The Best Dining Values at Disney Springs Part I
Dining is a huge part of any Walt Disney World vacation, but it can also be one of the most expensive and overwhelming! The goal of today’s article is not to list the cheapest restaurants at Disney Springs, but rather the restaurants and quick service locations offering the most for your money.
Note: The prices listed in the article are accurate to the date the article was written. Also, Disney changes their menus quite often so certain menu items mentioned in this article may not be available when you visit.
Splitsville Dining Room – Table Service
I know what you’re thinking. Of all the dining establishments at Walt Disney World, why a bowling alley? Well, Splitsville isn’t an ordinary bowling alley, and Spiltsville’s food is far from the microwaved, concession stand food you’re accustomed to. In fact, Splitsville is a must-do for my family each and every time we take a Disney vacation. It’s really that good!
Splitsville’s menu is mostly American-style cuisine and is surprisingly extensive. We’re talking nachos, parmesan-breaded chicken tenders, specialty burgers, salads and bowls, pizzas, and more. It may sound basic, but everything I’ve ever had here is top quality and especially yummy. Now Splitsville’s prices are a little higher than some other locations serving similar items, but Splitsville earns it in both value and quality.
Finally, it’s been said that Splitsville has the best sushi on property; and I personally support this claim one hundred percent. Seriously, if you’re a sushi fan, there’s no question for what you should order.
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant – Table Service
A longtime favorite Disney Springs establishment, Raglan Road is an Irish pub known for its delicious menu and live entertainment offered 7 nights a week! Raglan Road serves lunch, dinner, late night dining, and a weekend brunch. The size of the menu is as hearty as its fare and features some clever, cultural names for its appetizers and entrees, such as the Dalkey Duo, Bangers and Mash, the Hipsters Lament, Pork Hash Tagged, and even the Hail Caesar!
Raglan Road is a fantastic value because it’s more than a meal; it’s an experience. Along with live entertainment, guests are truly dining at an authentic Irish pub. How? In addition to the chefs hailing from Dublin, so is the restaurant itself. Yes, the pub’s interior and its trimmings were built in and imported from Ireland to Orlando for absolute authenticity.
Cookes of Dublin – Quick Service
Located next to Raglan Road, Cookes of Dublin offers serves up Irish fare for those on-the-go. Enjoy fish and chips, signature burgers with plenty of extras, chicken sandwiches, and even Irish Cheese and Bacon Dip in between splurges at the various Disney Springs stores. Most menu items hover around the $13.00 range.
The Polite Pig – Quick Service
Described as a modern barbecue outpost with local Florida flair, the Polite Pig is a popular Disney Springs establishment. Seriously, this restaurant pulls crowds to it a like a magnet.
I consider The Polite Pig a value in that its pulled pork, brisket, and fried chicken sandwiches rival the prices of many quick service restaurants and offers some local flavor. Many don’t know that the Polite Pig is owned by locals and has two sister restaurants in the area. But in all honesty, with the exception of the restaurants side dishes, the Polite Pig reviews are often mixed. Some love it, some not so much. I personally recommend trying their sandwiches and a side and judge this establishment for yourself.
Finally, I always appreciate a creative dessert menu. The Polite Pig succeeds in this with their Red Velvet Cake, Orange Blossom Pie, and Buttermilk Chess Pie. For those who don’t know, the latter is a super-sweet, Southern classic!
The Polite Pig also serves the famous Gideon’s Bakehouse chocolate chip cookies. But be warned! These cookies are popular and often sell out.
Amorette’s Patisserie – Quick Service
This elegant, artsy bakery is famous at Disney Springs for its incredible themed dome cakes and exquisite treats. Even if you’re not looking to indulge, it’s worth dropping in just to see what confectionery creations are on display or what new treat they’ve created for the different holidays or special events being celebrated on Disney property.
Now like most treats at Walt Disney World, the items at Amorette’s Patisserie are pricey. However, if you’re going to splurge, this is the place. Why settle for yet another cupcake or sundae when Amorette’s offers something truly unique? Items consist of macarons, creme brulee, pastries, crepes, and themed cakes of varying sizes.
Guests celebrating at Walt Disney World can also pre-order specialty cakes with their choice of size, style or character design, and fillings. Those who are interested should call (407) 934-3500 or stop by the shop 72 hours in advance.
Finally, there is something for guests looking for a meal or something savory. Guests currently have their choice of either a caprese or ham and cheese crepe for $9.00 or gourmet sandwiches for $10.99.
Those are some of our picks for the best dining values at Disney Springs. What restaurants, meals, or treats do you consider to be a great value at Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments.
I agree with Steve. D-Luxe Burger is by far our family’s favorite. The burgers are incredible and it is sooo worth it to get the side of fries, simply to try all the yummy sauces! Food is fast, it’s quick service but it doesn’t feel like “fast food”.
I don’t know how much of a value it is out of pocket but Wolfgang Puck’s Express is a great value on the dining plan and the food is quite good.
I will probably regret this as it will lead to longer lines, (or maybe more people will take advantage of mobile ordering), but the best value on property hands down is DLuxe. Huge premium burger (big enough to share!), hand cut fries (with six sauces available!) AND a drink for <$15/pp? The DLuxe combo is the best value on property, then perhaps Earl (but their prices increased recently). As good as Polite Pig is (and it is good), it's very expensive for BBQ, and having ala carte sides and a drink adds to the expense. I've eaten at Cooke's and Amorette's and had Splitsville (to go) and, well, they are good, but not even close to the value DLuxe provides (if they ever offer a DVC/AP discount, even better — but they don't). My son wanted fish and chips and we tried Cooke's. For $13 you get a single fish filet and a small serving of fries. The fish was flavorless, and the fries were not fresh cut (seemingly). Blaze is a decent value as well. Also, I've had both and prefer the crepes at Aristocrepes to Amorette's both for flavor and price.