolls: Bagel w Cream Cheese and milk
Lunch at 50's PT Café: Fried Chicken and ice water
Dinner at Fairfax Fare: Fairfax Salad and Chocolate Milk
Snack at Writer's Stop: Carrot Cake Cookie


$39.34 Epcot
Breakfast at Sunshine Seasons: Oatmeal and Apple Juice
Lunch at Rose and Crown: Fish and Chips and ice water
Dinner at Kringla Bakeri: Ham and Apple Sandwich/soda
Snack at Treat Cart: Mickey Bar


$39.96 Magic Kingdom
Breakfast at Main Street Bakery: Croissant and Choc Milk
Lunch at Tony's Town Square: Baked Ziti with ice water
Dinner at Plaza: Plaza Club with ice water
Snack at Treat Cart: Popcorn

As you can see, it's still possible to eat at TWO TS restaurants in MK if you just have ice water with your meals and though the recent price increases DO mean more careful planning, you can eat three meals PLUS a snack in all three parks with just $40 a day!

 

[stayhomemom77]

Just started a new thread with no rules and a budget of $50 a day.

If you're interested, take a look:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2878168

 

[stayhomemom77]

I thought it was high time to ressurect this baby! As before we have breakfast, one CS meal, one TS meal (bolded) and a snack for under $40. I would be drinking water with all meals/snacks as per my preference but it would be really hard to keep to the limit doing otherwise while still having three meals plus a snack anyway.

So for some options with the 2013 prices, we have:

MK $38.47
Nutella/Fruit Waffle at Sleepy Hollow
Braised Pork at BOG
Plaza Club at The Plaza
Cinnamon Roll at Gaston's Tavern

AK $39.52
Yogurt Parfait at Pizzafari
Mac & cheese Hot Dog At Restaurantosaurus
Pot Roast Sandwich At Beaches and Cream
No Way Jose At Beaches and Cream

DHS $38.81 **Look! 2 TS meals in one day!!
Bagel with Cream Cheese At Starring Rolls
Smoked Turkey Sandwich At Sci Fi
Carne Flatbread At Mama Melrose
Mickey Bar from a treat cart

Epcot $39.83
Breakfast Platter at Sunshine Seasons
Croque Monsieur at Chefs des France
Fish and Chips at Yorksire Fish and chips
a treat from Karamel Kuche totalling $5.50 before tax

 

[Kalea]

This is inspiring! I have been playing with numbers for our trip, and I think I'm going to see how well I can do for our family of four. Right now I'm at about $900 total for 7 park days, but I think I can do better!

Is there any way to find precise numbers for Akershus & 'Ohana?

 

[gorkt]

THIS is why I never do the DDP. Even when it was way cheaper, I just don't eat enough to make it worth it, and I don't eat the way they structure the plan. Sometimes I want two appetizers. A lot of times I don't want dessert. We eat very similarly to the OP, mostly counter service with some table service thrown in, and we come in under $40 per adult easily. For my trip I am budgeting $150 for our family of 4.

 

[parkhopping]

What a great thread! Thanks for resurrecting it!

 

[stayhomemom77]

Alright...here are some options for those of you who like to drink something other than water with your meals. It was a bit tight...but I managed it!

MK $39.53
Chocolate Croissant and coffee/tea/cocoa At Gaston's Tavern
BLT with soda At Liberty Tree Tavern
Corn Dog Nuggets, Fries and apple juice At Casey's Corner
Egg Roll Egg Roll Cart

AK $38.23
Oatmeal and coffee/tea/cocoa At Pizzafari
Boneless Buffalo Wings and Soda At Mr. Kamal's in Asia
Tailgate Pulled pork and iced tea At ESPN Zone
Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich At Safari Ice Cream Kiosk

DHS $39.97
Bagel with Cream Cheese and coffee/tea/cocoa At Starring Rolls
Meatloaf and chocolate milk At 50's PT Cafe
Hot Dog and Soda Backlot Express
Mickey Bar At treat cart

Epcot $39.38
Muffin and coffee/tea/soda at Sunshine Seasons
English Breakfast Burger and Soda at Rose and Crown
Quiche Lorraine, choc milk and choc croissant At Boulangerie Patisserie
Lefse At Kringla Bakeri

 

[dp911]

Alright...here are some options for those of you who like to drink something other than water with your meals. It was a bit tight...but I managed it!

MK $39.53
Chocolate Croissant and coffee/tea/cocoa At Gaston's Tavern
BLT with soda At Liberty Tree Tavern
Corn Dog Nuggets, Fries and apple juice At Casey's Corner
Egg Roll Egg Roll Cart

AK $38.23
Oatmeal and coffee/tea/cocoa At Pizzafari
Boneless Buffalo Wings and Soda At Mr. Kamal's in Asia
Tailgate Pulled pork and iced tea At ESPN Zone
Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich At Safari Ice Cream Kiosk

DHS $39.97
Bagel with Cream Cheese and coffee/tea/cocoa At Starring Rolls
Meatloaf and chocolate milk At 50's PT Cafe
Hot Dog and Soda Backlot Express
Mickey Bar At treat cart

Epcot $39.38
Muffin and coffee/tea/soda at Sunshine Seasons
English Breakfast Burger and Soda at Rose and Crown
Quiche Lorraine, choc milk and choc croissant At Boulangerie Patisserie
Lefse At Kringla Bakeri

Not healthy at all. Where are the fruits and veggies?

 

[sharonabe]

Not healthy at all. Where are the fruits and veggies?

You want HEALTHY and CHEAP...picky, picky....

Okay, how's this??? (tax AND tips are included and drinking water again since we're being healthy)


AK: $38.18
Spinach/Goat Cheese Fritatta (Pizzafari)
Roast Chicken salad sandwich (Tamu Tamu)
Lettuce Cups for 2 (Yak n Yeti TS)
Edy's Strawberry Bar

HS: $36.25
Orange/Cranberry Muffin (Starring Rolls)
Cobb Salad entree (Brown Derby)
Grilled Veggie Sand w/fries or carrot sticks (Backlot Express)
Granny Smith apples w/caramel

EP: $42.06 (a little over, but worth it)
Oatmeal, soy milk (Sunshine Seasons)
Okonomiyaki--grilled veggie pancake (Katsura Grill)
Ortolano Pizza (Via Napoli)
Any $4.50 pastry at France's Bakery

MK: $38.02 (no TS today, but more food)
Nutella & Fruit Waffle (Sleepy Hollow)
Veggie Quiche & cupcake (Be Our Guest)
Tuna Sand & Chilli (Columbia Harbour House)
Dole Whip

 

[loveysbydesign]

You want HEALTHY and CHEAP...picky, picky....

Okay, how's this??? (tax AND tips are included and drinking water again since we're being healthy)


AK: $38.18
Spinach/Goat Cheese Fritatta (Pizzafari)
Roast Chicken salad sandwich (Tamu Tamu)
Lettuce Cups for 2 (Yak n Yeti TS)
Edy's Strawberry Bar

HS: $36.25
Orange/Cranberry Muffin (Starring Rolls)
Cobb Salad entree (Brown Derby)
Grilled Veggie Sand w/fries or carrot sticks (Backlot Express)
Granny Smith apples w/caramel

EP: $42.06 (a little over, but worth it)
Oatmeal, soy milk (Sunshine Seasons)
Okonomiyaki--grilled veggie pancake (Katsura Grill)
Ortolano Pizza (Via Napoli)
Any $4.50 pastry at France's Bakery

MK: $38.02 (no TS today, but more food)
Nutella & Fruit Waffle (Sleepy Hollow)
Veggie Quiche & cupcake (Be Our Guest)
Tuna Sand & Chilli (Columbia Harbour House)
Dole Whip

YUM!!!