[gracie]

Hi all, we are planning on using Quiksilver to get from the airport to the All Star Movies. I would like to use the grocery stop to stock up on breakfast or lunch items. Breakfast is not a big problem since we usually get some muffins and milk, but lunch is difficult without a kitchenette.
Anyone have any good ideas and tips for quick lunch items that we can get at the grocery store?
Also, does the All Star Movies have a general store to get some fresh bread and milk?

[BDavis932]

I know that All Stars has a "general store" and it sells milk. Be sure to pick up a couple styrofoam coolers at the grocery store on your way to All Stars. You can get the ice from the vending area once you arrive and get settled.

I'm not sure on the bread.

We, personally, don't go back to the resort for lunch. It will take you a good 45 to 60 minutes (at least) from when you decide to leave the park...walk to the bus stop, and then ride the bus back to your resort and get back to your room. Then you have another 45+ minutes to get back to where you left off.

If I were to eat in my room, I would eat sandwiches. Just keep the meat in a sealed tupperware container in the cooler.

You can save money eating in the parks by splitting hamburgers (order a double instead of a single for only a $1.00 more) and take advantage of the toppings bar at Pinocchio's Rest., Pecos' Bills, and Cosmic Rays (all at MK) or The Electric Umbrella at Epcot. Also you could split other entree's for lunch...just ask for an extra plate. My hubby and I always have plenty to eat when we share.

[karliebug]

The store has milk, but I don't think it has bread. We have brought a loaf of bread and good old pb & j with us before. If you have a cooler in your room, you could buy some of those lunchable things with crackers, ham & cheese. We usually bring a big cooler with us, packed with snacks. We just check it through with our luggage. Then we use ice from the hotel to keep our stuff cold for the week. Or ,you could rent a fridge from the hotel for about $10 per night.

[Smayco]

Originally Posted by karliebug

If you have a cooler in your room, you could buy some of those lunchable things with crackers, ham & cheese. We usually bring a big cooler with us, packed with snacks. We just check it through with our luggage. Then we use ice from the hotel to keep our stuff cold for the week. Or ,you could rent a fridge from the hotel for about $10 per night.

Another thing you can do, which is an idea I got from the Unofficial Guide, is to buy a styrofoam cooler after you get to Orlando (for only around $4), fill it daily with ice, and then you can simply leave it behind when you check out.

~Sue

[tinkerbell]

We have seen lots of people with soft side coolers eating sandwiches in the parks .. I have to confess that I have really been thinking of doing this, because ..well with 2 more trips coming up this year .. I might could save a dollar or 2 .. ok no I wouldnt because I would spend it on something else but that would be ok too :)
Any way like Bdavis said ..going back to your room for lunch would be a hassel. but taking sandwiches in the parks might be just the thing.

[jbtoursejg]

We eat cereal and breakfast bars for breakfast. When we fly we buy the cheap styrofoam cooler, as was said. This keeps the milk cold. Several days, such as MK day (that has Tom Sawyer Island to picnic on) and water park day, we bring lunch. The cooler keeps the cold cuts cold.
This saves time and money for breakfast and lunch.

[gracie]

I wasn't planning on going back for lunch. More likely to pack a sandwich or two. It's not even about the money for the restaurant food, but for the health reasons. Some fruit and sandwiches are always healthier than a burger. Knowing us, we get so tempted with the junk food at the restaurants, that if I can keep away from them for a meal or two, that would be great!
The styrofoam cooler sounds like a great idea. I think I will use that one at least for milk and some cold cuts.
Thanks!

[disneyguy]

I was truly dissapoited with the PC "grocery store". It didn't have that much and was always supur busy.

[MickeyMac]

The All Stars carries Entemman's products, bread, donuts, muffins. It has a tendency to sell out early, and I'm not sure what the delivery days are.

The soft sided coolers are great, but be careful of leaks; you might want to store it in the bathtub until you are sure the seams don't leak (go ahead, ask me how I kknow!! LOl!)

We always ask for a couple extra bowls when we go through the quickservice lines. Make up salads in the bowls with the toppings, mix up some salad dressing (mayonnaise, ketchup, and a little bit of relish makes Thousand Island or mayo and ketchup makes French), and that can add to your meal.

Ask for beverages without ice.

Ask to exchange your fries to another side for your regular meal; often they are so busy that they leave on the French Fries (which is the side of norm) at no extra charge.

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by BDavis932

You can save money eating in the parks by splitting hamburgers (order a double instead of a single for only a $1.00 more) and take advantage of the toppings bar at Pinocchio's Rest., Pecos' Bills, and Cosmic Rays (all at MK) or The Electric Umbrella at Epcot. Also you could split other entree's for lunch...just ask for an extra plate.

INSIDER TIP!!!


What many people do not know is that there are "a la carte" options at the counter service places that are not explicitly listed on the menu. All of the "meals" that have fries, can be ordered without fries at a lower cost. Our experience is that the fries for one meal can easily be enough for 2 or even three people. (please see the "Getting fit?" thread for issues regarding too many carbs.. )

Here's what we do. (me, DW, DS12 and DD8)

Usually DW gets a single cheeseburger with no fries and I get a double cheesburger "meal". DS gets a double hamburger "meal" and DD gets a hot dog with no fries. There's more than enough fries for all 4 of us and we save between $3 and $3.50. If we have a late breakfast or are planning on an early dinner, then only one of us will get the fries for additional savings.

Lastly, for those watching pennies AND carbs, BDavis' idea of splitting a double cheesburger is a great way to cut carbs because each of you will only have half a roll.

[gracie]

Thanks for all the responses. Our problem is that by the time we get hungry, show up at the restaurant, and forget about all our plans for our diet and savings ;)

BTW, my DH thinks I am totally obsessing about bringing apples, sandwiches and what type of plates to bring, etc. He forbid me to talk about my money saving plans and thinks I should concentrate on having fun...

[mickaholic4077]

Originally Posted by gracie

Thanks for all the responses. Our problem is that by the time we get hungry, show up at the restaurant, and forget about all our plans for our diet and savings ;)

BTW, my DH thinks I am totally obsessing about bringing apples, sandwiches and what type of plates to bring, etc. He forbid me to talk about my money saving plans and thinks I should concentrate on having fun...

I'm reminded of that line from the movie The Four Seasons,starring Alan Alda:Is this the fun part? Are we having fun yet??? You plan to your heart's content. At the same time,don't be obsessive-compulsive about following your plan,either.

[crystalrp]

Most MK places let you substitute carrot sticks for fries. That would be healthier!

[cbeccaboo2]

For lunch we ate at the parks but grabbed like popcorn, pretzels, or a turkey leg and shared it between two people. This worked real well. Suggestion, pick up some apples while on your grocery stop and carry them with you and when you get hungry have one of these. The also now have this skippy peanut butter that is in a toothpaste like container that you could easly carry with you and put on your apples.

Hope this might give ideas.

Becca