Darren:
One of the advantages of the Dining Plan is that it allows you
to eat at some of Disney's pricier restaurants, but know your costs
upfront, allowing you to stick to a budget!
When our family went to Disney a few years ago on the dining plan, I
had the same thoughts as you: how could I get the most value from its table credits?! After glancing at the menus at
www.allears.net, I noticed two things: for price, the better value were the table service restaurants vs. buffets for adults.
For
children, the better value was the Character Buffets over
table service. And going at dinner vs. breakfast added more
value.
Here was my "wish list":
- Akershus (Best Princess Dining. Little princess get their picture taken
free! The restaurant serves dishes that may not
be your standard fare. Picky eaters? Go at breakfast.)
- Le Cellier: Our kids loved the "moose" for dessert.
- Coral Reef: Portions weren't as large as other restaurants, but the aquarium view made up for it.
- Chef Mickey's: Eat an early dinner and you'll have time to go back to Magic Kingdom for fireworks!
- Hoop Dee Doo Revue: Family-style, all-you-can-eat chicken
and ribs and a funny dinner show. Best of all, gratuity is included!
A few others I'd recommend without considering
price, just food and atmosphere:
- Biergarten. Meat and potatoes buffet with my favorite floor show.
- Ohana. Don't fill up on the first pass of offerings! Wait for the shrimp and beef!
- Crystal Palace: The buffet's fresh offerings will surprise you. If you have a fan of Pooh, it's a must!
Wishing you a magical vacation!
Whitney