Shoestring Dining at Walt Disney World, Part III
Have fun while staying on a food budget
Friday, August 2, 2002
by Mike Scopa, staff writer
Let's look at great ways to top off those shoestring meals we discussed
in the previous two sessions.
When I'm vacationing in Walt Disney World I find it hard to turn down
tasty desserts every day. Sometimes the desserts in the sit-down restaurants
can be a bit too fattening in the calories and in the price. The alternative
is to reward yourself with a treat that may be less of a strain on the
waist and wallet.
In keeping with the previous sessions look for a "thumbs up"
for those top-notch treatery eateries.
So where do we find these low-budget and lower-calorie treats? Follow
me.
In the Theme Parks treats abound, so let's concentrate on good value,
good quality, and good taste.
The Magic Kingdom
Aloha Isle, in Adventureland, is one of Mike's Favorite snack stops.
In AdventureLand, near the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House you will
find the Aloha Isle Refreshment Stand and its famous Dole Whip.
In my humble opinion this is the best treat in Walt Disney World, especially
on a hot summer day. It's cool, refreshing, and inexpensive. It's a
"thumbs up."
Mike's Favorite snack... a Dole Whip.
If the line is too long at Aloha Isle go to Sunshine Tree Terrace
and try a Citrus Swirl. You can thank me by sending
me e-mail.
When I'm in Fantasyland, especially near our old pal Dumbo I'll turn
to Scuttle's Landing for some shaved ice. You should too.
Just over the bridge into Liberty Square is Sleepy Hollow. If
they are offering ice cream cookies or that cobbler special you should
try one or the other or both.
The Plaza Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom.
I must put in a yet another good word for the Plaza Restaurant
at the end of Main Street USA. They do have very good ice cream sundaes
not quite the best in Orlando, but a close second. On a memorable night
10 years ago, my son and I enjoyed a "Bicycle Built for Two"
apiece. I remember the cast of servers coming over to tell us
that not only was this the first time that one table had ordered two
of these treats, but also the first time these treats were totally consumed.
Well, I can't do that anymore—besides it's no longer on the menu.
I'm sure, however, that there's something for everyone on their dessert
menu. You will be pleased with the value you get for your money. It
goes without saying that a "thumbs up" is in order here.
Epcot
I know there are cheesecake fans out there. Go to Innovations Plaza
and check out the Fountain View Cafe'/Bakery for several treats.
Keep in mind that the cheesecakes aren't available until midmorning.
A friend of mine just returned and raved about the Snickers cheesecake.
If you're a runner like me you have to run five miles to burn it off,
sign me up.
The Fountain View is a great snack shop in Future World.
Of course, everyone goes to the Boulangerie Patisserie at the
France Pavilion. The lines can get pretty long so you need to time it
right, but I'm sure it will be worth the wait for you. Prices here may
be high, but where else can you get this stuff?
Disney/MGM Studios
Are you into fruit? If you are a fruit lover then check out Anaheim
Produce.
You can get shaved ice in MGM. Just go to the Dip Site. They
also have fruit bars.
Dinosaur Gertie's provides a great way to cool off.
Just look for the big green dinosaur and you'll find Dinosaur Gertie's
Ice Cream. On a hot summer day, you can cool you down with an ice
cream cone or ice cream bar there.
If you would like some fat-free ice cream, check out Hollywood Scoops
on Hollywood Blvd. I think this may also be sugar-free ice cream.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Placed very strategically in Camp Mickey-Minnie is Chip n' Dale's
Cookie Cabin, which offers fresh baked cookies.
The Chip 'n' Dale's Cookie Cabin serves up cookies, brownies, and ice
cream sandwiches.
Downtown Disney
Let's turn our attention to Downtown Disney. We have to dig a bit deeper
to find the value that we are looking for so pay attention.
If you are in Disney Quest and want something good, go to the Cheesecake
Factory Express. Yeah, they have cheesecake, but try the frozen
mud pie.
In Pleasure Island, D-Zerts is probably the most decadent dessert
and treat shop in the World. I cannot suggest anything here because
I have a hard time myself. Take your time and choose wisely.
You're walking along Disney's West Side. It's warm and you're a bit
dry. Where should you go? Try Forty Thirst Street. They offer
smoothies and coffee coolers.
Ghirardelli's has long lines and limited seating... obviously it's a popular
place to snack.
If you are in the Marketplace promise that you will visit the Ghiradelli
Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, but only once. You ask why? Well
let's just say that the folks that run this place have taken ice cream
"presentations" to a new level. They have two levels of ice
cream sundaes including The Earthquake. Unless you live for ice cream,
limit yourself to one visit only.
The Resorts
In all of the resorts there is but one place that should be mentioned
as a place for our purpose. It's in the Yacht & Beach Club and
it's—you guessed it, Beaches & Cream. Over the years their
menu has changed, but the quality of the desserts, service, and value
has remained consistent.
Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club Resort. Photo by Sue Holland.
As always, it's best to understand
both your money and time budget for a Walt Disney World vacation.
Our last three sessions have talked about dining budgets and where to
get the best value for your money. At the same time, it's important to
make the best use of your time and that is best achieved with careful
planning.
If you intend on taking advantage of the eating establishments we have
covered in the last two sessions make sure you maintain a list of where
they are and plan your day so as to know where you will most likely dine
that day. Do this before you leave your resort room. When you end your
day you will be happy to know that you saved both time and money, which
in the end makes for a pretty successful vacation.
Oh those changes. It seems
over the last several years the Disney Company and Walt Disney World has
exercised some policy changes that have changed the way many guests have
approached their WDW vacation plans. If you haven't been to WDW in a while
or even if you are planning your first trip you may want to join us as
we explore these changes and discuss what adjustments we need to make
regarding not just our vacation planning but also the vacation itself.
Class dismissed.
Thoughts, questions, or comments? Contact Mike here.
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Photos on this page by
Brian Bennett unless otherwise noted
Mike Scopa first visited Walt Disney World almost 30 years ago. Planning a trip was simple back in the 1970s, with only the Magic Kingdom and a few Disney-owned resorts in Orlando. Over the past 11 years, Mike has been perfecting his WDW trip-planning skills as he has hosted chats and bulletin boards about Disney for a Fortune 100 company. Mike brings his experience to MousePlanet in a series of lessons to help you with all the phases of planning a WDW trip. Mike pays special attention to all the details that ensure your family has the best possible time at the Happiest Place on Earth. You can contact Mike here. Here are trip reports that Mike has written that are part of MousePlanet's archives: Michael Scopa -- August 1999 -- Walt Disney World (CSR) Michael J. Scopa -- July 1997 -- Walt Disney World (WL/CBR) Mike Scopa -- July 1994 -- Walt Disney World (WL / CBR) Also, don't miss Lani Teshima's column, “The Trip Planner” for more travel planning information. Get the latest info about the resort at “Park Update: Walt Disney World.” 
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