Universal Newbie question - are the Meal Deals worth it when the park closes early?

[Magpie]

We'll be travelling down in mid-December (Harry Potter - woot!) and staying at the Royal Pacific Resort. Our budget is a wee bit tight, and I'm wondering if it's worth it to buy Meal Deals in the park.

The website says they're only good for lunch and dinner at one of 6 counter service locations. So, it might be good if we're eating both meals in the park. But if the park closes at 6 pm (off season) does that mean we'd have to eat and exit the park before that?

Because if that's the case, we'll just end up buying more food when everyone gets hungry again at 10.

Also, we're none of us big eaters - is the meal deal really the cheapest option, or could we eat in other places for a similar amount of money?

 

[damo]

I wouldn't get the meal deal. There are some wonderful restaurants and they aren't included in the meal deal.

 

[ky07]

If your not big eaters then the meal deal is not worth it and we are always on a tight budget when are at Universal but as damo said there are some real good restaurants at Universal and citywalk and we have always found prices very reasonable and not too expensive

 

[Metro West]

In addition to what the others have posted, I wanted to add the restaurants close 30 minutes prior to park closing so you really have less time than going to park closing. Also...my recommendations for food would be: Louie's and Finnegan's at the Studios and Thunder Falls Terrace, Comic Strip Cafe and Mythos (lunch only). Louie's is included in the Meal Deal.

 

[Magpie]

Thanks everyone! I'll skip the meal deals, then.

It'll be more fun to check out all the different restaurants, anyway!