Dining in Orlando need not cost a fortune.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney-MGM Studios
Lake Buena Vista
407-939-3463 (reservations)
Dinner for two, without wine, $40

The little ones will love the kitschy dining experience of sitting in vintage convertibles to eat their dinner. Zany B-movies and sci-fi flicks play on the silver screen as costumed carhops take orders. Appetizers range from BLT soup to spinach-artichoke dip, while main attractions feature wacky names like Attack of the Killer Club Sandwich. Sophisticated renditions of shrimp penne pasta and slow-roasted barbecue ribs will please Mom and Dad. For dessert, don’t miss the Sci-Fi sundae, and warm apple and pecan crisp.

Anthony's Pizzeria
100 N. Summerlin Ave.
Orlando
407-648-0009
Dinner for two, without wine, $25

A local clientele nearly always jams this local institution for its New York-style pizza and old-fashioned Italian fare. Though generous portions of pasta like fettuccine Alfredo and lasagna are delicious, it’s the bubbling hot pies that draw the crowds. Thin-crust pizzas come with a choice of toppings: The Extravaganza pizza arrives laden with pepperoni, sausage, sliced meatballs, and a gooey layer of extra cheese. Sweet selections include cannoli and tiramisu.

Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ
12100 Challenger Parkway
Orlando
(407) 423-1212
Dinner for two, without wine, $25

It’s pretty hard to resist a restaurant whose logo depicts three little pigs blissfully dancing on an open fire. The boisterous Orlando mini-chain has five locations, all serving up the same down-home Southern fare, such as the "world famous" baby-back ribs, fall-apart-tender pulled pork, and tender sliced beef. Smoked buffalo wings, fried catfish, and Brunswick stew round out the menu. If you still have room, have a slice of the homemade Key lime pie.

Johnny's Fillin' Station Cafe
2631 S. Ferncreek Ave.
Orlando
(407) 894-6900
Dinner for two, without beer, $20

Local journalists swear this biker-friendly sports bar has the best burger in town. But don’t be put off by the frat-house decor, Children—and their parents—are welcome before 9 pm nightly, when the bar crowd takes over. The juicy, half-pound burgers come perfectly cooked and piled high with toppings like mushrooms and grilled onions. The house favorite is the bacon blue-cheese burger, but the menu also features plenty of bar snacks, like stuffed jalapeno peppers, tater tots and mozzarella sticks.

Chef Mickey’s
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
4600 N. World Dr.
Orlando
407-939-3463
Breakfast for two, $35

For the under-12 set, a meal attended by a Disney character is a must-eat. Chef Mickey’s is the most popular of these cartoonish to-dos, with Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, and the Mouse himself making the rounds as kids enjoy their food. The breakfast buffet features Mickey-shaped waffles, eggs, sausages and pancakes. At dinner, the bigger price tag includes a full salad bar, carving station, and a make-your-own sundae bar. Parents will be happy to learn that they get their own buffet line with food for grown-up palates.