There are a number of reasons why you might want to eat off Disney property: visiting attractions that are not Disney (yes, you might want to do 
that 🙂 ), price, convenience if you are staying off Disney property….all of these things just might have you looking for some great places to eat that are out of the (Disney) World.
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”?
