The Complete Guide to the Universal Orlando 2023 Dining Plan
The Complete Guide to the Universal Orlando 2023 Dining Plan
Universalstudios 101Universal Studios Orlando
Updated in 2023:Unfortunately, Universal Orlando has canceled all new dining plans effective July 2021. There has been no update on whether the 2023 Universal Dining Plan will return, and all information has since been deleted from the official website. We leave the information below in case Universal decides to bring the food plan back at some point in the future.
looking for the bestUniversal meal plan tips?Well, you found them! In this article, we separate them2023Universal Orlando Dining Plan Optionsand give you our advice as seasoned park visitors, so you know whether or not it's worth buying a meal plan for you.
We hope you found this post helpful, and if you're planning a trip to Universal Orlando, be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. At The Park Prodigy, our goal has always been to help you save time shopping for your next vacation.Universal Orlando discount tickets and amazingUniversal Orlando vacation packages.
So if you are willing to learnUniversal Studios Dining Plans Are Worth Itand how the different planswork, read on!
SPECIAL NOTE:If you're looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando, be sure to check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!
Universal-Orlando-Crowd-Calendar
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1 Universal Studios meal plan options
2 Universal Studios Full Service Dining Plan
3 Universal Quick Service Meal Plan
4 Universal Express Service Plus Meal Plan Freestyle Refillable Coca-Cola Cup
5 How can I purchase the Universal Orlando Dining Plan?
6 food allergies and the universal diet
7 Are universal meal plans worth it?
8 Can you bring food to Universal Studios Orlando?
9 questions and answers about the universal menu
10 Start planning your trip to Universal Orlando!
Universal Studios Dining Plan Options
We'll start this guide with the most popular question we've received so far, namely:Will Universal bring back the 2023 meal plan?And sadly, there's no sign of Universal Orlando's menu returning anytime soon. However, we've posted the guide below with everything we knew about Universal Orlando's Dining Plan through July 2021 and how you'll be able to use the Dining Plan in the future if and if they bring it back.
What are the three universal meal plan options?
- Universal full-service meal plan
- Universal quick service meal plan
- Refillable Coca Cola Freestyle Cup (may be included in the quick service plan)
Universal Studios Full Service Dining Plan
That oneUniversal full-service meal planis only available with auniversal vacation packageand comes with:
- A full-service meal (any full-service restaurant where you have a waiter; including some CityWalk restaurants)
- A quick meal (appetizer, drink and dessert)
- A snack (something like churros, pretzels, etc.)
- One drink (does not include Butterbeer or other themed drinks as it is considered a snack option)
It is important to note that this is the onlyMenu Universal Studiosallowing for a mix of full service and quick service dining. To get meal credit, use a menu provided for each person in your group.
Related post:Pros and Cons of All Universal Orlando Resorts
Restaurants with universal full-service meal plans:
CityWalk Orlando Essen
- Antojitos authentic mexican food
- Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom
- Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville
- Pat O'Brien
- Red Forno Pizzeria
- live italian cuisine
- the little fish
- NBC Sports Grill and Brew
Dinner at Universal Studios
- Finnegans Bar and Grill
- Lombard's Seafood Grill
Dining at Universal's Islands of Adventures
- confiscation grid
- Mythos Restaurant
Universal meal plan with quick service
oh the belovedQuick Service Universal Orlando meal plan🇧🇷 Available to all guests whoQuick service meal plancosts $25.99 per adult and $17.99 per child and includes:
- A quick service meal (includes an appetizer and drink)
- A snack (same specifications as the full service)
- One soft drink (same specifications as full service)
Universal fast food restaurantsit's essentially all restaurants where you don't serve a waiter at your table. A common misconception is that this plan only covers food trucks, but it actually covers almost all restaurants at Universal's main attractions, including all of them.Harry-Potter-Restaurantswhich can be added at any time during your visit by stopping at one of the kiosks at the parks' opening gates. However, this is something you don't have to add to your vacation package when booking a Universal resort for the first time.
Another pro tip:It's worth noting that some park visitors have reported that snack and beverage credits are interchangeable. So you can have one meal and two snacks or one meal and two drinks if you like. If this is a pain point for you, make sure the representative calls you when you purchase the plan.
Related post:Complete Guide to Universal Studios for Adults
Universal Orlando Quick Service dining locations:
city tour
- Bread box Artisan sandwiches
- Hot-Dog-Hall of Fame
Universal Studios Florida Express Service
- Fast-Food-Boulevard
- Pizzaria Kid Zone
- leaky boiler
- London taxi hut
- Louie's Italian restaurant
- Mels drive-in
- Richter´s Burger Co.
- San Francisco Pastry Co.
- Classic Universal Cafe Monster
Universal Islands of Adventure Fast Service
- Doc Sugrues Desert Kebab House
- Blondes
- café 4
- Captain America Diner
- Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
- Comic-Strip-Café
- Croissant Mondbäckerei
- Fire Eater's Grill
- Green Eggs and Coffee Ham
- predatory pizza
- The Burger Diggers
- three brooms
- Thunder Falls Terrace
- Wimpys
Volcano Bay Quick Service da Universal
- bamboo jungle kitchen
- Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club
- the sapo gourmet
- hydrate eat
It is important to note that guests can bundle their Quick Service meal plan with all of them.Universal Orlando Park Prodigy Tickets!
Universal Express Meal Plan plus Refillable Freestyle Coca-Cola Cup
Purchase of the $14.99 Coke Souvenir Cup entitles you to unlimited free refills at any Coke Freestyle machine in any of the three parks that day. It costs $10 to reactivate your Freestyle Cup the next day. You can purchase the Coke Freestyle Cup plan individually or in combination with aQuick service meal planfor $34.99 per adult and $26.99 per child.
These cups have a sensor on the bottom that is activated upon purchase to work on all freestyle machines in the park.
pro tip: Keep your receipt in case those pesky sensors react and you need proof of purchase to get another mug!
However, the sensor will not allow you to recharge less than five minutes apart. So keep this in mind if you got the idea to use a Coke Freestyle glass plan to fill multiple people's drinks. You should also note that these cups will not work at Universal CityWalk.
The beauty of this plan is that you don't have to wait in those long kiosk lines every time you want a drink, which you often do once you're in hot, sunny Orlando! Plus, you can choose from a variety of fun mugs to keep.
Related post:The Ultimate Guide to Universal Park Early Entry
How can I purchase the Universal Orlando Dining Plan?
You can pre-purchase the quick service meal plan when bookingUniversal Orlando Vacation Package Online, or by purchasing yourUniversal Orlando-Tickets through a travel agency such as The Park Prodigy.
Or you can wait until you arrive at the Universal Orlando facility and buy it. This can be done in SelectUniversal Orlando Quick-Service-Restaurants, a few different carts at Universal CityWalk or at your hotel if you're staying at a Universal resort.
That oneFull Service Dining at Universal Orlandomust be purchased online or through youruniversal travel agencyin advance. Unfortunately you can't buy oneUniversal Orlando Full Service Dining Planonce you arrive in Orlando.
Food allergies and the universal diet
What if you have a food allergy?Universal Studios Orlando Dining Plandoes it still fit well? We've found Universal to be really good at accommodating guests with food allergies. However, we recommend that you call Guest Services before purchasing.Universally usable meal planto discuss your specific allergies and needs. You can call Universal Guest Services at 407-224-3463. If you choose to purchase the Universal Dining Plan and have additional questions upon arrival, please speak with the Restaurant Manager prior to your meal.
Are universal meal plans worth it?
If you are a soda drinker, thisUniversalFreestyle Cup Planit's worth it whether you bundle it with a quick service plan or not. About thatQuick service plan and full service,That answer depends on what you want to eat.
Why the Coca-Cola Freestyle Refillable Cups Plan is Worth It
We've already mentioned that you need to factor in how hot Florida can get, but remember that you'll also be spending a lot of time running in lines outside and waiting for rides. They have fans on the outside rows but they don't have air conditioning literally just blowing air that is room temp at best.
Trust us when we say you'll be a lot thirstier than you think! Let's say you have the essentials and only have one drink at lunch, one at snack time, and two throughout the day just walking around trying not to get dehydrated. That's four drinks priced at about $4 each, which equates to $16. For a dollar less, you can refill every 5 minutes, in a larger glass, no less!
Why Quick Service and Full Service meal plans MIGHT be worth it
If you wantSave time and money on your Universal vacationFor these, we think the answer is no, they're not worth it. However, that answer is up to you.
If you want to order the most expensive appetizer for your meals with any of the plans, you're sure to save some money. This would require knowing and looking at the menu to select that option, then planning where you are going to eat and strategizing how to use the plan to get the most bang for your buck, all so you don't save as much money at the end of the day.
That said, even $5-10 per person can add up if you're a family of four visiting the parks for several days. Also, for some, part of the fun is planning your schedule each day to maximize savings!
However, keep in mind that if you are considering purchasing a plan, you are limited to that plan. A day of riding might mean you don't want to eat a full meal for lunch and might prefer to just snack between big rides, so make sure that whateverUniversally usable meal planYou choose one that is compatible with your eating habits.
And the best universal food plan is...
If you get a meal plan, we'll keep that in mind.Quick Service Plan plus Coca-Cola Freestyle Reusable Cupit's the right way! The mug itself is $14.99, but only $9 more with the Quick Service plan.
Related post:The Definitive Guide to Universal for Kids
Do you allow groceries to be brought into Universal Studios Orlando?
Dining at Universal Studios Orlando can be expensive. Many visitors choose to bring their own food to Universal Studios Orlando, which is acceptable. You may bring bottled water, small snacks, medical and dietary supplies, baby food/meal, and soft side insulated bags no larger than 8.5" wide x 6" high x 6" deep to the parks.
Prohibited items that affect food include:
- glassware or glass containers
- Open containers or beverages containing alcohol
- hard cooler
- Soft side coolers larger than 8.5" wide x 6" high x 6" deep
- picnic lunch; all foods that need to be heated or cooled; folding chairs
So yes, you can bring groceries into Universal as long as they meet the guidelines. Good examples are cold wrapped sandwiches and snacks such as goldfish and pretzels.
Questions and Answers about the Universal Menu
Q: How do I know which foods are allowed?
A: Just look for the "UD" symbol on your restaurant. It is important to note that some of the restaurants in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter do not have the "UD" symbol, but they do. We always recommend just asking when in doubt.
Q: Can I use the universal meal plan on Halloween Horror Nights?
A: Yes, Universal offers two express service options on Halloween Horror Nights. Guests can also check out our complete guideHalloween Horror Nights!
Q: Does the Universal full-service menu include character meals?
A: Unfortunatelynot,These credits cannot be used for character meals.
Q: Are Universal Hotels included in my meal plan?
No, you cannot use your meal plan at any Universal Hotel, even if you are a guest. This is something to keep in mind if you plan on eating out frequently at your resort during your stay and hope to incorporate this into your meal plan.
Q: Can I use my meal plan if I pre-order on the Universal mobile app?
A: No, you cannot currently use your meal plan when pre-ordering on the mobile app. However, you can take advantage of an annual pass discount if you have one!
For more facts and questions about the Universal Orlando Dining Plan, click here Website!
Q: Can you bring sandwiches into Universal Studios Orlando?
A: Yes, packing your own food and drink can save you money at Universal. You can bring sandwiches and snacks into the park as long as they don't need to be warmed up.
Start planning your trip to Universal Orlando!
We can help you choose the best time to visit Universals Orlando! OurUniversal-Orlando-Crowd-Calendaris the ultimate tool to make the most of your time at the parks. We break down parking times, number of visitors and ticket prices.
If you are new toUniversal vacation planningBe sure to check out our free resources. We dismantle everything you needknow before you go, Including Discount Tickets to Universal Orlando,Universal-Hotels,evolcano bay.
FAQs
How many meals do you get in the Universal dining plan? ›
The full-service plan costs $64.99 per adult per day ($24.99 for kids) and includes everything the quick-service plan does, plus one table-service meal (entrée, soft drink, and select dessert; tax and gratuity not included) per day.
How much do you save by purchasing universal dining plan? ›Universal Dining Plans serve up carefree ways to dine with delight throughout your stay. Purchase this plan at the parks anytime during your visit, and save up to 25%*on select entrée, snack and beverage combinations.
Did Universal Orlando get rid of dining plan? ›Updated 2023: Universal Orlando has unfortunately canceled all new dining plans as of July 2021.
Why did Universal get rid of the dining plan? ›Second, the dining plans in their current form caused food/beverage queues to move even slower than the incredibly slow pace since increasing park capacity. Third, the pricing breakdown on certain items in the plans did allow more skilled visitors to save more money than Universal Orlando probably intended.
Do you tip your Universal VIP guide? ›The guides absolutely can and will accept tips and they don't make much more than minimum wage without it. If you can afford the $5000-6000 for the day, then you can afford the $300 in tips.
How can I save money on food in Orlando? ›- Eat your biggest meal at breakfast: ...
- Choose counter service instead of table service: ...
- Enjoy snacks you can share: ...
- Enjoy character dining at breakfast: ...
- Find the freebies: ...
- Purchase a refillable cup: ...
- Buy a Kids Eat Free Card:
My answer in short- YES. Not only can purchasing some dining plan days save you money, it can help you budget for your Universal Orlando vacation. But let's see how I fared with using the dining plan at Universal Orlando Resort on my recent stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.
Is paying for a meal plan worth it? ›College meal plans cost an average of $4,500 per academic year. That's significantly higher than the average cost of groceries. Meal plans can save students money — if they use the plan wisely. Compare meal plan rates with food costs to see if a meal plan saves you money.
Are buying meal plans worth it? ›They're also flexible and don't require that much of a commitment. And while the packaging can be overwhelming, especially if you do a lot of online shopping, the service is actually beneficial to the environment. So, in a word, yes, we think meal kit delivery services are totally worth it.
Does the universal dining plan expire? ›The best part of the Universal Quick Service Dining Plan is that the credits don't expire. You can carry your credits over from one day to the next.
Why did they get rid of Jaws at Universal? ›
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, a giant fin sliced through the waves and you were suddenly face to face with three tons of Great White fury—Jaws®. The big beast left the park in 2012 to make room for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™.
What rides is universal getting rid of? ›The attractions that will permanently close on Jan. 16, 2023, to be removed to make way for new construction include Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, Fievel's Playground, DreamWorks Destination and Meet Shrek and Donkey.
Are they getting rid of Harry Potter at Universal? ›Unfortunately though, one of its most popular attractions has been removed, with no word on when it might return. In case you missed it, be sure to check out the gameplay footage for Hogwarts Legacy below.
How expensive is food at Universal Orlando? ›With table service, restaurants often costing an additional 50% when compared to quick-service options. As a result, most families having lunch, dinner, drinks, and snacks inside Universal Studios Orlando will spend on average $50 per person, per day.
How much do you tip on a comped meal? ›How much should you tip if your meal is comped? The tip for a comped meal is the same as the meal you paid for 15%-20% of the fee (minus sales tax).
How much do you tip a 1 hour tour guide? ›About.com has a Tipping Guide for travelers that further suggests that the tour guide should receive a tip of 10% to 20% of the tour cost. As a last thought, the guide still needs to earn his or her tip. Just with any other profession, the tip should match the level of service.
Do you tip at each meal all-inclusive? ›Tipping can be tricky in all-inclusive resorts. Some have included a gratuity in your package price; however, most will not include these expenses in your final bill. If you're staying at a hotel or all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, keep in mind that tipping is a must.
How can I make my food bill cheaper? ›- Bulk buying. If you have the cupboard space, bulk-buying can be really cost-effective. ...
- Avoid pre-prepared fruit and vegetables. ...
- Meal planning. ...
- Get freezing. ...
- Don't shop when hungry – and make a list. ...
- Watch out what you chuck in the bin. ...
- Look up and down. ...
- Meat-free Monday.
- Limit Eating Out. It's probably obvious, but takeout, that delicious ramen place, and even quick "cheap" burgers add up quickly. ...
- Plan Your Grocery Shopping. ...
- Reduce Food Waste. ...
- Buy in Bulk. ...
- Set a Food Budget. ...
- Plan for Leftovers. ...
- Meal Prep. ...
- Brew Your Own Coffee.
Average Daily Costs
While meal prices in Orlando can vary, the average cost of food in Orlando is $51 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Orlando should cost around $20 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.
Can I take sandwiches into Universal Studios? ›
Q: Can I bring food and drinks to Universal Studios Hollywood? A: The park allows visitors to carry water bottles (maximum 2 liters), small snacks, and special food items for dietary and medical requirements. Soft-sided insulated bags are also allowed as long as they are no larger than 8.5" wide x 6" high x 6" deep.
Is skip the line at Universal worth it? ›The Universal Express Pass is a popular add-on to the standard Universal Orlando Resort theme park tickets. Even though it is expensive, the Universal Express Pass and the Universal Express Unlimited Pass are worth the cost because they allow you to skip the lines and spend more time on the rides.
Where is the universal dining plan accepted? ›Where can I use the Dining Plan? If you have already purchased your plan, the UDP-QS can be used at virtually every quick-service restaurant and food and beverage kiosk inside Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.
Which meal plan is cheaper? ›What is the cheapest meal delivery service? EveryPlate and Dinnerly are the cheapest meal kits with most plans clocking in at under $6 per serving. HelloFresh and Home Chef are in the next tier with portions for $7 or $8 per serving.
Which meal service is most affordable? ›- Starts at $4.99: Dinnerly.
- Starts at $4.99: EveryPlate.
- Starts at $6.79: Daily Harvest.
- Starts at $6.99: Revive Superfoods.
- Starts at $7.99: HelloFresh.
- Starts at $7.99: Home Chef.
- Starts at $7.99: Blue Apron.
- Starts at $7.99: Mom's Meals.
- You might not actually cook all the food you bought at the grocery store.
- You might not want to cook dinner after work.
- The recipes you thought would be great, could end up tasting terrible.
- It takes planning and discipline to meal plan, that you might not have.
Variety can be a barrier, as consuming ready-made meals regularly may limit flavour options which can result in menu fatigue over time. Reduced enjoyment from meals can subsequently lead to skipping meals and/or turning to other less nutritious options to replace the flavour satisfaction you missed in your meal.
Do meal subscription boxes save money? ›But inflation hasn't affected the price of meal kits much, making these easy subscription services as good a deal as ever. While typical grocery costs are up as much as 23% versus two years ago, most meal kit service consumer prices are only up about 5% or 10% since 2020.
Are meal kits cheaper than fast food? ›At $40 a week, meal kits cost less than dining anywhere but a fast food joint, but certainly more than the per-plate cost of a fully home-cooked meal. If you shop frugally and diligently eat your leftovers, you're probably eating for a LOT less than $7 a serving. For a more in-depth look at meal delivery vs.
How often can you refill your cup at Universal? ›No matter how many cups you choose to purchase, the cup(s) entitles you to unlimited free refills at any Coke Freestyle station at any of the three parks for the day. If you already have a cup, extra days are $8.99, plus tax.
Is universal free after 6pm? ›
This is just what it sounds like: CityWalk offers complimentary admission all day, every day. After 6 p.m., parking is free as well, except during Halloween Horror Nights. And you'll never pay parking fees when you arrive on public transportation or stay at an official Universal Orlando Resort Hotel.
How far in advance can you book dining at Universal? ›Most restaurants are available for booking starting at six months in advance. During peak holidays or school breaks, you'll want to book reservations at least a month in advance.
How much is a dining pass at Universal? ›Universal Dining Plan – Quick Service
This includes (1) quick service meal (1 entree and 1 non-alcoholic beverage), (1) snack (from a cart or quick service location), and (1) non-alcoholic beverage. This plan costs $25.99 (+ tax) per day.
You can bring up to two liters of water bottles, any type of food needed for health or dietary reasons, small snacks that do not need heating, and baby food. As you can see, the rules set by Universal Studios are not too limiting, so you can easily bring your favorite snacks and beverages to the park!
Why is Shrek closed at Universal? ›Universal Orlando Resort is closing 5 attractions within Universal Studios Florida to make room for new family entertainment. The last day to ride or participate in these attractions is Jan. 15, 2023.
What replaced earthquake at Universal? ›In August 2015, Universal announced that the attraction would close on September 8, 2015, to make way for Fast & Furious: Supercharged, based on the blockbuster film franchise.
Which ride at Universal has the biggest drop? ›Jam along on the tallest roller coaster at Universal Orlando on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. As one of the big rides at Universal Studios, guests might be wary of the 90 degree angle climb up to the 167 foot steep hill drop.
What is coming to Universal Orlando in 2023? ›Universal Orlando
The theme park resort announced on Thursday that its new Minion Land will open in summer 2023 at Universal Studios with a "first-of-its-kind" attraction, Illuminations' Villain-Con Minion Blast! The new attraction will be located where Shrek 4-D was located before closing last year.
Incident. In July 1990, a 39-year-old man fell into the water while riding after a boat railing allegedly broke. According to his lawyer, guests applauded as he was pulled back into the boat, having assumed the incident was part of the ride.
What rides are no longer at Universal Orlando? ›- Ghostbuster's Spooktacular. This attraction was an original when the park first opened, and while the show was in operation, it saw two different versions. ...
- Twister. Twister… ...
- Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue. ...
- Back to the Future: The Ride. ...
- Jaws.
Are they getting rid of Shrek at Universal? ›
February 11 - Shrek 4-D officially closed on January 10, 2022 much to adoring fans despair. The attraction had been a guest favorite at Universal Studios Florida since its opening in 2003.
Is Universal Studios worth it if you don't like Harry Potter? ›They're so impressive, in fact, that even non-Potter fans will enjoy them. From exciting rides to amazing food, and some hidden secrets in between, here are just some of the reasons why even people not familiar with the Harry Potter stories will still love visiting the Wizarding World.
Is Universal cheaper then Disney? ›And as a general rule of thumb, Universal is cheaper than Disney in almost every category from tickets, to theme park food, and the most noticeably being hotel rooms.
How does the Universal Studios dining plan work? ›The Universal Full Service Dining Plan offers guests one (1) full service meal, one (1) quick service meal, one (1) snack, and one (1) non-alcoholic beverage, per day.
What is Universal Studios dining plan? ›Universal Dining Plan – Quick Service
This includes (1) quick service meal (1 entree and 1 non-alcoholic beverage), (1) snack (from a cart or quick service location), and (1) non-alcoholic beverage. This plan costs $25.99 (+ tax) per day.
Universal Dining Plans serve up carefree ways to dine with delight throughout your stay. on select entrée, snack and beverage combinations. All Rights Reserved. Purchase is non-refundable.
Does Universal Florida have meal plans? ›However, some in-park locations don't show the dining plan on the menus at all, such as Leaky Cauldron at Universal Studios and Three Broomsticks over at Islands of Adventure. Despite the signs, they do have dining plan items, so it's always a good idea to ask when you're ordering.
Do Universal dining cards expire? ›First, the Quick Service Dining credits never expire.
In fact, you do not even have to purchase these in advance. According to Universal Orlando Resort, you can purchase this plan at quick service locations right before you order, but to save time I would purchase the Dining Plan when you book your Universal Vacation.
Snacks are available at food carts and quick service locations throughout Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk. Snack options include pretzels, churros, Butterbeer, ice cream, funnel cake, Dippin' Dots, chips, and much more!
Can you bring your own snacks into universal? ›While Universal Studios Hollywood isn't as lenient as the Disneyland Resort about bringing in outside food, you can bring water bottles (maximum 2 liters), baby food, small snacks, fruits and vegetables into the park. You can bring items required for medical purposes and special dietary needs.