restaurant/dinign questions`

Question

hello,

ive got a few questions i hoped to get some advice on. i will be travelling with my family of 6 ( parents int heir 60s, myself, husband and brother in our 30s, and my son who will be 9) to Orlando in september for 2 weeks. we are staying at the cabana bay beach resort.

we planned to get breakfast food from wallmart/wallgreens to avoid the need for having rbeakfast super early or paying the cost of breakfast in a park - does this seem reasonable? we do have a fridge/kitchenette for sotring food.

we then figured we would do quick service meals for lunch at the parks - i know this is more expensive than other options but we didnt want to carry bags of food with us. what are the protion sizes like in disney/unviersal/seaworld quick serve restaurants (was hoping my son and msyelf might share a lunch as neither of us are big eaters)? any suggestions for lunch options on our non park days?

for the evenings we planned to do a mix of disney springs/universal city walk or i drive restaurants for a sit down meal each night. will we need to prebook a table and if so how far in advance do we need to do this?

also coming from the UK we have a different tax/tipping culture, i really dont want to make any msitakes or offend anyone. Am i right in thinking the menu prices dont include taxes - if thats the case what would i expect to add to that for taxes. im led to believe that as a table of 6 it would be an automatic 18% tip added - is that correct? also if we ate out seperately some nights so there was less of us and no automatic tip, what tip is expected?

Answer

It sounds like you’ve got a solid plan for your trip to Orlando! Here are some detailed answers to your questions:

1. Breakfast from Walmart/Walgreens

Your idea of getting breakfast food from Walmart or Walgreens is definitely a reasonable one. Having a fridge and kitchenette at Cabana Bay will allow you to store and prepare easy meals like cereals, yogurt, fruits, granola bars, and other simple breakfast foods. This will not only save you time but also help avoid the expense of buying breakfast at the parks, which can be costly. Many families do this, and it’s especially convenient if you want to get a head start on your day without having to wake up super early for breakfast. Plus, you can stock up on snacks and drinks for the day, which will come in handy during your park visits.

2. Quick Service Meal Portion Sizes

Quick service meals at Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld tend to have fairly generous portion sizes, and many guests find they can easily share a meal between two people, especially if neither of you are big eaters. Portion sizes vary, but generally, you should expect meals like sandwiches, wraps, burgers, or bowls to be filling enough for sharing. Some quick service options, like pizza or chicken tenders, might be bigger than others, so sharing would definitely work well for you and your son. Here are some options you might want to consider:

Disney Quick Service – You can find large servings at places like Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café (in Magic Kingdom) and Sunshine Seasons (in Epcot), which offer hearty meals like burritos, tacos, and salads.
Universal Quick Service – You might want to try places like Fast Food Boulevard in Springfield (Universal Studios) or The Leaky Cauldron (Diagon Alley). Portions here are also quite large and great for sharing.
SeaWorld Quick Service – At places like Voyagers and Mama’s Kitchen, you’ll find decent portion sizes with a variety of food options. SeaWorld meals tend to be more moderate in size, but still filling enough for sharing.

3. Lunch Options on Non-Park Days

On your non-park days, you have several great dining options outside the parks that will give you a taste of Orlando’s vibrant food scene:

Disney Springs – There are plenty of great quick-service and sit-down restaurants, such as Earl of Sandwich (quick service) for sandwiches, or The Boathouse for something a bit more upscale.
Universal CityWalk – Great options include The Cowfish for unique burgers and sushi, or Voodoo Doughnut for a fun treat.
International Drive – I-Drive has a wide range of restaurants to try, including ICON Park's dining options, or local favorites like The Capital Grille for a more upscale lunch experience.

4. Sit-Down Meals and Reservations

For sit-down meals, especially at popular spots like Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk, or top restaurants on International Drive, it’s highly recommended to make reservations, especially if you’re traveling in September, which can still be quite busy. For restaurants at Disney Springs or Universal, it’s often best to book at least a few days in advance to ensure you can get a table at your preferred time. Some of the most popular spots like T-Rex Café, Raglan Road, and The Edison can fill up fast. If you’re eating at Universal or I-Drive, booking ahead is also a good idea for a smooth dining experience.

5. Taxes and Tipping in the US

You are correct that menu prices in the US do not include taxes. Taxes are typically added at the end of your bill and vary depending on the state and county. In Florida, the sales tax rate is around 6-7%, but in certain areas like Orlando, it may be a little higher. You can expect to add around 6-7% to your total bill for taxes.

Regarding tipping, yes, in most cases, a tip of 18% is automatically added to the bill for a group of 6 or more, and this is common at sit-down restaurants. If there’s no automatic gratuity included, a tip of 15-20% is expected for good service. For smaller groups, you can calculate this based on the pre-tax amount on the bill. If you're unsure, you can always ask your server if the tip is included.

For smaller groups, the expected tip ranges from 15-20%. For example, if your bill is $50 (before tax), a 20% tip would be $10. It’s always a good idea to check your bill to see if a tip has been added automatically, so you don’t tip twice.

6. General Tips for Dining in Orlando

Be mindful of “character dining” options at Disney, which are a bit pricier but fun for kids. These usually require reservations well in advance.
If you're planning on eating at popular spots like The Boathouse or STK Orlando, try to book early to avoid long waits.
For larger groups, some restaurants may offer group menus or family-style dining, which could be more cost-effective and easier for you to share meals.

Overall, your plan to grab breakfast foods from Walmart and enjoy quick-service meals in the parks is a smart move for saving time and money. Just make sure to book your dinner reservations early, especially if you’re eyeing popular spots, and be prepared to add a tip and taxes to your restaurant bills. Enjoy your time in Orlando!

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