Disney food lover seeks similar Univeral experiences

[mommydoc]

After nearly 20 yearly or bi-yearly Disney trips we are FINALLY going to Universal. We'll be there 5 nights with 4 park days in mid-February with our children who are really into Harry Potter right now.

We love certain Disney restaurants for both the food and the experiences they provide. Chef Mickey's, California Grill, O'Hana, Le Cellier, Hollywood Brown Derby and 50s Prime Time to name a few.

Would anyone be able to suggest similar FUN or YUMMY or FUN + YUMMY dining experiences in the Universa parks, resorts or Citywalk.

Thanks in advance!

 

[lazer]

Where are you staying? We loved the breakfast buffet and then dinner at the Islands Room at Royal Pacific. Two totally different menus for each.

In the parks, we had the best meal and service of our trip at Mythos. It's at Islands of Adventure and worth every penny. We also had a fun time at Margaritaville. Our kids loved the balloon artists and interactions with the staff. And, I was surprised by the food. It was really yummy!

We also enjoyed our meals poolside at both the Hard Rock and Royal Pacific. Huge portions and great service too.

The only meal we didn't like was Confiscos. I know some people recommended it, but it was a bust for us. Terrible service, cold cold food and our drinks were left empty many times even after requesting refills. But, that can happen anywhere.

I will say on our first Universal Trip, I missed Ohana breakfast, just because we love it there and our kids do too.

 

[johde]

Sorry you can't get the full Disney Dining experience at Universal. Most Universal Restaurants only take reservations 2 months in advance and 90% of the year you can probably walk up.

Seriously though, I've only eaten a couple of table service places at Universal but both of them have been great (I'm hoping to expand that this trip).

I agree with Lazer, Mythos was a great meal in an unique restaurant. I also enjoyed my meal at Emerils. It's more upscale but I went there for lunch when it's a bit more casual (and less expensive)


Chef Mickey's and 50's Prime Time are probably the ones with the fewest comparables. Universal does limited Character dining. You can find out about it here . https://www.universalorlando.com/Restaurants/Character-Dining.aspx . Likewise with the 50's prime time style of "themed" dining.
That being said, in the counter service arena, Three Broomsticks, Leakey Cauldron, and Simpson's Fast Food Blvd are themed just like the movies/TV show.

 

[KorbensMomma]

I would agree with Mythos definitely. We even got the kids sushi dessert, it was really cool (made with rice crispy).

I did not like the 3 broomsticks breakfast. But loved the grab and go breakfast at RPR. RPR also had a sit down breakfast.

I have seen pictures of the character dining and it looks nice.

I have liked most all the food we have had.

 

[damo]

You might want to check out the food sticky at the top of this forum and peruse it at your leisure.

 

[SharonLowe]

After nearly 20 yearly or bi-yearly Disney trips we are FINALLY going to Universal. We'll be there 5 nights with 4 park days in mid-February with our children who are really into Harry Potter right now.

We love certain Disney restaurants for both the food and the experiences they provide. Chef Mickey's, California Grill, O'Hana, Le Cellier, Hollywood Brown Derby and 50s Prime Time to name a few.

Would anyone be able to suggest similar FUN or YUMMY or FUN + YUMMY dining experiences in the Universa parks, resorts or Citywalk.

Thanks in advance!

The on-site deluxe resorts have character dinners - Royal Pacific is Thursdays, Portofino is Fridays, and Hard Rock is Saturdays. We like Bice for a nice dinner as well as Emeril's Tchop-Tchop. Always have fun at Margaritaville and Bob Marley's. Plenty of choices for fun, yummy, and fun and yummy. And, as others have said, no need to plan 180 days in advance! For many, you can make reservations though OpenTable or direct with restaurant.

 

[Seeker615]

We love Mythos. Good food and cool atmosphere.

At City Walk we loved the Hard Rock and also had a nice quick dinner at the Nascar Grill. Pat O'Briens was very pretty out on the patio for dinner and drinks one evening.

I loved the breakfast at the Three Broomsticks. I thought it was tasty and filling.

Finnegans at the Universal Studios side was tasty as well.

 

[macraven]

The on-site deluxe resorts have character dinners - Royal Pacific is Thursdays, Portofino is Fridays, and Hard Rock is Saturdays. We like Bice for a nice dinner as well as Emeril's Tchop-Tchop. Always have fun at Margaritaville and Bob Marley's. Plenty of choices for fun, yummy, and fun and yummy. And, as others have said, no need to plan 180 days in advance! For many, you can make reservations though OpenTable or direct with restaurant.

3 weeks ago i was at Islands at RPH and the character dining was on Saturday night.
Homer and Scooby made their appearances.

check with the hotels for the rotation schedule.
they do change them at times.

 

[Syndrome]

Hard Rock cafe is good, but can be loud.
We met Howie Mandel there a few years ago ........ He just sat down at the table next to us.

Mythos is a MUST DO . Food is pretty good, and the atmosphere is awesome.

Another that is great but overlooked is "The Kitchen" at the HRH , located in the bottom level of the Hard Rock (hotel) . Great food and a nice break from the sometimes loud HRH .

We never grow tired of Margaritaville . Its a must for our family of parrotheads !

 

[Minerva Mouse]

Honestly, and I may burn at the steak for saying this. BUT, IMO, universal's quick service food, is far superior to Disney's. This is NOT the case with the sugary, baked, flakey, cakey, yummyness that is Disney, but the food is pretty darn good.

You must try a butterbeer, but the sugar hurts my tummy. Its not something I can drink alone.

I prefer Universal for ice cream as well, both parks have dipping dots, and Ben & Jerry's.

I've yet to try a "Flaming Moe" but it sure looks swell.

Universal lacks the "fun" themed restaurants that we've all grown to love at Disney, but there are plenty of great places to eat. My favorites, Mythos, Hard Rock Cafe, Margaritaville and Bubba Gumps. AND the just opened a Cowfish, that I can't WAIT to try.

https://www.thecowfish.com/

P.S. I was very, very, very disappointed in Antojitos. I haven't gave it a second try yet, maybe they were just having a bad night. But my food was subpar at best, and super expensive for what we had.

OH,, and of course Emeril's is amazing, but kinda pricey.

 

[vakamalua]

Been wanting to try Mythos. Will be there December 3-8, do we need to make an advance reservation? Or will there be a time of day that we would be able to walk-up? Thanks.

 

[RMulieri]

Been wanting to try Mythos. Will be there December 3-8, do we need to make an advance reservation? Or will there be a time of day that we would be able to walk-up? Thanks.

They often close well before the park does .The last seatings are usually 330-4pm..Walk ups are generally best at opening ( 11am ) or after the lunch rush ( 2pm)

 

[bowtie7]

Also note that due to how close the two parks are, with Citiwalk directly connecting them--it is easy to leave either of the parks (which have only a couple of full service places) and have a sit down meal in Citiwalk (or either of the two closer hotels) and then just pop back to whichever park you want.

 

[SAHMKC]

You might want to try The Palm Steakhouse in HRH if you are looking for up-scale.

 

[Siriusblack]

We always go to Mama Dellas at the Portofino. Very yummy, great service and the strolling musicians are great. Both Emerils, and Finnegans are also favorites.
It is a lot less pressure than Disney as far as advance planning goes, we will be at Uni in 2 weeks, and will probably wait till we get there to decide on reservations!

 

[RMulieri]

Mama Dellas at Portofino Bay is our favorite onsite resort restaurant. Great food and atmosphere

 

[schumigirl]

You might want to try The Palm Steakhouse in HRH if you are looking for up-scale.

I agree.......I think that is the best restaurant between all 3 onsite hotels, especially for a special occasion

Food is excellent as is the quality.....steaks were sublime.

 

[xApril]

My boyfriend and I loved Emerils Tchoup at Royal Pacific. Delicious sushi! However, I think while we still like it, our absolute favorite has got to be Cowfish. Their sushi is amazing, service is great, and they're brand new! Definitely worth checking out. I can't wait to go back.

 

[wookiebeck]

We like lunchtime offerings in IOA. Never had a bad meal at either place.

Confisco Grille: pad thai

Mythos: fish tacos