Welcome to Disney Parks Moms Panel, Chrissy!
Grad school is such a busy time of life, so managing to schedule in a little RnR with your friends is a fantastic idea!
I've got two college kids, so I also understand that fun on a budget is definitely a must for you. Let this mom show you the best locations in
Walt Disney World that can stretch that Disney dining dollar as far as we can!
First, if you are planning on visiting
Disney Springs (and you should!) consider dining at
Wolfgang Puck Express at Disney Springs Marketplace. This is
not a Table-Service restaurant, but you'd never know it. Once you've ordered at the counter, meals are brought to your table, and they are some of the most delicious--and cost-effective--meals in the World. My family's favorites include anything on the breakfast menu as well as their Oven-roasted Salmon, Chicken Alfredo, and Rigatoni Bolognese. Refillable house-brewed iced teas, too...yum!
Similarly, if you can get a
breakfast or
lunch reservation at Magic Kingdom Park's
Be Our Guest Restaurant, you'll get to experience the magic of Beast's enchanted castle (which is Table-Service for dinner) for a much lower price. I have dined during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this location, and everything--including the grey stuff--
is delicious!
Over at EPCOT, one of my family's favorites is
Spice Road Table. Order several appetizers, maybe an entree or two, and a few desserts for the table, and you'll have a lovely meal that does not break the bank. (Order their Brie Fondue. You'll want
extra Rosemary Croutons to scoop up that cheesy deliciousness, which they will provide at no extra charge.) For the best pizza anywhere, head to
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, where one pizza and one salad will likely be enough for all of you--they are huge! (The truffle oil on their Carciofi Pizza? You'll be spoiled for life.)
Disney's Animal Kingdom has some great dining options, too, but consider leaving that park for a bit and head to
Sanaa, just a five-minute resort bus ride to
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village. Order the Indian-style Bread Service (ask for more bread as needed) for a most delicious sampling of accompaniments that are arranged from mild to hot. Enjoy your entrees as you marvel at the adjacent savanna, and be sure to make time to head out to Savanna Overlook before or after your meal, too.
We love dining at Disney's Hollywood Studios'
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, where the food is fantastic, and the view? Unlike anything you've ever seen. Another family fav here is
Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano. (Order the Shrimp Campanelle; you won't regret it.)
As you plan your visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth, be sure to send more questions our way, Chrissy. We love to help!
Andrea