Here We Go Again - Universal and Disney Dream October 2015 - COMPLETE 17 days

[dixonsontour]

Trip report October 2015

Intro

Who are we?

Me, Stephanie age 40. I live in Lancashire in the North of England. I first went to Florida with DH (or boyfriend as he then was) in July 1997. We have been to Florida and several other places in US clocking up around 25 USA trips to date. We used to go to Universal then did Disney when DD was younger and are now back to Universal trips.

DH, 41. He prefers not to have his photo on the forums or facebook. He is the driver (I’ve never driven in the US – the thought of an automatic car and wrong side of the road freaks me out) He goes along with what makes us happy. He enjoys the food and shopping for electrical items which are cheaper or not yet available in UK.

DD, Anna age 9. Lover of all things harry potter. Loves Disney channel shows. Strong preference now to do Universal not Disney parks ‘they have more of the things I like’. You will see from my photos DD was born without her left hand. She doesn’t let it stop her and can do most things in her own way.

October 2014 we had a week onsite at Universal Cabana bay. We had a great time.

Link to my trip report.http://www.disboards.com/threads/sh...october-2014-universal-food-complete.3418576/

October 2015 we had a reservation for Disney onsite with free ddp (booked May 2014 – the UK free dining offer comes out very early) I’d also booked our first disney cruise to celebrate my 40th birthday. Long story short DD wanted Universal not Disney. We have done six just Disney trips when DD was younger. It also made financial sense as Universal was a cheaper option. So April 2015 we switched to 10 nights at cabana bay, 2 nights at Vero beach and the cruise.

I’ve had a breathing condition called idiopathic tracheal stenosis (narrow airway) since I had DD. Over the years this has been managed by stretching my airway with dilations. I was getting worse and needing surgery under general anaesthetic every 3 months.

In January 2015 I was referred to a consultant in London who is doing pioneering surgery. Long story short I was suitable and in May 2015 he built me a new bit of airway using my rib cartridge and a thigh graft. I was in hospital 18 nights, 200 miles from home. I couldn’t eat and had to have a tracheostomy to breathe. I had further tidy up surgery in June but am now still breathing well 7 months later.

Holiday planning kept me going but for a while it was touch and go whether we would make Florida in 2015. I had 3 months off work unpaid and I needed to ensure travel insurance would cover me.

DH worked so hard doing extra work and sorting DD to school/all her activities and kept home life running whilst I was out of action.

I got the travel insurance I needed for only £75 on top of our annual worldwide policy through our bank so we could go.

We always go October as DD gets 2 weeks off school. The weather suits us, it is hot for us and little rain and we have always found the crowds manageable.

Flights were booked December 2014 – direct out with Virgin and back via Atlanta with Delta and Virgin. Booked with opodo ( I use syscanner to find flights)

10 nights onsite at Cabana bay standard room booked with Amoma.com

3 UK universal 14 day tickets (2 adult and 1child) booked with floridatix when they had a sale on

Legoland tickets – free

2 nights Disney’s Vero beach booked with hotels.com

4 nights Disney dream cruise to Bahamas booked direct with disney cruise line

Gold car hire package with USrentacar

We had ESTA from 2014 trip

 

[dixonsontour]

Trip report day 1 travel day

Wednesday 14th October 2015



Up early (DD had ended up in bed with us at some point in the night).



The weather was looking good

We had bacon and sausage butties at home then finished packing the last bits and bobs.



We left home at 8.30am and were glad we had as there has been a crash on the bypass roundabout slowing traffic down.

DH had a quick pit stop at Bury B and Q to pick up a 4 way extension lead (the one from the holiday box had gone awol and we find one very useful).

We had done the meteor meet and greet parking again as it convenient. I called them when we were near the airport and we met them and handed the car over at T2 departures at 10.10am.

We were checked in by 10.15am, no queues. We were flying Virgin direct this year from Manchester to MCO on the 2nd flight of the day 1.45pm.

By 10.30 we were through security. Fantastic, never been easier at airport.

Airport was very quiet, you can see on the board there was a big gap with no flights from terminal 2.

We had a good look and spend in duty free. I got some clinique stuff and the free gift, DD got a swatch watch.

We got DD a just ham sandwich from Boots for the plane, just a minor panic when the first Boots didn’t have any but the other did.

We boarded on time and were seated in a row of 3 next to the galley.

The food was just ok. DD was unimpressed with her kids meal nuggets.

DH got the short straw and had an inconsiderate seat recliner for the duration of the flight in front of him – cabin crew repeatedly had to tell her to put her seat up as they were serving food.

I watched far from the madding crowd, DD Cinderella and Inside out and DH San Andreas.

When we landed they said to go quickly to immigration as 2 other big planes had landed. We walked very fast and were one of the first in line.

I did have a teary moment in the line which isn’t like me. I had major surgery in London in May to reconstruct my airway (using part of my thigh and rib!) I wouldn’t have been able to walk quickly before my surgery. It was also a ‘I’m really here’ moment, the thought of the holiday had kept me going for so long but at times was uncertain whether we would make it due to me having 3 months off work unpaid and whether I would get travel insurance.

We were directed to the machines as we had been last year. DD’s flagged up less than 6 months to go but it didn’t cause any issues and DH got a big black cross??.

We were directed to an officer and he finished off the process, DH had to do his photo and fingerprint again. The machine had printed 2 slips of paper but there were 3 of us so he wrote 3 on one and circled it.

We got the cases without a wait and went to customs. Customs didn’t like the fact we only had 2 slips of paper and said it was wrong. Luckily I recalled the immigrations man’s name and so the customs man went to speak to him. He came back about 10 mins later sheepishly and said immigration were right he was wrong.

We dropped luggage and monorailed to the terminal.

The biggest hassle was car hire. DH has Alamo vip club membership and we had booked through US rentacar like usual. Normally he can link reservation online and just go to the garage but it wouldn’t let him do it online so we got in the line for the desk which was long. When we got to the desk they couldn’t help us and sent us to the garage as he was a vip. They said no matter what go to the garage in future. Luckily we were quick in the garage.

DH had chosen a convertible. We had one in 2013 but didn’t have the luggage to deal with as we hired from Disney car care centre. Long story short there was no way we would fit so they said to choose a luxury car. This would have been more expensive to hire so nothing lost and DH was happy as it had all mod cons.

You can imagine the scenes trying to fit the luggage in the convertible car though all shattered from the 9 hour flight!!

After a small detour through an employee car park (DH followed the car in front through) we left the airport and took 528 toll road to Cabana bay beach resort. Paid 2 tolls $1.25 and $1.

Sat nav decided to give up but we were ok navigating in. Went past the Orlando eye which looked lovely all lit up pink.

We checked in about 8.30pm. Man on desk was very welcoming. We had asked for Americana upper floor like last time and got Continental floor 7. Resort was pretty much full, it was noticeably a lot busier than same time last year.

We dropped luggage off then headed out to Village inn at 9.30pm ish. This is about 5 mins drive from the hotel.

DD was tired and a bit upset. It turned out she didn’t like the room as it was the other way round from last year! She soon came round but we did laugh.

It was quiet in the Village Inn. We drank lots, dehydrated from the flight. Food was good and DD enjoyed her free slice of Nutella pie as it was a Wednesday and they have an offer with free pie with every meal purchased. Nutella seemed to be everywhere this holiday which pleased DD.

We were back at hotel and in bed for 11pm (4am UK time)

 

[J'aime Paris]

Looking forward to reading. I read your Oct 2014 trip report, and it was terrific!
You and your DD are so sweet in your pictures together!

 

[dixonsontour]

Thank you for reading glad you enjoyed last years report.

Me and dd are currently enroute to Disneyland Paris for new year should hopefully post next day early in new year.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Yay! I'm in!

So happy to hear that you've come through your health struggles with such great success. Here's to many more years of good health for you .

I know I've said it before, but your DD is just a cutie patootie. I can see her growing up, though, from trip report to trip report .

We are going to HAVE to make the Village Inn a stop on one of our next trips. Your pie pictures get me every time.

 

[J'aime Paris]

Thank you for reading glad you enjoyed last years report.

Me and dd are currently enroute to Disneyland Paris for new year should hopefully post next day early in new year.

Going to my favorite city "du monde"!!
Have a fantastic trip and Bonne Annee!!

 

[schumigirl]

Catching up.........nice start....gotta love those VA planes.........and your daughter has such a twinkle in her eyes.......

We haven't been to Village in for a few years now, but it's always good.......never disappoints......enjoy DLP......we actually like it there despite some folks opinions on it........even us non Disney fans love their version of Space Mountain.........

Looking forward to your updates.........

 

[dixonsontour]

Food Report - Day 1 Travel day

Breakfast

We ate at home as we were on the later 1.45pm flight from Manchester airport.



Airport

2 coffees and a pain au chocolat

2 £1 just ham sandwiches from Boots for DD on the plane (small panic when first Boots didn’t have them but second one did)

Lunch

We were flying with Virgin. I chose the curry which was actually nice, I ignored the green stuff. DH had the pulled beef. DD hated her kids meal, was chicken in breadcrumbs with mushy peas.

Later they served a mini fab lolly.

Before landing we had wraps, I had cheese, DH chicken. Plus ‘plane’ crisps and mini millionaires shortbread.

Snacks were needed

Dinner

Village Inn Westwood Boulevard

One of or usuals. Not fancy just a diner but we always enjoy the food.

I had my usual grown up grilled cheese and fries which I enjoyed.

DH had a burger on sour dough bread and fries .

DD had a kids meal, pancakes with fries?!

We had soda to drink

It was Wednesday so we got a free slice of pie per person for dessert. DD and DH really enjoyed the Nutella cream pie special and I had cherry pie.

We will definitely eat here again, always hits the spot when you are tired and just want a quick cheap meal.

The do accept the kids eat free card and usually send a coupon for $5 off for joining the email club but you can’t use these plus the free pie promotion.

We left a tip on the full amount at the table then paid at the register. After the pie was removed total was

$32 plus tip

(receipt shows price before pie removed)

 

[dixonsontour]

Trip report day 2

Thursday 15th October 2015

Universal Studios and Altamonte mall

Beds are very comfy. I slept like a log. We woke up and initially thought it was 7.37 am (approx time we get up in UK) but luckily we looked at the clock in the room and realised that device was still on UK time and it was actually 2.37am.

(one of our first Florida trips I thought it was 9am we got up and showered etc then opened curtains and realised it was pitch black 3am-I’d read watch upside down, never lived it down!)

We did manage to sleep some more and woke just before 5am which isn’t bad for the first day with jet lag.

I unpacked. We took the bus from the resort, the buses were great again this year. No wait, we always got a seat and takes 5 mins. The bus drops you at Citywalk. You go up the escalator and are at bag check where the moving walkways are. They didn’t play the 50s and 60s music on the bus like last year though.

We arrived at the park at 7.20am. Universal studios was open from 7am for onsite guests.

I did quickly stop at guest services window just outside the turnstiles to change the email printout I had for the 3 quick service dining deals and golf and dine deals I’d bought off the Universal website. For the dining deal they give you a plastic card each and for golf and dine paper tickets for the golf part and paper tickets for the meal part.

After this we headed straight in. You go through the turnstile then show your room key to access the park for early entry.

Despicable me was open with a 5 minute wait so we went on and enjoyed this ride again.

We then walked over to Diagon alley. I bumped into another forum member ‘Chmurf’ en route and said hello (we had met in 2012 at a forum meet up)

Even though we had seen it last year it is still a wow as you enter Diagon alley.

Gringotts wasn’t working so we looked around then got in line for Leaky Cauldron which opened at regular park opening at 8am.

I’d bought 3 of the quick service deals. You can just buy it from the cashier too but I like to prepay as much as I can in advance. DH and me had the adult one $19.99 each and DD who is 9 a child’s at $12.99.

These are only worth getting if you are eating at one of the harry potter restaurants with the dearer meals.

Our breakfast was $15.99 including a drink and DD’s $12.99. So she got a $5 snack and an extra drink for ‘free’ and we got a snack and drink each for $4 each. So not massive savings probably saved $20 overall but better than nothing. The snack and drink stay on the cards for up to 14 days they definitely do not need to be used same day.

We enjoyed the food and the staff were friendly and helpful. We did spend quite a bit of time soaking up the atmosphere. The only downside was there are no toilets in the restaurant, ended up having to walk with DD to the toilets in Diagon alley.



DD had brought her interactive wand from last year and did some spells which she enjoyed again.

We spent some time looking in the shops which we hadn’t done before and DD changed some of her spending money in Gringotts bank, somewhere we hadn’t been before either.

We watched a show as well

We had a look around some of the shops

We eventually headed out of Diagon alley and over towards the Simpsons. En route we filled the minion with soda for $1.06. We bought him last trip for $15.99 and he had come back with us, they still sell the same cup so no problem refilling him.

We all had a go on twirl and hurl as there was no line and a browse in kwik e mart. DD and Dh shared a big pink donut which was a hit again. I’m not a donut fan.

We stopped for pictures at various points

We then decided to head back to the resort.

We stopped at guest service inside the park first and upgraded our three 14 day uk tickets bought from floridatix to 2 power annual passes and 1 preferred annual pass. Cost $250 or £165.

We went for 1 preferred as it gives free parking at Universal and we weren’t sure if we would stay offsite in 2016. The preferred also gave 10% discount in most shops and restaurants. To just upgrade to 3 power aps would have been $150 or £100.

Three 14 day UK adult tickets for 2016 cost £400 ($600) so well worth getting the Annual Passes for our May 2016 trip.

I’d also prepaid a photo connect card before the price increase and the amount I’d paid for the 14 day one was the same as the annual pass one. I asked and they swapped it to the annual pass one. It did take a bit of time but eventually it was sorted.

We headed to Citywalk and DD wanted a hair wrap doing like last year. Same girl on the stall did it again and remembered DD. It cost $46 inc 10% AP discount. It is charged by the inch and DD has long hair.

We sat on a bench whilst she had her hair done and just appreciated being there in the sun. The sky was blue not a cloud in sight. I did put a photo on facebook for my friends in rainy cold England!

 

[dixonsontour]

We ate lunch at breadbox which was nice, DD had her second Nutella fix of the trip with a Nutella milkshake she loved.

We got the bus back to Cabana bay which was so convenient, there was a bus waiting. We got 3 refill mugs for our stay at $17.99 each, chose the Halloween designs as we still have last years normal ones. Then headed to the lazy river pool. We had brought two rings which they inflated for no charge.

After a couple of hours at the pool we decided to head to Altamonte mall.

Traffic was busy. When we arrived we were hungry and headed to Bahama breeze first. It was happy hour, we over ordered but had a lovely meal and will definitely go again.

It was our first time at Altamonte mall. Nice mall and not busy on the Thursday evening. DD did some shopping, went to Hollister, Justice which she loved and Build a Bear (Rosy got some new pyjamas). The Hollister hoodie had a tag on $40 or £40 ($60) UK price.

DD looking like she was in the Disney Channel show Liv and Maddie.

We also stopped at best buy for DH and 7/11 for a soda, DH went in and bought a huge Halloween sized cup (bucket!).

It only took 18 mins back down the I4 to Cabana bay, will definitely go to Altamonte mall again.

In bed for 9pm (2am UK time) For the first few days we are always up early and early to bed.



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Composed/Posted with WYSIWYG BBCode Editor

 

[dixonsontour]

Dining October 2015

Day 2 Universal



Breakfast

Leaky Cauldron Universal Studios

I’d bought 3 of the dining deals from the Universal website. I took the printout to guest services and swapped them for 3 cards. You can just buy at the restaurants too. For adults they were $19.99 plus tax and DD’s (9 and under) was $12.99 plus tax.

I had the engligh breakfast $15.99, DH had an American breakfast, DD had the kids pancake breakfast $12.99. We had coffee to drink and DD pumpkin juice (yuck)

It was the same idea as be our guest. We ordered paid and someone seated us. Then the food was brought to us. It was tasty and better than we were expecting. It was fun eating in the leaky cauldron, theming is great.

The 3 all day dining deals covered this plus we had a snack worth up to $5 left on each card and another drink each. These didn’t have to be used same day so we used them over the week we were there.

The all day dining is worth getting if you are eating at one of the harry potter restaurants as the entrees are more expensive.



Snack

DD used her snack for a big pink donut which she shared with DH. They enjoyed it again this year. They are $4.99 plus tax.

Some sweets in weazly wizarding wheezes

We didn’t buy today but should have as the skiving snack box ($40) DD wanted was sold out for the rest of our trip.



Lunch

Breadbox citywalk

Our first time here. We ordered at the counter, found a seat and the food was delivered to us.

It was nice and bright and clean inside.

DD and I shared a grilled cheese and fries, no peppers

DH had a patty melt

DD had a Nutella milkshake she loved

We just had water to drink

It was all nice and I would eat here again but not a must do.



Total $25.53

(We had upgraded our 14 day tickets to annual passes today including 1 preferred annual pass which saves 10% on most dining but I forgot to use the new AP!)

 

[dixonsontour]

Cabana bay beach Resort

We got 3 refill mugs for $17.99 plus tax each (saved another 10% with preferred AP)

These are the same as the Disney resort mugs you can use them at the resort for coffee, hot choc, soda and ices (slushies) They have coca cola freestyle machine in the diner and normal soda machines at both pool bars. They are slightly cheaper if you only need 3 days or less.

They had Halloween designs this year so we got those.

$53.97



Dinner

Bahama Breeze, Altamonte Mall

We have eaten at a few Bahama breezes but not for a few years. Always enjoyed the food and atmosphere.

Weekdays at some bahama breeze locations they have happy hour 4-6pm with half price appetisers and drink specials. This isn’t on at all locations– I drive doesn’t but lake Buena vista and Kissimmee are showing as participating, details on the website.

We opted to share some appetisers and DD had a mac and cheese kids meal. DH doesn’t do seafood and I wanted the lobster quesadilla and coconut shrimp so we definitely over ordered, 5 appetisers to share. I had an ultimate pina colada which was good and only $4, DH had Jamaican coffee he enjoyed. DD had soda.

Total was $38 plus tip

Great meal, will definitely be back again but order less.

Drink

7/11

DH popped into a 7-11 for a big gulp and came out with a bucket of soda for $2.99. Refills were $1.49.

 

[dixonsontour]

Trip Report day 3

Friday 16th October 2015

Legoland

We woke at 4.30am but managed to go back to sleep until 6.30am

We got come coffee in our refill mugs and DH picked up a pirate Hawaiian shirt he had ordered for the cruise from guest services. They were really helpful with parcels delivered and no charge. DH ended up having a few more things delivered from Amazon during our stay.

We stopped half way to Legoland and ate at 8am Nikkos egg city on highway 27 at Haines City. Massive portions and a retro diner look.

We had some time to spare as Legoland didn’t open until 10am so stopped at Walmart near Legoland for snacks and drinks for the park and a bit of a browse.

We parked at Legoland and headed in, was very quiet. Went on the new Chimera ride first all together then just DD, DD got very wet including her feet.

We had been to Legoland in Florida a couple of times before when DD was 5 and 6. We went this time as we had the free tickets but she had definitely aged out of most of the rides at 9. It is billed as age 3-12. We won’t go again. It is also a long drive about 50 minutes from Cabana bay.

We did enjoy some things like the wooden coaster and looking at all the lego models. I also like the pirate waterski show. The cypress gardens didn’t seem as well maintained this time. DD also did some lego mini figure trading. I also bought some ice cube trays in the shape of lego bricks and mini figures.

The last ride we went on was the new lego friends one which was wilder than it looked.

 

[dixonsontour]

DH was grumpy,with good reason he says, and DD ended the day in just socks as her shoes that got wet earlier were rubbing.

We called it a day mid afternoon and stopped at Walmart again for some new trainers and socks for DD. DH likes nasty bright trainers and DD chose some similar known as her ‘nasties’.

We headed up to Mannys chophouse on highway 27 on the way back to Cabana bay which opens at 4pm. We got in line about 10 minutes before 4 and were seated when it opened no delay. Busy as usual.

We were back at Cabana bay for 6pm and had an hour in the pool from 7-8pm. They were showing the original mummy film at the lazy river pool but swapped it part way through for harry potter as someone had complained. DD was happy.

We had some hot chocolate in our refill mugs and early to bed again.

 

[dixonsontour]

Dining day 3 Legoland

Friday 16th October 2015

We refilled the mugs at the resort, coffee for us with vanilla creamer I love and hot chocolate for DD

Breakfast

Nikko's egg city, hwy 27 Haines City

Our first time here. It is next to Mannys chop house and is owned by his son. We stopped as it was enroute to Legoland.

It was nice inside like a retro diner theme and all locals. Staff were friendly.

Portions were massive.

I had a veggie 4 egg omelette with homefries, DH a meat 4 egg omelette with homefries and DD a pancake. We had juice and coffee to drink and DD choc milk. DD also had bacon and sausage as sides.

We would go again if were down that way.

$30.79 plus tip

Random Walmart pictures from Walmart near Legoland

We were too early for 10am opening at Legoland so popped into Walmart for some snacks and drinks for the park.

Legoland

We bought 2 drinks Gatorade $3 plus tax each

Dinner

Mannys, Haines City

 

[dixonsontour]

I know Mannys is like marmite but we’ve always had decent meals here over the years.

We stopped on our way back up from Legoland. We got there before opening at 4pm and joined the queue. We were seated as soon as they opened.

As it was a Friday there were no happy hour food deals on. Kids eat free is Monday and Tuesday. BOGOF fajitas is Wednesday.

We both had the 14oz super top sirloin, me with a loaded baked potato and DH paid extra for mac and cheese. DD had kids steak but we shared some of ours with her as she loves steak. We all had soda to drink.

Food was good and includes rolls with honey butter and salad.

For dessert I had a coupon from the email club for a free sundae so we shared that.

Fun atmosphere and good value.

$53.85 plus tip

 

[schumigirl]

Fantastic updates!!! Enjoyed reading them.......must add the Bread Box to try, never been there before......looks quite good though......

Gotta love the UK section in Wal-Mart......something quite funny seeing digestive biscuits in the aisles......never buy anything though......so many other nice options to have!!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Great pics! I have always wanted to do a hair wrap, but wondered how much it would cost. Now I know .

 

[dixonsontour]

Yay! I'm in!

So happy to hear that you've come through your health struggles with such great success. Here's to many more years of good health for you .

I know I've said it before, but your DD is just a cutie patootie. I can see her growing up, though, from trip report to trip report .

We are going to HAVE to make the Village Inn a stop on one of our next trips. Your pie pictures get me every time.

Thanks for stopping by.

I think you'd enjoy village inn. It's just by Seaworld on Westwood Boulevard. Wednesday is free pie day

 

[dixonsontour]

Going to my favorite city "du monde"!!
Have a fantastic trip and Bonne Annee!!

Thank you

Catching up.........nice start....gotta love those VA planes.........and your daughter has such a twinkle in her eyes.......

We haven't been to Village in for a few years now, but it's always good.......never disappoints......enjoy DLP......we actually like it there despite some folks opinions on it........even us non Disney fans love their version of Space Mountain.........

Looking forward to your updates.........

Thanks for reading and posting. We enjoyed Disneyland Paris managed 15 hours in the parks on New years eve.