Universal Orlando Rides and Food

Fun Foods:

When walking around Universal Orlando there are an endless amount of treats you can snack on. Whether you have a sweet tooth like me or want to grab a quick meal to keep you going I am sure you will find something you love. My favorite place to get unique and fun treats is at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Lard Lad Donuts in Springfield

One of my favorite most iconic treats at the park is the large pink sprinkled Lard Lad Donut in Springfield. They do sell these big donuts randomly throughout the park but it just feels more official coming from Springfield. Costing you around $5 per large donut you might want to share it with some friends since it’s ginormous. My favorite part is obviously the icing. It taste so good good that it will make you shout Homer Simpson’s famous “Woo-hoo!”

Weasley Wizard Wheezes Products

The first thing I had to try was the no melt ice cream from Weasley Wizard Wheezes Products. You can pick your flavor and It comes in a little 1 oz cup. If you like sweet treats and icing like I do, well then this treat is just for you. It is very sweet and tastes a little like cake frosting but it won’t melt even from the heat of the dragon’s fire!

The Leaky Cauldron

I headed into The Leaky Cauldron to try the famous butterbeer which comes in three different ways and with a flavored ice cream. You can get it hot, cold or frozen and it does not matter if you’re a muggle or a wizard the classic way to enjoy butterbeer is cold. I decided to go a little crazy and try the frozen route this time. Topped with a thick cream this cold beverage resembled a little bit like a cream soda mixed with butterscotch flavoring. The perfect drink to cool down for those warmer days in Orlando. You can purchase this either in the standard plastic cup or in a collectible mug.

Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor

If you are looking for soft serve ice cream be sure to head over to Florean Fortescue’s ice cream located in North Side, Diagon Alley, next to the Second-Hand Bookshop. Readers of the Harry Potter books might remember Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour after its appearance in The Prisoner of Azkaban. Harry would spend time at the ice cream parlor, and Florean Fortescue himself gave Harry free ice cream sundaes every half hour. Now muggles can have their own sundaes in this very establishment, with some very magical flavors. I went with pistachio soft serve in a cone of course.

Rides & Attractions

The rides and attractions at Universal Orlando are a little more sophisticated than those at Magic Kingdom as well as the visuals are top notch. Walking through the parks it feels like you’re transported into all these different places and lands. To start off my day I headed right to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and right to the Hogwarts Express; Make sure to stop and talk to the the conductor. I spoke to him briefly and he said he believed the Sorting Hat would place me in the house of Hufflepuff since he senses I was hard working, kind and loyal. Oh he must know me so well! I kinda also just love saying the word HUFFLEPUFF! It’s such a fun word.

Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey

Beware! This ride is not for those who have a weak stomach! This ride is a dark 3D simulator. The ride takes you along side with Harry Potter on a broom through a game of quittage. You have to try and dodge all the obstacles that Harry faced in the movies. When the ride was over, I was pleased with the ride itself but my stomach was completely flipped. I recommend not eating before getting on this ride.

Skull Island Reign of Kong

Entering into a more dangerous world of Jurassic Park is the new ride Skull Island Reign of Kong. The last time I visited Universal in February of 2016 the ride wasn’t opened and I love seeing new attractions open so of course I had to try it out. For those afraid of roller coasters have no fear, this ride is more of a simulator. If you have been on the spiderman ride, it is pretty much the same kind of simulator. The ride is a tad graphic/violent and is a cross between King Kong and T-rex, that ends with King Kong killing T-Rex.  It’s a lovely ride for the kids….not.

Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue

Sadly after many years, one of my favorite attractions Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue is now closed. They are starting to build a new Fast and Furious ride in its place. I am also a huge Fast and Furious fan and can’t wait for this to open!

Animal Actors on Location

Every time I visit Universal I make it a point to go and see the animal show Animal Actors on Location. It’s a live show featuring dog, cats, pigs and other animals that used to be in TV shows or movies. The cast includes the dog Marley from Marley and Me, Frank the pug from Men in Black and the one and only Beethoven. Given this show is more geared towards children, I probably get more out of it than all the kids combined. The show goes on four times a day so make sure you at least catch it once. It’s a nice break from walking around and all the crazy rides.

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

When leaving Universal Studios and heading down Citywalk stop by and check out the new Toothsome Chocolate Emporium that opened in 2016 which is a full restaurant and confectionery.  As you all know, I myself am not a fan of chocolate but my guests certainly are. Once you enter your nose is instantly filled with the scent of delectable deliciousness. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium has three parts which are a candy section, A milkshake or sundae section and the last one being a full restaurant. The dining hall offers a full menu including all-day brunch on top of all their insanely big milkshake menu. For a candy addict or future chocolatier, this place is heaven.

* This post is sponsored by Universal Orlando.