condo stay...need tips on eating in to save $

[Cdn Gal]

This summer we stayed in one timeshare after another for 3 weeks- and we drove everywhere. My biggest tip would to bring your own condiments. We thought that we would just pick stuff up when needed- well...$60 later. Bring your own. Peanut Butter & jam does wondrous things in the morning before you head out!

 

[sjanus]

Which Giordano's and House of Blues would be closest to Vista Cay?

Giordano's at 6203 W. Sand Lake Rd or 12151 S Apopka Vineland Rd

House of Blues at 1490 E. Buena Vista Dr.Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 - how far is this away from universal area?

Giordano's is 1.5 miles on Google Map from Vista Cay. Straight down Universal Boulevard, second major intersection, first being International Drive.

House of blues is about a 15 minute drive, right down I-4, Lake Buena Vista Exit, it's about 6 miles.

If you are using restaurant.com they have a code for 80% off coupons until November 15th. The code is GIVE. Just make sure you read the little print, you have to spend so much money to get the discount, etc.

Sandy

 

[dcldreamer]

Thanks so much everyone for the wonderful tips! I did use the "Give" discount promo and got 3 restaurant.com certificates! Got a $10 at Urban Hibatchi, $25 at Giordano's, and a $50 one at BB Kings, spent $7 on those . There will be 4 adults and 2 kids age 13 & 14 going to BB Kings so I'm sure we'll hit the "spend $100" mark! We're getting so excited!

 

[momto2js]

I would take the crock pot. We do a can of med. salsa, a can of corn, and a few chicken breasts on low for 8-10 hours and then have meat for tacos or taco salads ready when we get home.

On the way home stop at publix for a chicken dinner from the deli $10 will get you a chicken, deli side, and some rolls. Complete dinner for 4 for $10 is tough to beat.

If I were you, I'd start saving condiment packets now. Everytime you go somewhere with them, get a few extra. Mayo in packet make taking sands to the park way easier because they don't spoil in the packet.

 

[happymommy]

Now you got me planning! We decided instead of our condo for a week then 2 nights at the Swan to stay the whole 9 nights in the condo (it was just a simpler thing to not move and costs $200 a night less than the suite I had booked).

I am planning on going to Costco the first day now - and what we don't get at Costco we'll pick up at Publix. We do this in Hawaii a lot - but there we cook every day pretty much. Some things at Costco are such a good deal that even if we end up having some leftovers, it's still cheaper than the grocery store. Like the precooked bacon - and the frozen sirloin burgers - salads are good there too.

Plus they have wine!

 

[dcldreamer]

Now you got me planning! We decided instead of our condo for a week then 2 nights at the Swan to stay the whole 9 nights in the condo (it was just a simpler thing to not move and costs $200 a night less than the suite I had booked).

I am planning on going to Costco the first day now - and what we don't get at Costco we'll pick up at Publix. We do this in Hawaii a lot - but there we cook every day pretty much. Some things at Costco are such a good deal that even if we end up having some leftovers, it's still cheaper than the grocery store. Like the precooked bacon - and the frozen sirloin burgers - salads are good there too.

Plus they have wine!

Do you have to have a membership at Cosco? We have a Sam's membership. Are they basically the same? Don't know much about Cosco

 

[happymommy]

Yes, you have to have a membership for Costco. I go there about every week or two - I really think their selection and quality of food is very good! I think you can get a membership and then if you find you're not happy, they will refund the price. So, you really have nothing to lose by taking a try.

I like their seafood, meats, produce, well, a lot! When we stay in Hawaii at our condo, it's always for more than a week, so we get fish to grill, salads, soy milk, juice, water, fruits, wine (darn, here in Maryland it's so backward that they can't sell wine), and cereal (it's only about $7 for a huge assortment of little Kellogg's boxes). It takes some time but it's nice to have good healthy food.

I haven't been to Sam's in a while, but I do have membership there as well. I didn't look to see if one is near our condo in Orlando.

 

[dcldreamer]

Thanks happymommy! I'll check into a membership with them I guess. We don't have a cosco near where we live so I'm not sure it's worth the hassle, but thanks so much for answering my question. Enjoy your vacation!

 

[kidd_freeper]

Stay away from the grocery store that is in the Giodorno plaza (I think it is a Publix). VERY pricey.

Drive another mile west and go to the Super Target. Much better prices.

 

[dioxide45]

Thanks happymommy! I'll check into a membership with them I guess. We don't have a cosco near where we live so I'm not sure it's worth the hassle, but thanks so much for answering my question. Enjoy your vacation!

There is also a Sam's in Orlando, down on 192 toward Kissimmee. Should be a comparable selection of items that to Costco.

 

[sweet maxine]

Here's an idea for a quick snack after a day in the parks---

At Dollar Tree they have those individual pizza crusts, 2 in a pkg. I fix these all the time for lunches, snacks on weekends, and they are very good. You would need a couple of jars of pizza sauce, olives, onions, cheese, and any meats you might want to add. Dollar Tree has been carrying pepperoni, cheese (in fridge section), jars of olives and jars of pizza sauce. Everyone can make their own personal pizza, just how they like it, and it's much cheaper than Pizza Planet (at DHS) or even Pizza Hut.

I also buy boxes of microwave popcorn, then take along bags of M & M's to add in after popping. I try to buy the M & M's on clearance after holidays, so I always have some on hand. One more thing I like to do is to keep some kind of trail mix on hand that resembles one of the mixes from the pricey markets which are sold by the pound. I have found dried cranberries, dried apricots, chocolate chips, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, and many more things at Dollar Tree to make these.

Costco has an organic salad mix that is wonderful and cheap. It goes a long, long way. Their frozen turkey burgers are great too, and would be wonderful grilled.

 

[pmanko]

I didn't read all three pages here - so, not sure if someone already suggested this. But, once you decide which store you plan on shopping at - get the store sale flyer and work your meals around what is on sale that week. Some stores (i.e. Publix) offer coupons online as well.

I hear you about buying too much and it going to waste. I am usually pretty good about buying just enough - but, our last trip (just last week) I over bought and we ended up throwing out a lot of food. I hate wasting food!

Also, if you do plan on eating out once or twice - consider that may have leftovers from those meals...

 

[madexpert1]

good post like it

 

[karice2]

I am also staying at a condo. I am not driving. I am taking the auto train down again. I love it. So anyway, I am premaking most of my meals at home. I do love the disney food but I don't find that they have anything that I can't make myself.

It will just be me and another person so I do smaller portion sizes than at home but saves me a bunch cause I am usually cooking from freezer and pantry.

I am also a bit of a foodie so I do go above and beyond on some things.

So far here is what I have planned

Bagels and Lox
Shepherd's Pie
Beef Wellington
Margarita Shrimp wrapped in Pancetta
Lasagna
Crab and seared tuna melts
Buttermilk Pancakes and slab bacon

I am going to eat a couple of meals in Orlando but most of my meals will be relaxing things at home.

 

[Princes_Traci]

Bumping because I'm appreciating all the tips/suggestions...

 

[happymommy]

Good reminder about looking at the sale flyers for the grocery stores! They're online - so I'm going to check on Publix next week.

Yikes - our plans changed again but still condo with full kitchen the whole 9 nights. Boardwalk Villa for the last 7 nights!!! I am so happy, since we can swing back for lunch, which will be relaxing, or big lunch out and I'll make some pasta or something for dinner.

I'd definitely check on Publix website right before going to see what's on sale that week. I do that at home a lot!

 

[Dax]

Stay away from the grocery store that is in the Giodorno plaza (I think it is a Publix). VERY pricey.

Drive another mile west and go to the Super Target. Much better prices.

Its actually a Winn Dixie, before that it was a Goodings...and its a WASTE of money..

I agree, drive a bit down the road and hit the Super Target, and the Publix right across the street from it. Both should be enough to cover everything..

As for what to make so not to waste, I cannot offer any advice. When my inlaws come down, they stock up on what they need, then on their last night, DH and I come to the condo and clean em out..LOL We get all kinds of goodies...If you would like, I can come the last night and clean out all your unwanted too..LOL

 

[happymommy]

Its actually a Winn Dixie, before that it was a Goodings...and its a WASTE of money..

I agree, drive a bit down the road and hit the Super Target, and the Publix right across the street from it. Both should be enough to cover everything..

As for what to make so not to waste, I cannot offer any advice. When my inlaws come down, they stock up on what they need, then on their last night, DH and I come to the condo and clean em out..LOL We get all kinds of goodies...If you would like, I can come the last night and clean out all your unwanted too..LOL

Funny! You could actually do "grocery shopping" with all the leftovers! I have talked with a housekeeper at a Disney villa that said that they have a manager inventory leftovers (unopened) and then they can share it amongst themselves, so at least I know that some of it does get used!

Ewww - I have made the mistake of shopping at Goodings a couple of times. They had very little selection, and their prices were so high!

Super Target is good!

 

[anabella]

Vista Cay has now a convenience shop at the clubhouse with lots fo ready made food (also a Publix a block away and a walgreens at the front), you can print out a 15% discount coupon at the facebook fan site:
http://www.facebook.com/VistaCay
hope this helps!
Ana

 

[Beth D]

My suggested shopping tips:

- buy Gogurt tubes, put in freezer, and then add to cooler before heading out for the day. They serve as ice to keep the cooler cold, then are melted enough to enjoy without any mess later.

- Get a box of freezer pops, drumstix or ice cream bars. Frozen treats after a hot day at the pool are better in the condo than a $4 ice cream bar from the snack stand.

- get a tub of premixed koolaid or lemonade and make pitchers of drinks to keep in the fridge.

-snacks that are grab & go - granola bars, cheese sticks, microwave popcorn (snack size bags are best), fruit snacks, crackers w/pb or cheese...

-breakfast - get the premixed "shake em up" pancake mix bottles.. Little more pricey, but if you don't use them, it's easier and less messy to bring home than a box of powder.