All new Dining on a Budget of $100 May 2012

[dixonsontour]

All new dining on a budget of $100 May 2012


We booked a last minute 7 night trip for the first week of May 2012 a few days before we flew to take advantage of the bargain flight prices with Cosmos. We stayed offsite in a condo at Bahama bay resort, Davenport.

We ate at some of our offsite favourites and a few new places.

I did sign up to restaurant email clubs for some coupons a couple of days before we flew. There didn’t seem to be as many deals about as last October. A few coupons also came through at the right time from previous sign ups.

I also used a kids eat free card another forum member kindly gave me.

Lots of pictures of food (DH and DD are used to me now – DD even reminds me if I forget!) and I’ve saved most of the receipts so will try and give as much info as I can on price. We are a family of 2 adults and a 6 year old daughter.

 

[dixonsontour]

All new dining on a budget of $100 May 2012 Day 1

Breakfast

We flew from Manchester Airport terminal 2 and had breakfast at Frankie and Bennys for the first time. Food and service were good, will eat there again. Used a 20% off coupon from www.eatdrinkandfly.com. This website also has the full menu and prices.

I had the traditional breakfast £7.25, DH the breakfast burger (the first of many) and fries £9.95, DD toast £1.95 plus a coffee, pot of tea and appletiser juice.

With the discount total was £21.91 ($34)

Lunch

On the plane – Monarch food. Was ok – i’ve has worse. They served a cold breakfast then a hot lunch later in the flight.

Dinner

Gator’s dockside Cagan Crossings hwy 27

As we landed at 1pm by evening we were hungry and decided to try Gator’s dockside as it was opposite Walmart where we were headed for supplies. This is just up hwy 27 as you turn off the 192.

Gator’s is a sports bar but also had a smaller separate room and kids are welcome. It accepts the kids eat free card.

For our appetiser we shared the gator tail bites. Well me and DH did – DD wouldn’t try them! In all our trips to Florida we have never had alligator before. Tasted like chicken but a bit chewier – glad we tried it.

DH had a burger which was fine but not the best of the week, wished he had the wings. DD opted for the kids pasta alfredo which came with fries and a oreo cookie. She really enjoyed this. I had the boneless wings in honey bbq sauce which were very tasty. DH had a beer and we all had a soda each.

Not a fancy place but service was good and friendly and it is very reasonably priced. Our mains were $11.49 and DD ate for free. They also do happy hour deals, all you can eat wings etc.

Was just under $40 inc tip

Total Day 1

$74

 

[dixonsontour]

All new Dining on a budget of $100 May 2012 Day 2 Sunday





Breakfast

First Watch, Sandlake Road

This had been on my to do list for a while. It is a chain but this is the only one in the area. It is 2 mins drive from I drive – just a bit further up than wholefoods supermarket.

It regularly wins best breakfast in the Sentinel newspaper awards voted for by locals. They also send a coupon for a free breakfast if you join the email club. This expires within 7 or 14 days (can’t remember sorry) so don’t sign up too soon. The coupon was emailed to me within 48 hours of signing up.

It was a Sunday so very busy with locals. We waited about 20 mins to be seated. They did give you free coffee whilst you waited. Everyone else was local – lots of families out for brunch.

They also had flavoured creamer for you coffee - I would not recommend the hazelnut.

I had a lovely key west crepe, DH a burrito vera cruz and DD choc chip pancake. DD had apple juice and us coffee to drink. You pay at the till on the way out and they accepted the coupon no problem.

Will definitely eat here again – some different breakfast items to usual. They do the more usual stuff aswell if you prefer.

Cost $20.09 plus tip - $24



Lunch

We stopped at the McDonalds Drive through for DD on hwy 27 (just up from junction with I4) and next door Wendy’s drive through for DH. I was still full from breakfast so just had a few of DH’s fries.

The happy meal was the same as a UK happy meal which pleased DD – you get apple and fries though and they ask if it’s for a girl or boy (for the toy).

Wendy’s single cheese combo burger and large fries (plus a coke) were very fresh and tasty – much better than McDonalds imo (DD would disagree)

Cost Wendy’s $7.25, McDonalds $4.06 – Total $11.31

Dinner

We went to Uno Chicago grill on 192 Kissimee. We have eaten at the I drive one years ago. There is also one at Crossroads near Downtown Disney.

They accept the kids eat free card which we used for DD and saved $3.99.

We shared a regular numero uno original deep dish (no mushrooms as DH hates them), a Caesar salad and all had soda to drink. DD had the make your own pizza which she loved. They bring the kids a plastic apron, pizza base, dish of sauce, dish of cheese and pepperoni if they like and the child assembles it and then it is cooked and brought back to them. Very nice idea.

The deep dish pizza was ok. DH wasn’t overly keen – pastry tasted very buttery. We both preferred the deep dish at Giordanos we had in October.

There was also a deal on the receipt for $10 off your next visit.

Total $27.67 plus tip ($32)

 

[dixonsontour]

Snacks

Boardwalk bakery

We ended the evening with a stroll around the Disney boardwalk and a trip to international gateway at Epcot and back on a the boat. We sat outside the bakery and shared two cakes and a bottle of coke. I liked the taste best of the oreo one but the oreo ‘ears’ were soggy from being in the frosting.

Cost approx $13 - they would have been a snack credit each on the dining plan.



Total Day 2 $80.31

 

[dixonsontour]

All new Dining on a Budget May 2012 - Day 3



Breakfast

Cracker barrel, hwy 27, Davenport

We had only been to Cracker barrel once before when DD was a toddler. I’d seen some great photos of a breakfast in the run up to our holiday and it was definitely a case of i’m having one of those next week.

We went to the one on hwy 27 at Davenport – just up from junction 55 of the I4. This was 5 mins drive from Bahama bay resort. It was a Monday so not really busy. Food and service were great – our best breakfast of the week. We actually went back again later in the week. The pancakes were fabulous (better than Ihop)

Outside on the porch DD had fun trying out the rocking chairs and after we had eaten I had a good browse in the gift shop. Bought a reusable shopping bag for $1.99 and a box of pancake mix for $4.99.

All the staff were very friendly.

I had the mommas pancake breakfast which was bacon and eggs with 3 pancakes topped with fruit (cherries) and whipped cream. Really lovely and very good value at $7.49. DH had the same but with French toast and DD two pancakes. Plus coffee to drink and juice for DD.

$28.42 plus tip ($32.42)

Lunch

We spent the day at Legoland and were fine to take in a small coolbag with a few wraps, snacks and bottled water which we froze.

Dinner

Manny’s Chop House, Haines City, hwy 27

Manny’s was about 20 mins drive from Legoland and on the way back to our condo. I called ahead as we left the park and were seated on arrival. Is wasn’t overly busy – 5.30ish when we arrived.

It was a Monday so DD’s meal was free (kids eat free Monday and Tuesday no card needed) – you just pay for their drink. They also do early bird specials Mon to Thursday before 6pm.

I had the Manny’s sirloin off the early bird for $9.49. It came with salad, rolls with honey butter and a baked potato. I paid another 99 cents to have the spud fully loaded. It was a great steak and I really enjoyed it.

DH had the 24oz porterhouse for $21.99 with mash. Unfortunately it came out really rare not medium so he asked them to cook it a bit more which they did. I think he would stick to the sirloin he usually has in future.

DD had the steak on a skewer which was real steak pieces on a stick – she ate it all with fries.

Soda to drink for us all. $1.25 for DD and $2.15 for us with refills of course.

Total $40.68 plus tip ($46.68)

Snacks

It was a super hot day - 30 plus degrees. Despite taking water in we did buy 4 fountain soda’s over the day at Legoland at $2.49 plus tax each.

Total $10.66

Total Day 3 $89.76

 

[dixonsontour]

All New Dining on a Budget May 2012 Day 4



Breakfast

IHOP, 192 West Irlo Bronson hwy

We went to Ihop (International House of pancakes) for breakfast.

It was early maybe 7.15am so very quiet. Staff were very friendly. This is the one just before Sherbeth road so is handy to stop at before heading to Disney.

In October we went to the one on 192 near Celebration. Have been to various Ihops over the years and have never had a bad meal.

I had the Rooty Tooty fresh and fruity – eggs, bacon and pancakes with fruit topping and cream. Always my choice at Ihop. DH had something similar called pick a pancake combo with cinnamon pancakes. DD had small pancakes with sausage. Plus coffee for us and I think chocolate milk for DD.

I had a coupon for a free rooty tooty breakfast for joining the email club and they accepted it without a problem. Saved $9 so well worth doing. Coupon came through by email within 48 hours of sign up but only lasts for 7 or 14 days (sorry can’t remember which) The coupon was specific to that particular Ihop so you need to choose the one you will be visiting when you sign up.

The etiquette as I understand it is you tip on the full amount before the coupon is taken off so the server doesn’t lose out then they take the coupon off and you pay the lower bill.

Cost approx $23 inc tip



Lunch

We took a small coolbag into MK with a few wraps, snacks and frozen bottles of water. You are fine to take food into a Disney park. It is mainly for DD who prefers to eat little and often. She also would also often rather have a small ham sandwich and they aren’t found on any kids menus in the parks.

 

[dixonsontour]

Dinner



The Plaza, MK

We had never eaten here before but had fancied trying it. Luckily I managed to get an adr the week before we went for 6.20pm (we booked this trip last minute)

It was a good job we had an adr as they were turning walk ups away although the park and the plaza itself weren’t busy. We were given a pager and popped to the nearby rest room. There aren’t any in the Plaza and I knew DD would announce she needed to go as soon as the food came if not.

DH and I had the burgers and fries which came with cheese, onions and bacon if you wanted – cost $13.99 each. DD had a Mickey shaped sandwich and fries – they made this with ham not turkey for her. DD’s came with a soup, fruit or veg and she picked apple slices – they brought her a massive bowl of them.

I had a fantastic strawberry milkshake made with strawberry ice cream. They gave you it in a glass and the rest in the metal container they had made it – was enough for 3 glasses, cost $4.69. DH had coke and we paid extra for DD to have the light up Tinkerbell drink.

The kids light up drinks are $6.49 but the cup is reusauble and they last well – DD uses the cups at home. For boys think it is a cars themed one.

Food was very filling and tasty.

We were also seated with a fantastic view of the castle. As you will see from the castle picture it was getting overcast – well it suddenly started raining heavily like you only see in Florida. We took our time eating!

It was still raining so we ordered a sundae to share – we were pretty full by this point. Had chocolate and cookies & cream ice cream. DD’s kids meal came with a mickeylodeon – an icecream with 2 chocolate button ears – she picked mint ice cream. By the time we had finished the rain had stopped and as a bonus the park was really quiet.

Whilst dearer than offsite eating I didn’t think it was bad pricing for a prime location in the parks. It is only a few dollars more a person than QS. Would definitely eat here again.

Cost $69.39 inc tip



Snacks

We had 2 raspberry lemonade slushies from the little cafe near teacups in MK – says Cheshire cafe on the receipt. These were really refreshing in the heat and would have been a snack credit each on the dining plan. Will definitely have again.

Cost for two slushies $7.86

DD has a mickey premium ice cream bar from a stall near flying carpets in MK. Like a magum but Mickey shaped. Again would have been a snack credit on the dining plan.

Cost approx $4

Total snacks $11.86



Total Day 4 $104.25

 

[dixonsontour]

All New Dining on a budget May 2012 Day 5



Breakfast

We just ate in the condo this morning.



Lunch

Hardee’s, Lakeland

We stopped at Hardee’s enroute to Clearwater. This was just off the I4 at Lakeland.

DH’s request. He likes Hardee’s and there aren’t any in the main tourist areas of Orlando. The only one i know of is one down hwy 27 not far from Manny’s. They are a chain also known as Carl’s junior on the West Coast of USA.

You order at the counter then the food is brought to you. DH likes the patty melt – burger on sourdough.

I had a ‘$6 burger’, DH had a southwest patty melt ‘$6 burger’ with onion rings and DD who is a non burger eater kids chicken strips. DH’s meal came with a free oreo ice cream which DD had.

We all enjoyed it, especially DH.

Cost $19.12



Dinner

Village Inn, Westwood Blvd, just off I Drive near Seaworld

Village inn is one of our usuals for breakfast but had never been at night before. It is a diner chain – but the only one in the area is this location. Food has always been tasty and staff are friendly. They also accept the kids eat free card.

DD had the kids cheese quesadilla with fries and a soda. I had the grown up grilled cheese with fries which was excellent – think it was three different sorts of cheese and a strawberry lemonade which was lovely. DH had a burger and the dark roast coffee - which he says was exceptionally good.

We all enjoyed our mains. It was free pie Wednesday – you got a free slice of pie with a main course. DH and I shared the key lime and the coconut cream pie – they were very sweet but nice. DD got a slice of birthday cake pie to go.

We couldn’t use the kids eat free card in conjunction with the free pie but didn’t mind – the pie should have been $3.89 a slice.

Total $29.03 ($34.03 inc tip)



Snacks

We didn’t buy anything extra today – spent the day at Clearwater aquarium. I do always take a few snacks for DD as she prefers to eat regularly and frozen bottled water. I take things like goldfish crackers, little bags of apples, snack packs of oreos – all from Walmart.



Total Day 5 $53.15

 

[dixonsontour]

All new dining on a budget May 2012 Day 6



Breakfast

We had breakfast in the condo again.



Lunch

The coolbag came with us again to Epcot with a few wraps and snacks – no problem taking food and drinks into Disney parks. We took lots of frozen bottles of water with us aswell as it was really hot 30 plus degrees.

We did stop at sunshine seasons for two slices of cake and two cokes to share. I chose the strawberry shortcake and a chocolate mousse cake, both were lovely and would have been a snack credit each on the dining plan ($3.99 each) or a dessert on QS.

When we had finished eating a group of cast members came over and sang to us as we had our anniversary badges on. A fun touch. They were going around the eating area looking for people with badges on.

Cost $14.45



Dinner

TGI Fridays, 192 West Irlo Bronson hwy

We had a late meal here after a full day at Epcot. Was about 9pm ish. This was our worst meal of the week unfortunately.

We went as I’d been emailed a BOGOF coupon valid for a free main course which saved us $18.39. I’d previously signed up to TGI email club and they do send coupons from time to time.

DD had chicken strips and fries. I had steak with Cajun shrimp with vegetables. DH had jack daniels rib eye steak which came with cornbread and parmesan wedges. We all had coke to drink. I ordered mash but mine came with fries by mistake so they brought the mash separately after.

Food wasn’t horrible, just very average. Place felt a bit grubby aswell. Also they insisted on taking a photo of us at the table and trying to sell it to us which we refused – felt very touristy. Alot of Brits in though so maybe it is usually better?

Cost $34.85 ($42.50 inc tip)







Snacks

We planned on having a lot of snacks as we made our way around world showcase.

On my to do list was a jalapeño pretzel and an American dream slushie from the kiosk in front of the American pavilion (Fife and drum tavern). DD had some fries ($2.49) and a coke ($2.89) from inside the pavilion and we actually sat inside to eat as it was air conditioned. The pretzel and slushie would have been a snack credit each on the dining plan. DH had a pretzel aswell.

Enjoyed them both. The slushie was fun it was two different flavours of slush with soft serve ice cream in the middle.

Cost approx $20

DD had a crepe with chocolate sauce from the kiosk in France.

Cost $4.25

We stopped at the Haitian garden that was new for the garden festival. I had a frozen coconut rum punch cocktail for $7.74 and DH a Haitian coffee over ice.

Cost $10.50

We also had a large coke late afternoon as it was so hot.

Cost $3.08



Total snacks $37.83



Total Day 6 $94.78

 

[dixonsontour]

All new Dining on a Budget May 2012 Day 7



Breakfast

Cracker Barrel, hwy 27

After enjoying our breakfast here earlier in the week we went again on Friday. Excellent the second time aswell – good food, great price and friendly staff.

I had the mommas pancake breakfast again – with bacon, eggs and 3 pancakes with cinnamon apple topping and whipped cream. DH had Mommas French toast breakfast again and DD had one pancake with sausage and chocolate milk. We had coffee to drink – the server never let our cups go empty. She had a southern accent and her saying was can I warm your coffee.

Cost $28.70 ($32.70 inc tip)



Lunch

Cooke’s of Dublin, DTD



We had been at DTD for DD to have a makeover at Bibbidi bobbidi boutique. We shared one meal at Cooke’s of Dublin. We’d never been here before – it’s next to Raglan road. DH chose the battered sausages and chips as he and DD like those. They were $9.95. We also shared a coke $2.75 (free refills) and I got a ‘doh’ bar (deep fried snickers) $3.50. The meal would have been a QS on the dining plan but there was a sign saying the desserts on dining plan were just fruit, ice cream or trifle. The doh bar is a snack credit on the dining plan.

The food was cooked to order and tasty. They had lots of sauces including HP and dalkey sauce – mayo with wholegrain mustard. The sausage batter had wholegrain mustard in aswell.

Wasn’t impressed with the ‘doh’ bar but glad to have tried it.

Cost approx $17.50



Dinner

Friendly’s, International Drive

One of our usuals. Never had a bad meal here. It is a diner chain but the only one in the area is this one on I drive near the Econolodge.

We ate at 8.30pm on the Friday night. We sat at the same table as we sat in for breakfast in October.

DH chose the $9.99 deal and had bbq chicken melt sandwich with fries, coke with refills and an ice cream sundae. He asked for the spicy chicken.

I had the $11.99 deal which was the honey bbq chicken with fries and coleslaw, coke and an ice cream sundae. I chose blackcherry and peanut butter ice cream – you get to choose two scoops and a topping.

Friendly’s had sent a coupon for a free sundae for joining the email club but it was better to just get the deal and not use the coupon.

DD had a kids hot dog meal. They do two levels of kids meals at Friendly’s – the bigger ones would be good for older kids. DD wanted the dessert off the other menu so we paid a small surcharge – it was the make your own kids sundae.

 

[dixonsontour]

There was a man making ballons for tips. He was really nice and said he is there Friday and Saturday. Wasn’t pushy at all – we had to ask him to come over – made DD a very impressive parrot.

Friendly’s had also added some toys in one corner of the restaurant as a play area for toddlers who may get restless at the table which I thought was a nice touch.

If you go back within 3 days and show your receipt you save 10% and they give $5 off your next visit if you do their online survey.

Cost $30.53 ($35 inc tip)



Snacks

Goofy’s candy Co, DTD

DD got some pick and mix sweets from Goofy’s candy co at DTD .

Cost $ 5.24

We also got free samples at Ghiradelli's

Costco, nr Florida mall

We are costco members in UK so can go in costco in US. We usually pop in to see if there are any deals particularly on electrical items. We didn’t buy anything except a slice of pizza for DD and a soda!

Cost $2.75

Total snacks $7.99



Total Day 7 $93.19

 

[dixonsontour]

All new Dining on a Budget May 2012 Day 8



Breakfast

Perkins, junction I4/hwy 27

Our last day had arrived. We headed to the Perkins at junction 55 of the I4. We’ve eaten there several times before – food has always been good. The staff are older, been there years types and very friendly. There is another Perkins at crossroads we’ve been to aswell and one on I drive we haven’t tried.

I did have a 20% off coupon for joining the email club but it had expired the day before – was only valid 7 days. Even without a coupon Perkins is good value.

DD had the pancakes with rainbows sprinkles and juice. Kids also get a fresh baked cookie to take away with every meal. DH had an omelette special called three little pigs (ham, sausage and bacon) with breakfast potatoes and pancakes. I had my usual granny’s country omelette with hash browns and toast. We both had coffee to drink.

Food was nice but defeated DH – the side option with the omelette was toast, English muffin or pancakes – they gave him three huge ones.

DD took her parrot balloon from the night before and gave it away to a little girl with Mickey ears on as it couldn’t come on the plane with us.

Cost approx $33



Lunch

McDonalds, Sanford

After checking in at Sanford Airport we had a drive into Sanford for a bite to eat before getting on the plane. DD chose McDonalds. Wasn’t the best but DD liked it.

DD had a happy meal $3.59 (cheaper than the one near the condo – price must vary by location?), DH a 2 cheesburger meal and me a daily double meal.

Afterwards we noticed a Checkers – would have gone there if we had noticed it, nevermind

Cost $15.34



Dinner

On the plane – chicken same as the way out. Was ok.



Snacks

Didn’t buy any snacks today.



Total $48.34

 

[dixonsontour]

Conclusion

All good things come to an end. This was just a 7 night lastminute trip.

What did we spend?

1. $74
2. $80.31
3. $89.76
4. $104.25
5. $53.15
6. $94.78
7. $93.19
8. $48.34

Total $637.78 divided by 8 = $79.72 a day on eating out, snacks, drinks and tips for 2 (not skinny ) adults and a 6 yr old.

On top of that we did a Walmart shop for bottled water, breakfast items, snacks, beer (DH tends to have a few beers each night at the condo not out and about as he is driver) - say $50 or $6.25 a day.

Total daily spend on all food, drink, tips = $85.97

We could have come in cheaper eg Walmart do lots of easy options like pizza, cooked chicken etc and eaten in or alot dearer with more onsite eating/fancier restaurants. Great thing about Florida is that you will be fine no matter what your budget.

Our next trip is onsite in October 2012 with the dining plan - we've done two previous ddp trips 2009 and 2010 and are looking forward to it after two trips offsite.

Thanks for reading

 

[Cyrano]

Another great report

 

[bex7583]

omg u can go to costco

 

[dixonsontour]

Another great report

Thanks for reading

omg u can go to costco

Yes you can get in on your Uk membership card - it looks just the same. We usually pop in as it is near Florida mall. DH just likes to check if any electrical deals - we got an underwater camera one year and he sometimes gets memory cards.

 

[DISWolves]

A very helpful report, which I am sure will benefit many other travellers.
Until you have done a full blown trippie yourself, It is difficult to accept, all of the time and effort required in producing something as detailed as this
Thanks!

 

[dixonsontour]

A very helpful report, which I am sure will benefit many other travellers.
Until you have done a full blown trippie yourself, It is difficult to accept, all of the time and effort required in producing something as detailed as this
Thanks!

Thanks for reading. Looking forward to your trip report again this year

 

[irongirlof12]

More please, I am not known for sticking to a budget so your TR is most interesting and educational.

 

[WendiDarling]

Thank you!! We're getting ready to do a trip just like this next month and I loved reading all the detail. Thanks for your hard work putting this together!