Fortunately, you will have thousands of choices, as the Orlando area is, of course, a major tourist destination, offering locations for most major chain restaurants, as well as many, many “local” options as well. So no matter what you and your family like, or where you are, chances are you will have a number of choices.

Saving money is also likely, as prices, even in restaurants that rival Disney’s top dining choices, will still be lower than Disney’s. So eating off property, if you want to do so, can help you reduce your food budget.

Things to Keep in Mind

Eating at non-Disney restaurants will require transportation to get to them. If you are staying off property, you may very well already have access to a car, so that won’t be a problem. But if you don’t have a car, you will still find a number of great choices right in Downtown Disney….just a short Disney bus ride away.

The other thing to think about is that you can save a bit more by using the discounts offered by Restaurant.com or the Entertainment book. I also always recommend becoming a Facebook “fan” of any local places where discount coupons may be offered exclusively for those on Facebook: we have been very successful in getting some surprise discounts this way. Also, if you are staying in a non-Disney hotel, ask at the front desk about coupons for local restaurants as well.

Popular Choices to Consider

While you clearly will have many choices, Disney fans all over the internet have their favorites. Here are a few:

• Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney is the choice of many. Hot sandwiches and salads are large, and prices are reasonable. They also have some great options for breakfast sandwiches if it is convenient to where you are staying.
• Panera Bread is a personal favorite of ours for reasonable prices and freshly made (and delicious) soups and salads.
• Sweet Tomatoes is within walking distance of several of the Downtown Disney hotels, and offers a salad bar and all-you-can-eat buffet with lots of choices for a reasonable price.
• Ghiradelli for some delicious…and affordably priced…..ice cream options. (Check for a coupon on the bottom of your receipt for a discount on your next visit.)

In addition to these popular choices, I recently asked for some recommendations on our Facebook page and on Twitter. Here are a few of our readers’ favorites:

• Chris: I used to love Sonny’s BBQ when I lived in Tallahassee and I usually try to go there when I’m in Orlando.
• Emily: Chipotles and Earl of Sandwich
• Kristin: Chevy’s!!!! Very kid friendly!!
• Tammy: Bahama Breeze   Sit outside, with the fresh Florida air…There is one on I drive, and one on Vineland Avenue in Lake Buena Vista (that’s the one I go to). I don’t often eat outside of the world, but when I do, this is the place – food is really fresh, and the atmosphere puts me right in the islands. (ed. Note: Bahama Breeze is quite popular and does not take reservations, but you can “call ahead” to put your name on the seating list.
• Amy reiterates: Use Restaurant.com for several DTD restaurants, as well as others nearby.
• And from Twitter, @disneynine: The Olive Garden most definately! And any of the all you can eat buffets, Ponderosa a personal favorite. Also TGIFriday!

Thanks to our readers for their recommendations! Now I would love to hear what your favorite places are to eat that are “out of the World”?

For now though, sit back, relax with your beverage of choice, and enjoy reading this week’s Disney Fun From Around the World!

Our friends at Chip and Co always have so much great information, I don’t know how they do it. This week, I especially enjoyed Disney World Quick Tips – How to avoid lines as well as this one from Ken: Oldies But Goodies – Seniors And The Walt Disney World Attractions. If you will be traveling to Disney with grandparents…or if you are one yourself…be sure to read this great post!

I really loved reading this post from the Disney Parks Blog: We Asked, You Told Us: The Attraction That Makes You Feel Most Like a Kid Again. It got me to thinking about what makes ME feel most like a kid at Disney…I’m thinking Peter Pan’s Flight. What about you?

Lot’s of food news at Disney World this week, and of course AJ from the Disney Food Blog is on it! The new pizzeria at Epcot opened officially, and she has pictures: First Look! Epcot Via Napoli Pictures. And this one was important to me personally, as I have been WAITING along with many other folks, to book the  2010 Candlelight Processional and Dinner Packages. AJ has an information page set up on her blog with the latest information about this. If you’re planning to visit during the holidays, the Candlelight Processional is a MUST-SEE!

Resourceful Mommy has some excellent suggestions if you have little ones: Scared at Disney?

And finally, in case you missed it earlier in the week, here is my post at Chip and Co: Getting Around Walt Disney World

Have a magical weekend and see ya real soon!

Transportation is something to consider when figuring out costs for your Disney World vacation…and keeping those costs down, of course, helps make your Disney trip more affordable. Using Disney transportation while you get around “the World” is one way to do it, and I am talking about just that over at Chip and Co.:

There is a lot to think about and plan for on your Disney vacation. Have you thought about how you plan to get to and from the parks…and any other place you plan to visit while there? You actually have some options, and as with everything when it comes to Disney….planning ahead will save you time and money.

Your options will somewhat depend on whether you are staying on Disney property and can take advantage of Disney’s free transportation from the airport and to the theme parks…or if you are staying off-site, will you need a rental car and/or other transportation options.

You can read the rest here: Getting Around Walt Disney World I look forward to you joining us over there today!

Have a magical day!

When it comes to food choices in the Quick Service category, there are literally hundreds of places to eat. Over two hundred in fact, between the parks, resorts, and Downtown Disney. And if you add in the many, many more places where you can just grab a quick snack and keep on going….well there are a lot more than that. In other words…..you name it when it comes to food…and Disney has probably got it somewhere.

Quick Service meals are also known as “counter service” meals, and are of course, those meals where you get in and out quickly. You’re at a theme park for heaven’s sake: there are rides to ride and shows to see! Quick Service meals make it easy for you to get in and out, and Disney, being Disney, is pretty good for the most part, at making the process of eating….well…..quickly, pretty smooth.

So what kind of food is available as Quick Service….and what is it going to cost you?

While many QS places are lunch only, there are some (most, but not all, at the resorts) that also offer breakfast items. Nearly all offer a variety of foods beyond the basic entrees that are featured, with sides, desserts, fruit in some cases, and of course drinks available as well. Here you will also find kid’s meals, and happily Disney lately now offers healthy options for little ones (and parents who are *trying* to minimize the junk, fat, and sweets), with fruit and veggies instead of fries and dessert.

One of the nicest surprises for many folks who are visiting Disney for the first time, is just how much of a variety of food choices there are for QS meals. Yes, you can still get that theme park staple of burger, fries, and a soda…but you also can get many QS food options from countries all around the world, in addition to wraps, salads, “noodles”, turkey legs, sandwiches, chili, rotisserie chicken, soups…and a whole lot more. In fact, there is probably as much variety at Disney World in the QS food category, as there is in the Table Service category.

As to cost, there is again, a variety, but you can expect most QS adult entrees to be between $5-$7 each, but typically under $10. Not cheap, but the portions are also large, so it is very easy to make one entrée serve two people…or at least one adult and one child.

And what about Snacks?

When it comes to snack items, you will find these pretty much everywhere. Many “snacks” are located at the QS places, and if you are on a Disney Dining Plan, you will find all snacks identified with the DDP snack designation. In addition, there are snacks at many little counter areas and carts all around the parks. Some snacks, like packaged chips, pretzels, and candy are available in shops (if you are trying to use DDP snack credits, always ask if you are not sure, as this does change). And again, you’ll find a lot of choices! Breakfast snacks include bagels, croissants, muffins, and breakfast sandwiches …and increasingly, fruit and yogurt.

Snacks for the rest of the day? Well, you name it and it is probably in Disney World somewhere! In fact, there are some really incredible snack options available, with many folks having some strong opinions as to the “best” snack available! In fact, entire articles have been written to describe some of these fantastic snacks, so if you want to really have an idea of specific items that you just HAVE to try, check out these blog posts:

• Chip and Co: Disney Food Snacks shares great snack ideas (as well as other great foods too)
• Disney Food Blog: “You Won’t Believe This!” Snack Series (mouthwatering, so don’t read these at lunch or dinner time!)

As to cost for snacks? These can really add up if you are not careful. Here is where a food budget can easily be blown, even if you are on one of the Dining Plans because you buy stuff on a whim because it just “looks so darn good!” In general, you will find snack prices to vary widely from a dollar or so, up to $4-$5 each. (Tip: If you are using the Dining Plan, and think you will consume more snacks than your daily allotment of Snack Credits….save the Credits for more expensive items, and pay cash for cheaper things like fruit etc.)

What is available back at the resorts?

At the resorts, you will find a wide variety of Quick Service and snack options as well. At the Value and Moderate resorts there are food courts, while Deluxe properties don’t typically have food courts, but instead have snack shops or counters where you can get a QS meal or purchase snacks. Because these are in the resorts, most have a decent selection of breakfast items, and some are open 24 hours (always check though, as we have tried to get “late night” snacks a few times and missed out because they were closed).

One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to QS meals or snacks is that being creative can provide you with some delicious food…and possibly save you some money as well….so try some new things, share large portions, watch for healthy choices, and use those Dining Plan credits wisely,

Our favorite Quick Service and Snack locations…

In case you are wondering, here are some of our family’s favorite places for a Quick Service meal, as well as some yummy Snacks:

• Magic Kingdom: Columbia Harbour House for lots of *different options* like soup and chili (and be sure to check out the upper level for a quieter place to eat)
• Epcot – Future World: Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion for practically everything! There are tons of great options, and here you will find many of the healthier choices in Disney as well. Great place for breakfast too.
• Epcot – World Showcase: Nearly every country in Epcot has great QS options. It’s a fun way for kids to *try new things* without the expense of a Table Service meal. (We especially like the lovely garden behind Japan, for a peaceful, un-themepark-like place to eat.)
• Hollywood Studios – Rosies All American Café has a nice variety of food.
• Hollywood Studios – Starring Rolls Bakery for….well everything!
• Animal Kingdom – Flame Tree Barbecue for the smoked chicken: easily large enough for two people!

And if you would like more suggestions on great Quick Service or snack options, be sure to check out these great posts from the Disney Food Blog:

• Best Disney World Counter-Service Restaurants
• 5 Best Quick Service Dining Credit Values
• 5 Best Uses for Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits
• “The Best Thing I Ever Ate in Disney!”: Snacks and Drinks
• Tips for Where and How to Eat Healthy in Disney World

We are pleased that this post is part of the Disney Blog Carnival. Be sure to head on over there to see more great Disney-related posts and articles from some of the internet’s most interesting and talented bloggers!

In any event, here are my favs for this past week!

Loved this post from Traveling Mamas: 10 “beyond the basics” things to pack for a family road trip (Great ideas here!)

We’re now in hurricane season. If you are visiting Disney World between now and November, be sure to read this from The Disney Blog: Hurricanes and Walt Disney World

Always love reading the Disney Food Blog each week! AJ shares the yummiest things! This week, she had a lot of information about this year’s Food and Wine Festival. If you will be there for Food and Wine, be sure to read the 2010 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Guide

Speaking of food, the Disney Parks Blog shared a new food item that looks delicious: Belly Up to the (Meatball) Bar at Downtown Disney

Bruce at A WORLD VIEW – Enjoying Walt Disney World had a great article for those of you who are grandparents: Mid-Week Special: Take the Grandkids to Walt Disney World, by Cara Goldsbury (This may be the single biggest reason I look forward to having grandchildren!)

Speaking of grandparents, Chip and Co. has a new writer that is blogging about Disney World for Seniors. Ken had a great article this past week: Oldies But Goodies – “Best Of” Resorts For Seniors At Walt Disney World. Of course there are always so many great posts at Chip and Co.! They now have a great series called We want to hear from you – Disney Reviews by You! where you can write your own reviews for just about anything at Disney World. Here’s your chance to share your favorite Disney ride, resort or restaurant. Don’t be shy!

And of course, I have to include my post at Chip and Co.: Five Fun (and Free) Things to do at Disney World.

Happy reading everyone! Have a magical weekend and stay cool!

So grab your coffee, put your feet up, and enjoy reading some of my favorites:

First of all, we were excited to be part of this past week’s Disney Blog Carnival, the 6th Edition! You will find links there to a number of really fun and interesting blogs there, so be sure to stop by!

The Disney Blog had two really interesting posts this week, offering two different perspectives: The Five Biggest Needs at Walt Disney World and Five things Walt Disney World is doing right. Be sure to check them both out for an interesting point of view.

Lisa at Chip and Co. shared her thoughts about Why My Family was Sold on the Disney Vacation Club.

And another great post from Chip and Co. discussed the exact reason why I ALWAYS say to never buy Disney tickets from Craigslist. Be sure to read this post: It’s interesting….and very sad. Five Arrested in Disney World and Universal Ticket Scam

And last, but hopefully not least , if you didn’t already see them, I would love it if you would check out my 2 articles at Chip and Co. this week: To ADR or not ADR, That is the Question and Plan Now for Magical Disney Dining in December

OK there you go. Happy reading to all and have a magical weekend!!

Those thoughts prompted my post at Chip and Co. this week: To ADR or not ADR, That is the Question.

Here’s an excerpt:

I was trying to explain to a non-Disney friend the other day, about why I had been up at 6 a.m. for 4 straight days trying to book our dining reservations for our Disney World vacation at the end of December. She kind of thought I was nuts. In fact I believe the comment was “Disney has made you lose your mind.” :)

I had to chuckle, as I completely understand why someone who is not Disney-obsessed would think it odd to be planning where our family was going to be eating on a vacation that would not be happening for over 6 months. But it got me to thinking too, that even among those who do visit Disney World regularly the question of whether to book Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) is a common discussion on many Disney message boards.

Should you or shouldn’t you? Many folks like to be “spontaneous” on vacation, and the idea of trying to decide what park you want to visit and where/when to eat at this park 6 months ahead of time just makes their head hurt. I do understand that, because really, how can you know what you are going to be in the mood to eat that far in advance? For many, planning dinners 6 months before takes the “fun” out of it.

However, since I am clearly in the “you should” camp, let me explain why I think it is important, in this case, for planning to take precedence over spontaneity.

Read the rest of the article and join the discussion over at Chip and Co. today. I would love to hear your thoughts!

One of the best places to read a whole bunch of great Disney blogs is on the Disney Blog Carnival #5 . The Affordable Mouse is pleased to be a part of it again. Be sure to hop on over to read lots more fantastic Disney blogs as well!

This post from The Disney Driven Life shares one of the things that I personally find so special about Disney: CAST MEMBERS = MAGIC MAKERS

The Disney College Blog shared reader’s affordable Disney vacation ideas in Readers Weigh In: How to Save Money at Disney

The Disney Food Blog provides great information each week. This post in particular is, I think, very helpful: The Most Popular Disney World Restaurants (And Alternatives When They’re Full)

Lea at Magical Mousecapades continues a great series on the The Countries of World Showcase-Part 5: Italy

More great food information from comes from Chip and Co. with 5 DisneyWorld Snacks that are more like a Meal (and isn’t that a great way to stretch those dining dollars?)

And lastly, my weekly shameless plug for my two posts over at Chip and Co. Should You Take Your Children Out of School for a Disney World Vacation? discussed a topic that many are familiar with.  In addition, I shared my thoughts about The Best Time of Year to Visit Walt Disney World.

That’s a wrap for this week. Hope you have a magical weekend and a wonderful Father’s Day celebrating those special Dads in your life!

Should I take my children out of school for a Disney vacation?

It’s a tough decision to make, and there are several things to think about before deciding if you should or not.  As with much about Disney vacation planning, there is no one right answer, just the right answer for you.

I’m talking about it over at Chip and Co. today, and sharing my family’s experiences. I hope you’ll join me over there and offer your thoughts!

You can read the article here: Should You Take Your Children Out of School for a Disney World Vacation?

I have two posts over at Chip and Co. that talk about some of these issues:

In Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Which is the Most Affordable Way to Get to Disney World? I discuss aspects of each of these ways to get to Disney World, so that you can decide the best way for you.

And if you are driving, then be sure to check out Driving to Walt Disney World: Five Tips for Making it a Magical Trip for some suggestions to make the drive a little more….fun.

I’ll look forward to seeing you over at Chip and Co.…no matter how you get there!