Best WDW Meal for the $$$????

[MainStreet, USA]

Hmm... best bang for the buck huh? I'd say that most of the buffet-style places are pretty good buys. Trail's End is a family favorite. The character buffets such as Crystal Palace tend to be a bit pricier, but the "show" is usually better there too. There are exceptions to this however, in places such as the Whispering Canyon Cafe, one of my absolute favorite places to eat. The atmosphere is great, the "show" is fantastic, and if you get their signature Canyon Skillet, it's all you can eat, and for a moderate price. I love it.

Another place with fantastic atmosphere that I love is the 50s Prime Time Cafe, but I wouldn't necessarily say it's the best deal when it comes to quality and quantity of food for the dollar spent. Also, someone else already mentioned La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico as a good sized meal for a fair price, and I'd have to agree with them, but only if you actually enjoy Mexican. There is very little variety at most Word Showcase locations, provided their purpose is to showcase foods from their native lands. While I enjoy the place, my girlfriend can't stand Mexican food, and so it's not even an option when we're there together.

As for the debate about best burgers and their fixin's, I 'd have to agree with BryanFykes about the burgers in the parks all being the same. However, I don't recall seeing the sauteed mushrooms on the toppings bars (although I could be wrong) any place other than Pecos Bills. But I wouldn't go so far as to say all burgers are the same OUTSIDE the parks... I've got a new favorite place that I just tried for the first time a few weeks ago. It was already mentioned here earlier in the thread, but I'll throw it out here again - Beaches and Cream, in front of the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. It's an old fashioned soda shoppe, where you can pull up a stool at the counter and watch them make your burgers, shakes, sodas, and ice creams right there. It's really good, and the prices are great. The burger I got there was far superior to any I'd ever gotten in the parks. I think my girlfriend and I averaged about $12 a piece for our dinners and drinks. And the ice creams are all pretty huge... especially if you order the Kitchen Sink. I don't recommend that one for any parties smaller than 4 however... It's a big dessert!

[tiggerguy]

MainStreet, USA said

And the ice creams are all pretty huge... especially if you order the Kitchen Sink. I don't recommend that one for any parties smaller than 4 however... It's a big dessert!

If you do not believe him, here is a picture:

[MainStreet, USA]

"... and a whole can of whipped cream!!!"
"The whole can???"
"Yep... The whole can!!!"

(Sorry, you might have to go visit Beaches and Cream to understand that little bit, but trust me... it's good eatin for what you spend.)

[disneycrazy1956]

We love Columbia Harbour House at the magic kingdom. It has very good food for counter service and most people don't there is a sitting area on the second floor. You can get away from the craziness of the park for a few minutes of quiet up there. We eat there several times ever time we visit WDW.
Sorry to say the meal certificates at the animal kingdom are gone. It was a great deal especially for kids. With the big emphasis on the dining plan they decided to do away with them.

[tasha36]

Ok....
Snack - Turkey Legs
Counter Service - Pecos Bill's in MK cos of its fab fixin's bar
Buffet - Boma

[ghost1000]

The "All You Can Eat" Family style breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe. You can't beat it for $10.99 per adult (beverages are extra), and the entertainment there is pretty good too.

[Veritas]

Counter service - The Sunshine Seasons in the basement of The Land in EPCOT, amazing variety Flame tree in AK a close second with Harbour Hou e in MK 3rd
Table service - Liberty Tree Inn MK I think it's a pretty nice meal with a reasonable cost
All you care to eat - Thwe Buffet in Germany, but yuou have to Like german food, great desserts!

[#1EeyoreFan]

McDonalds Fries great meal. LOL!

[KimDWT]

McDonalds Fries great meal. LOL!

Yeah - but that's also one of my meals away from Disney too. LOL!

Seriously this is a great thread. I have to chime in again on the Crystal Palace. It's just terrific. My mom is vegetarian (but thankfully not vegan) and it's tough to find a place where we can ALL eat (and enjoy a really good meal) on a trip. She always has great options and can eat more than just sides when we go there.

Another good bang for your buck that's outside the parks is the Garden View Lounge Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian. I know, I know it seems pricey at first glance but I skipped the sparkling wine and had the "Buckingham Palace". WAY more food than I expected, delicious and very filling.

Also - like yourself I've been to Disney a ton of times and this was a very different Disney dine experience. Quiet, peaceful (but not stuffy) and a really good break from the park hustle and bustle. Plus it's only a short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom.

Their menu is on allears.net. I can't post links yet since I'm a newbie but it should be easy to find.

[Stitch's buddy]

counter serive- columbia house
sit down(lunch only though)-plaza restraunt
all you car eto eat- shoot i forget the name i think its Hollywood and Vine i think

[StarsNStripes]

Gotta agree with Columbia Harbour House

[KimDWT]

Here's another vote for Columbia Harbor House and for Hollywood & Vine - we always go to these when we're at WDW.

[princessariel]

I vote any of the CP buffets!

[Chrissy&Tayen]

i loved!!!

norway's breakfast with the princesses... AWESOME potato stuff.. and lil muffins!
the liberty tavern.... AWESOME roasted beef and turkey and the salad with the strawberry vingerette was OH MY GOSH!!! GOOD
the pulled pork at the acklot express was good!
and San Angel at epcot had the best food oh my gosh!!! i had the como platter and the chicken was just the best

[o8catrina8o]

i would say Chef Mickeys and California Grill