How to Eat at Universal on a Budget

Are you trying to figure out how to eat at Universal on a budget? You’re in the right place!

Universal Orlando vacations aren’t cheap. After all, you have tickets and park-to-park if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express. Universal Express Passes, souvenirs to purchase, etc. Oh, and then you have food because everyone needs to eat!

Before “you know what,” Universal offered dining plans. However, those have been discontinued, and no one knows if or when they will return. Since it’s been a few years, I doubt they will return the dining plans to the parks.

Thankfully, there are tips and tricks you can use to eat at Universal on a budget.

Let me show you how easy it can be to save money on food at Universal Studios.

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I’m an annual pass holder and top Universal travel agent; I’d love to help plan your trip. Contact me for information.

Noe, let’s get into saving money at Universal!

How to Eat at Universal on a Budget

Here are some tips to make eating at Universal budget-friendly. Once you’re done, check out our complete Universal Orlando Planning Guide. Now, let’s go on to how to eat at Universal on a budget.

Go Grocery Shopping

I know, I know… Grocery shopping is not at the top of your list of things to do on vacation.

If you add up the cost of restaurant meals and the cost of heading to the store, how much do you think the difference will be? You’re likely to save quite a bit even if you only buy breakfast food, snacks, or things like water or juice!

There are a few grocery stores near Universal. We like Sprouts, and it’s just around the corner from Cabana Bay (if you take the exit in the back, it’s even quicker than this), and they have great sales! Whole Foods is just a bit further, and there’s also a Super Target nearby, several Publix stores, and Wal-Mart.

Eat Breakfast Before Heading to the Parks

One of the easiest ways to save money on food at Universal is to eat breakfast before you head to the parks. You can purchase foods you know your kids will eat from the store.

If you’re staying in a family suite at Cabana Bay or Endless Summer, you’ll have a kitchenette and at least a microwave, mini fridge, and sink to work with.

Some of my favorite hotel room-friendly foods include:

• Oatmeal
• Fruit
• Cereal
• Protein bars

It’s not a gourmet meal, but it’ll keep everyone full for a while.

Bring Snacks to the Parks

Universal Orlando is pretty good when it comes to allowing some food and drinks into the parks. You can quickly bring in bottled water and snacks. Baby formula and baby food are also allowed.

*If you have a health condition or food allergy, you can bring anything that you need.

Bringing in snacks is one of the easiest ways to eat at Universal on a budget.

The snacks inside the parks add up for families on a budget. So, try to avoid purchasing them if you want to save money.

We typically bring granola bars, fruit, and other quick snacks into the park and our Hydroflasks for water.

Split meals

Some restaurants at Universal Studios offer more than enough food in a single meal.

This is an excellent option for your family if you have snackers instead of eaters—especially when on vacation. You can order just enough to fill everyone up for a few hours. It’s usually very hot, so you may find yourselves eating less than you expect. Just make sure to drink lots of water!

Drink Lots of Water

There’s no need to buy bottles of water! Bring reusable water bottles and refill at the Coca-Cola stations. Water is always free, and you can also ask for free cups of water at any quick-service restaurant or Starbucks.

Consider Purchasing a Refillable Drink Cup

Another option for saving money on drinks at Universal is to purchase one of the refillable drink cups. If you drink a lot of soda, this will save money as sodas are about $5 each.

You can even use your cup for multiple days, paying a lower price for those extra days. If you drink soda, this is one of the best tips for how to eat at Universal on a budget.

Currently, the price of one refillable cup is $17.99. The price is reduced to $15.99 when you purchase two and $13.99 if you purchase between three and six cups. Additional days are $10.99 each for each cup.

Eating at Universal on a budget – Choose the right places to eat

There are many places to choose from when dining at Universal Studios. If you are trying to eat at Universal on a budget, you will want to select a restaurant carefully. Some restaurants are more expensive than others. Mythos is one of the top theme park restaurants, so you know it will be on the pricey side.

The Hot Dog Hall of Fame offers all kinds of hot dogs for around $9. For $1 more, you can make it a combo with either chips or fries.

The tacos at the Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck are all under $12. And they are all served with tortilla chips and salsa. Eat the tacos and set those chips aside for later in the day when you need a snack.

In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you will find the Three Broomsticks. Usually, this restaurant would be considered anything but budget-friendly. However, they have a meal called the Great Feast for $70.

The Great Feast includes enough food to feed at least four people (at least.) You get a garden salad, rotisserie smoked chicken, spare ribs, corn on the cob, and roasted potatoes.

Mel’s Drive-In is another option for tasty food that won’t break the bank. Most of the platters come with a side of French fries. Those platters average between $11 and $14.

Thunder Falls Terrace at Islands of Adventure is one of our favorites due to the large portions and sides you can make a meal from.

Take advantage of special events.

Special events offer special food, and though they’re typically sold as snacks and not food, you can often make a meal of them. Each year at Mardi Gras, Universal has offered a discounted food card. The best things is they have no expiration dates! We just found a food card with $30 on it leftover from 2021! So take advantage of offers like this if available.

The special event food always has something for special diets, too, so if you’re eating vegan at Universal, gluten-free, or anything else, there will likely be something for you!

Work with a Universal Travel Agent

When you work with a travel agent, we can ensure you’re getting the best deal! Universal has run promotions before we free food cards valued up to $1000. That’s like saving $1000 on your vacation right off the bat! Contact me to see the best current promos for your vacation dates.

How to eat at Universal on a budget

These are some of the best tips for how to eat at Universal on a budget. If you have more tips for saving money on food at Universal, let me know in the comments below!

For our family, here’s what we to do to save money on food at Universal Orlando.

• Eating breakfast at the hotel
• Bringing snacks into the parks, like granola bars
• Taking advantage of special event food and making a meal out of it
• Share meals if they’re large portions

Universal Vacation Tips

Want even more Universal tips and hacks? Check out some of our top posts:

• Worst rides for motion sickness at Universal
• The best food at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• What to pack for Universal Studios (and what to wear at Universal)
• The Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando Hotels
• The 20 Best Beaches near Orlando for Families

I also recommend staying at a Universal Resort. Check out the links below for pricing during your dates:

• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Portofino Bay
• Loews Royal Pacific
• Aventura Hotel
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal Endless Summer Resorts – Dockside Inn and Suites and Seaside Inn and Suites.

We also post about Marriott Cypress Harbour Villas Review near Universal and Disney if your family needs a larger place to stay and tours for every Universal resort on YouTube.

You can also check out a full review of Dockside Inn and Suites Review here on the blog! Or, check out Cabana Bay vs. Aventura Resort to learn more about Universal’s Prime Value Resorts.

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