If you’ve ever counted the cost of food after spending a day at a theme park, you already know that the loss can rival the cost of your tickets. And it’s hard to avoid it, because you want to eat all things! It’s your God-given right to roll into the park hungry and walk out with a Butterbeer in one hand and a turkey leg as big as your head in the other…even if you get a big buck back in the afternoon. Fortunately, Universal Studios Hollywood is changing the math on food costs with its newly launched Dining Pass. This is a one-time prepaid purchase that covers meals and snacks for the day.
For families planning to spend all day at the park, this sounds like a great deal. So let’s take a closer look.
How does this work?
It’s surprisingly easy, tbh. Dining passes start at $59 (excluding tax) and include two eligible entrees plus four additional items, including snacks, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages served at select restaurants and food stalls throughout the park. You can spread it out throughout the day and get food when it naturally fits into your flow. In other words, you don’t have to shovel everything into a gob at once, and you don’t have to wait for someone to stop for a snack until the hanger is half melted.
“Eligible” items are clearly marked with the Dining Pass logo on the menu board, so there’s no guesswork involved once you get to the service counter. Some excluded items: food and drinks over $25, alcohol, Starbucks, Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks, candy, merchandise, souvenirs and collectibles, special events, or anything within Universal CityWalk.
Where do I buy my pass?
Passes can be purchased online in advance or at designated locations within the park during your visit. Please be forewarned. This is activated the first time you use it and is only valid for that date, making it a true “use it or lose it” situation.
Is it really worth it?
If you go to Universal and don’t feel like you’re getting the same experience with all your guts, you’ll probably save a few bucks or at least break even by going this route.
But whether this math really works in your favor depends on how you eat and how long you stay. If it’s a short visit or you tend to have a snack while in the park, you might be better off sticking with the regular a la carte fare.
I personally want to emphasize here that the food at Universal does not disappoint. bonus? The menu behind the pass was developed by executive chef Julia Thrash and her culinary team, who operate the park’s 30,000 square foot production kitchen. “We take great pride in preparing an eclectic menu for our guests, and we want our culinary offerings to be as exciting as our rides and attractions,” Thrush said in a statement.
Does Universal Orlando also have a dining pass?
Those on the East Coast who consider Universal Orlando their “home” park naturally want to know if the same conditions apply. Oh, don’t hold your breath yet. When contacted, a Universal Orlando spokesperson confirmed that there is currently no equivalent dining pass available at the Florida park.
However, the representative pointed out that Universal Orlando currently has very attractive hotel and ticket offers with dining savings built-in. Guests who book a stay of five nights or more at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort, or Universal Terra Luna Resort will receive a $300 dining credit to use during their stay.
This, combined with a new multi-day ticket promotion for U.S. residents, grants six or seven-day park-to-park access to all four Universal Orlando theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and the new Universal Epic Universe. All prices are for 5-day tickets (for a limited time only). It’s a great deal considering you have access to over 75 rides and attractions across four parks.
So while Hollywood is experimenting with a one-day all-in dining model, Orlando is leaning into extended stays and bundle pricing. This is part of a larger push to position Universal Orlando as a full week vacation destination, especially with the addition of Epic Universe.
It remains to be seen whether Dining Pass will eventually catch on in Orlando, but it still feels like a step in the right direction. Ideally, we would continue to take small steps toward a smoother, and (dare we say?) more affordable theme park.
After all, the only thing you should be overthinking at a theme park is which ride to ride next.
