I am delighted to share with you 5 simple ways you can enjoy your Universal Orlando Vacation with dietary needs. My hope is that this topic will provide some clarity on what cuisine is available for you while visiting Universal Orlando Resort.
First, Research dining options that are available at the parks and resorts before you arrive for your vacation. Also, if you book your vacation with an MVP Travel Advisor, like me, let them know so I can accommodate you. I will send you specific information on where to dine etc. depending on what dietary restrictions you have.
Second, once you arrive at Universal Orlando and you sit down to every meal, let your server or the team member know that you have special dietary needs, a food allergy, or a religious dietary request. Every resort café or dining establishment will accommodate you by providing other meal options.
Third, Universal Orlando Parks and Resorts provides many options for guests to enjoy food no matter their dietary or allergies. There is a list of restaurants online that is organized by Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and City Walk which is Universal’s shopping and entertainment district. There you will find menus to look at and even plan out your meals in advance before arriving. Your Magical Vacation Planner Travel Advisor will be able to assist you with reservations at certain places as well. Knowing your options and being prepared before ever arriving will take the stress out of what to eat.
There are many delicious places for you to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner around Universal Property even with dietary restrictions. This was quite a challenge to come up with just a few recommendations for main meals – quick service or full service because there are so many great options out there!
Let us start with the most important meal of the day, breakfast. Located at the front of the Universal Studios Park you will find Today Café. Your tastebuds will have the option to enjoy many choices and they will thank you later! Here, you will find Avocado Toast along with other Breakfast Sandwiches that can be modified to meet your dietary requests. At the Today Café, you can also alter anything to accommodate your dietary restrictions, except the pastries offered. Simply let a team member know your allergy, and they will be happy to accommodate you.
Moving on to Lunch. If you are spending the day at Universal’s Volcano Bay water park, there are amazing food options for you to enjoy there too! After reviewing the list of quick service places, I would highly recommend Bambu. This is where you can get your tropical fix by ordering salads, various sandwiches, etc. I recommend the Island Chicken Salad. It is hearty, healthy, and light just the way you want a salad to be. You can always ask the team member to substitute a sandwich bun for a gluten-free sandwich bun. This is a great option for spending the day in the Florida sunshine relaxing at an amazing water park!
For a Snack or a Shareable Snack option, visit Three Broomsticks if you are spending your park day in Universal Islands of Adventure. Here you will find traditional English Cuisine along with salads, and various sides that can be altered to meet your dietary restrictions. I recommend the Fish and Chips to share as a snack but let the team member know your allergy before ordering any dish.
For dinner, I recommend City Walk, Universal’s Dining and Entertainment District. There are so many incredible award-winning restaurants here with many cuisines enjoyable for every pallet. My first choice would be BIG FIRE. Here you will find many options available if you have dietary restrictions. You could also modify a dish to meet your dietary restrictions, like replacing a burger bun with lettuce, etc. They serve dishes like fish with roasted veggies, salads, gourmet burgers, and various dietary-specific sides. Requests can be made to a team member for dietary restrictions.
Finally, satisfying a sweet tooth while having a dietary restriction can be tricky, but it is doable, even on vacation! If you are in Universal Studios Park, I recommend stopping by Schwab’s Pharmacy to grab a nice refreshing Dole Whip which is dairy-free. You could also hop over to Toothsome Chocolate Factory Emporium at City Walk and order a variety of milkshakes that are vegan. My last recommendation would be to stop by Voodoo Donuts also at City Walk for a variety of vegan donut choices – this stop is also good for a breakfast option!
Enjoying your vacation while having special dietary requests does not have to be stressful. You can relax knowing that destinations like Universal Orlando Resort have your best interest and provide alternative options on their menus. A positive benefit of a loyal Magical Vacation Planner is providing complimentary travel services and crafting the perfect vacation that will have you prepared before, during, and after your trip in every aspect. So, relax, enjoy, and remember to have a magical adventure!
For more information or to book your next Universal adventure please reach out to me: Denae Wilson, d.wilson@magicalvacationplanner.com.