Need tips DisneyWorld Winter 07-08

A couple years back, I was projecting a trip to Dinsey in April 2007, a trip that (thank god) never took place. Ya'all talked me out of this very busy week (http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15564) even though my responses made it sound like I wasn't listening. I was. It's taken me this long to talk the wife into considering taking the kids out of school for a week, and going during the very slowest weeks of the year.

I've spent a lot of time reading allears.net and mousesavers.com, and I think I have the hang of all the marketing jargon the Disney site drops on you, so now, back to purely Roadfood stuff

A comment: I've already earmarked Dixie Crossroads as a place I want to get to. No question there.

My question of the day, and I will have others later: I'd love to find a good and mostly authentic cuban (or medianoche) sandwich as well. I know I'd do much better in other parts of the state, notably more south an more coastal, but this is as close as I will get for many years, so.....in this chain-crazy town, is there a decent cuban to be had? My wife won't be tolerant of bad\rundown neighborhoods, so unfortunately, I have to ask you to limit your answer to places in moderate to nice neighborhoods. Sucks, I know.

There is a place called Bongo's, which is actually on Disney property, but appears to be an independant place, with branches away from Disney, that has a pretty good cubano. My kids liked the grilled cuban steak on the kids menu. I tried some and it was pretty good.

http://www.bongoscubancafe.com/orlando/index_orlando.html

I would recommend a side trip to Tampa if you can swing it. It's only about 80 miles and there are a number of small, very good cuban places there, of course there's also Ybor City.

Take the kids to http://www.mosi.org/ in the morning, eat lunch, and back to the reservation early afternoon.

Enjoy and have a safe trip.

Disclaimer: I should add that I know there are FAR better places in FLA to get Cuban food, as John A has already pointed out...I only mentioned that one because of its location at Disney.

TJ, Disney between the holidays is fantastic! We've been there during that season 4 times. The weather is great and the lines are short (or nonexistent)!

Sorry, no Cuban suggestion other than to avoid the Cuban sandwich offered in the fast places like ABC Commissary at MGM.

Bongo's is in Downtown Disney, and it is owned by Gloria & Emilio Esteban. The Frommer's review says it is average.

There is also the Latin Quarter in Universal's City Walk. It claims a more pan-carribean feel, and seems to be more upscale and more of a nightclub.


Sorry, I didn't try either one.


Tom

Here's a tip...watch out for the little rat with the big ears...he only wants your money.

I have read about Bongo's, with some giving it an average rating and others giving it a good rating.

So let's say I am willing to expand the radius to 20-30 miles away from Disney. Any good cuban food yet in a decent neighborhood in that radius?

quote:

Originally posted by Cosmos

Here's a tip...watch out for the little rat with the big ears...he only wants your money.

Please, no more "help" like this in this thread.....even toned down with the smilies attached, like this one is.....

I know a lot of folks hate all things Disney. I have no issue with that, and even agree with the negatives to an extent, but this isn't about that - it's about "TJ loves his kids and TJ's kids love all things Disney". No diatribes about greed, crass commercialism, discrimination, etc etc etc will dissaude me from taking them there. Open another thread about the evils of the mouse if you like....again, no issue.

Nuff said.

TJ, this suggestion isn't Cuban, but I did look at your other thread and I could recommend for the family the dinner at Ohana at Disney's Polynesian resort, a monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom. It is very family friendly, the food is good, and they get the kids involved in the entertainment. My daughter loved it when she was 6-8 years old.

I've done this trip 3 times staying on-site without a car, and 3 times staying off-site with a car. Given the ages of your children, I would strongly recommend considering staying on-site and foregoing the car. Disney transportation among the various properties is top notch. No matter where you want to go, there will be a bus or monorail within 15 minutes to take you there. I would almost recommend giving up roadfood for this convenience, and sort through the Disney options for the best on-site food. My experience on our most recent trip 2 weeks ago suggests that the food has gotten MUCH better in the last 5 years.

If you choose to stay on-site, consider the Magical Express option. There's nothing like having the luggage and transportation handled for you. It's worth every penny, IMO. You put your luggage on at your originating airport, and the next time you see it is in your room; then, at checkout, you give the luggage to the valet and he gives you your boarding pass; you next see your luggage when you land.

Just my 2 cents. Not sure if it's on-topic enough, but it's advice worth considering nonetheless. I know you'll have a great time no matter what.

Tom

Mosca:

Good stuff. I am also seeing evidence of food improvement in my reading.

re: Ohana
there is a dinner at Ohana, and there is a luau at Ohana
I think you mean the luau, but could you confirm?
http://www.allears.net/menu/menu_oh.htm
http://www.allears.net/din/luau.htm

re: Magic Express
I've noted this, but we'll be driving, so no airport, no magic express :-)

re: Onsite vs Offsite accomodations
strongly considering the Pop Century. I'm looking at offsite as well, but then you have to add in added transportation time, cost of parking, non-availability of park transportation between the parks, and etc....the potential reduction in cost really isn't as much as it appears to be at first glance.

re: monorail
Everything I am reading indicates you take Buses everywhere - I've read almost nothing suggesting the monorail is for anything other than repositioning yourself around the Magic Kingdom. Is there more to the monorail that I have missed?

The monorail runs in a loop between the magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. There is also a branch that runs over to Epcot, but as you already figured out, it is not a primary transport resource unless you are going to/from one of places it passes thru.

Everybody has their own preferences, and mine is to stay on Disney property AND have a car. The buses DO get you where you need to go, but at peak times there are often waits. After a long day of waiting, the last thing I or my kids wanted to do was wait for a bus. A small, cheap car is our luxury. It also allows us to wander off property for eating or grocery getting.

We stayed at pop Century last February. It was okay, but the rooms are rather small. The prior trip we stayed at the Wilderness cabins (trailers) at Fort Wilderness. These had a kitchen and separate bedroom, so Mom and Dad didn't have to go to bed as early as kids. It was a lot more money, but worth it! Also being able to eat breakfast and a few other meals at "home" probably saved us as much as the extra amount this room cost us.

Bongo's is pretty good in my opinion. Not the greatest, but pretty good. Another treat for us last trip was eating at a place at the Animal Kingdom Lodge called Boma. It was a very enjoyable meal. A good burger can be had at Beaches and Cream at the Beach and Yacht club resort, and in Epcot there are many good options. I agree with Mosca that the food has improved in recent years.

I see you are driving, but for others reading, my experiences with the Magic Express were lousy. We arrived at 4pm, and our luggage didn't get to us until about 10:30pm. My kids wanted to swim but we had no bathing suits, and then wanted to sleep, but we had no pajamas. The bus ride also took a LONG time as we sat on the bus at the airport for about 40 minutes before leaving, and then drove to 3 or 4 other resorts before getting to ours. Never again!

I am a fan of Disney, I don't mind going and have been there many times. Send me an e-mail if I can give you any other tips.

Tony: I appreciate very much the fact that you've contributed to this thread despite my repeated disagreements with the overall moderator team here.

The value level resorts (including Pop Century, the newest of the 4) are about a third the cost of the cabins at Fort Wilderness. If I was splitting the cost with a larger group, it'd be an option in play :-) Also, we just see the room as a place to sleep, shower, and dress....don't plan on spending much if any time here, so size is not an issue for us.

I agree about the "meals at home" and at bare minimum, we'll be having simple breakfasts (boxed donuts, fruit, poptarts, stuff like that) in the room every day to save on expenses. Wife is also going to bring a coffeemaker so we can make instant soup, coffee, and cocoa, and we'll have other unheated staples. I am told there is a possibility we can get a minifridge at no added cost (10 bucks a day normally, not a good deal imho), and if so we'll get lunchmeat, milk, etc etc from the local grocer for most of our evening meals. Ok, so yeah, thats some more time in the tiny room for very basic sustenance:-)

Pop Century appears to have a different food court with different offerings than the other three...any comments on that?

Also, it seems in what I have read that everyone agrees the 12 dollar free refill mug is a heck of a deal. I look at it as an extra walk all the way to and from the the food court and depending on where your room is, a very *long* walk....any thoughts on this?

I was referring to the dinner at the restaurant 'Ohana; the luau is a show, very much like the type of luau you would see in Hawaii. The luau is fun, but when our kids were your kids' ages, they thought it was boring. The restaurant has kid-friendly entertainment. Check the reviews at the link you included above.

There are 3 monorail lines. One goes in a circle and stops at The Magic Kingdom, The Contemporary, the Transportation & Ticket Center (ie parking lot), The Polynesian, and The Grand Floridian; one goes express from The Magic Kingdom to the Transportation & Ticket Center; and the third goes from the Transportation & Ticket Center to Epcot. So, let's say you were at the Magic Kingdom and wanted dinner at 'Ohana that evening. Maybe you are back in the corner at Mickey's Toontown Fair. You would get on the train that circles the park and get off at Main Street USA, then walk to the Resorts monorail, and get off at The Polynesian. After dinner you would get back on the monorail and go to the bus stop at the Transportation & Ticket Center to get on the bus back to your resort, or you could go back to The Magic Kingdom for the evening. (If you are going to The Magic Kingdom, the busses from the resorts will drop you at the T&T Center, and you ride the monorail to Magic Kingdom. That might be true for Epcot as well, I'm not sure.)

I hated the place before I went there, but they do such a great job of being hospitable that you can't help but be co-opted, at least a little bit. If you've never been there before: relax, and take your time. Don't try to see it all on one trip. Pick what you really want to see and do, and do that. If you try to experience it all you'll wind up experiencing nothing, the kids will have a melt-down from being rushed all over, and you won't have fun. If you miss something that you planned, shrug and move on. Kids will get just as much fun from 3 hours in the pool at the hotel as they will from the Fantasmic show at MGM.


Tom

Sam and I used the food mug at the all-star resorts and found it convenient to fill up the soda mug before swimming. We also ate breakfasts and a couple dinners at the all-star resort so the cup was useful for that. Sam and I really enjoyed the Brown Derby at MGM. It was pricey but the food was quite good. The last Stern book mentions a Cuban place in Orlando but the place is not listed on the web-site here.

T.J., Sam and I went during a slow time and he was able to ride everything he wanted to ride as often as he wished in all the parks.

I don't think there is any good Cuban food in Orlando.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

Tony: I appreciate very much the fact that you've contributed here despite my repeated disagreements with the overall moderator team here.

The value level resorts (including Pop Century, the newest of the 4) are about a third the cost of the cabins at Fort Wilderness. If I was splitting the cost with a larger group, it'd be an option in play :-) Also, we just see the room as a place to sleep, shower, and dress....don't plan on spending much if any time here, so size is not an issue for us.

I agree about the "meals at home" and at bare minimum, we'll be having simple breakfasts (boxed donuts, fruit, poptarts, stuff like that) in the room every day to save on expenses. Wife is also going to bring a coffeemaker so we can make instant soup, coffee, and cocoa, and we'll have other unheated staples. I am told there is a possibility we can get a minifridge at no added cost (10 bucks a day normally, not a good deal imho), and if so we'll get lunchmeat, milk, etc etc from the local grocer for most of our evening meals. Ok, so yeah, thats some more time in the tiny room for very basic sustenance:-)

Pop Century appears to have a different food court with different offerings than the other three...any comments on that?

Also, it seems in what I have read that everyone agrees the 12 dollar free refill mug is heck of a deal. I look at it as an extra walk all the way to the food court and depending on where your room is, a very long walk....any thoughts on this?

I agree that the cost differential between the Pop century and wilderness cabins is steep. That is why we stayed at Pop Century this last trip. I did miss the ability to sit up after my kids went to sleep. With all of us in one room, it was lights out at about 9. (my kids were 5 and 7 on the latest trip)

The food court at Pop Century was pretty good. There is one section devoted to pizza and other Italian food. I thought it was edible at best, but my kids liked the pizza. Then there was one section that had healthier choices, such as salads, wraps, grilled veggies. Another was your basic burger/dog grill. There was another section, but I can't recall their specialty.

We got the fridge, and had breakfast in our room everyday, but at weeks end, paying that $10 a day added up to a lot! If you are driving to FL...is that your plan? Forgive me if I read it wrong) I'd buy one of those igloo 40qt coolers that runs off your car cigarette lighter. You can get an adapter to plug it in to 110V. This way you will have the car fridge, room fridge, and something you can use when you get home, all for what you'd pay for the in room fridge! We have had ours for years, and it has been great. Gives you a fridge in any hotel room plus one in the car!

At breakfast the place was PACKED. Later in the day people seemed to stream in over a longer period of time, but in the morning, everyone was there at once. If you want to avoid one meal a day at the resort, make it breakfast. The food offereings weren't too hot either. There are a few grocery stores within a short drive of Pop Century.

The mugs are a good idea for grown ups, not sure if they are worth while for kids. My kids prefer water to soft drinks, so I went to a local market and bought a case of water. I had my coffee in the Am, and other drinks throughout the day, so I definitely got my $12 worth. They have hot water at the drink island, so if you get the mugs, you won't need to pack the coffee maker.

Hi - this is TJ's wife, using his login to ask a question of my own: what is your opinion of the Disney Dining Plan?

We had DDP once and couldn't justify the cost; it is cheaper to pay as you go, and there is greater flexibility that way. The convenience is negated by the fact that you can set up your room key to act as a charge card anywhere on the property, so you can use it for anything from a popsicle in the MK to an evening at Victoria & Albert's. Pass on DDP; no benefit.

My wife got the mug, I didn't. I didn't drink $12 worth of soft drinks, but I also didn't come home with a nice souvenier mug, either. Toss a coin. $12 isn't all that much. But x 4, is $50. That's a lot of soda.

Our room had a mini-bar, we used the refigerator there to keep stuff cold. YMMV.

Whatever you choose, you are going to have a lot of fun! But remember, don't stress, don't rush, don't try to see it all in one visit; rather, try to fill your days with quality time. Pick something you really want to do, and as soon as you get to the park, send someone to get Fast Passes for that ride.

At Epcot, Spaceship Earth is always jammed at the beginning of the day (it is the first attraction as you enter the park), and deserted at the end; rather than waiting 45 minutes when you get there, walk right onto the ride as you are leaving. Also at Epcot, the countries aren't very interesting for the very young, and they are a lot of walking. But the food can be pretty good. Tit for tat... I'd recommend saving them for when the kids are older and everyone can enjoy them. But there is a really nice Christmas show there, worth seeing if you plan it right (get tickets in advance). Highly recommended: Soarin'.

Animal Kingdom is maturing nicely. We were there in its first year and were underwhelmed, but we liked it this time. The safari is well worth whatever wait you put in. We burned all the Fast Passes on Everest Adventure (not for young children, generally), and still felt that Safari was worth the wait. Also, It's Tough to be a Bug 3D movie.

MGM is our favorite park. It's the smallest, and we like the attractions and shows the best. I've seen Fantasmic maybe 6 times, and The Osborne Family Lights has to be seen to be believed, if you are going at Christmastime.

Magic Kingdom will be great for kids the age of yours! Remember that the train circles the park and stops at Frontiertown, Mickey's Toontown Faire, and Main Street USA. So if you want to shortcut to the back of the park, get on the train right near the monorail and ride to the back, then work your way forward. With two young girls, I don't think there are many rides here that they wouldn't love.

And, at your childrens' age, don't worry about taking them out of school. We did it until our daughter got to high school. There isn't anything they are learning at that age that they can't pick up quickly when they get back.

ENJOY!

Tom

Tom: I read and re-read your posts several times. So much good info in so few words. Hard to believe you are a Stiller fan :-)

It is my understanding that Fantasmic costs extra, ie it is not a free attraction included in a park admission. Right/Wrong?

Same question, Epcot Christmas Show....

I am really excited and impressed with all the great ideas for Disney.

I know it may be unpopular on RoadFood.com, but my grandchildren are at an age when I am thinking about going there. I went when I was @ 13 { @ 30 years ago}, and I will remember it for the rest of my life!! When you are young,... oh well, I digress.

My children missed out on the experience, because I was/am a single mother. Couldn't afford such a luxury. Now that I am "older", I may be able to afford Disney World with my children, and grandchildren.

I know things may change before I actually get to take MY family to the big DW, but it is good to know I can get good info here!!!

Thanks Tom {Mosca}, and Tony Bad, for all the good info, and mentioning that you should pick what you want to "experience". This is valuable information. When I think of planning a Disney vacation, I am overwhelmed.

Last year, I took my grandchildren {5 & 3 y.o.} to Chicago, and planned toooooooo... much. I love Chicago, but it was too much for the kids. It is always good to think about the amount of stimulation you are giving young children.

Going to Disney World is like going to a different world. The whole "Disney World" idea does control you, [have you under it's spell:}] but, if the kids enjoy it, it is something that will never be duplicated in their lifetime!!

For children, it is an experience, all it's own.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson



My question of the day, and I will have others later: I'd love to find a good and mostly authentic cuban (or medianoche) sandwich as well. I know I'd do much better in other parts of the state, notably more south an more coastal, but this is as close as I will get for many years, so.....in this chain-crazy town, is there a decent cuban to be had? My wife won't be tolerant of bad\rundown neighborhoods, so unfortunately, I have to ask you to limit your answer to places in moderate to nice neighborhoods. Sucks, I know.

A very short distance from The Magic Kingdom is the Disney planned community of Celebration. Here you will find the famous Columbia Restaurant where you can enjoy a wonderful and authenic Cuban sandwich in lovely surroundings. Your wife and children will love this place. It might be an ideal spot to have a late lunch (which would take care of dinner) while waiting for your room at Disney as one is NEVER able to check in early. There are a couple of really good Cuban restaurnts that we have been to many times in Orlando but they are futher away..............both in good neighborhoods, though.

quote:

Originally posted by Greymo

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson



My question of the day, and I will have others later: I'd love to find a good and mostly authentic cuban (or medianoche) sandwich as well. I know I'd do much better in other parts of the state, notably more south an more coastal, but this is as close as I will get for many years, so.....in this chain-crazy town, is there a decent cuban to be had? My wife won't be tolerant of bad\rundown neighborhoods, so unfortunately, I have to ask you to limit your answer to places in moderate to nice neighborhoods. Sucks, I know.

A very short distance from The Magic Kingdom is the Disney planned community of Celebration. Here you will find the famous Columbia Restaurant where you can enjoy a wonderful and authenic Cuban sandwich in lovely surroundings. Your wife and children will love this place. It might be an ideal spot to have a late lunch (which would take care of dinner) while waiting for your room at Disney as one is NEVER able to check in early. There are a couple of really good Cuban restaurnts that we have been to many times in Orlando but they are futher away..............both in good neighborhoods, though.

I did the Columbia in Celebration a couple of years ago and it was very good. I ordered a typical Cuban dish and the manager ask me about it and I told him it was very good. We kept talking and I told him I had never had a Cuban sandwich. A little later he came back out with the Cuban sandwich on the house. The entire staff was very very nice.

It was mid May and we ate outdoors. Celebration is a very nice place to live.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

Tom: I read and re-read your posts several times. So much good info in so few words. Hard to believe you are a Stiller fan :-)

It is my understanding that Fantasmic costs extra, ie it is not a free attraction included in a park admission. Right/Wrong?

Same question, Epcot Christmas Show....

Fantasmic and the Christmas show are both free. If you are going between the holidays, getting a good seat for Fantasmic is easy, and for the Christmas show is hard.

Tom

From allears.net,


Is there a charge to see the Candlelight Processional?

No, it is included in your admission to Epcot. There is, however, a dinner package available for purchase that includes a ticket to Reserved Seating for the Candlelight Processional.

Seating without the dinner package is on a first come, first serve basis for each show. Folks line up 45 minutes (longer as you are closer to Christmas) before show time. 15 minutes prior to the show, seating is then opened up to those on line. Also, keep in mind if you wait in line for the 2nd or 3rd show of the night, that you will be hearing the show before yours as it is performed.

You can always stroll by the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase to listen to the music and wonders of Christmas.

If you wish to purchase the dinner package (explained below) with reserved seating, there is a charge.

What does the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package include?

2007 Dinner Packages begins booking July 2, 2007. Package is available Nov. 23 - Dec. 30, 2006.

The package includes dinner at select Epcot restaurants and reserved general seating at the America Gardens Theatre. Package NOT available December 2 at 5:00 p.m. Park admission is not included. No merchandise discount. Magic Your Way Platinum Package is accepted. Magic Your Way Premium and plus dining requires one table service. at any of the restaurants listed below. Restaurant Akershus in Norway is not included in packages.
You must eat PRIOR to your Candlelight show time!

Must guarantee the package with a credit card when booking. Payment is made when you dine at which time yuou will be given your tickets for the general reserved seating.


Package includes a non-alcoholic beverage. Package does NOT include tax, gratuity or lobster entrees.

Tier 1
Seating 1 - $27.99 plus tax & gratuity / (3-9) $12.99 (Lunch)
Seating 2 & 3 -$32.99 plus tax & gratuity / (3-9) $14.99 (Dinner)

The Garden Grill Restaurant - Land Pavilion
Biergarten - Germany Pavilion

Tier 2
Seating 1 - $36.99 plus tax & gratuity / (3-9) $12.99 (Lunch)
Seating 2 & 3 - $42.99 plus tax & gratuity / (3-9) $14.99 (Dinner)

San Angel Inn - Mexico Pavilion
Restaurant Marrakesh - Morocco Pavilion
Nine Dragons - China Pavilion
Rose & Crown - United Kingdom Pavilion

Tier 3
Seating 1 - $41.99 plus tax & gratuity / (3-9) $12.99 (Lunch)
Seating 2 & 3 - $47.99 plus tax & gratuity / (3-9) $14.99 (Dinner)

Chefs de France - France Pavilion
Tutto Italia - Italy Pavilion
Le Cellier Steakhouse - Canada Pavilion
Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Dining Room - Japan Pavilion
Coral Reef - The Living Seas Pavilion

How do I book the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?

Reservations for the Candlelight Processional dinners can be made as of July 2, 2007. Call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463) to make reservations.



Do I still need an Advance Dining Reservation?


YES! When you call to order your dinner package tickets, you will be asked to select a restaurant and time.

Be sure to allow sufficient time to dine and get to the back of World Showcase. I recall having a 5:30 p.m. priority seating at Le Cellier for the 8:15 p.m. show. For whatever reason, we weren't seated at Le Cellier until 6:00 p.m. and at 8:05 p.m. had to run (just about) to the American Gardens Theatre to catch the show. The "reserved" seating area had already been opened up to non-package guests.

Fantasmic is also available as either part of an extra cost dinner package, or as a free walkin. Since the crowds are generally light at this time of year, I'd recommend waiting in line. We did that 3 years running, and got seats in first couple rows. My recommendation is to see Fantasmic, then after the show go walk through the Osborne Family Lights, which, again, are out of this world and a "must see".


EDIT: UPDATE: again from allears.net,



Are the Osborne Lights worth seeing?


12/4/04, Deb Wills reports on the recently returned Osborne Lights: I got to see the new Osborne Lights on Saturday, December 4, 2004. For folks who remember the old version of the lights, you know that touring them gave you the feeling of walking through a hometown, going house to house. Now that the lights have moved to the Streets of America area, walking through the lights has a very different feel, like you're in a city. It's very crowded -- maybe it's because we were seeing them on a Saturday, but we were packed on the street like sardines. The line was backed up past the Commissary restaurant, and we shuffled along waiting to get in. Even at 6:20 p.m. (20 minutes after the lights had been turned on) the line was still horrendous. Toward the end of the street, near the new Motor Cars theater, the space opens up a bit, and there were Streetmosphere performers there, but it was still fairly crowded. My best advice is to see what the lines are like before deciding to go in.

Read what others have to say about their past Osborne Lights experiences HERE or visit our Reviews section HERE



Tom

quote:

Originally posted by mr chips

Sam and I used the food mug at the all-star resorts and found it convenient to fill up the soda mug before swimming. We also ate breakfasts and a couple dinners at the all-star resort so the cup was useful for that. Sam and I really enjoyed the Brown Derby at MGM. It was pricey but the food was quite good. The last Stern book mentions a Cuban place in Orlando but the place is not listed on the web-site here.

Vega"s Cafe is the name of the place mentioned by the Sern"s in the latest edition of the Roadfood books.

We always stay at the wilderness cabin place, if you have alot of people its really not that expensive plus they have a MURPHY BED!!!!!! cmon thats so awesome! we took a boat to the Magic Kingdom, and ate at the wilderness lodge one night.in the whispering canyon cafe





I got the pork chops....so yummy they also have an All you can eat option, and its straight out of Bonanza the meat platter they bring

This might help:

http://orlando.citysearch.com/search?context=generic&query=cuban+food&cslink=cs_topbar_search&y=11&x=37&searchOpt=cs

DDP (the Disney Dining Plan) has become a better deal. I was surprised too. I have been selling away from it for years. I have been to Disney many times, and sold it for almost 20 years. I'm a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge, and yet I know very little of the Disney of today. They always change, and stale "knowledge" is spread by well meaning people for years after it has become outdated. That old saying "Trust but verify" is true here. Troll for info, but check it on the Disney site, before you take it as gospel. I like your idea of staying at the All Star resorts. They have raised prices, but from the time that they opened, they have been making life difficult of moderate priced off Disney resorts. The All Stars have added some badly needed family suites, but they are a little costly. Often the most reasonable place available for a family of 5 is over at the "moderate" resorts near the "Cotton Mill" food court. They have rooms that hold 4 plus a trundle bed that will hold a little one. I have stayed in touch with my former Disney expert who quit me to go to work for Disney 10 years ago. He was promoted to management shortly after getting there, and sometimes lets me in on the inside scoop. They want to make sure that Disney remains the family vacation that others are measured by, and they have the will to do it. He has worked for the best companies in hospitality and he is sure that Disney has the managers in the world.