Complete Guide to the 2025 Universal Orlando Dining Plan

Complete Guide to the 2025 Universal Orlando Dining Plan

Complete Guide to the 2025 Universal Orlando Dining Plan

Unfortunately, as of July 2021, Universal Orlando has canceled what was previously the Universal Orlando dining plan! As of early 2025, there is no current dining plan promotion, however, there are a few ways to budget for food when eating at Universal Orlando, such as the Mardi Gras food and beverage card, the Harry Potter Vacation Package, and the Coke Freestyle cup as you will see below.

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

Current Ways to Save Money on Dining at Universal Orlando Resort

Although the dining plan at Universal Orlando is on hold, there are a few tricks to make dining convenient and cost effective while at the parks or hotels. The first is to keep an eye out for any Universal Orlando dining card promotions, which are most popular during Mardi Gras. These cards can be purchased for $65 with the purchase power of $75 worth of food, or $120 for $150 worth of food in the parks. Universal also had a free dining card promotion in early 2025, which is no longer available, in which guests would receive up to a $1,000 dining card when booking an eligible vacation package.

The next would be breakfast vouchers that are available for families who book the Wizarding World of Harry Potter vacation package. These vouchers are not the most cost-effective at a value of $21.29 each, however, they are a convenient way to budget in some of your meals. Universal also has the Marvel character dining experience which can be booked in advance for $60.70 per person. Last one of the easiest ways to save money on unlimited drinks would be to upgrade and get a Coke Freestyle cup for the duration of your trip.

@theparkprodigy

HUGE UNIVERSAL ORLANDO SAVINGS💸 Receive up to $1,000 on a Universal Orlando dining card to use at the parks and hotels on select travel dates from November until April 🌎 #universalorlando #universalorlandodiningpromotion #freedininguniversalorlando

♬ Hungry Eyes – The Memory Lane

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras dining card

The prepaid food and beverage gift card offered during Universal Mardi Gras is a 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 worth $75 in food, or pay $120 for $150 in food. These dining cards have 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, Epic Universe, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk. One of the other things that we love about these cards is that they can be used on both non alcoholic beverages or alcoholic beverages.

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

Universal Orlando prepaid meal vouchers

As discussed, guests can also book a Wizarding World of Harry Potter vacation package, including one breakfast voucher worth $21.29 at each Wizarding World of Harry Potter restaurant. Guests can also purchase one of the only Universal Orlando character dining experiences in the Marvel character dining experience worth $60.70 per person.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter breakfast vouchers

  • Breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron™ in Universal Studios Florida – one per person
  • Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks™ in Universal Islands of Adventure – one per person
  • Breakfast at Café L’air De La Sirène™ in Universal Epic Universe – one per person

Marvel character dining experience

You’re dining at Cafe 4 when in walk Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Storm, Cyclops, and Rogue. This is no ordinary dinner. This is the Marvel Character Dinner, an experience that no true believer can miss. (Characters are subject to change without notice. Separate theme park admission for same date required and not included in the listed price. Restrictions apply)

Related Page: Shop Discount Universal Orlando Vacation Packages

Popular Restaurants When Using the Universal Orlando Dining Card

universal-orlando-quick-service-dining-plan

Universal Orlando Quick Service Dining Locations:

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

CityWalk:

  • Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches
  • Hot Dog Hall of Fame

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?

Previous Universal Studios Orlando Dining Plan Options

universal-orlando-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.

Previous Universal Orlando Resort vacation package with dining card promotion

Receive up to $1,000 Food and Beverage Card* for select food and beverage purchases across Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, Universal CityWalk, and all Universal Orlando Hotels (One Per Room)

Previous 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)

Previous 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)

Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Early Park Admission at Universal

2025 Universal Dining Plan Questions and Answers

f-a-q

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: Universal has let us know that most full-service and sit-down restaurants are eligible for the new dining card promotion. They have included the below list of locations which are NOT included in the new promotion: 

    • The Palm – Orlando at Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando Resort.
    • BiCE Ristorante Orlando at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort.
    • Blondie’s at Universal Islands of Adventure.
  • At Merchandise Locations, which include but are not limited to:
    • Bake My Day
    • San Francisco Candy Factory
    • Sugarplum’s Sweetshop
    • Honeydukes
    • Snookers and Snookers
    • Island Market
    • Export Candy Shoppe

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

A: Universal offers two quick service options on Halloween Horror nights which guests can use their Universal Orlando dining card at. Guests can also check out our complete guide to Halloween Horror Nights!

Q: Are Universal hotels included in my dining plan?

Yes, many of the restaurants at the official Universal Orlando hotels do take the dining card. Here is a list of the current Universal Orlando hotels:

  • Signature Collection:
    • Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
    • Hard Rock Hotel
    • Loews Royal Pacific Resort
    • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
    • Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel (Opening May 22, 2025)
  • Prime Value Hotels:
    • Universal Aventura Hotel
    • Universal Stella Nova Resort
    • Universal Terra Luna Resort
  • Value Inns and Suites:
    • Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
    • Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
    • Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

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 card to order ahead on the mobile app. However, you can use an annual pass discount if you have one!

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!

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Mike Belmont

Michael Belmont is the owner and chief editor at Theparkprodigy.com, an authorized Disney and Universal travel agent. He specializes in Disney and Universal theme park tickets and vacation packages, as well as daily park plans to help optimize vacation time. Michael and The Park Prodigy have been featured on ABC’s Florida affiliate, WTFV, as well as over 10 Disney focused blogs. As owner, Michael manages The Park Prodigy blog and social media, a Disney themed podcast, and a Disney and Universal focused YouTube channel. Prior to starting The Park Prodigy, Michael was a long time Disney and Universal enthusiast, frequent visitor of the parks, and even served as a Walt Disney World Cast Member in Orlando, Florida!