Family With Medals; RunDisney 10K; Stitch Hat; Lilo and Stitch Costume
  • On Jun 30, 2013
    Heidi Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello my family is going to WDW.We are staying at Yacht Club and are excited. My husband won trip thru company he works. We're going as convention package and are not able to purchase dining package. We're on budget.Any suggestions on eating at resorts?

    Hi Heidi,

    How exciting! The Yacht Club is one of my favorite resorts and in a terrific location adjacent to Epcot and Boardwalk.

    My family never uses the dining plan, so I can share some ways we stretch our dining dollars without feeling deprived:
    • We plan one big meal a day, usually a substantial lunch or a signature dinner. We spend little on breakfast by making coffee in the room and grabbing a muffin or a piece of fruit to hold us over to lunch. 
    • Sodas and bottled water add up fast, especially when it's hot. We bring refillable water bottles and always ask for the free, large cups of ice water all quick service restaurants will provide. No need to buy bottled water unless that is what you prefer.
    • I also carry granola bars and other light snacks to tide us over between meals.
    • Consider sharing. My husband and I frequently order one appetizer and one entree for lunch and find that it is plenty. Plus, if we're having a buffet or big dinner, we feel freer to indulge.
    • I think you get a lot for your money with the all-you-care-to-eat buffets. Boma in Animal Kingdom Lodge, Cape May Cafe in the Beach Club, Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom and Biergarten in Epcot are some of our favorites.
    • We also find we can make a filling, affordable meal of the small plates offered in the resort lounges, including the Crew's Cup at the Yacht Club.
    • We plan ahead for our splurge, often saving our big night out for our final evening. I use the independent site allears.net to see menus and prices for all Disney food venues, even the kiosks and quick service counters.
    I'm limited on space, but if you want to write back to me, I'm happy to recommend our favorite quick service spots in the resorts and parks. In most, you can have a filling meal for $10 to $15 or less -- and you aren't limited to burgers and fries by any means.

    Enjoy your visit!

    Wilma
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Meet the Panelist: Wilma, Florida

We live 90 miles from Walt Disney World and have visited frequently for 20 years. Disney is the place our family can relax together, try new things (especially interesting food) and have conversations, no matter what park we visit or where we stay.
Learn More About Wilma

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