Need meal ideas....

[EveDallas]

With my trip just over a month away, I got hit with some major car repair bills that took a huge bite out of my vacation fund. I have to cut something and it's either downgrade from RPH or cut the food budget. Neither my son nor I want to give up the express pass, so food it is. We'll be using Tony Hinds and stopping at Publix on the way. We already know we're going to pick up water and sodas for the room, and we'll get cereal, fruit, and yogurt for quick (and cheap) breakfasts. We're planning on quick service for lunch each day (and maybe a snack in the evening). Where I'm stuck is dinner since we won't have a microwave or anything to cook with. I'm thinking sandwich stuff and chips but I'd like some other ideas if anyone can think of any. Also, does anyone know if Bell Services has a place for cold foods until our room is ready? (We'll be getting in around 10 AM, so not counting on a room for several hours.)

 

[Kivara]

I have heard bell services will store items that need refrigeration (don't know if there's a size limit, but I know a woman who brought a few small containers of milk)

For the first couple days, you could pick up some deli sides like pasta salad, coleslaw, etc.

Order in pizza or chinese could be a cheaper option.

 

[bobbie68]

Hi we usually buy some deli stuff, canned chicken and tuna for sandwiches and chips. We usually have a microwave in the room and get Ramen and Mac and Cheese bowls to heat. Can you request a microwave at RPR maybe you can get one for a couple of days to do something different. I know they charge sometimes if you do get one. Good luck!

 

[mjhtvchick]

We are almost always on a limited food budget when we are at Universal - especially since, as Canadians, we have to add 30% to every $ we spend there! We usually do what you mentioned for breakfast - maybe splurging on a sit-down breakfast on one day.

We also sometimes do quick service for dinner - I really like Breadbox. You could also pick up a pizza to share at Red Oven Pizza or walk over to the food court at Cabana Bay one evening.

You could also order lighter at the table service locations - either share entrees or order appetizers as your main course. I find the portion size of the appetizers are plenty big for me to eat as my main course.
You could split the difference and have a late lunch/early dinner - eliminating one meal from your day once or twice.

We also tend to eat one or two meals by the pool at RPR - Bula Bar is great and the nachos are HUGE!

 

[CAPSLOCK]

The big pink lard lad donut is a good "next morning breakfast."

 

[hhoope01]

One suggestion for a sit-down meal that isn't too expensive are the nachos at Margaritaville. We've had 4 of us eating the nachos and not completely finishing it off as it is huge. So a couple of waters and nachos one evening might not break the bank.

 

[schumigirl]

Bell service do have limited space for chilled items........

Suppose it depends if other people have done the same thing. But hopefully you’ll be fine. And maybe you will get access to your room.

Glad you’re keeping EP

 

[christophfam]

Checkout the prepackaged Publix brand food in the deli section at Publix. They have huge salads, chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad, potato salad etc. It’s all great. Grab some ritz chips and fruit and you’ll have instant meals right out of the fridge.

 

[123SA]

Could you bring an electric hot pot? (I'm not sure if that is allowed)

 

[schumigirl]

Could you bring an electric hot pot? (I'm not sure if that is allowed)

Definitely not allowed

 

[schumigirl]

Checkout the prepackaged Publix brand food in the deli section at Publix. They have huge salads, chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad, potato salad etc. It’s all great. Grab some ritz chips and fruit and you’ll have instant meals right out of the fridge.

We went into Publix for a gift card for someone and we looked at the deli stuff there......we said if we were in a villa we would buy the stuff they stocked as it looked beautiful........

Sub sandwiches were huge and very cheap!

 

[macraven]

But the cheap $4 styrofoam ice chest at Publix

Fill it with ice and let it sit in the shower area
Keep the lid on it all times

Do re-ice the chest each day so food does not spoil

I used to do this when I took 3 of my boys and needed to cut back on food costs

Buy lunch meat, deli rolls like sub rolls, jar of mayo or mustard, lettuce or add on to make hero sandwiches

Publix ready made salads will keep a good 3 days in the tub container

Pick up chips and dip and cheese sticks

Eat one meal out and other meals in your room

If you have money left last day there, splurge for a meal out last day


My last tip is to look at the ground when you walk in the parks

Last year I found change and bills, lol

 

[CPanther95]

The big pink lard lad donut is a good "next morning breakfast."

Best value snack in any park around the world.

For a $6 "breakfast" 2 people could each have half of that giant dense donut and you probably couldn't eat more than half a hot dog for lunch.

 

[Tinknalli]

Just my opinion, but if possible I would only shop for essentials at home until vacation. Get creative and eat what is in your cupboards, fridge and freezer. Or if you don't have a lot of food around the house I would make it a challenge to eat as cheaply as I could at home and really contemplate every penny I spent in the next month to have that money for vacation. Then eat all your breakfasts in your room. Bagged salad kits (Caesar and add precooked chicken like Perdue shortcuts) along with good bread makes a great meal. Sandwiches, crackers, cheese and pepperoni, Tortilla chips with salsa, trail mix, fruit and veggies with dip are good to have on hand. This is a little out there, but tortillas with cheese can be wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked using the iron in your room. Add salsa, guacamole and sour cream. Think about things that college kids cook in their dorm rooms. Of course be careful not to dirty the iron!

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

Could you bring an electric hot pot? (I'm not sure if that is allowed)

If you mean something like a small electric tea pot, yes, you can have that in your room. (I take mine every trip.) If you mean a hot plate, that's a no.

 

[EveDallas]

Thank you to everyone who made suggestions! I don't know why I never thought about having groceries delivered from Publix. I'm going to order some sandwiches and things from the deli in addition to our breakfast foods and have it delivered in the evening of our arrival day. That way I won't have to worry about anything needing refrigeration sitting around for hours. I got food poisoning once as a teenager and wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

 

[Southernmiss]

Taking a cheap hot water pot would open up other options- instant soups, noodles, instant mashed potatoes, oatmeal and hot cereal for breakfast. I've done this for back in the room snacks for my kids.

 

[tinkerone]

Is there a Publix near by? We are staying at Cabana Bay and want to pick up a few things but are not familiar with the area.

 

[macraven]

I just googled Publix stores near UO and looks like one about a 5-7 minute drive away from UO

I use car service and do a stop at Publix, but don't remember the address of that close one to the onsite hotels.

 

[Lachelli]

With the talk of making ice chests I am concerned now that the fridges in the onsite rooms not up to the job of keeping food fresh and cold.

Can someone please confirm either way as we are doing a split stay between CBR and RPR and hope to keep groceries for breakfasts and snacks in the in room fridges

Thanks