Mobile Orders from Steakhouse 71 at Disney's Contemporary

We recently discussed mobile ordering from Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian. It’s one of our go-to quick-service restaurants when we need a break (and a meal) from Magic Kingdom. However, I have another nearby option from where I’ve ordered quite a few times over the last year that’s worth mentioning. I think it might surprise you. When I’m alone and prefer to pick up a restaurant-quality meal without the entire process of dining inside, I mobile order from Steakhouse 71. Now, this next part will come as no surprise to longtime readers of the site. Usually, I order a kids’ meal with an extra side salad.

On a recent visit to Magic Kingdom to check out Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, I did just this. Unfortunately, the ride was down for a significant amount of time, which led to me being at the park much longer than intended. After waiting things out at Magic Kingdom, I decided it was time for an air-conditioned break. So, I took the monorail from Magic Kingdom to the Contemporary. Normally, I would walk to the resort, but it was too hot, even for me.

When I arrived, I noticed that my favorite dining spot was empty. In the photo below, you can see a row of tables and chairs near the escalators on the Grand Concourse. This window offers peaceful views of Bay Lake. We’ve had many meals here. It’s a pretty random area that’s not part of any restaurant.

a row of tables and chairs that face Bay Lake at Disney's Contemporary

Of course, the photo doesn’t portray the actual view that well. But I assure you, it’s pleasant. Anyway, my hopes for riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and heading to Epcot for the evening were dwindling as my expected boarding group time was pushed further out. So, I decided to place a mobile order from Steakhouse 71. Unfortunately, the next available arrival window was about an hour away. But I figured I would have plenty of time at that point, so I placed the order.

Sure enough, as my arrival window approached, I received a notification from the My Disney Experience app that it was time to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It was also beginning to cloud up, so I kind of already knew how it would all play out. Regardless, I opened the My Disney Experience app and changed my arrival window from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Then, I walked to Magic Kingdom, hoping it wouldn’t rain. By the time I got to Frontierland, lightning had been detected in the area, and cast members were no longer admitting guests. So I went to another favorite hangout nearby (the Tortuga Tavern-covered dining area) and found a table and chairs to wait things out.

Finally, about an hour later, things had cleared off enough for the ride to re-open. Not long after getting in line, I received a notification that it was close to my arrival window. So, I opened the app and pushed the order back another hour. This is one of the things I love about using Disney’s mobile order service. First, the app reminds you ahead of time that your arrival window is approaching. Things change, and when they do mobile order service allows you to roll with the punches. Also, I could have canceled my order or simply not placed it. Had I done so, they would have refunded my payment overnight. So, as long as I didn’t select, “I’m here, prepare my order,” I wouldn’t have been out any money. Now, don’t get me wrong, I would never place a mobile order and think, well, if I change my mind, I’ll cancel it. But the option is available if you run into circumstances you didn’t anticipate. This could have been one of them.

view of Bay Lake from the Grand Concourse at the Contemporary

By the time I rode Tiana’s, it was getting close to my next arrival window. I left Magic Kingdom, boarded the monorail, and selected the option to have my order prepared. When I got to the Contemporary, I had enough time to freshen up and pick up my order at Steakhouse 71 on the resort’s first floor. I returned to the Grand Concourse (4th floor) and found my favorite dining spot was packed. So I found an empty table and chairs in Contempo Cafe and enjoyed my meal. I had ordered the following:

Steakhouse 71 Chopped Salad: Chopped Iceberg, Cucumbers, Grape Tomatoes, Carrots, Dried Cranberries, Goat Cheese, White Balsamic Vinaigrette, Brioche Croutons
Grilled Steak Kids Meal: This meal comes with two sides and a choice of beverage. I selected mashed potatoes, grapes, and a fountain drink.

a kids' meal with a side salad from Steakhouse 71 mobile orders

This is probably the fourth or fifth time I’ve ordered this combination. I love that I can enjoy an entire table service meal (with extras) for less than $30.00. It’s also reasonably healthy compared to ordering a burger or sandwich with fries from a quick service for approximately $20.00.

It’s also worth mentioning that had I dined in the restaurant, I wouldn’t have been able to order a kids’ meal. If that had been the case, I would have likely only ordered an entree, which alone would have exceeded the price of this meal.

an order with steak and mashed potatoes from Steakhouse 71

Other side options for the kids’ meal included broccoli, green beans, sliced apples, and an ice cream sundae. I went with the grapes to keep things healthy and double as dessert.

a side order of grapes from Steakhouse 71

Overall, this was a simple yet quality meal for a reasonable price, considering we’re talking Disney World. I hope this experience provided you with a fresh idea regarding to-go orders. For more on dining at Walt Disney World, you might enjoy: