Let’s be real, eating in theme parks can be an expensive disappointment if you don’t know the ins and outs before you go. Use this guide to eat only the best on your next Universal Orlando vacation.
There are four different dining experiences to understand at Universal: table service, quick service, seasonal event booths & snack carts.
Table Service Restaurants
Universal Orlando offers 4 table service restaurants within their theme parks and 10 table service restaurants in CityWalk, Universal’s dining & bar district. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with any of the in-park table service restaurants. Depending on your tastes there’s something for everyone, from classic pub food at Finnegans to delicious seafood at Lombards. Keep in mind you will need a reservation for all of Universal’s table service restaurants but don’t worry, you won’t need to set alarms and stress about availability, reservations are typically pretty easy to come by. Our top picks for table service restaurants? For in-park dining we think Confisco’s in Islands of Adventure is a hidden gem with fantastic global inspired dishes. At City Walk we love the elevated Mexican dishes paired with great margaritas and live mariachi band. Honorable mention? Check out Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium for their over the top shakes.
Quick Service Restaurants
Okay, so table service is an easy choice where you can’t really go wrong. But if you’re looking for something a little less expensive with faster service, quick service restaurants are where its at. HUGE TIP: this is where your theme park dining can go terribly wrong. When you’re starving or your kids are crying and you just need to get something, anything to eat this is where you’ll end up eating a dry, terrible burger and declare that theme park dining is all bad. Avoid this disappointment by dining at the more interesting quick service restaurants. Both Wizarding World of Harry Potter restaurants, The Leaky Cauldron & The Three Broomsticks are quick service locations with great breakfast, lunch & dinner options. If you’re craving a deli sandwich, skip the options in Toon Lagoon and opt instead for a delicious New York inspired option from Today Cafe. Cheeseburgers are a classically bad theme park option but at Wimpy’s in Islands of Adventure, you can get a delicious, juicy burger with fresh toppings and a generous side of curly fries.
Snacks
My favorite way to save a little money on my trips is to snack all day instead of sitting down for three meals at table service restaurants. Universal offers some unique and delicious snacks throughout the parks. Lard Lad Donuts offers The Big Pink – a Simpson’s inspired donut the size of your head. At Seuss Landing you can visit Green Eggs & Ham for, you guessed it, Green Eggs & Ham. There’s also the popular Cornish Pasties at the Hopping Pot in Diagon Alley and of course unique ice cream flavors at Florian Fortescues. We also love the Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes & Ginger Newts found at Honey Dukes in Hogsmeade. If you’re looking for a great shareable, the BBQ pork nachos at The Watering Hole in Jurassic Park offers a great portion size at a reasonable price. The Crepe stand just outside of Central Park in Universal Studios is a great grab and go option for both sweet and savory snacks. In City Walk don’t miss Voodoo donuts for fun and interesting donut flavors.
Seasonal Event Booths
Recently, Universal Orlando has been stepping up its seasonal food offerings and we are here for it. Depending on the time of year, you can find cool unique eats at food booths throughout Universal Studios. From Beignets during Mardi Gras to “Rotting Meat” during Halloween Horror nights, it can be a fun time to try all of the little booths throughout the park. These booths also offer seasonal adult beverages that are to die for. These offerings change year over year so if you find something you like on your trip, get it twice!