Help - Newbie at Universal

[jaff87]

We are going from 8-10-8/13. This will be our first time since back in 1994 when none of these hotels were even there. We are staying at HRH. Myself, DH, DD9, DS11.

Looking for suggestions for breakfast & dinner? Sitdown, counter service, inside the hotels? at the parks? Anything is fine with us, but am not familiar with any of the dining facilities at Universal.

Also, any thoughts on how much to budget?

Thanks!

 

[lrauers]

If you go to the Universal Orlando website you it will tell you about the restaurants at the parks and at the hotels. Also, wwwallears.net has most of the menus so you can look at what's offered. For resorts, the breakfast buffet at RPR is very good (16.95, I think) We usually order from the menu which is cheaper and the portions are large. All of the City Walk restaurants are sit-down, the atmosphere varies alot. I like Pastamore (Italian) it's not too loud and crazy. Mythos at IOA is my favorite, it's got a great menu, decent prices and the atmosphere is more upscale without being stuffy. The only counter service place we usually go to is Dagwood's sandwich shop at IOA. The sandwiches are very good and, again, portions are large. Also, the Market Deli at Portofino makes great pizzas...you can order it inside and then eat it at one of the outdoor tables overlooking the waterfront. We've been to both of Emeril's restaurants, I'm not a big fan. The food was average and the prices are VERY high. There are lots of choices throughout the parks and at the hotels. Oh, one other place...Jake's American Bar/Grill at RPR is really good, reasonably priced. Have fun!!

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

City walk has a good variety or restaurants. HRH has decent food but there is much better a short walk away at CW. My favorite is Emeril's ($$$$) at CW and there is also another at the RPR. The Hard Rock Cafe is always a good meal too. The Palms inside the HRH is also pretty good and The Kitchen is decent. I would also recommend Mythos which is inside of IOA. It is truly a hidden gem and has been voted best amusement park restaurant for the past few years.

The HRH does have a GREAT bar - The Velvet Lounge.

My choices in order would be:
Emeril's (CW)
Emeril's (RPR)
Mythos (IOA)
Hard Rock Cafe' (CW)
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (CW)
Pastamore (CW)
The Palms (HRH)

As for the budget - that is wide open - you could spend a small fortune or stick to a strict budget. Check out the link below to the CW restaurants (w/ menu's) for pricing. But I will say this, nothing is 'cheap"...

http://www.universalorlando.com/citywalk/restaurants-club-comparison.html

 

[amystevekai&bump]

I definitely recommend the buffet breakfast at The Kitchen in the HRH - we loved sitting out on the patio eating there - and the food was great too!! We also enjoy the pool bar to eat in the evening too!!

Didn't rate Bubba Gumps at all - will try Margartiaville next time instead!!

 

[donaldduck352]

Hear is a great website with pricing that should help Ya
http://www.allears.net
Scroll down to the bottom and clock universal resort link.

 

[jaff87]

Thanks everyone for the input and the links!

I have been more versed re: WDW, so all of this is very helpful.

 

[calgarygary]

Have you looked into the cost of adding club status to your room. If you can get by with the continental breakfast provided there, it would be a good value for your family.