Show me the Minions Tour October 2014 Universal & food COMPLETE

[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

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.

 

[dixonsontour]

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]

Universal 2014 Day 6 Wednesday 22nd


We were up early and at First Watch not long after 7am opening. This was a couple of mins drive from the hotel on west sandlake road.
I had a massive carrot cake pancake. We had a coupon for one free breakfast for joining the email club.

Food is nice here – they regularly win best breakfast in the Orlando sentinel newspaper awards.

We headed into Universal by bus from the resort – I desperately needed the loo and just made it as we arrived at citiwalk to DD’s amusement (I’d been telling her off the afternoon before for not going to the toilet when she should and jigging about)


We walked across to the train and travelled across to Hogsmead. We arrived as it opened before other people walked up from the I of A entrance.

DD wanted to do Ollivanders again so we got in line and were first so chatted to the cm. DD was all dressed up.
As we went in in suddenly dawned on me she may get chosen. Well she did and was thrilled – she spoke up nice and loud and laughed when her spells went wrong. She was much better for having seen the other girl do it the other day.

So of course a wand chose her and we could hardly refuse to buy it. So another $50 on a wand! She has been playing with them with her friend since we got home.

DD and DH also went on hippogriff as there was no line.
Anna that had fun doing all the wand tricks and posing in her gown. Plus a visit to the toilets again to hear moaning myrtle.
Eventually we headed out across the bridge to Jurassic park.
We all enjoyed Jurassic park – DH was the wettest.

We then headed to toon lagoon. DH and DD went on ripsaw falls (I bottled out!)

We reactivated the coke freestyle refill mug and had a look around the comic strip area.
I took DD on bilge rat barges. DH didn’t fancy it as he remembered how wet you got. OMG we got drenched! DD loved it so we went on again, couldn’t get any wetter so why not.

All the rides were walk ons – Jurassic, ripsaw, bilge rat barges.

DD and DH had a go on storm force accelation a couple of times whilst I lay on a bench in the sun to try and dry off.


We then headed out to citiwalk to the mini golf.
I’d bought 3 of the mini golf and dine deals off the universal.com website.These were $23.99 each

The day before I’d changed the email confirmation for the tickets at a booth in citiwalk (near the cinema)
They gave me 3 tickets for the golf and 3 meal tickets. They could be used separately or on the same day. They also gave a list of participating restaurants and menus.

DD wanted to play the haunted course, there are 2 – a 50’s Sci fi one and this.

We handed over the 3 tickets, nothing else to pay.
Ordinary I wouldn’t choose to play golf in the midday sun but it did dry me off.
We had fun. Both DH and I got a hole in one at some point. As well as the golf there were little questions to answer – at the end we were given a scratch card each for getting the correct answers. We won a half price game of golf – apparently these don’t expire so have saved for another trip.
They also offered for you to play course for half price the same day but we didn’t.
We will definitely do this deal again.


We headed over to Margaritaville for lunch. No reservation but it was quiet.
We decided to use two of the meal tickets and pay for a child’s meal for DD. They gave us a set menu – cheeseburger in paradise, pasta, key west fish sandwich and a few other things.
DH had the cheese burger, DD the kids version of this and me the fish sandwich and sweet potato fries.
Deal also included a soft drink plus tax and tip which I hadn’t realised.
I thought this was well worth it – golf alone was $14.99. Meal I had would have been $25 inc tax and tip (cost $9 as part of the deal) so a decent saving.
They also do a similar deal - cinema and dine.


We headed back on the bus to Cabana bay for some pool time and a chill out.
In the evening we headed to Village Inn on Westwood Boulevard just off I drive near Seaworld.
Nice diner food, we try and go each trip.


They were serving breakfast all day so DD had pancakes, hot choc and fries! I love the adult grilled cheese here and DH had a burger.
You can have a slice of pie for free on a Wednesday or $1 for the fancier ones so we ended the meal with 2 boston cream and one key lime.
They do take the kids eat free card but you can’t use it with the free pie deal.
Then ‘home’ to Cabana bay and bed.

 

[wiscbugs]

All of your food pictures make me way too hungry...they should be banned

 

[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.

 

[dixonsontour]

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

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]

Universal Day 7 Thursday 23rd October


DD was keen to go to Diagon alley again so we got up early to take advantage of the 7am early entry for resort guests.
The food court didn’t open until 7am so stopped at the starbucks for a quick latte for me and pain au chocolat for DD. This was 6.20 am!

DH passed and stayed in bed.


This is one thing I enjoy about staying onsite it is easy for us to come and go (only DH drives in the US – I’m not brave enough)
We got the bus to citiwalk and were admitted to Universal about 6.50am. The cms said gringotts was down. A lot of people weren’t happy.
DD wanted to go on the minion ride again so we did as there was no wait.

We walked across to Diagon alley and checked but the ride was still down. We would have ridden again but DD especially wasn’t bothered she just wanted to do the spells.
DD did them all today including a few ‘hidden’ ones that are not on the map. This was great fun and got her speaking to the cm’s. Just one in knockturn alley wasn’t working as it should have been.

We headed back out 9.30 ish and caught the bus back to cabana bay. DH met us at the bus stop.

I did snap a picture of workers outside Nascar which was about to close down.


We drove a few mins to peach valley café on Dr Phillips.


Our first time here but we enjoyed it and will go again. Had a coupon for a free breakfast from the email club.
We also popped into cvs pharmacy which was next to it for a few bits and bobs.


I had a coupon for Michaels from their email club – 40% off one item so we stopped off there on the way back to the hotel.
I’m not into crafting but do make cupcakes. I got a wilton cake tin using the coupon and a few halloween decorations which were 70% off.

DH and DD weren’t impressed with the strong scent in the shop from the candles!
We headed back for a swim again. DD swam every day and I managed a swim 7 out of 8 days. The pools and lazy river at cabana bay were lovely.

I wanted to see the parade at Universal at 3pm so headed back in for that.
We got a refill in the minion mug from schwab and sat on the kerb in the shade.

The parade wasn’t a patch on a Disney one but DD enjoyed the minions.

DD and DH met donkey – he was very funny being rude about the couple in front who wanted tons of photos.
We headed over to Beetlejuice which we have always enjoyed. The show had been updated since we last saw it and we all enjoyed it.

We walked past London and DD and I had a go on MIB again – she really liked this ride.

We headed to citiwalk for tea. We did debate trying somewhere else but had all like margaritaville.


We shared the volcano nachos to start which were good but a massive portion. We used the one remaining voucher from the golf deal for a cheeseburger and sweet potato fries which we shared. DD had a kids cheeseburger again.
We had to wait a couple of mins but got a great seat on the patio. Our mains took ages to come – the server was very apologetic and they knocked another 20% off. Plus we used a $5 off coupon for joining the email club.
It did feel very much like we were on holiday sitting there, there was live music and nice people watching people coming and goining to the parks.


Afterwards we popped in the shop I had a coupon for a free gift with any purchase in the restaurant or shop – it was a keyring DD had.


We headed back on the bus to cabana bay.
We decided to pop out to fill the car back up with petrol to save a job tomorrow morning and also picked up some dunkin donuts for breakfast from the one on Dr Phillips.


I’d bought a groupon deal for coldstone creamery and we decided to use that. There is one at citywalk but that was not on the groupon. The nearest one was International drive so we called in.
$6 for 2 love it size creations with 3 mix ins (worked out as a BOGOF deal) DD and DH chose and I shared – they are good but very sweet.


Then back to the resort. We did a bit of packing then bed.
I’d asked at reception if we could have a later check out and they said fine until 12 noon at no extra charge which made for a more relaxing final morning.

 

[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.

 

[dixonsontour]

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

 

[dixonsontour]

Universal Day 8 Friday 24th October


Home time for us today.
I know a week isn’t everyones cup of tea but as repeat visitors we hit the ground running and it did feel longer.


I headed to the foodcourt to fill out mugs and took some photos of the resort.

It was a lovely resort and we will definitely stay again. I’d hoped to try the bowling but we ran out of time.
Back in the room we had the donuts for breakfast and finished packing.

We then had some time in the pool and lazy river which was lovely and quiet.

Weather had been fantastic all week – over 80 degrees and not a drop of rain.

We left the hotel just before 12 and headed the few mins drive to Teak neighbourhood grill.
This was DH’s choice as he had enjoyed it so much.


We sat on the patio again. I had a bolder betty which was lovely – with nachos and a guava bbq sauce. DH had the $20 heart of teak which was massive.
This is half the challenge. DH is a big bloke but no way he could have done a challenge.

The wall of fame has 3 people on it who have managed it – the wall of shame has lots of photos of people looking green after trying and failing.
We drove back up to Sanford Airport.


We had a quick stop at Jo ann craft store as they had send an email for 50% off one item – I got a wilton giant cupcake cake tin for the equivalent of £10 so I was very pleased.


DH dropped me and DD off at departures and took the car back.

Again there was a separate line for premium check in so no wait. Our cases were all under the 23kg (had gone out very light) They were weighing hand luggage so we juggled to get them under 7kg (think it is 5kg in economy) DH’s was initially too heavy as he carries all the electronics.


As we were premium we could use the royal palm lounge. They gave you a wrist band. Adults got 2 beers or wines – DH had mine so 4 beers. There were also soft drinks, coffee and biscuits.

We boarded and left on time.
Food on the way back wasn’t as good as the way out. Think it was chicken. In the morning they gave us a cooked brekkie I couldn’t face.


We landed early, collected our luggage and cleared customs. I called the car people and they were waiting with the car outside.
Drive home was quick as it was early Saturday morning – we were home for 7.30am.

 

[dixonsontour]

Day 8
Friday 24th October

Sadly home for us today. Only a 7 day trip – we weren’t supposed to be going at all due to moving house.

Breakfast

I headed to the bayliner food court to fill up the refill mugs. We never actually ate here but what I saw of the food looked nice.

We wanted a lighter breakfast today so shared some dunkin donuts we had picked up the night before from the dunkin donuts at Dr Phillips.

$6


I did notice they sold donuts at the foodcourt for $1.50 each but not as fancy as the dunkin ones.

We had a last swim and used the refill mugs. I discovered the pool bars had normal soda refill machines as well as the ones in the food court (not the freestyle ones though)
I’d also asked for a slighter later checkout until 12 noon which was fine.

Lunch
Teak Neighbourhood Grill

Dh’s choice. We had planned on eating up at Sanford but he wanted to return.
We ate on the patio again.


DD had the kids alfredo pasta and soda which was ok. It was a huge portion but she preferred the burger.


I had the bolder betty burger with saute potatoes. The burger was lovely – provolone cheese, smoked bacon mayonnaise, tomato, avocado slaw, tortilla strips and guava bbq sauce on a brioche bun. $11

All the sides we tried were really nice too and a change from the usual fries.


DH had the heart of teak. We couldn’t see this on the menu but had seen it online and asked and it was no problem. It is half the ‘teak challenge’ – cost $20. 1 lb of Burgers with swiss and provolone cheese, bacon, onion rings, deep fried mozzarella, chilli, jalapenos and salad. DH had it with garlic fries

This was a monster – DH managed most of it but had to leave some bread and cheese. There is no way DH could have got near the teak challenge which is 2 of these.
(DH is 6ft 4 and able to put away food! )


They have a wall of fame with 3 that have managed the challenge and a wall of shame with lots of people who have failed looking peeky. If you eat the $40 challenge you get it free.

DH was glad he tried it and the pics have caused a lot of amusement but he actually preferred the more manageable burger.
We both just had soda to drink.
Total $57 inc tip

Snacks

As we flew premium with Thomson we got the palm lounge at Sanford included. They had soft drinks, coffee and biscuits plus 2 beers or wine per person. There was also biscuits and trail mix.

Dinner
Plane

Choice was beef or chicken. Food was ok but not as good as way out imo. Breakfast was a cooked breakfast but I couldn’t face it. As we were premium alcohol and drinks were also included.

Total $63

 

[dixonsontour]

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

Thanks for reading

 

[dixonsontour]

All of your food pictures make me way too hungry...they should be banned

Thanks for reading.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

An awesome report.....loved all the pics and the little tidbits of how you saved on each meal . As you know, I share your passion for a great deal .

Thanks to your detailed summary, I think maybe we'll give First Watch a try in October . Teak is also on our list of possibilities.....if not for this year's trips, then certainly for April 2016.

Looking forward to your next report!

 

[Lynne G]

Great report. I enjoy looking at food porn. LOL

First Watch may be on my list too. Have been to Peach Valley and Teak, but not there. Hmmm. I like breakfast foods.

 

[dixonsontour]

An awesome report.....loved all the pics and the little tidbits of how you saved on each meal . As you know, I share your passion for a great deal .

Thanks to your detailed summary, I think maybe we'll give First Watch a try in October . Teak is also on our list of possibilities.....if not for this year's trips, then certainly for April 2016.

Looking forward to your next report!

Thanks for reading and commenting.

We've been to first watch twice and enjoyed it both times. It is very near Universal. Do join the email club just before you go for 1 free breakfast. We'll be back at Teak this October, DH's favourite restaurant of the trip.

 

[dixonsontour]

Great report. I enjoy looking at food porn. LOL

First Watch may be on my list too. Have been to Peach Valley and Teak, but not there. Hmmm. I like breakfast foods.

Thanks for reading and posting. Yes I'd definitely give first watch a try, seems to win best breakfast in Orlando Sentinel awards alot which is how I came across it.

 

[Ombo]

Great report and great photos!!

 

[dixonsontour]

Great report and great photos!!

Thank you