Universal Studios is the only place in town to get certain special treats beloved by their fans. We’ve compiled a list of the most tempting dishes and flavorful delights that await Universal Orlando guests.
Gallery by Caroline Silva.
The Big Pink
Lard Lad Donuts, Universal Studios Florida
You can find this incredibly delicious and giant sweet in Fast Food Boulevard in Springfield at Lard Lad Donuts. The Big Pink, which is your traditional donut with strawberry glaze and rainbow sprinkles will last you days and is only $4.99. Other treats include a four pack of “D’oh-nuts,” an apple fritter, a Brain Freezin’ Sundae, among others, but the Big Pink is definitely the most iconic you won’t find anything like it anywhere else.
Photo via The Big Pink/Universal OrlandoJerk Shrimp Mac & Cheese
Whakawaiwai Eats, Volcano Bay
A large bowl of this cheesy and buttery delight is sure to keep you full and maybe you’ll even need to share a little bit. The tender Jamaican jerk-spiced shrimp is pan-seared in butter and tossed with pasta shells in a velvety white cheddar cheese sauce that is to die for. Although most restaurants offer a better version of this dish, Volcano Bay has whipped out its own version and made the unexpected at a theme park. This meal does come with a large price tag though, at $15.99 for just the mac and cheese and $19.49 as a combo.
Photo via Jerk Shrimp Mac & Cheese/Discovery Universal BlogWaturi Fusion
Koka Poroka, Volcano Bay
As the most instagrammable dessert you’ll find at Volcano Bay’s Koka Poroka, this soft serve ice cream mixes banana, blue raspberry, orange and strawberry and may be topped with rainbow sprinkles for the ultimate colorful experience. At $5.99 in a waffle cone, the cooling dessert a burst of sweet and tangy fruity flavors and an unbeatable way to cool off. However, Disney’s Ample Hill Creamery located at the boardwalk does offer various sorbets and ice creams that don’t even compare to Volcano Bay’s Waturi Fusion.
Photo via Waturi Fusion/Orlando InformerKorean Beef Tacos from Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck
Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck, Universal Studios Florida
Looking for something a little more cultural at Universal? This Korean inspired braised beef, served in a warm flour or corn tortilla and topped with a cucumber and radish, is the perfect balance between sweet and zest and surpases theme park food expectations. Although it does not claim to be authentic, and it is surely far from it, this tasty meal is paired well with chips and guacamole. At $7.99 for two tacos, it beats the price of other meals found at Universal, which are usually either pizza or a burger.
Photo via Korean Beef Tacos/YelpButterbeer Potted Cream
Leaky Cauldron, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The soiled-looking pub and inn was where Harry Potter stayed for a few weeks over summer before beginning his third year at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The Leaky Cauldron is much more than just that though. Not only does it offer a variety of English dishes, but it also houses one of the six versions of butterbeer available at the park: butterbeer potted cream. The creamy custard is served in a small mason jar and is slightly less sugary than the traditional butterbeer drink.
Photo via Butterbeer Potted Cream/Discover Universal BlogPoke Poke Bowl
The Feating Frog, Volcano Bay
Ever thought you would be eating raw ahi tuna at a theme park? Me neither. This South Pacific, refreshing poke bowl features raw ahi tuna, a soy honey vinaigrette, with crunchy plantain chips dipped in pineapple salsa on the side. $13.99 for a theme park meal may sound pricy, but when your feasting on fresh ahi tuna, what more can you expect?
Photo via Poke Poke Bowl/Discover Universal BlogVegan Elderberry Croissant
San Francisco Pastry Company, Croissant Moon Bakery, Islands of Adventure
Maintaining your vegan diet while at a theme park may seem difficult, but Universal has numerous vegan tasty bites. Croissant Moon Bakery and the San Francisco Pasty Company both offer two vegan croissants: plain and elderberry. The elderberry is especially a delicious find that may surprise you that it’s even vegan. This elderberry filled croissant is fluffy, toasty and buttery and is just the snack you need.
Photo via Elderberry Croissant/InstagramCauldron Cakes
Honeydukes, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This chocolate cake, topped with an orange and yellow buttercream flaming frosting, is served in a black reusable cauldron and was recently upgraded. The upgrade, which definitely made the cake tastier and added the cauldron, did drive the price up quite a bit though; from $3.95 to $9.95. The box even encourages those who bought the cake to make their own cauldron cake and reuse the cauldron itself. This moist cake can be found at Honeydukes and Sugarplum’s.
Photo via Caldron Cakes/DelishThe Triple (formerly Deathly Hallows)
Hog’s Head, Islands of Adventure
Layered with two types of beer and cider this drink will let you have the most fun at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Triple is on the secret menu so you have to ask for a layered Strongbow Cider, Hog’s Head Ale, and Guinness.
Photo via The Triple/Orlando InformerSticky Toffee Pudding
Leaky Cauldron and Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This warm, cakey, sticky, and incredibly sweet toffee pudding is topped with a cooling vanilla ice cream. This British inspired pudding is an indulgence that will cost you quite a few calories, but the moist and chopped date filled dessert is perfect to share with a few friends so you continue enjoying the various other desserts that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer. This $7.49 treat can be found at the Leaky Cauldron and Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour.
Photo via Sticky Toffee Pudding/Magical Orlando ParksButterbeer Fudge
Sugarplum’s Sweetshop and Honeydukes, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The cream and golden brown colored bar of fudge resembles just the look of the traditional butterbeer drink and just as equally sweet. Available both at Sugarplum’s Sweetshop and Honeydukes, this dessert is a must try and is large enough to share with a friend.
Photo via Butterbeer Fudge/Discover Universal BlogFamous Dagwood Sandwich
Blondie’s, Islands of Adventure
Known as “A Sandwich (Almost) Too Beautiful To Eat,” the Famous Dagwood Sandwich is made with an onion and poppy seed bread piled high with ham, turkey, roast beef, american and swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise and mustard. Bring out your inner Dagwood Bumstead sandwich creativity and pair the sandwich with a pickle and chips. This meal, which is offered at Blondie’s in Toon Lagoon, is bound to keep you full throughout your Universal Adventure Island journey.
Photo via Famous Dagwood Sandwich/Orlando InformerChicken and Waffle Sandwich
Cletus’ Chicken Shack, Universal Studios Florida
Cletus’ Chicken Shack claims to serve “Southern Delight Done Right” and the Chicken & Waffle Sandwich is a must if you’re looking for a quick serve meal. This dish has become extremely popular over the last few years and Universal decided to make their own version of it. The crispy double battered chicken breast is sandwiched between two waffles, topped with a unique maple syrup mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato and crunchy tater tots on the side. However at $10.99, this sandwich definitely does not compare to Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom’s $10.29 Sweet and Spicy Chicken Specialty Waffle Sandwich at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. However, if you’re craving a maple syrupy fried chicken, Universal has got you covered.
Photo via Chicken and Waffle Sandwich/Theme Park HipsterMoose and Goose Juice, Islands of Adventure
Moose Juice, Goose Juice
Moose Juice and Goose Juice, which are advertised as frozen orange and frozen sour green apple juices, respectively, are a must try if you’re looking for a quite not as sweet, but still very refreshing and tasty drink to cool you off. Both drinks combine orange or lime flavored sherbet and whipped cream with orange or lime juice. If you have more of a sweet tooth, opt for the Moose Juice, as the Goose Juice can be very sour.
Photo via Mouse and Goose Juice/Orlando InformerChick’n & Avocado Sandwich Platter
Mel’s Drive-In, Universal Studios Florida
Thought you’d never be able to enjoy a burger at a theme park just because you’re vegan? You thought wrong. This completely vegan friendly burger features a plant-based chick’n and American cheese, served with a side of fries and your choice of drink. Although you may notice that the cheese is not even close to real cheese, the plant-based chick’n patty will surely fool you. This retro style, “American graffiti-inspired 50s drive-in,” is known for juicy burgers and especially tasty milkshakes (that are a delicious condiment for you fries, by the way), but this vegan find is just as tasty.
Photo via Chick’n & Avocado Sandwich Platter/Discover Universal BlogPeachtree Fizzing Tea, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This peachy and gingery fizzy drink bubbles up with its deep pink and orange ombre coloring. The Peachtree Fizzing Tea is available at the Leaky Cauldron, The Fountain of Fair Fortune and The Hopping Pot is the perfect balance of a refreshing and sweet sip. Although a little pricy at $5.49 a glass, you won’t regret the purchase on a hot summer day.
Photo via Peachtree Fizzing Tea/Discover Universal BlogBlishen’s Fire Cinnamon Flavored Whisky
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
As the first exclusive liquor at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the cinnamon flavored whisky is reminiscent of Fireball Whisky, but slightly sweeter and much tastiers. Although Fireball Whiskey ranges from about $18 to $22 for a 1.75L bottle, a single shot of Blishen’s Fire Cinnamon Flavored Whisky is about $11. The entire bottle cannot be purchased, but a single shot is worth a try after bearing the sound of screaming children all day.
Photo via Fire Cinnamon Flavored Whisky/Discover Universal BlogToasted Coconut Pineapple
Dancing Dragons Boat Bar and Kunuku, Volcano Bay
This fruity and boozy concoction made Siesta Key toasted coconut rum and fresh pineapple juice. The Toasted Coconut Pineapple is a simple drink and is topped with a cherry and slice of pineapple and I advice leaving it in the cup while you sip so you can savor the alcoholic fruit when you’re all done with your drink.
Photo via Toasted Coconut Pineapple/InsideTheMagicFlorean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Although pretty much all ice cream flavors offered at Florean’s Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour are incredibly smooth and full of flavor, the Chocolate Chili, Earl Grey & Lavender and Strawberry & Peanut Butter are a must try. These unique flavors cannot be found at just your typical ice cream shop and are worth the overpriced price tag at $6.99. These three hard packed ice cream flavors are sure to impress and top it with a few chocolate chips and you’ve got yourself the perfect dessert on a hot day.
Photo via Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour/Orlando InformerBlanco Kalarita at Volcano Bay
Kunuku Boat Bar, Volcano Bay
This $11.99 concoction of Corazon Blanco Tequila, fresh lime juice, orange juice, agave and blood orange syrup can only be served in a Volcano Bay souvenir glass, which drives up the price significantly. However, if you’re into citrus cocktails, this drink will serve your taste buds well. It may be way cheaper to make this drink at home, but on a hot summer’s day, it’s difficult to say no.
Photo via Meagan Habuda/Creative Loafing Tampa BayBertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans
Honeydukes, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, which Harry Potter tries while on the Hogwarts express, are a combination of 20 sweet and unusual flavors. Such flavors range from marshmallow, cherry and cinnamon to vomit, soap and grass. These enjoyable, but yet sometimes appalling dessert can be found at Honeydukes.
Photo via Universal Studios Hollywood/Facebook