Show me the Minions Tour October 2014 Universal & food COMPLETE

[dixonsontour]

We are


Me Stephanie - chief planner, lover of food reports - age 39 this trip

DH - turned 40 a few days before the trip. Loves the USA but not a disney lover

DD - Anna 8 3/4. Harry Potter fan. You will see from my photos that DD was born without her left hand but it doesn't hold her back in any way.


We flew from Manchester, England on October 17th 2014 for 1 week staying at Cabana bay.


We have been fortunate to travel to the USA over 20 times. DD has been 8 times. Since DD started school we have been last 2 weeks of October as she gets a 2 week half term holiday.


In 2014 we weren't supposed to be going away as we had moved house. Long story short I managed to get a great late deal on flights and a good price for Cabana bay. Plan was Universal and MNSSHP. We had last done Universal in 2011 when DD was 5.


Trip was booked about 6 weeks out. We had a minion not Mickey countdown this time!

 

[dixonsontour]

Universal 2014 Day 1

Travel Day 17th October


An early start, we had some toast and set off for Manchester airport. As it was a Friday we were worried traffic may be bad. Took us about an hour so we were nice and early at 7.30am.


I phoned the parking people about 15 mins out and they met us at departures. Great service makes things very easy.


I got us a luggage trolley and we headed into departures at T2 – Thomson was right there and there was a premium only line so hardly any wait.

All checked in we had a browse in the shops and picked up some magazines for the plane and a £1 ‘just ham’ sandwich from boots for DD on the plane.
We weren’t too hungry and DH didn’t fancy Frankie and bennys our usual breakfast stop (had a 15% off coupon from eatdrinkandfly.com)

We ate at the breakfast place in the foodcourt. We got 1 adult breakfast deal for £10 which included unlimited coffee and a kids breakfast to share.
Bumped into a family from Church whose son had done his first holy communion with Anna in June – turned out they were on our flight a few seats away. It’s a small world!

We were one of the first to board in premium and left on time at 11.30am. Drink of champagne or juice before we flew.
Seats were 2 3 2 in premium. DD wanted a window so we had booked 2 by the window for DD and DH and me across the aisle – makes for a nice relaxing flight for me

Seats were good, plenty of legroom. DH is 6 foot 4 inches and was very happy.

Alcoholic drinks are included. I had two on the beach cocktails (otherwise known as a sex on the beach) DH had mojitos. We had chicken curry for our main other choice was sausages. DD’s kids meal was sausages.
I had a wine with the meal then a few baileys followed by a nice nap!

The choice of films were fine. I ended up watching the class of 92 documentary which I really enjoyed – not just about football – stuff about Manchester and music for the era like the stone roses.


We landed at 3.25pm and were one of the first off. No line at immigration (major perk of Sanford!) We got the bags and went through customs and walked around to the alamo car hire.


Minor hassle was DH had to phone the bank. His credit card had a fraudulent transaction on it a couple of days before we flew but didn’t have time to have a new card sent out. They agreed that he would call them and they would ok the car hire then sort the card when we came back.
Fortunately it was sorted quickly as DH was able to use the self service collection kiosk.


We went to the line and there were no premium cars. An employee came over and said we were fine to have one of the premium suv’s so we did. Was nice with full leather – I did give him a tip.


DH wanted a moto 360 watch for his birthday and so first stop was Best Buy at Sanford! They only had the black not chrome so after a quick pit stop there (I stayed with the luggage in the car) we were en route down the 417 toll road to Cabana bay.

We arrived 5pm ish and checked in. Between 4 and 6 on a Friday they have a character. I was hoping for a minion but it was Lucy from I love Lucy instead. DD didn’t have a clue who she was!
Check in was quick. I opted to pay for the parking for the week. They charge $10 a night which is irritating as it is free at Disney – I knew about it so not a shock but irritating all the same.
Also the parking barrier wasn’t manned – you had to put your card in but it never seemed to work so we just pushed the button each time and were let it. Sometimes they just left the barrier up as I assume the staff were sick of it not working and being buzzed all the time!


We were given Americana floor 6. This was great location as our nearest pool was the one with the lazy river. 5 mins walk to foodcourt. We could also see lots of the rides – DD loved this.

The room was lovely and felt much bigger than a Disney value room (have stayed at All star movies and Art of Animation little mermaid)
The beds were very comfy with a memory foam topped mattress, small fridge, retro toiletries, DH was impressed with the interactive TV.

We went to the foodcourt and got 3 refillable mugs at $17.99 each for length of stay. These were very similar to the Disney mugs but had no handle. You could use them for the soda machines in the foodcourt and the pool bars, coke freestyle machines in the foodcourt, coffee and hot choc in the foodcourt (they had normal creamer and French vanilla I really liked) They could also be used for ices (slushies) - they had strawberry, blue raspberry and coke flavour.


DH was shattered so chilled in the room (he had been to London and back in a day to the House of Lords before we flew from Lancashire). All he would say was that Harry Potter had a lot to beat.

DD and I went to the pool. I tried to get her a tube for the lazy river but they only took room key with charging or credit card.
The pool and lazy river were lovely. There was also a singer playing a guitar and taking song requests at this time on a Friday – nice atmosphere.


When we got back to the room DH was rested and wanted to get his watch. We ended up at 2 more best buys (millennia and florida mall one) and he got sorted and was happy.


It was late now and were very hungry and tired. We popped into Flippers a local pizza chain, there was one 5 mins from the hotel on kirkman road. DD got a kids cheese pizza which came with a drink (pepsi) and we shared a large volcano pizza.


DD ate hers in the car (making noises like a starving wildebeast! – it obviously hit the spot)


After a detour we ended up in bed eating pizza. Then all straight to sleep.

 

[dixonsontour]

$100 a day returns – all new for 2014

Food Travel Day






Prior to setting off I signed up for a number of coupons via restaurant email clubs. I did one sign up in early September and then another a couple of days before we flew. I made sure that I entered DH's birthday as he turned 40 shortly before we flew. It was also our 21 year anniversary of being together and I included that also.





Day 1 Friday 17th


Breakfast


Manchester airport T2 foodcourt




We usually have breakfast at Frankie and Bennys and I’d printed a 15% off coupon from eatdrinkandfly.com. However DH didn’t fancy it so we ate at the terminal 2 foodcourt instead.


They did a deal of a cooked breakfast, toast and coffee for £10 so we shared one of those plus DD had a £3.99 kids breakfast. Coffee was all you could drink and help yourself to refills. Fine nothing fantastic. Sorry no pics!

Cost $22ish





Lunch


Plane food Thomson Dreamliner premium




Food was fine. We had choice of sausages or thai chicken curry. DD was given sausages as the kids meal. Plus 2 dessert pots and cheese and biscuits.


Before landing they served afternoon tea – an egg roll, cheese roll, scone and a small chocolate cake.


Alcoholic and soft drinks were included too.

Cost $ included in ticket price





Dinner


Flippers pizza – kirkman road




We had a takeaway from flippers. They are a local pizza chain we have been to several times before. Large 16 inch vesuvio pizza $23.99 and DD had a kids cheese pizza which came with a drink (she had pepsi) for $4.99. No pics of DD’s as she ate it all in the car.No tip needed as takeaway.

Cost $28





Other stuff




Got 3 refill mugs from the foodcourt valid for length of stay $17.99 each plus tax

$57.48




These could be used at the coke freestyle or normal refill machines at the resort. Plus for icees (slushies), coffee – they had normal and a really nice French vanilla creamer and hot choc which DD liked.




Total Day 1


$107.48




That included refill mugs that were used each day

 

[dixonsontour]

Universal Day 2 Saturday 18th October


Plan for today was Universal Studios in the morning but not harry potter. My thinking was it was a Saturday and predicted crowds were 5 or 6/10 whereas later in the week it was 2/10.
The ride DD most wanted to go on was the minion one.


We were up early and headed the couple of minutes drive to I drive for breakfast.
Plan was Ihop (had a coupon for a free pancake brekkie for joining the email club)
Due to the roadworks DH had to go past and U turn. As he was driving we saw a nice looking Dennys and decided to go there. We used to go to Dennys a lot but hadn’t been since DD was a toddler.
It was early 6.30 ish and the only other people in were the local police having breakfast. Usually a sign food is decent. Food and service were good, we all really enjoyed it. I had the pumpkin pancake special.
I used a 20% off coupon for joining the email club (keep my coupons in the car)


We parked back at Cabana bay and hopped on the bus.
The buses were great – we never waited for one whatever the time of day. They also played 50’s and 60’s music.
We used the buses all week as you avoid having to pay the universal parking charge and the bus drops you nearer than the parking garage.

I stopped at guest services to get DH a birthday badge and we were in the park 7.45am. Park opened at 8am to everyone – they were letting everyone in a bit early.

 

[dixonsontour]

First stop was the minion ride which we rode twice with no line. Big hit. DD also had her photo with the minion in the dance party. She hated my dancing for some reason!

We also had a photo with the Simpsons.

Then on to Shrek. We went on transformers - not a big hit – it’s just like spiderman?!

We got a refillable souvenir minion cup from a sweet shop in san fransisco – this came with one fill of coke then could be used for the $1 refills all holiday.

We headed round to MIB which we went on with no wait. We stopped to put our bag in the free lockers.

I did tell DH and DD about the red button you can push at the end to get an extra 100,000 points but they insist I didn’t! Anyway I pushed it on time and won (even though I’m the worse shot!)
DD really liked this ride.


We ended up buying a coke freestyle mug too but didn’t get our moneys worth today as we didn’t stay in the park long enough. These are $12 for the first day then you reactivate for half price on other days. Coke freestyle drinks are then free and you help yourself at the machines dotted around the parks.
We went on the simpons ride and again no line (everyone was in harry potter bit – crowd was supposed to be 5 or 6/10 busy).

We shared a big pink donut which was a big hit with DD.

We went on ET for old times sake – DD wasn’t impressed at all.


DD was really pleased to meet two animal actors – Mia who played Rosa in Beverley Hills Chihuahua 2 and 3 and a dog from hotel for dogs.

They weren’t out long so it was great timing. They were so well trained.
It was getting busy so we headed out to citiwalk feeling like we had done a lot. It would have been 11.30 ish.

DD saw a stall doing hair wraps. She had wanted one since her friend had one done in Spain so I agreed – was charged per inch plus beads. DD had 22 inch long hair so it was $47. She does love it though and they said it will last 4-6 weeks. It is still in now a month later and looks fine (I hide it under her plait for school)
Her classmate also had one done at the same place a few days after Anna (It’s a small world!) hers was $27 for shoulder length hair.

Plan had been to go to bubba gump tonight but we were passing, hungry and fancied it.
I had bought a Landry’s card before we went – it cost $25 but they put the $25 on the cardto spend. They also added $25 for free at the beginning of October for Dh’s birthday.
There was no line but I explained we had the card and they gave us vip seating – a great table overlooking citiwalk. Would be a great perk if it is busy.


I saw a cocktail I fancied and ordered it – when I looked it was just 12 noon (felt later!)

I had the coconut shrimp which were lovely and plump. I managed the shrimp but not the fries.
Landry’s card covered the food and I just had to pay for my drink, souvenir glass and tip.


We headed back to the resort on the bus and popped out to Walmart in the car on turkey lake road for a few bits and bobs.


We were tired now and tried to have a nap. Well DH and I did. DD was being a pain in the bum and wouldn’t nap.


I ended up taking DD to the pool whilst DH slept. I got her a tube – think it was $9 but they inflate it for you – paid on my visa debit card. After a swim and some time in the lazy river we walked over to the other pool with the slide. They also had a DJ on as it was Saturday afternoon, it was a really nice fun atmosphere. We also took and used our refill mugs.


Plan had been to head to I of Adventure for a few hours but I knew DD wouldn’t manage due to no nap. Also the line for the bus was massive with people heading to halloween horror nights.
We decided instead to go to steak and shake for something to eat on SR 535.


This was busy but we enjoyed it especially the shakes. Kids eat free at weekend and I’d bought a $10 giftcard from their website which came with a voucher for a free s’mores shake.


DH and DD had a discussion re behaviour and she was well behaved all the rest of the week.


Family harmony restored I suggested going to Oktoberfest at Celebration. This was on the Friday and Saturday evening 17th and 18th October with food stalls, bands, carriage rides etc.

We’ve been to the Christmas event with fake snow a few times but not this one. We managed to park about 10 mins walk away from the main area and had a wander around. Nice atmosphere. They were charging a $5 donation per family to go in the pumpkin patch tonight (went to a local women’s refuge) Fake leaves also fell every hour. I enjoyed it more than DD and DH to be fair.

We popped into woof gang bakery and couldn’t resist buying a dog biscuit (we don’t have a dog!) Our friends’ dog Chilli enjoyed it.

Then back to Cabana bay and bed for us all at 10ish.

 

[dixonsontour]

Day 2 Saturday 18th October


Breakfast

Denny's International Drive

We were up early due to the time difference. Plan was Ihop as I had a free breakfast coupon for joining the email club. Due to the roadworks on I drive DH needed to go past and u turn. We saw a Dennys open. Having not been for 6 years decided to give it a try.

DH has moons over myhammy breakfast sandwich. Me one of the specials which was 2 pumpkin pancakes, hash browns, bacon and eggs. DD had a kids breakfast and chose chocolate milk for her included drink. DH and I had coffee.

Food and service was good. Never had pumpkin pancakes before they tasted of cinnamon. Couldn’t manage both pancakes though.


I did have a 20% off coupon for joining the club on their website so used that. I keep the coupons in a folder in the car so I always have them with us.


At Dennys you leave the tip on the table – so you tip on the full check then pay at the cash register. They knocked the 20% off at the cash register.


Cost inc tip $25



Snack

Universal Lard lad donuts

We shared a big pink donut mid morning $5.32 inc tax. Tasted more like cake to me – DD loved this.

 

[dixonsontour]

Lunch

Bubba Gump, Universal Citiwalk

This was our first time here. I’d bought the Landry’s select club card from their website in September. Landrys own Bubba gumps, rainforest café, t rex and yak & yeti. The card cost $25 but they credit $25 to it. It came by post from the US within 10 days or so. I bought the card in DH’s name as they credit $25 extra in your birthday month and it was his birthday a few days before our hols. They emailed at the start of his birthday month to say the extra credit was on and it was available all month to spend. You also get points and priority seating.


So we had $50 on the card to spend.


It was just before noon and quiet but I showed the card at the desk and they seated us straightaway as select club members. We also got a nice table overlooking citiwalk.

I saw a hail mary hurricane drink on the menu which I fancied so had that – it was almost midday! I paid extra to have the souvenir mason glass. At the end you show your receipt in the shop and they give you a clean boxed glass to take home. Drink and glass were $13.98.
DH had mountain dew and DD pepsi.

I had the coconut shrimp which were really tasty and plump. Came with fries, coleslaw and orange marmalade dip. I ate the shrimp but couldn’t fit in the fries.

DD had kids mac and cheese which came in a cardboard boat with fries, blue jelly and a piece of orange.

DH doesn’t do seafood and had a chicken cordon blue sandwich with fries which was ok.

The card covered the food (with $4 left on the card). I just paid for the alcoholic drink and tip.

Cost on the day $23 + cost of card $25 total $48 inc tip



Dinner

Steak and Shake SR 535 nr Crossroads

Our second time here. It was busy as it was a Saturday night. I’d bought a $10 giftcard off their website as it gave you a free milkshake worth $3.48 and I knew we planned eating here. I was able to print the card and coupon off.

I had a turkey sandwich and coleslaw. They brought it with fries by mistake so I got to keep those and coleslaw too. I had the special smores milkshake which was gorgeous.

DD had a kids cheeseburger meal and a kids mint and oreo milkshake which she enjoyed.

DH had a burger, fries and soda.

Bill should have been $21.53. I left tip on table and went to pay at the register.


They knocked off DD’s meal as Kids eat free at the weekend, plus the coupon for my free milkshake and the giftcard. I paid $6.73!


Steak and shake isn’t fancy but the food is nice and the milkshakes delicious. Plus the prices are cheaper than many fast food places. We planned to go back but didn’t manage to squeeze it in. I did spot one near Sanford airport so will go there enroute to the airport next time.


Total inc gift card I bought and tip $21


Other
Minion refill mug Universal

$17.03 inc tax

This came with a soft drink then refills were $1. The cup could be reused on other days in both universal and Islands of adventure plus DD wanted it as a souvenir. This was for normal refills of coke etc not the coke freestyle.


Coke freestyle refill mug


This was $12.77 inc tax for 1 day and half price to reactivate it on other days.

You helped yourself at coke freestyle stations in the park. It wasn’t a good buy today as we ended up not staying in the park all day but we did use it a lot some days. DD liked making concoctions in it.

Total $129.12

Again the refill mugs were re-usable each day

 

[dixonsontour]

Day 2 continued


We spent Saturday evening at Oktoberfest in Celebration. Nothing to eat for us but I couldn’t resist buying a dog biscuit for our friend’s dog from Woof gang bakery. Lots of cute biscuits for dogs, they were even hosting a doggie fancy dress Halloween party the week after. Biscuit was $2.50.

 

[dixonsontour]

Universal Day 3 Sunday 19th October

Plan for today was shopping this morning then Mickey’s not so scary Halloween party at Magic Kingdom from 4pm.


We tried Keke’s for the first time for breakfast and were there 7.30am so it wasn’t busy even though it was a Sunday. We went to the one near mall of millennia but also saw one on Dr Phillips.
Food was lovely especially the pina colada French toast.

First stop was Super target near Millenia Mall where we had a nice browse then Ross dress for less and Marshalls. Our first time in Marshalls but a great shop – both Ross and Marshalls are like TK Maxx.

I got some converse for $29.99 – I paid £55 here for the same pair which I have worn to death.

We then headed back and all went in the pool and lazy river.

After showers and getting ready we headed over to Pizzeria Unos on SR 535 at Crossroads for a late lunch before MNSSHP.


We had a coupon for a free main meal for DH’s birthday and DD likes the kids make your own pizza they do.


Full we headed to MK. Surprised to see the party was sold out.

We got the ferry across as the monorail was down but I prefer this way. We arrived just after 4pm and DD had a mickey ice cream bar as soon as we arrived.

Plan was to enjoy some rides then trick or treat. We planned on seeing the later parade as having been 3 or 4 times before the first parade is always really busy.

DH and DD went on teacups with little wait (they do it too spinny for me), I made DD go on Dumbo again no wait then Small world with no wait.

We’ve always found this time a good one to go in as day guests are leaving and a lot of MNSSHP guests don’t realise you can come in from 4pm on a party ticket (party starts at 7pm)

We walked across to adventureland. It was hot so we had a lemonade slushie and a free cup of iced water from a kiosk enroute.

We went on Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain with little wait. My breathing wasn’t good this trip and I did struggle with the steps.
I suffer from a narrow trachea (airway) but am usually ok in Florida.


DD got changed for the party and we shared a dole whip float from Aloha aisle – DH’s favourite.
It was a lot busier now as the party was starting.

We had fun trick or treating, walking through fantasyland then down the trick or treat path to tomorrowland. We went on the people mover and DH and DD went on buzz lightyear.

DD was hungry and we got her a hot dog and blue raspberry slushie from tommorowland terrace. We could hear the dance party from here but DD didn’t want to dance.


We were all getting tired and sat on the benches outside crystal palace to wait for the fireworks at 9.30. I got us some food from Casey’s to share.


The view is decent enough with the benefit of a seat.


Afterwards DD was clearly shattered so we made the decision to leave rather than see the parade.
It was the right decision but if we had been onsite I think I would have stayed and got the bus back. I have seen it several times so it wasn’t the end of the world.
We had also hoped to go on the mine train which we had not been on before but it was down then the line was stupidly long.

We did have a really fun night just going with the flow and got a big haul of sweets.


We got the monorail and then DH drove us ‘home’ to Cabana bay and all to bed.


We did miss the DDP tonight – odd to be paying for things that are usually snack credits.

 

[dixonsontour]

Day 3 Sunday 19th October

Breakfast
Keke’s near Mall of Millenia

Our frst time here. I’d seen some good reviews and fancied giving it a try. There is also one on Dr Phillips. We ate early before it got too busy.


DD had kids choc chip pancakes and chocolate milk (as usual)

I wanted to try the pina colada stuffed French toast but also like something savoury for breakfast. I persuaded DH to share so we shared a southwest omelet and the French toast. I just asked for extra plates which was no problem. Coffee to drink for us both.

The omelette had onion, jalapeno, pepper jack cheese and tomato. It and especially the salsa it came with were spicy but good. The stuffed French toast was delicious with cream cheese, pineapple and coconut. Yum yum! Would definitely recommend the stuffed French toast.

No coupons or discounts but a reasonable $36 including tip.


Shopping at Target

 

[dixonsontour]

Late Lunch
Pizzeria Uno SR 535 Crossroads

We’ve eaten here before but at the Idrive and 192 locations.


I had a coupon for a free entrée from the email club.

They do take the kids eat free card but you can’t use that with other discounts and the free entrée was a better discount.


DD had the kids make your own pizza. They give them an apron, base, sauce, cheese and pepperoni if they want to assemble then cook it for them.

I had the individual numero uno deep dish Chicago style pizza with a Caesar side salad. I opted for the wholegrain crust which was good.

DH had the next size up pizza with 3 toppings.
We all had soda to drink.
The table had a computer where you could order dessert, more drinks etc and games to play. DD did play one and there was charge of 99 cents on the bill for this. I assume something came on screen to warn of the charge but she was next to DH and I didn’t see. At least it was only 99 cents.
Both Unos and Giordanos do Chicago deep dish pizza, out of the two I’d say we prefer Giordanos although DD does like the make your own pizza at unos.

The coupon for my free pizza saved $12.49.

With tip the meal cost us $50.
Snacks
MNSSHP – Magic Kingdom

We were in MK for 4pm at the halloween party. After our large lunch we just had snacks tonight. It was very hot so we needed lots of frozen drinks.


I did also get several cups of iced water – these are free from any quick service place or kiosk with a fizzy drinks machine.


Mickey ice cream bar – like a magnum. A must do for DD approx $4

Pineapple dole whip float from aloha isle $5.32 inc tax

Hot dog for DD and blue raspberry slushie from lunching pad in tomorrow land $10.10 inc tax (hot dog $5.49 and drink $3.99 plus tax)

Frozen lemonade from westward ho cart in adventureland $4.25 inc tax

2 portions of fries from Casey’s – dipped in ‘plastic cheese’ approx. $6

Total snacks $29.67

We did miss the dining plan tonight – everything except the hot dog for DD would have been a snack credit each.

Total day 3 $115.67

 

[dixonsontour]

Universal Day 4 Monday 20th October


We were up earlier than expended due to not lasting until midnight at MNSSHP.
Islands of Adventure opened at 9am and Universal at 8am (7am for onsite guests)
Again no wait for a bus from the hotel. The bus drops you off in citiwalk.


We decided to go to Universal first arriving at 8am opening. After a go on the minion ride as we were passing with no wait we walked over to ‘London’ and boarded the Hogwarts express.

DH managed to video me and DD going through the wall on platform 9 ¾.
We arrived at hogsmead and DD and I went on the forbidden journey. She was ok on it but not bothered about going on again. Think the wait was 10 mins.

DH walked through with us but can’t ride (combo of being very tall and chest size)

We had a go for the first time on the very short flight of the hippogriff – luckily no line for it.
We waited maybe 15 mins to go into Ollivanders.

Afterwards we headed to the shop and DD chose a Hermione interactive wand. This was just under $50.

She wanted a gown but they were $110 plus tax and school ties $30! She did get a lanyard and a couple of pins including head girl (she is a goody two shoes at school so it suited her!)
She enjoyed doing all the interactive tricks. This was one of her favourite things – she has always liked the similar phineus and pherb at Epcot and sorcerers at MK. She did get very into it waving the wand and saying the spells.

We took our time and stopped for breakfast at the 3 broomsticks. We shared 2 kids breakfasts one English and one American. They were ok but it is of course all about the location.




We also had a couple of visits to the ‘public conveniences’ DD loved hearing moaning myrtle.

We headed out and into Suess landing. We reactivated the coke freestyle mug and I got us a large dipping dots. I know people like these but we didn’t – tried the rainbow ones.

I made DD go on the carousel with me and we went on red fish blue fish – yes DD got me wet. We also went on cat in the hat and the trolley ride.
We headed across to spiderman which had only a few mins wait. DD and DH then had a few goes on storm force acceleration. Too spinny for me.

We then called it a day and headed back on the bus to the hotel.

DH drove 10 mins or so to Teak neighbourhood Grill for a late lunch. This was our first visit but a big hit with us.
Just ask if you want the secret burger menu. I had a philly cheesesteak one and DH a nacho one.


Afterwards we did some more shopping – Super target to get DD a harry potter robe as DH remembered seeing them there. They were $30 and ties $10. Obviously not the same quality but lighter so better in the heat. DD was delighted. There was also an offer of save $10 if you spent $40 on halloween stuff so she got kitted out for $30.
We also squeezed in Marshalls (DH got a really nice jacket originally from Jones of New York) and Ross Dress for Less near the Florida mall and Best buy there as DH wanted a new brown leather strap for his new watch.

We headed back to Cabana bay and all went swimming in the evening.
Only DD was hungry so I got her a kids meal of macaroni cheese from the foodcourt which she ate in the room.
Early night as tomorrow’s plan was to be in Diagon alley at 7am resort guest opening.

 

[dixonsontour]

Day 4 Monday 20th October

Breakfast

3 Broomsticks

We shared one American and one English kids breakfast between us in the 3 broomsticks in Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure – I just asked for an extra plate. The meals came with drinks – we had a non alcoholic apple cider and a still lemon drink.

Nothing great but filled a hole and let’s face it you are paying for atmosphere not the food.

Cost $26.40



Late Lunch

Teak Neighbourhood grill

This was our first time here. I’ve seen lots of pictures on the dibb and thought DH especially would enjoy it. Took about 10 mins by car from Universal. It is in a nice residential area with parking right outside.

I thought we’d go for lunch so it was less busy as we had DD with us.

We had followed them on twitter so did know the code word for the secret burger menu but in the end just asked the waitress and she gave it us – no password needed.

We sat outside on the patio which was nice. Inside is quite dark and bar like.

I had the philly steak burger off the secret menu with sweet potato tator tots. Lovely, very filling and a bargain at $11.

DD had a kids cheeseburger and fires -$9 inc a drink.

DH had a notyo natcho burger with onion rings which was also $11 and he really really rated this. Burger heaven!

He also had a side of chilli cheese fries he enjoyed. We all stuck to soda to drink (pepsi products)

Total $53 inc tip

We really enjoyed Teak plus very good value and returned later in the holiday.

We were the only Brits in but didn’t feel out of place at all.



Dinner

Bayliner diner, Cabana Bay Beach Resort



Me and DH were still full from Teak! I just got DD a kids mac and cheese from the foodcourt to go which she ate in the room after swimming. It was fine and came with apples, carrots and a chocolate milk.

Cost $5.31 inc tax



Snacks

We reactivated the coke freestyle mug for unlimted drinks at Islands of Adventure $6.50

We also tried a large rainbow dippin dots but weren’t impressed $6

Toal snacks $12.50

Total $91.21

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Loving your report, and all the photos!!! Oktoberfest at Celebration looked super cute!

Your DD, by the way, is just stinkin' adorable. She should be a model....the camera loves her.

 

[mrsabbott]

The list of restaurants that I want to try just keep getting longer!! Great pics and I love that you post pics of the menus and prices! Thank you! And I agree with Gina.. your daughter is just gorgeous! Very photogenic!

 

[dixonsontour]

Loving your report, and all the photos!!! Oktoberfest at Celebration looked super cute!

Your DD, by the way, is just stinkin' adorable. She should be a model....the camera loves her.

Thanks for reading and posting. Oktoberfest is 23 and 24th October this year, we had fun so may go again this year.

Thanks for the nice comments about DD.

The list of restaurants that I want to try just keep getting longer!! Great pics and I love that you post pics of the menus and prices! Thank you! And I agree with Gina.. your daughter is just gorgeous! Very photogenic!

Thanks for reading and commenting. Food reviews are my favourite so I d take lots of pics of food. Thanks for nice comments about DD, luckily she is still willing to pose for me.

 

[HM]

Great report. You've given me a couple ideas I hadn't thought of for our trip. I'm looking forward to more.

 

[dixonsontour]

Universal Day 5 Tuesday 21st October


We were up and on the bus and in line just gone 6.30am for Universal which opened to resort guests at 7am.
They let us in 6.45am and you showed your room key just through the turnstyle to be let in.

We walked with everyone else over to Diagon alley.


It was dark which really added to the atmosphere.

DD was all dressed up. This was a surprise to me as she is not into dressing up at all anymore but she really got into the whole harry potter thing.
I’m not a harry potter fan by any means but it is a real wow as you go past the London street and into Diagon alley – everything is just so well done.
We headed to gringotts bank of course at first. After putting our bag in the free locker we got in line. It said 10 mins but was in effect a walk on as that it how long it takes to walk through to the ride itself.

We all went on together but then they moved DH out to an extra legroom seat.


DD was fine on this and the theming is fantastic. The only downside for me were steps before you get on the ride.
We tried a couple of ice creams from florean fortescue – a mint and a marmalade.

 

[dixonsontour]

I also bumped into another forum member I recognised. I noticed her and thought it was her. Anyway I plucked up the courage and asked and it was her and we had a nice chat.
DH got a butterbeer in a souvenir mug (yes this was breakfast!)

DD enjoyed herself doing all the spells and posing in her robe.
We must have spent a couple of hours in Diagon alley. Afterwards we headed down Hollywood boulevard.

We stopped for some pics with Scooby do. The man behind us in the line was looking at the app and said the line for gringotts was 100 mins now. I told DD as she had moaned at the 10 minute posted wait (she is spoilt by our low crowd trips and my planning!)
As most people were coming in we headed out having done what we wanted. DH’s request was a proper breakfast (he wasn’t a fan of the 3 broomsticks yesterday or the cost!)

We got an empty bus back to Cabana bay and decided to try hash house a go go about 5 mins drive from the hotel on I drive (near the premium outlet at the top)

DH loved it here. Portions were massive even the kids. They accept the kids eat free card.


We stopped at Ross Dress for Less next to the outlet which was heaving with south American tourists with overflowing carts of clothes. I did get DD some size 4 converse trainers for $20 for next year.

We then stopped at casual male XL on the way back.

DH got a ralph polo top which was 25% off then I had another $25 off from the email club. Well worth joining clubs of any shops you like as decent savings can be had.


I think DH took Anna to the pool and I had a nap.


DD and I then headed back to Universal and DH had a chill out.

We went in schwab pharmacy to refill the minion mug for $1 and headed in to watch the animal actors on location show which DD enjoyed.

 

[dixonsontour]

Then on to twirl and hurl as we missed it out the other day and there was no line.

DD then had a big pink donut all to herself. She loved these.

We had a couple of goes on MIB. We agreed I’d press DDs red button so she got the bonus points! (not many things phase her with being born with one hand but the logistics of shooting and pressing the red button didn’t work for her)
We posed for a couple of pics with jaws.
By now it was going dark and the park was closing for halloween horror nights so we headed back on the bus.

As we walked into the hotel near the foodcourt was an architecture convention with lots of people in suits and some sort of presentation. There was also food laid out for them - had to stop DD helping herself to pizza as we went past – they were canapes think she thought they were free samples?
DH had been out and got himself another new watch strap – a chrome one I assume from best buy in our absence.
We headed the few mins drive to Friendly’s on I drive.


Nothing fancy but we always enjoy it here. DD was tired and didn’t eat her main and we took her dessert to go.
All in bed quite early – 9ish. A few nights I popped down to the foodcourt for hot chocolate in our refill mugs for us to drink in bed – DD loved the hot chocolate.