Thrifty Thursday: Eat This Not That At Resort Hotels

It’s been awhile since we’ve ventured into “Eat This, Not That” territory, so I decided to give the menus at some of my favorite resort dining spots another look:

Breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Expensive Version
Boma is an ultra-amazing buffet with a full compliment of delicious, authentic foods to try. Yum, yum and more yum. All of this can be yours for $20-24 (depending on when you visit). 

The Less Expensive Version
The buffet is full on delish, but who wants to eat so many rich, heavy foods before a day in the Parks? Take on a more manageable portion of authentic foods at The Mara where you can get an African-Inspired Breakfast Platter for $6.79 or a Bobotie Plater for $6.99. 

Potential Savings: $17.21
 

Breakfast at Yacht and Beach

The Expensive Version
The Captain’s Grille is one of those less-visited spots that really deserves more love than it gets. Breakfast there is amazing, especially the sweet-inspired carby meals. But they also have a simple Tailored Egg breakfast for  $10.49: two eggs, Captain’s potatoes, bacon or sausage and a biscuit.

The Less Expensive Version
Down the way at the Beach Club Marketplace, you can get pretty much the same meal for a little bit less. Can you believe it? Their Scrambled Egg Platter comes with bacon, potato casserole and a biscuit, all for $6.79.

Potential Savings: $3.70 

Chicken Dinner at Caribbean Beach

The Expensive Version
At Shutters, your dinner will set you back $18.99. For the money, you’ll get Trinidad Roast Chicken with a side of rice and greens. Sounds like a nice meal …

The Less Expensive Version
But over at the resort food court, you can get more food for less money! There, order baked chicken with corn bread, and you’ll get your choice of two sides from the following: corn, broccoli, rice and black beans, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes or plaintains. That’s lots of choices for only $9.49. 

Potential Savings: $9.50

Do you have any favorite thrifty tips? Let us know in the comments! 

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Melissa Sue works in higher education communications in upstate New York, where she lives with her husband Robert, a secondary school teacher, and her cavapoo George (as in King George). Melissa began visiting Disney World when she was six and today owns a piece of the magic at Bay Lake Tower. She blogs at Mouse on the Mind and tweets @msorrellsgalley. She’ll be contributing money-saving tips to The Affordable Mouse.