December 12, 2024
By: Discover Universal Blog

With so much to do and so much to see at Universal Orlando Resort — whether it be thrilling roller coasters, amazing shows, immersive simulators, or more — there is an often-forgotten theme park delight: the snacks! Ranging from sweet and savory treats to almost-too-cute-to-eat bites, here are my go-to mouthwatering indulgences!

Universal Studios Florida

Strawberry and Hazelnut Crepe at Central Park Crepes

Located in Central Park Crepes, the Strawberry and Hazelnut Crepe is a sweet, but filling treat filled with the perfect combination of Nutella mascarpone, strawberries, sugar, and whipped cream. Due to the crepe stand’s ideal location next to the serene Central Park, you can savor your crepe on a bench with a waterfront view, before heading over to Horror Make-Up Show.

Popsicles at Freeze Ray Pops in Minion Land

Grabbing a popsicle at Freeze Ray Pops is a must-do. On a warm park day, the Blueberry Lemonade Popsicle is a tangy delight to cool off. If you’re more of a sweet tooth, order one of the Freeze Ray Pops specialty popsicles: Vector (orange creamsicle), Gru (Nutella) or Minion (blue banana). This treat can be enjoyed while wandering through the different Minion themed stores like Evil Stuff or Bake My Day.

Carne Asada Tacos at Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck in Springfield

If you are looking for something more savory, the Carne Asada Tacos at Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck is ideal. Soft tortillas enveloped with tender beef, onions and cilantro come with chips and salsa on the side. Near the food truck is Duff Kiosk, where you can grab a Duff Beer to make the perfect companion.

Frozen Butterbeer at The Hopping Pot in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley

An essential part of experiencing The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is trying Butterbeer, a dream mix of flavors reminiscent of butterscotch come true. This drink comes in three different versions: hot, frozen and cold. Frozen Butterbeer is always my go-to while waiting in line for rides like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts — it’s a great way to start immersing yourself into the wizarding world with multiple senses!

Loaded Jacket Potato at London Taxi Hut in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley

Before stepping through the brick archway into Diagon Alley, don’t miss the London Taxi Hut with its loaded potatoes! This hearty snack filled to the brim, topped with sour cream, cheese and bacon bits – a fantastic option to be shared with a friend. And because ambiance matters, enjoy it by the water fountain outside of 12 Grimmauld Place.

Little Italy Caprese Platter at Today Cafe

Another good option for sharing is the vegetarian-friendly Little Italy Caprese Platter at Today Cafe. Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are all pressed between two slices of ciabatta bread. I recommend having this refreshing snack on the front patio or on the way to Hollywood Rip Ride Rock It.

Universal Islands of Adventure

Chocolate Eclair at Croissant Moon Bakery

There are so many different sweets behind the glass case of goodies, but my favorite is the chocolate eclair. It is a nice and light snack that I usually grab on my way out of the park in the afternoon.

Cauldron Cake at Honeydukes in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade

Within the bustle of the colorful candy store, Honeydukes’ Cauldron Cake is displayed in a glass case. A sweet tooth’s dream come true, this rich treat is beautiful to look at, with its flaming red and yellow frosting atop a moist chocolate cake nestled in a black cauldron — make sure you get a scoop with all the layers!

PRO TIP: The silicon cauldron is reusable, so you can make another cake at home!

Shepherd’s Pasty Pie at The Magic Neep in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade

Right across from the Owl Post is a beverage and snack stand with a vegan-friendly, homey find called Shepherd’s Pasty Pie. This puff pastry has a warm mixture of meatless beef crumbles and veggies enveloped in a crispy puff. This small eatery is the ideal spot to grab a snack while channeling your inner wizard while whizzing through different shops like Dervish and Banges.

PRO TIP: You can also find this snack inside of the Hogwarts Express — King’s Cross Station.

Turkey Leg at select kiosks in Jurassic Park

If you’re a carnivore enthusiast and wishing to channel your inner T.rex, the Turkey Leg at Thunder Falls Terrace is the place for you. This spot is right next to Jurassic Park River Adventure, so you can rip into your tender turkey leg while watching folks get soaked in the splash zone!

Churros at Natural Selections in Churrasic Jurassic Park

I think we can all agree that it wouldn’t be a theme park trip without churros! This golden-brown crispy treat has an initial sweet crunch with its layer of cinnamon and sugar, before hitting that soft, doughy inside. Due to its history, it would only be fitting to enjoy a churro in line for Jurassic World VelociCoaster (if you know you know).

Green Eggs and Ham Tots at Green Eggs and Ham Cafe in Seuss Landing

Inspired by the original story, the easily shareable Green Eggs and Ham Tots offer a unique twist to traditional tater tots. Topped with eggs, ham chunks and drizzled with cheese, it is a silly dish that makes you feel just like your own storybook character.

PRO TIP: This spot also offers a fully vegan option, the Vegan Pizza Tots — plant-based pepperoni, sausage, mozzarella and parmesan cheese all over those crispy tater tots (and yes, everything on this snack is plant-based.)

Universal Volcano Bay

Waturi Fusion at Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona

While cooling off at Universal Volcano Bay, you can treat yourself to the Waturi Fusion ice cream found at Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona. While ice cream is always a necessity at any water park, the Waturi Fusion is something else — a satisfying tarty combo, with banana, blue raspberry, orange and strawberry blend!

Pretzel Dog at Whakawaiwai Eats

After swimming and racing down Krakatau Aqua Coaster, the Pretzel Dog at Whakawaiwai Eats always appeases my appetite. Ideal for the savory but salty taste buds, this Pretzel Dog can also come with bacon and a pineapple salsa. I recommend enjoying it in a lounge chair with a view of the Volcano, of course.

Universal CityWalk

Warm Chocolate Almond Bread at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

Although you cannot go wrong with any of the sweet or savory options at the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, a personal favorite of mine is the Warm Chocolate Almond Bread served with a salted caramel butter. This item is the perfect combo of carbs and chocolate that is fun to share with friends (or not) over milkshakes — my go-to is the Cookie Jar shake.

Strawberry Lemon Buttermilk at Voodoo Doughnut

It is not a trip to CityWalk without a stop at Voodoo. It is such a distinct location with its pink flair and photogenic treats. My go-to order there is a tarty twist Strawberry Lemon Buttermilk, a buttermilk bar topped with glaze and strawberry fruit bite and a strawberry icing drizzle. Fair warning: it tastes as good as it looks.

Volcano Nachos at Margaritaville or Lone Palm Airport

Another snack to share with friends is the Volcano Nachos from Margaritaville. This indulgence consists of multilayered tortilla chips with chili cheese, pico-de-gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños. You can order it alongside a Bahama Mama while hanging with friends at the outdoor tropical paradise Lone Palm Airport, located across from Margaritaville.

Universal Orlando Hotels

Açaí Bowl from Shakes Malt Shoppe at Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Few snacks are as refreshing as the Açaí Bowl — or as healthy, for that matter! To be fair, you can’t go wrong with any of the treats at Shakes Malt Shoppe, but whether you’re looking for a great theme-park-day fuel or looking to recharge after a day at the pool, this is it. A scoop with the crunchy granola and fresh strawberries is what you want.

Empanadas from New Dutch Trading Co. at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

If you’re staying at Loews Sapphire Falls, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to swing by the New Dutch Trading Co. for its empanadas. And, even if you’re not, it’s worth the drive! The empanadas are made with a mixture of chicken and red beans and are great grab-and-go pastries for lounging at the pools or on your way to a productive day at the theme parks.

Gelato from Gelateria at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Gelateria truly belongs at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, fitting neatly into the resort’s Italian aesthetic. Although I like to try new flavors every time I’m there, I always get at least one scoop of Chocolate. The shop is located by the Harbor Piazza, so make sure to stop by before boarding your water taxi over to CityWalk.

Crispy Pork Belly Bao from Bar 17 Bistro at Universal’s Aventura Hotel

If you’re looking for an evening bite, head to Bar 17 Bistro, at the rooftop of Aventura Hotel, for their Crispy Pork Belly Bao trio that comes with different options, such as shrimp or barbecue jackfruit. Plus, you can enjoy the bite with a grand sky view of the theme parks.

Originally posted on Discover Universal Blog on October 18, 2024.

A Guide to Our Favorite Snacks at Universal Orlando Resort