Complete Guide to the 2024 Universal Orlando Dining Plan

Complete Guide to the 2024 Universal Orlando Dining Plan

Complete Guide to the 2024 Universal Orlando Dining Plan

Unfortunately, as of July 2021, Universal Orlando has canceled all-new Universal Orlando dining plans. As of now, there are no updates on whether the 2024 Universal dining plan will return. However, we have left the information below up just in case Universal decides to bring back the dining plan sometime in the future! So if you’re looking for the best Universal dining plan tips, in this article we break down the latest version of the Universal Orlando dining plan options. All while giving you our advice as theme park experts to give you the inside scoop on whether or not buying a meal plan could be worth it if Universal does decide to bring them back! 

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

The Universal Studios Dining Plan Options

Unfortunately, there is no sign of the Universal Orlando dining plan coming back anytime soon. However, we have left this guide up on everything there is to know about the Universal Orlando dining plan! As well as how you can potentially use the dining plan in the future when and if they bring it back.

What are the Three Universal Dining Plan Options?

• Universal Full-Service Dining Plan
• Universal Quick Service Dining Plan
• Refillable Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup (Can be bundled with the quick-service plan)

Related Post: Pros and Cons of All Universal Orlando Resorts

Full-Service Universal Studios Dining Plan

The full-service Universal meal plan is only available for purchase with a Universal vacation package and comes with the following:

• A full-service meal (any sit-down restaurant where you have a waiter; includes some CityWalk restaurants)
• A quick-service meal (entrée, drink, and dessert)
• A snack (anything like churros, pretzels, etc.)
• A beverage (does not include Butterbeer as well as other themed drinks because that is considered a snack option)

It’s important to note that this is the only Universal Studios dining plan that allows a mix between full-service and quick-service meals! To receive your meal credits, you’ll use a dining card given to each person in your party.

Universal Dining Plan Restaurants for Full Service:

CityWalk Orlando Dining:

• Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
• Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom
• Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
• Pat O’ Briens
• Red Oven Pizza Bakery
• Vivo Italian Kitchen
• The Cowfish
• NBC Sports Grill and Brew

Universal Studios Dining:

• Finnegan’s Bar and Grille
• Lombard’s Seafood Grill

Universal’s Islands of Adventures Dining:

• Confisco Grille
• Mythos Restaurant

Related Post: What are the Best CityWalk Restaurants?

Quick Service Universal Dining Plan

Like all dining plans, this plan is available to all guests. The Quick Service Dining Plan is $25.99 per adult and $17.99 per child and comes with the following:

• One quick service meal (includes an entree and drink)
• One snack (same specifications as full-service)
• One non-alcoholic beverage (same specifications as full-service)

A common misconception is that this plan only covers food carts. The truth is, is that it covers almost all of Universal’s most popular restaurants, including all of the Harry Potter restaurants. This plan can be added anytime during your visit by stopping by one of the kiosks at the opening gates of the parks.

Universal Orlando Quick Service Dining Locations:

CityWalk:

• Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches
• Hot Dog Hall of Fame

Universal Studios Florida Quick Service:

• Fast Food Boulevard
• Kid Zone Pizza Company
• Leaky Cauldron
• London Taxi Hut
• Louie’s Italian Restaurant
• Mel’s Drive-In
• Richter’s Burger Co.
• San Francisco Pastry Co
• Classic Monster Cafe Universal

Universal’s Islands of Adventure Quick Service:

• Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House
• Blondie’s
• Cafe 4
• Captain America Diner
• Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
• Comic Strip Cafe
• Croissant Moon Bakery
• Fire-Eater’s Grill
• Green Eggs and Ham Cafe
• Pizza Predattoria
• The Burger Digs
• Three Broomsticks
• Thunder Falls Terrace
• Wimpy’s

Universal’s Volcano Bay Quick Service:

• Bambu Jungle Kitchen
• Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club
• The Feasting Frog
• Whakawaiwai Eats

It’s important to note that guests can bundle their quick-service dining plan with all Park Prodigy Universal Orlando tickets! 

Universal Quick-Service Dining Plan Plus Refillable Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup

With the purchase of the $14.99 souvenir Coke cup, you’ll have access to unlimited free refills at any Coke Freestyle machine at any of the three parks for that day! If you’re visiting for multiple days, you can pay $10 to get your Freestyle cup reactivated for each day you visit. You do not have to purchase a dining plan to purchase a Coke Freestyle cup! If you purchase it with a quick-service dining plan, the cost is $34.99 per adult and $26.99 per child.

How to Refill a Coke Freestyle Cup at Universal Orlando

These cups have a sensor in the bottom that is activated upon purchase to work at any of the park’s Freestyle machines. Simply walk up to the Freestyle Machine, place your cup down, and begin to fill it with your beverage! the sensors are in the machine and will scan your cup automatically. However, the sensor will not allow you to get refills less than five minutes apart!

Pro tip: Hold onto your receipt if those pesky sensors act up, and you need proof of purchase to get another cup! 

The beauty of this plan is you won’t have to wait in those long kiosk lines every time you want a drink, which will be often since you’re in warm, sunny Orlando! Plus, you get to choose from various fun-themed souvenir cups you’ll get to keep.

Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Early Park Admission at Universal

How Can I Purchase the Universal Orlando Dining Plan?

You can pre-purchase the quick-service dining plan when booking your Universal Orlando vacation package online or when purchasing your Universal Orlando tickets through a travel company such as The Park Prodigy. Or, you can wait until you arrive at the Universal Orlando property and purchase it there. This can be done at select Universal Orlando quick-service dining locations, a few different carts throughout Universal CityWalk, or at your hotel if you’re staying at a Universal resort! 

The full-service Universal Orlando dining plan must be purchased online or through your Universal travel agent in advance. Unfortunately, you cannot buy a Universal Orlando full-service dining plan once you arrive in Orlando.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios for Adults

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Dining Cards

The closest thing that Universal has to its previous Universal Orlando dining plan is the prepaid food and beverage gift card that is offered during Universal Mardi Gras. Universal Orlando introduced a convenient food and beverage Gift Card and Lanyard system similar to the Sip & Savor Pass found at the Disneyland Resort Festivals. Instead of paying for each item at the booth, guests can purchase a Universal Orlando Resort Food & Beverage Card for $65.

What are the Benefits of the Universal Orlando Dining Card?

• Pay $65 for a $75 Card and Lanyard
• No limit on the quantity for purchase
• No expiration date

These dining cards was that they had no expiration date or purchase quantity limit. Even if you don’t finish using your total card balance by the end of Mardi Gras, which typically ends around the middle of April, you can still use the gift card at any food and beverage location across Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Events

Are Universal Dining Plans Worth it?

If you’re a soda drinker, we think the Universal Freestyle cup plan is worth it regardless of whether or not you bundle it with a quick-service plan. As for the quick-service and full-service plan, that answer depends on what you plan to eat! 

Why the Coca-Cola Freestyle Refillable Cup Plan is Worth it

Trust us when we say you’ll be thirsty much more than you think! Let’s say you have the bare minimum and only have one drink at lunch, one when you grab a snack, and two throughout the day just walking around trying not to get dehydrated. That’s four drinks priced at about $4 each, which is $16. For a dollar less, you could have refills every 5 minutes in a bigger cup no less!

Why the Quick-Service and Full-Service Dining Plans MIGHT be worth it

If you’re looking to save both time AND money on your Universal vacation with these, in our opinion, the answer is no, they’re not worth it. However, that answer is ultimately up to you! If you plan on ordering the most expensive entrée for your meals using either plan, then you’ll save some money. But even just $5-10 per person can add up if you’re a family of four visiting the parks for several days! Plus, planning out your schedule each day to maximize savings is part of the fun for some!

Keep in mind, that if you’re thinking of purchasing a plan, then you’re kind of restricted to that plan. A day of riding rides might make you not want a full meal at lunch, and you might prefer to snack in between the big rides, so just make sure whichever Universal dining plan you choose is compatible with your eating patterns. 

The Best Universal Dining Plan is…

If you’re going to get any dining plan, we for sure think the quick-service plan plus the Coca-Cola Freestyle refillable cup is the way to go! The cup by itself is $14.99 but only $9 more with the quick-service plan. 

Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Universal for Kids

Can You Bring Food Into Universal Studios Orlando?

Yes, you can bring into the parks bottled water, small snacks, food for medical purposes and dietary needs, baby food/ formula, and Soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep.

Prohibited items involving food include:

• Glassware or glass containers
• Open containers or drinks containing alcohol
• Hard-sided coolers
• Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep
• Picnic lunches; any food that requires heating or refrigeration; folding chairs

So yes, you can bring food into Universal if it follows the guidelines. Great examples are wrapped cold sandwiches and snacks such as Goldfish and pretzels.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios for Adults

2024 Universal Dining Plan Questions and Answers

Q: Are there options for guests with food allergies?

A: We have found that Universal is excellent when accommodating guests with food allergies. However, we recommend you call guest services before you purchase the Universal dining plan to discuss your unique allergies and needs. You can call Universal Guest Services at 407-224-3463. If you do decide to buy the dining plan at Universal and have additional questions once you arrive, you can speak with the restaurant manager before you dine.

Q: How do I know which food items are eligible?

A: Look for the “UD” symbol at your dining location. It’s important to note that a few dining locations in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter do not include the “UD” symbol but are included. We also always recommend that when in doubt, just ask.

Q: Can I use the Universal dining plan at Halloween Horror Nights?

A: Universal offers two quick service options on Halloween Horror nights. Guests can also check out our complete guide to Halloween Horror Nights!

Q: Does the full-service Universal dining plan include character dining?

A:  Unfortunately, no, these credits can not be used towards Universal Orlando character dining.

Q: Are Universal hotels included in my dining plan?

No, you cannot use your dining plan at any Universal hotel, even if you are a guest. This is something to keep in mind if you are planning to eat at your resort often during your stay and are hoping to include it in your dining plan.

Q: Can I use my dining plan when ordering ahead on the Universal mobile app?

A: No, at this time, you can’t use your dining plan when ordering ahead on the mobile app. However, you can use an annual pass discount if you have one!

For additional facts and questions on the Universal Orlando dining plan, check out their website!

Q: Can you bring sandwiches to Universal Studios Orlando

A: Yes, packing your food and drinks can help save you money in Universal. You can bring sandwiches and snacks into the park if they do not have to be heated.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you maximize your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, check out Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some fantastic benefits that can help save you up to three hours in the parks!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks, be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!