Universal Orlando Food Guide: 21+ Must-Try Snacks & Treats for an Unforgettable Trip
Planning an unforgettable getaway to Universal Orlando Resort means preparing for thrilling rides, immersive worlds, and, of course, incredible food! Beyond the magic and excitement of the attractions, Universal Orlando offers a delectable array of snacks and treats that are as much a part of the experience as any roller coaster. From the enchanting streets of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the whimsical lanes of Seuss Landing and the vibrant energy of CityWalk, a culinary adventure awaits at every turn. Get ready to explore a diverse menu of fun foods scattered throughout Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and the lively promenade connecting them, Universal CityWalk. This comprehensive guide will take you through 21+ of the most iconic, delicious, and downright fun foods you won’t want to miss on your next visit.
21+ Fun Foods You Absolutely Must Try at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando is a foodie’s paradise, offering everything from magical drinks to oversized desserts and themed delights. Whether you have a sweet tooth or are just looking for a unique savory snack, there’s something to tantalize every palate. Here are more than 21 fun foods we absolutely adored during our exploration of the parks and CityWalk!
The Enchanting Flavors of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Step into the pages of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series, and you’ll find that the magic extends to the food and drink. Both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure host the extraordinary Harry Potter experience. You can wander through Diagon Alley inside Universal Studios and then journey via the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure, discovering unique treats in each location.
Honeydukes, the famous candy shop nestled in the picturesque, snowy village of Hogsmeade, is a magical destination for students and teachers alike in the Harry Potter universe. It’s renowned for its exquisite chocolate and delightfully whimsical treats. When you enter Honeydukes at Universal Orlando, you’ll be greeted by an explosion of colorful candies and confections. The items shared here are just a tantalizing glimpse into the vast array of goodies you can discover!
- Butterbeer, 5 Ways! – A visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter would be incomplete without indulging in the iconic Butterbeer! This non-alcoholic, butterscotch-flavored sensation is reminiscent of cream soda with a delightful frothy topping, leaving you with a delicious “moustache.” You can find it throughout both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Beyond the classic cold version, you can also savor a refreshing Frozen Butterbeer (perfect for Florida’s heat), a comforting Hot Butterbeer (especially enjoyable during cooler months), and even Butterbeer Ice Cream. For a sweet take-home treat, don’t forget the Butterbeer Fudge available at Honeydukes. It’s truly a must-try experience!
- Cauldron Cakes – These visually striking treats are a fan favorite and can be found inside Honeydukes, typically showcased behind the glass counter near the register. Shaped like miniature cauldrons and often featuring a rich chocolate or pumpkin flavor, they are not only delicious but also incredibly photogenic. Be sure to grab one to fuel your magical adventures!
- Chocolate Wands – Found stacked on the shelves of Honeydukes, these delightful chocolate wands are a sweet tribute to the magic of the wizarding world. Each wand is crafted from solid chocolate, making them a perfect treat for aspiring witches and wizards, or a fun souvenir to take home.
- Jelly Babies – A true taste of English confectionery history, Jelly Babies date back to the 19th century. These adorable, fruit-flavored candies are shaped like little babies and possess a unique, slightly firmer chew compared to most American gummies, similar to a Swedish Fish but with milder, more nuanced fruit flavors. They are truly delicious and can be purchased by the pound, alongside a treasure trove of other bulk candies at Honeydukes.
- Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans – Prepare for a thrilling taste adventure with these infamous jelly beans, known for offering a “risk with every mouthful.” Their flavors range from the deliciously ordinary (like chocolate, marshmallow, or peppermint) to the outrageously bizarre and hilariously gross (such as dirty socks, earwax, or even liver!). Sharing a box with friends or family makes for an unforgettable and laughter-filled experience.
- Peppermint Toads & Fudge Flies – While the books describe chocolate frogs with collectible wizard cards, here you can discover whimsical Peppermint Toads, rumored to cause a delightful hopping sensation in your stomach! Right next to these minty marvels, you’ll also find Fudge Flies, often depicted as Scabbers the rat’s favorite snack, offering a rich, chocolatey bite.
- Witch Hat Cupcakes – Though not directly from the Harry Potter films, these charming Witch Hat Cupcakes are almost too cute to resist. Adorned with edible witch hats, they add a touch of confectionery magic to your visit. Make sure to explore all the beautiful treats displayed behind the counter at Honeydukes for these and other delightful surprises!
- Pumpkin Juice – A hugely popular beverage in the wizarding world, often enjoyed at any time of day, Pumpkin Juice was a particular favorite among Hogwarts students. Many Muggles describe its taste as a spiced apple cider, often with hints of pumpkin pie spices. You can easily find Pumpkin Juice at various refreshment stands throughout the Wizarding World, in gift shops, and inside Honeydukes, making it an accessible and authentic wizarding drink.
- Frogs on a Stick – Among the many fantastical candies filling the shelves of Honeydukes, you’ll discover these fun Frogs on a Stick. These lollipops, often featuring colorful, whimsical frog designs, are just one example of the imaginative treats that immerse you deeper into the magical atmosphere. Take your time to browse; every corner of this store holds a sweet surprise.
Whimsical Wonders in Seuss Landing
Stepping into Seuss Landing within Universal’s Islands of Adventure is like literally walking into one of Dr. Seuss’s vibrant, imaginative storybooks. The architecture is delightfully crooked, the colors are bold, and the atmosphere is pure, unadulterated fun. Throughout this whimsical land, nestled amidst thrilling rides and charming gift shops, you’ll discover a variety of tasty, themed treats that are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
- Moose Juice, Goose Juice – Directly inspired by Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book, these refreshing slushie drinks are a vibrant and flavorful way to cool down. Available in several fun, fruity flavors like sour green apple (Goose Juice) and tangy berry (Moose Juice), they are a brightly colored, icy delight perfect for a warm Florida day.
- Cat in the Hat Cookies – Embrace the iconic imagery of Dr. Seuss with a delightful cookie shaped like the Cat in the Hat’s distinctive red and white striped stovepipe hat! These beautifully decorated sugar cookies are not only delicious but also capture the playful spirit of the classic character. You’ll also find other seasonally themed or character-inspired cookies to choose from, adding to the variety of sweet options.
- Funfest Popcorn – While it might appear to be a regular bag of coated popcorn at first glance, a closer look reveals that its colors are directly inspired by the bold and whimsical palette so characteristic of Dr. Seuss’s timeless books! This colorful, candy-coated popcorn is a festive and easy-to-snack-on treat as you explore Seuss Landing.
- Self Serve Crunchy and Powdered Candy – Inside the wonderfully named Snookers & Snookers Sweet Candy Cookers, you can unleash your inner candy creator! This interactive experience allows you to scoop your favorite crunchy and powdered candies from a vibrant array of dispenser bins, creating your own personalized take-home packages of sweet goodness. It’s a fun, hands-on way to collect treats.
- Colorful Confections Display – Also nestled within Snookers & Snookers is a dazzling display case brimming with an assortment of gourmet treats. Here you’ll find beautifully crafted caramel apples, creatively decorated Rice Krispie pops, a plethora of cupcake options ranging in flavors and designs, and even classic whoopie pies. Each item is a small work of art, making it hard to choose just one!
Epicurean Delights at Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk isn’t just a bridge between the two theme parks; it’s an entertainment and dining destination in its own right! Boasting a vibrant nightlife, live music, shopping, and an incredible array of restaurants, CityWalk offers diverse culinary experiences for every taste. We specifically focused on two standout establishments for their truly unique and fun food offerings: The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen (renowned for its extreme milkshakes) and NBC Sports Grill & Brew (home of an impressively oversized pretzel and banana cake).
- Giant Soft Pretzel at NBC Sports Grill & Brew – Prepare to be amazed by the sheer scale of this colossal soft pretzel! Just glancing at the photo, with a hand for scale, hints at its impressive size. Our waitress delightfully mentioned that many guests compare it to a car’s steering wheel – and she wasn’t exaggerating! This isn’t just a novelty; it’s a perfectly baked, warm, and chewy pretzel, lightly salted and ideal for sharing with your entire group. It’s a satisfying, savory snack that makes for a fantastic appetizer or substantial treat.
- Big Banana Cake at NBC Sports Grill & Brew – If you’re dining with a large party or looking for an impressive dessert to take back to your hotel, the Big Banana Cake is an absolute must-order. This isn’t just a cake; it’s a monumental dessert designed for sharing. Featuring seven luscious layers of moist banana cake, generously filled with halved fresh bananas and a rich, creamy pudding-caramel filling, it’s a true masterpiece. The entire creation is enveloped in a thick layer of frosting and then cut into four truly gigantic pieces. On our visit, there were only three of us, and finishing it was an impossible feat! We were not yet leaving the park, but we couldn’t bear the thought of it going to waste, so a happy family at the next table enjoyed the delightful leftovers. It’s a generous, decadent dessert that promises multiple servings of pure bliss.
- Extreme Milkshakes at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium – Beyond its full menu of tantalizing appetizers, entrees, and desserts, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is legendary for its mind-blowing “extreme milkshakes.” These aren’t just drinks; they’re elaborate, Instagram-worthy dessert masterpieces. The menu dedicates two full pages to these towering creations, making it tough to choose! During our visit, we indulged in several incredible options:
- Brownie Milkshake: A decadent blend of Dutch chocolate ice cream swirled with chocolate, crowned with a rich brownie.
- Marshmallow Crisp Milkshake: Creamy vanilla ice cream infused with marshmallow fluff, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a crispy Rice Krispie treat, and a giant roasted marshmallow.
- Red Velvet Milkshake: Made with smooth vanilla ice cream, vibrant raspberry sauce, fresh whipped cream, and crowned with an actual red velvet cupcake and colorful sprinkles.
- Salted Dulce de Leche: A perfect balance of sweet and savory with salted caramel ice cream, luscious dulce de leche, crunchy salted pretzels, fresh whipped cream, and elegant chocolate cigars.
Each shake was an amazing spectacle and a truly delicious experience, almost a meal in itself. I’m already dreaming of trying more on my next trip!
Cartoonish Cravings from The Simpsons & Despicable Me Minions
Journey into the heart of Universal Studios Florida, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the hilarious worlds of Springfield, home to Bart and Homer Simpson, as well as the mischievous antics of the Despicable Me Minions! In the often-warm Florida climate, a refreshing drink or a ridiculously oversized snack is always a welcome treat. These themed areas offer fun food that perfectly captures their animated spirit.
- Duff Beer – Any devoted fan of The Simpsons knows that Duff Beer is Homer’s ultimate favorite beverage. Now, you can join him in enjoying a perfectly chilled, refreshing tap beer right in the heart of Springfield! Whether you’re unwinding at Moe’s Tavern or grabbing a quick drink from a stand, sipping a Duff Beer adds an authentic touch to your Springfield experience.
- Lard Lad Donuts – When in Springfield, a pilgrimage to Lard Lad Donuts is an absolute must. Here, you can get your hands on the legendary “Big Pink” donut – a truly delicious, sweet pink-frosted donut lavishly covered in vibrant sprinkles. Did we mention its size? This colossal confection is equivalent to about four standard donuts in one, making it a shareable treat or a challenge for the most enthusiastic donut lover!
- Minion Apples – The talented bakers and creators in Universal’s sweet shops bring characters to life in the most delicious ways! Delightful caramel or candy apples are artfully decorated to resemble beloved Minions and other fun, recognizable characters. These eye-catching treats are almost too cute to eat and make for a perfect, portable sweet.
- Minion S’mores – Imagine your favorite gooey s’more, but elevated with a chocolate candy coating and meticulously decorated to look like your favorite mischievous Minion characters! These adorable and indulgent s’mores are a hit with both kids and adults. You’ll often find other character-themed s’mores available too, sometimes even Hello Kitty, adding a delightful variety to choose from.
Having experienced the magic of Universal Orlando multiple times, I can confidently say that there’s always something new and exciting to discover, especially when it comes to the food! This last trip was a whirlwind one-day adventure, but it only solidified my desire to return and savor even more of what the resort has to offer. While this guide focused on the incredible snacks and treats, rest assured that on my next visit, I’ll be diving deep into the thrilling rides and attractions, so stay tuned for more Universal Orlando adventures!
What are your absolute favorite fun foods and must-try snacks at Universal Orlando? Share your delicious recommendations in the comments below!