$100 a day returns - all new for 2014

[dixonsontour]

$100 a day returns – all new for 2014





The cast


DH 40 – burger lover doesn’t do seafood or mushrooms


Me 39 – will try most things, chief planner


DD – 8 ¾ - not adventurous, happy with kids meals





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




Weusually 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 £10 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 eachplus 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]

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 theroadworks on I drive DH needed to go past and u turn. We say 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 choose 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.



Lunch

Bubba Gump, Universal Citiwalk

This was our first time here. I’d bought the Landry’s select club card from them 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 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.

 

[dixonsontour]

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 colseaw 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.

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]

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]

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

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Loving this

 

[dixonsontour]

Loving this

Thanks for reading and posting

 

[jjk]

loving all the food pics but boy is it making me hungry

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Love your dîning reports DD is looking so grown up

 

[dixonsontour]

loving all the food pics but boy is it making me hungry

Only to be read on a full stomach!

Love your dîning reports DD is looking so grown up

Yes she's 9 in January. Thanks for reading and posting.

 

[Dismamx2]

This is fantastic, thanks for making the time to do this. I'm getting some great ideas for our next trip

 

[Starbridge]

Love your report

 

[dixonsontour]

Day 5 Tuesday 21st October

Snacks

A very early start today as we had early entry to Diagon Alley as Cabana Bay guests. We were in line before 7am.


Breakfast was 2 ice creams from florean fortescue – I had the orange marmalade and DD the mint.

Approx $10

DH had a frozen butterbeer in a souvenir glass. The glass could be used for the $1 soda refills but we didn’t use it (minion refill cup held more coke!)

$12.99

Some pictures of one of the dining options - Leaky cauldron

Brunch

Hash House a go go International Drive

Our first time here. I enjoyed it but DH was very impressed.
They accept the kids eat free card.

DD had bacon waffles off the kids menu and chocolate milk. A huge portion.

DH had the house hash – chorizo, jalepenos, tomato, cheddar cheese and potatoes with 2 scrambled eggs fruit and a biscuit. This came in a skillet. He was too full for the biscuit.

I had the bacon avocado onion and swiss cheese scramble with fruit toast and griddled mashed potato. The potato was very good – shared with DH and he raved about this.

Coffee to drink.

The manager came over to check all ok (DH says because he saw me taking lots of photos)
Cost $45 inc tip with DD’s meal free

 

[dixonsontour]

Snacks

DD and I headed back to Universal. Got a $1 refill in the minion cup from schwab pharmacy.

DD also had a full big pink donut to herself from lard lad in the simpsons area – she loved these! $5.31 inc tax.

Dinner

Friendly’s International Drive

We like friendly and have been many times. Not fancy but a decent diner type place. We were all tired tonight after swimming so this was just what we needed.


I had my usual bbq honey chicken stips with fries and coleslaw. DH had a camera shy burger.

DD had one of the older kids meals of mac and cheese with goldfish crackers. She chose a blue shark attack drink which came with gummy sharks and red ‘blood’ syrup to add. We had soda.

DD had a balloon man made for a tip.

DD was tired and didn’t like her mac and cheese. Waitress didn’t charge us for DD which was very kind of her.

She also had an ice cream to go

We had a 25% off coupon for joining the friendy’s email club. Meals are very cheap anyway. Mine was $9.99, they also had a deal of $20 for 2 mains and a starter or dessert.


Kids meals are good here as they do 2 sizes for older and younger kids.

$20 inc generous tip

Total $94.30

 

[dixonsontour]

Day 6 Wednesday 23rd October


Breakfast
First Watch, Sandlake Road

This was our second time here. We were there at opening at 7am. It is about 5 mins drive from Universal. It has been voted best breakfast in Orlando Sentinel. I had a coupon for 1 free breakfast for joining the email club.

I had the trifecta with scrambled eggs, bacon and a massive carrot cake pancake. The pancake was yummy but too big to finish.

DH had one of their ‘egg clusives’ – a chickichanga.

DD insisted on the ham sandwich but wasn’t keen as it was smoked – should have had her usual pancakes.

We had coffee – they have different flavoured creamer, I tried the pumpkin spice for a change. DD had chocolate milk.

Total $25 inc tip

Snacks


As we were in Islands of Adventure today we reactivated the coke freestyle mug for $6.50. Machines are dotted around the park and you can just help yourself.

Lunch
Margaritaville, Citywalk

I’d bought 3 of the meal and mini golf deals off the Universal website universalorlando.com before we went. The deal gave you 18 holes of mini golf at either citywalk course and an entrée and soft drink at a choice of city walk places including margaritaville.


A game of golf for an adult was $14.99. The menu had 6 or so items to choose from but included the cheeseburger in paradise $13.99 and the key west fish sandwich $16.99 so seemed a great deal as the total price for the deal was $23.95 inc tax (so only $9 for your meal and drink)

Other restaurants included were nba, nascar, pat o’briens and bob marley.


I had printed off the receipt and swapped this for tickets at guest services. They just asked to see my ID (driving licence) The tickets could be used on different days so you didn’t have to golf and dine the same day. Expiry on the dining ones was end of 2014.


After playing golf we headed over to Margaritaville. We ended up using 2 of the dining coupons for me and DH and paying for a kids meal for DD so we could use the other dining ticket the next day (they didn’t have a kids golf and dine option but the deal was same as paying for a child’s golf $12.99 and a kids meal $10ish)


DH had the cheeseburger, I had the key west sandwich which was good. DH enjoyed his burger and DD had the kids version of the cheeseburger in paradise which she enjoyed.

At the end it turned out the tickets included tax and tip too so an even better deal.

We just paid $11 for DD’s meal, drink and tip on her meal.


Make sure you are on the US version of the website to get the deal.


If we went again we would definitely do this again, maybe a couple of times as we all enjoyed the mini golf but just played the haunted course not the sci fi one.


They also do a similar deal for a meal and movie for $2 less.

$11 inc tip paid on day
($18 in advance for the meal part of the deal)
Total $29

 

[dixonsontour]

Dinner
Village Inn, Westwood blvd near Seaworld

One of our usuals. Not fancy but friendly and decent diner food.

DH had coffee and a burger with a fried egg and onion rings which he asked for on sourdough.

DD had pancakes, fries and hot chocolate (they serve breakfast all day)

I went for the adult grilled cheese and a strawberry lemonade which I’ve had before and were really good again. No refills on the lemonade.

 

[dixonsontour]

Wednesday is free pie day. A few pies are free and the rest are 99 cents – we went for the 99 cent ones. DH and DD had Boston crème pie and me key lime.

I really enjoyed mine.

They do take the kids eat free card but not with the free pie. The email club had also sent me a $5 off coupon but again not to be used with the free pie deal.


Cost $45 inc tip

Total $105.50

 

[dixonsontour]

Day 7 Thursday 24th October

Snacks

DD and I got up for Diagon Alley early opening at 7am again. Starbucks at Cabana bay opened at 6am so I had a vanilla latte and DD a chocolate croissant. The bayliner foodcourt at the resort didn’t open until 7am.

$7.14


Butterbeer ice cream, florean fortescue Diagon Alley

$5
Very sweet soft serve ice cream. A must try!

Brunch
Peach Valley Café, Dr Phillips

A firstvisit for us. About 5 mins drive from Universal. It was in a nice area and very busy with locals.


I had the heuvos rancheros which were lovely. DH had steak and eggs although DD had a lot of his steak. DD had choc chip pancake with a side of bacon and ate the lot. Coffee for us and choc milk for DD as usual.

We really enjoyed it and will definitely eat here again.
I had a coupon for our anniversary for a free breakfast from the email club so the total was $32 inc tip.

Snacks

We got a $1 soda refill in the minion cup from schwab pharmacy to drink whilst watching the parade at Universal Studios.



Dinner
Margaritaville, Citywalk

We wondered about trying somewhere else but all liked margaritaville so headed back there. We had to wait 5 mins for a table but got a great table on the patio overlooking citywalk. It really felt like we were on holiday.

We shared the volcano nachos which were $15.99 to start. These were good but a huge portion. I had a strawberry lemonade which did include refills and DH had pibb soda. DD also had soda.

We then shared the cheeseburger in paradise and sweet potato fries. DD had the kids cheeseburger again. Waitress brought us an extra plate no problem.


It was busy and our mains took a while to come out. The waitress was very apologetic and the manager knocked 20% off without us asking for anything. I was enjoying sitting there but DD was very hungry. Also the fries were cold when the food came out but the waitress quickly brought us hot fries and sweet potato fries.

We paid with the 1 ticket we had from the golf and dine deal which covered dh’s soda, the burger, tax and tip on those. I also had a $5 off voucher from joining the fins up email club plus the extra 20% off for the wait.
Total $25 inc tip


Despite the wait we all enjoyed here and would go back. Waitress was good and kept us updated and drinks refilled.

Dessert
Coldstone creamery, I Drive

There is one at citywalk but I’d bought a groupon deal which could only be used at certain locations not citywalk.
We needed petrol and also picked up some donuts for breakfast then headed to the nearest one on the deal on I drive.
I’d paid $6 which was under half the cost of 2 love it sized ice creams with 3 mix ins.

DH and DD chose and I shared – they are very sweet. I know DD had choc chips, gummy bears and oreos in hers they mix them on a slab in front of you.
We’ve been to coldstone before but the Blake blvd location near Celebration. They also send coupons for joining the email club and birthdays.
$6 for the groupon nothing else to pay

Total $84.14