Prices are dropping.

[CERICROWLEY]

I know there was a discussion a while back about, price of eating, and exchange rates, and it not being as reasonable to eat in the US anymore.

Well after a visit end of Feb, End of March, and just come back this weekend, I can safely say, the prices of eating out have definitely dropped, and the exchange rate is going the right way.

I pass a ponderosa bill board everyday when we are out there, and up until December was displaying breakfast for 3.99 then in the new year, it was 5.99, and when I was there last week noticed the board was again 3.99 for breakfast. although I dont eat there, did it twice

Also we have a pretty good Applebees very close by. As of yet I have yet to have a poor meal. although I know its not Mannys. One night we were very late coming back and just fancied a drink more than enything, and applebees have an all day everyday by one get one free on drinks. So popped in, and wait for it girls (who know me) I didnt have a margarita, I had a shocktop beer. so me and hubby shared the buy one get one free. although we did order another, and got a bit peckish, and ordered 4 plates of appertizers, there was three of us. very stuffed, even left one onion ring on the plate. and all this for $25. 4 alcohol drinks, bottomless soda for the teen and 4 plates of food. Very good value

[FraserLynn]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by CERICROWLEY
I know there was a discussion a while back about, price of eating, and exchange rates, and it not being as reasonable to eat in the US anymore.

Well after a visit end of Feb, End of March, and just come back this weekend, I can safely say, the prices of eating out have definitely dropped, and the exchange rate is going the right way.

I pass a ponderosa bill board everyday when we are out there, and up until December was displaying breakfast for 3.99 then in the new year, it was 5.99, and when I was there last week noticed the board was again 3.99 for breakfast. although I dont eat there, did it twice

Also we have a pretty good Applebees very close by. As of yet I have yet to have a poor meal. although I know its not Mannys. One night we were very late coming back and just fancied a drink more than enything, and applebees have an all day everyday by one get one free on drinks. So popped in, and wait for it girls (who know me) I didnt have a margarita, I had a shocktop beer. so me and hubby shared the buy one get one free. although we did order another, and got a bit peckish, and ordered 4 plates of appertizers, there was three of us. very stuffed, even left one onion ring on the plate. and all this for $25. 4 alcohol drinks, bottomless soda for the teen and 4 plates of food. Very good value
[/quote]

This is great news, with the increase in the exchange rate it makes it even better. I guess that your research would support the claims made by many that prices had in fact increased - in real terms which were then multiplied by the exchange rate impact, but it is great to hear that things are returning back to the good value we all know and love about Florida. We were there also in Feb and I have to say our impression was the same as yours, things were very expensive then.

[Cruella DeVilla]

Ponderosa and Applebees, you know how to push the boat out girl[laugh][party1]

[MarkJan]

I agree the price of eating out in the Orlando area has dropped this year, even after taking the drop from last years extreme exchange rates into account. There were more happy hours in early May than last year. With reference to Applebee's, have a look at

http://www.applebees.com/2for20.aspx

[MJG]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
I agree the price of eating out in the Orlando area has dropped this year, even after taking the drop from last years extreme exchange rates into account.

http://www.applebees.com/2for20.aspx
[/quote]

I can endorse this too. We didn't eat out all the time this time but when we did we were mightily impressed with the prices, particularly at Red Lobster.

Also we got a Pizza to go from Ci Ci's on 192 but while I waited I noticed they were doing 'all you can eat' for $5.99. If you have a lot of mouths to feed and you're on a budget this is exceptional value. Ok the decor was basic but the staff were good and the Pizza excellent.

Also I noted they were doing drink in re-fillable sodas at just 50c for 16 oz and 'to go' at 32oz - bear in mind the parks charge around five times this.

We also had what can only be described as a Chinese feast from Panda express again on 192 - it cost around $28 but I completely misjudged the box/portion sizes and there was easily enough to feed 5-6 adults, must remember to get the correct sizes next time!! - again stonking value if there is a lot of kids/adults to cater for.

[Tonish]

Shocktop beer?? Qu'est-ce que c'est?

[florida4sun]

Shocktop beer is an unfiltered Belgium wheat beer, cloudy with the yeast still in. Yummy.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Tonish
Shocktop beer?? Qu'est-ce que c'est?
[/quote]

[CERICROWLEY]

Its a really nice cool drink. an unfiltered belgian white beer, and they put a quarter of an orange in it. We dont have it n bottles though, most places do it on draft. brewed by busch

[Tonish]

Excellent, I really like those wheat beers. I'll give it a go.

[chrizzy100]

A lot of the places may close after the summer..I think about 5 chains may close..Perkins could be one of them..not sure if they are closing by area..a few are already gone from MA or the Cape anyway..we have mostly local places left..apart from fast food...