First Timers to Universal/IOA need dining recommendations

[marypoppins]

Hi We are coming for Spring Break . This is our 1st visit. We are Disney Fans but, DH wanted to try something different. We will have our DD 12 (almost 13) and DS 9. We are spending 4 night in Orlando. We are purchasing 3 day park to park ticket. We would like some suggestions on Dining in Universal, Islands of Adventure and Citiwalk. I should add that DS 9 is a very picky eater. The restaurant would have to have childrens menu. Thank you in advance.

 

[GeorgiaPeach74]

MaryPoppins,

There are quite a few dining places at Universal Studios / Islands and CityWalk. One thing I would recommend is Universal's Meal Deal Tickets. It's $24.99 for an adult (aged 10+) or $11.99 for a child (aged 3-9) and they can eat unlimited at a total of 6 convenient restaurants within the two theme parks. They have the choice of an entree and a side or entree and a a dessert. They can eat from 11 or 11:30 AM until 30 minutes prior to the park closing. I take advantage of it when I go to the parks with my family and we save a lot of money. My daughter, who also turned 9, is also very picky and sometimes she tries something and wasn't happy. So, we had to throw that away. With the Meal Deal option, we went back up and got her something new without having to spend more money. That's one thing I would recommend and if you don't do it 4 days, definitely give it a try one day.

Sorry if I couldn't help that much, but that's what I would recommend. I've been going to the parks since 2000 and we take advantage of the Meal Deal options 99% of the time. The only thing we had to purchase were beverages, but with that, we opted in and purchased souvenir cups for $9 and that allowed for unlimited refills throughout the day with our meal deal wristband.

 

[mesaboy2]

There's this sticky thread at the top of the page that has lots of info: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2681315

 

[Metro West]

There's this sticky thread at the top of the page that has lots of info: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2681315

 

[heidi8]

While the lunch menu at Three Broomsticks is a little British and may not be loved by all picky eaters, if you want to experience the atmosphere, contact the hotel concierge and see if you can get in there for Breakfast, where they have a simple pancakes option for kids.
They have chicken nuggets and the like at Margaritaville, too - and good pizza at Mythos which also has amazing atmosphere and a terrific view from many tables.

 

[pixeegrl]

I second all of the above! We also liked eating on the deck outside at Lombards and thought their milkshakes were delicious!

 

[patster734]

I avoid the meal deal, becuase my two favorite park restaurants (Mythos at IOA, and Finnegan's at US) aren't included in the meal deal. Also, Lombards (mentioned above) isn't included in the meal deal either.

As for Citywalk, I think picky eaters would enjoy Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe, NBA City, and Nascar Grille. If they enjoy fish sandwiches, you could also include Bubba Gumps.