Staying with Universal Just Got Tastier - How Would You Spend a $1,000 Dining Card?

 

Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel comes with

exclusive theme park benefits, and now

it comes with a whole lot of food for your crew

when you book this tasty vacation package.

There’s so much to do at Universal Orlando. From the thrills of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the chills of Universal Volcano Bay.

But did you know there’s also so much to EAT at Universal as well?  From fast food to sumptuous dining and everything in between!

And now, Guests can receive up to a $1,000 dining card with select vacation packages!(Restrictions apply, see below.)

Starting today and running for a limited time, Universal Orlando's new dining offer will be good for most nights November 7, 2024 through April 10, 2025.

From Universal CityWalk to in-park dining options to the incredible offerings at the restaurants at all of the hotels, Universal is known its for food and drinks.  This offer gives you the perfect opportunity to explore all that is new in the Parks while embracing the many amazing dining options around property.

In order to be eligible for this new Universal Orlando Dining Card offer, you must book a vacation package of 4 nights or more, including 4- or 5-day promotional theme park tickets.

Please note, this promotion applies to standard room types only, plus the 2-bedroom suites at Endless Summer Resort and Family Suites at Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

The value of your Dining Card will vary, depending on length of stay and which hotel you stay at.

Maximum value of the dining card is $1000 (when staying 5 nights or more at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, or Loews Royal Pacific Resort).

The Dining Card can be used at locations around both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure theme parks, as well as Universal Volcano Bay, Universal CityWalk, and all Universal Orlando hotels. (*Important note – the Dining Card must be used to pay for food and beverage in person. It cannot be used for mobile food and beverage orders or hotel room service.)

Ready to book this incredible Dining Offer from Universal Orlando Resort?  Message me on my social media platforms, email me, or get a free quote online.

So many new adventures coming to Universal in the future; it is quickly becoming one of my newest favorite places in Central Florida!  I can't wait to eat all the things!

FOR FOOD & BEVERAGE PURCHASES ONLY. SAFEGUARD THIS CARD LIKE CASH.

This Universal Orlando Resort Food & Beverage Card is not valid for use until activated. This Card can only be used for purchases at select Food and Beverage locations throughout Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park, Universal CityWalk, and Universal Orlando Hotels. This Card cannot be used for mobile food and beverage orders (MFDO), Hotel room service/pizza delivery orders, or for online purchases at UniversalOrlando.com. No expiration date or additional fees apply. This Card cannot be used to purchase Gift Cards, Tickets, Universal Express Passes, Merchandise, or any other benefits. Unless required by law, this Card is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be returned or refunded. Will not be replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed. Universal Orlando is not responsible for unauthorized use of this Card. Participating locations and benefits are subject to change without notice and additional restrictions may apply. This Card is issued by Universal City Development Partners, Ltd. (“Universal Orlando”). Use of this Card constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions, which are subject to change. For balance inquiry, call 1-888-322-1565. © 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Disney and Walmart Team Up for Your Holiday Feastings!

 

How fun!

Walmart has released a few new items for our kitchens this holiday season.  Two appliances - an Olaf waffle maker and a Mickey Mouse Instapot - are now available for purchase.

The Mickey Mouse Instapot comes in three colors - Black, red, and white.  The Olaf waffle maker cooks Olaf waffles in sections so you can pose him however you want on your plate!

Disney has always been gracious lending out their characters for kitchen appliances.  In the past, we have seen Mickey Mouse toasters, waffle makers, and pancake molds.  Now, with the addition of Frozen characters to appliances, we can have a well-rounded and MAGICAL dining experience!

Here are some product details.  Olaf Waffle Maker:

• Bakes Olaf the Snowman waffle pieces
• Illuminated power and ready light
• Easy clean non-stick baking plates

Mickey Mouse Instapot:

• Instant Pot Duo 6-qt.

Happy shopping, cooking, and dining!

*There may be affliate links in this post.  Any purchase you make through these links allows our partners to kindly support this website in a small way.  Thank you!

Walt Disney World Resort Planning - Dining

 

Heading to the Walt Disney Resort this Fall?  Here is a list of dining locations that are currently opening.  Most of the locations still require reservations, but your chances of getting a walk-up reservation are now greater with the lower attendance crowds Disney is implementing.

Also, another handy tip -- keep that phone handy!  The My Disney Experience ("MDE") has now added dining!  You can click on the restaurant you are interested in dining at, and MDE will show you the wait times and if there is availability.

This is so great!  No more walking to the restaurant and having to ask.  Very helpful in saving valuable time in the theme parks now that the hours have been shortened.

Need more help planning your trip?  Message or e-mail me at debbie@dreamsbydesigntravel.com.

* * * * *

*Orignal post credited to Living by Disney

Table Service Restaurants Open Now:

Magic Kingdom

1. Be Our Guest
2. The Plaza Restaurant
3. Liberty Tree Tavern
4. Skipper Canteen
5. Tony's Town Square Restaurant

Animal Kingdom

1. Yak & Yeti
2. Tiffins
3. Rainforest Cafe
4. Satuli Canteen, technically a counter service option, has a large seating area making it a great option with no reservations needed

Hollywood Studios

1. 50's Primetime Cafe
2. Sci-Fi Dine In
3. Hollywood Brown Derby
4. Mama Melrose's
5. Oga's Cantina

Epcot

1. Garden Grill
2. Via Napoli
3. Le Cellier
4. Rose & Crown
5. Teppen Edo
6. Beirgarten
7. Coral Reef
8. San Angel Inn

Resorts

1. California Grill
2. Whispering Canyon Cafe
3. Grand Floridian Cafe
4. Sanaa
5. Beaches and Cream
6. Kona Cafe
7. Trattoria al Forno (no character meals)
8. Chef Mickey's (no character meals)
9. Ale & Compass
10. The Wave
11. Olivia's Cafe
12. Topolino's Terrace (modified character breakfast)

Disney Springs

1. The Boathouse
2. Homecomin'
3. House of Blues
4. Raglan Road
5. Morimoto Asia
6. Wine Bar George
7. City Works Pourhouse
8. The Edison
9. Frontera Cocina
10. Jaleo
11. Maria & Enzo's
12. Terralina Italian
13. Paddlefish
14. Paradiso 37
15. Planet Hollywood
16. Splitsville
17. STK Orlando
18. T-Rex Cafe
19. Wolfgang Puck

*Note:  Hollywood and Vine doing a special Halloween-themed, modified character meal beginning 9/25; Cinderella's Royal Table will begin breakfast (no characters) on 9/24.  Both can be booked beginning 9/11.

Gaston's Tavern now open; ABC Commissary will open for lunch starting 10/8

Texas Roadhouse - Black Friday Deal!

Do you love Texas Roadhouse like my family does?  Here is their Black Friday deal:

"Come to Texas Roadhouse on Black Friday, Nov. 24, to take advantage of this special offer: Purchase $100 in gift cards from 8am - 2pm and receive a $30 off voucher. We look forward to seeing you here!" Happy eating!

IHOP - **FREE** Scary Face Pancake!

True to years past, IHOP restaurants will be offering kids a **FREE** scary face pancake when they come in on Halloween night.

Scary Face pancakes are **FREE** for kids 12 and under from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., so dress up your babies and head out for some free breakfast food!

Earl of Sandwich - Earn 2X the Points - This Week Only!

One of my most favorite places to eat at Walt Disney World's Disney Springs is Earl of Sandwhich.  I was so excited when I found out they had a loyalty club.

If you are a current loyalty club member, and heading to an Earl of Sandwich this month, check out this deal - you can earn double points through October 31st!

Happy eating my friends!


*Double points will automatically be added to your account; offer valid for current members only.

IKEA Celebrates National Meatball Day on Thursday, March 9!

Well-known for its savory Swedish meatballs, IKEA will be celebrating National Meatball Day (March 9^th) with special restaurant offers, in-store activities, and more.

Here are some of the offers and activities your local IKEA store will be having (offers good on Thursday, March 9th only):

• $5 Off Coupon
• Visit IKEA-USA.com/food on March 9, 2017 for a $5 off coupon valid on a purchase of $25 or more in the Swedish Food Market.
  
• IKEA Restaurant Offers
• Celebrating with a friend?  We’ve got the deal for you!  Buy one, get one free Meatball plate – with your choice of Swedish, chicken, or vegetable balls – starting at $4.49.
  
• Put a southern twist on breakfast with Chicken & Waffles (two chicken meatballs over a waffle with jam) for just $1!
  
• Swedish Food Market Offer
  
• Pick-up the essentials for Sweden’s No. 1 dish – frozen meatballs, cream sauce, and lingonberry jam – for just $9.99!
  
• In-Store Activities
  
• For one-day only, guess how many IKEA meatballs are in a jar for a chance to win four tickets to the annual Påskbord event, a Swedish Easter feast that features a variety of dishes including meatballs with mashed potatoes, smoked salmon, ham and more.
  
• Keep the kids entertained with a Småland coloring page at the complimentary coloring station set up in the IKEA Restaurant.
  
• Not sure if you prefer Swedish, chicken or veggie balls?  No problem!  All IKEA stores will be offering samplings of all three in the showroom and Swedish Food Market.

RECIPES

For those looking to take their National Meatball Day celebration home, IKEA has a few recipes below that they’d highly recommend:

• Party meatballs
• Chicken meatball skewers
• Chicken meatballs with vegetable medallion
• Veggie ball avocado wrap
• Veggie balls with tomatoes and spinach

For additional recipe ideas and inspiration, visit IKEA-USA.com/food or look for recipe cards in your IKEA store.  You can also check out the IKEA book “Food’s Ready.”

HISTORY

IKEA has offered the traditional Swedish (beef/pork) meatball since coming to the U.S. 31 years ago, making them one of longest running items available at IKEA in the U.S.  However, the IKEA Food division has been rolling out new, high-quality, healthy food products to expand its offerings and meet the preferences of the many people.  IKEA now offers chicken (KYCKLINGKÖTTBULLA) and veggie (GRÖNSAKSBULLAR) balls - in addition to the Swedish (KÖTTBULLAR) meatballs - giving customers more healthy and sustainable food options.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Globally, IKEA sells more than one billion meatballs per year (which is equal to 2.9 million per day).
• In the U.S., IKEA serves more than 56 million meatballs in the restaurant alone.

Target - Big Game Savings on Calphalon and Other Kitchen, Dining, & Entertainment Items!

Next up from Target!

• Prep for the big game!  Save up to 20% on kitchen & dining.  20% off crock pots, 15% off Calphalon, 20% off entertaining and serve items.  Valid 1/29-2/4

Let's get to cooking people!



*Affiliate Disclosure:  I am grateful to bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases, I will receive a referral commission.  Your support in purchasing through these links enables me to keep my blog publishing with less worry and less hassle. Thank you!

Chili's - **FREE** Kids Meal!

Print, color, and bring this elf to your local Chili's tonight from 5 - 9 p.m to get a **FREE** kids meal (when you purchase one adult meal)!

Enjoy!

Cheesecake Factory - Two Free Slices!!

I love this Black Friday/Thanksgiving **freebie** deal from The Cheesecake Factory.  First of all, you know they aren't cheap and second of all, they don't give anything away for free.  Even on National Cheesecake Day!

So...here's the deal:

• Buy a $25 gift card between November 25 and November 28, and you will get two **FREE** slices of cheesecake!!!

Remember, this deal is only good when you purchase the gift card between the dates listed above, and the free slices can be redeemed starting on January 1 and going through March 31.  If you don't see the free slices added automatically to your cart, make sure you are adhering the rules set above.

How excited are you for this deal?  I am definitely doing this gift card deal!  I love their Godiva slices!

*Thanks to Southern Savers for the information!

Target - 30% off Dining and Entertaining and Other Outdoor and Living Sales!

Target is going to be running some fun outdoor and living sales.  Here is a quick run down.  Enjoy and happy shopping!

• 30% off dining and entertaining - July 24 - July 30
• 20% off bedding, bath, and decor - July 24 - July 30
• Vacuum sale - July 24 - July 30
• $50 off Dyson fans - July 24 - July 30
• Kitchen brands sale - July 24 - July 30
• 40% off patio furniture, including sale and clearance items - July 24 - 30

*This post contains an affiliate link, which means that I may earn a commission if you click on the link or make a purchase using the link.  When you make a purchase, the price you pay will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. By using affiliate links, you are helping to support our website in a small way.  We appreciate your support!

Aliño Pizzeria Coming Soon to Mall of Georgia!

Hungry shoppers will soon enjoy even more menu offerings to get their flavor fix at Mall of Georgia.  

Management is thrilled to announce the upcoming addition of Aliño Pizzeria, a true Napoletana pizzeria with techniques and ingredients pulled from the best of Italy.

Set to open in August in an approximately 6,209 square foot space, this authentic eatery joins the recently announced Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill to further enhance the delicious roster of restaurants at the Mall of Georgia Village.

“The decision to welcome Aliño Pizzeria to our restaurant mix was easy as pie,” said Teresa Holloway, director of marketing and business development at Mall of Georgia. “Our goal is to continually provide the best combination of retail and dining options for our shoppers, and this popular pizzeria furthers that commitment with high quality menu items, exceptional service, and a family-friendly atmosphere.”

Opening in the Village near Chico’s, Aliño Pizzeria will offer a simple, fresh menu with nine signature pizzas and an assortment of salads, Italian wines, international bottled beers, and desserts.

Based on true Neapolitan pizza techniques and ingredients, the restaurant features 800-degree ovens, house-made sauces, and imported flour, cheese, Citterio pepperoni, sopressata, extra virgin olive oil, truffle oil, canned tomatoes, and sea salt straight from Italy for an authentic slice of Naples pie. Inspired by a typical Italian pizza bakery, the restaurant’s décor will include an open kitchen, exposed brick, and long community tables.

Aliño Pizzeria joins a variety of casual eateries and fine dining restaurants in the Village, including the recently announced Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill.

Set to open this July in a 7,401 square foot space plus patio, Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill will offer diners food, drinks, and fun.  With two other locations in the greater Atlanta area, the restaurant is known for its signature Smoked Wings, Fall off the Bone Baby Back Ribs, Pulled Pork, and Build Your Own Burgers with over 35 toppings.

IHOP - $.58 Short Stack!

Who else loves when IHOP has these sales?

I remember growing up on IHOP, and now, my kids love it just as much.

On July 12th, from 7a.m. until 7p.m., you can help IHOP celebrate their 58th Anniversary when you get a short stack of pancakes for only $.58!

Only one short stack per guest, and you must dine in, but hey - those are easy requirements to fill!  Enjoy!

Carrabba's Mother's Day Bonus Gift Card Special!

To help celebrate Mother's Day and to make it even more special, Carrabba's Italian Grill is offering a $10 BONUS gift card with every $50 you spend in gift cards.

Can't beat that.  These are always some of my favorite deals!

Enjoy!

IHOP - $1 Short Stack!

Visit IHOP on March 17 between 7am and 7pm to get a short stack of their famous pancakes for only $1!

The catch?  You must be wearing something green!  :)

How fun!  Eat hardy my friends!

IHOP - **FREE** Pancake Day!

Mark it down - March 8th, 7am - 7pm (12 glorious hours)...

To help celebrate and support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, IHOP is giving away **FREE** short stack of pancakes!  No other purchase is necessary (and only one short stack per guest), but please consider leaving a donation to the network hospitals while you are there.

What a fun way to help America's childrens hospitals!

Texas Roadhouse Holiday Gift Card Offer

Not the most spectacular deal of the season, but if you are buying Texas Roadhouse gift certificates, might as well enjoy dinner on them:

• Buy $100 in Texas Roadhouse gift cards and get a dinner for two voucher

Enjoy!

Monday December 7th - Exclusive! Restaurant.com $25 Certificates for $3!

Shhh...Here's an exclusive offer from Restaurant.com for our readers:

• $25 restaurant gift certificates for only $3!  Use the code YULE when checking out.  GOOD FOR ONE DAY ONLY - 12/7/15.

*This post contains an affiliate link, which means that I may earn a commission if you click on the link or make a purchase using the link.  When you make a purchase, the price you pay will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. By using affiliate links, you are helping to support our website in a small way.  We appreciate your support!

Restaurant.com - 80% Off Again!

It's that time again!

Time for an 80% discount from Restaurant.com!  Through today, you can get a $25 gift certificate for only $5!

It's been a while since I've promoted this site, but so glad to see this deal again!  Great for dining out at home or even on vacation.

You can't pass this deal up for sure!  Happy shopping!  (Click on the image above to visit the restaurant.com website.)

RESTAURANT DEALS for the Weekend

A huge shout out and thank you to Totally Target for compiling this list each week!

*****

Here are some current restaurants offering special deals and discounts. While many of the offers below seem to have consistent national participation- it is always wise to call your local location to be sure they are participating. There are also several restaurants with special email and birthday clubs, too many to list here. I would recommend you look up your favorites online to see if they have a club you can join and what freebies they offer for doing so.

 

KRISPY KREME: Get a coupon for a FREE dozen original glazed doughnuts when you buy 1 dozen doughnuts good at participating locations on December 12th. Go HERE to get your coupon.

ARBY’S: Get a FREE 20 oz Chocolate Swirl Shake or Chocolate Turnover when you buy any regular priced combo. You can print your coupon HERE and it is valid thru 12/10.

PEI WEI: You can get a B1G1 FREE Entree coupon when you take the short quiz HERE. You must be at least 18 years old and the quiz must be completed no later than December 15.

BOB EVANS: Every Tuesday night after 4 pm, you can get a FREE Kids’ Meal with each adult entree purchase (dine-in only).

BONEFISH GRILL: Every Wednesday, between 4 pm and closing, Bonefish Grill is offering Bang Bang Shrimp starting at just $5. Offer valid in-restaurant only. Prices vary by location. Other restrictions may apply. Go HERE for more details!

HARDEE’S: Get coupons for a variety of categories – just go HERE to see current coupons available.

PAPA JOHN’S: Get a FREE Large 1 Topping pizza for every $25 in Papa John’s Gift cards you buy online or in-store. Offer good thru December 31.

ON THE BORDER: If you have an On the Border in your area, go HERE and fill out the short form to join Club Cantina! Just for joining you will get a FREE order of Queso! As a member of the Cantina Club you will also receive offers & promos, news about upcoming events, recipes & more. You must be 18 or older to join.

SHONEY’S: On Friday, December 6th, you can get a FREE signature Shoney’s Hot Fudge Cake! Offer valid for dine-in only, and you can check out more information on their Facebook page HERE.

 

CHILI’S: If you have the FREE ibotta app, check out the new offer available in Restaurants for Chili’s, the 2nd restaurant to be added to ibotta! Earn up to $3.75 with 3 exclusive offers redeemable at Chili’s Restaurants with ibotta app. See app for details. You will have to update to the new ibotta 2.0 version to see it. You can go HERE to find a Chili’s near you. If you don’t have the ibotta app yet, you can sign up HERE and for complete details on how this great program works, you can check out my post HERE.

DAVE & BUSTER’S: Right now, you can enjoy 1/2 price games every Wednesday from open to close for a limited time only at participating locations. You can go HERE for more information.  

 

DENNY’S: Every Tuesday from 4 to 10 pm, kids eat FREE at Denny’s. You can also celebrate your birthday with a FREE Grand Slam! Check with your server for details, restrictions may apply. Denny’s is a proud participant of the Kids Live Well program which requires restaurants to provide healthy kids’ menus verified by the National Restaurant Association and Healthy Dining to meet specific nutritional criteria. Go HERE to read more.

DEL TACO: Check out Del Taco for great coupon deals HERE and Taco nights every Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 11 pm. Just go HERE for more details and to find a location near you.

 

BURGER KING: If you have the FREE ibotta app, check out the offer available in Restaurants for Burger King: Earn up to $1 with 1 exclusive offer redeemable at Burger King Restaurant with ibotta app. See app for details. Go HERE to find a Burger King near you. If you don’t have the ibotta app yet, you can sign up HERE and for complete details on how this great program works, you can check out my post HERE.

FIREHOUSE SUBS: You can get a FREE Drink and Chips at Firehouse Subs on Saturdays when you buy a meatball sub and wear a team jersey. Deal is valid before 1 pm every Saturday now thru December 7th. No coupon required.

FAZOLI’S: Tuesday night is Kid’s Night at Fazoli’s from 5-8 pm. Get 2 Kids meals for $0.99 each with the purchase of 1 Adult Entree. There are also fun arts and crafts for kids 12 and under. Go HERE to download some fun coloring pages. You can enter your zip in the top right corner to find a location near you.

 

SMASHBURGER: If you have the FREE ibotta app, check out the offer available in Restaurants for Smashburger, the 1st restaurant to be added to ibotta! Earn up to $6.50 with 8 exclusive offers redeemable at Smashburger Restaurants with ibotta app. See app for details. Go HERE to find a Smashburger near you. If you don’t have the ibotta app yet, you can sign up HERE and for complete details on how this great program works, you can check out my post HERE.

TACO BELL: Every day from 2 to 5 pm, Taco Bell has $1 Happier Hour with medium drinks and loaded grillers available for just $1 each. Go HERE to find a location near you.

VILLA FRESH ITALIAN KITCHEN: Head over to their Facebook page and like them to get your coupon for a B1G1 FREE Stromboli. Coupon valid thru 12/31/13.