Universal’s Epic Universe got many things right. But perhaps the one that really surprised me was just how many fabulous food choices there are.
Having spent the last decade reviewing and writing about theme parks and cruises, I have had more than my fair share of less than great food. But I have no hesitation in saying that Epic Universe got so many things right here.
Here the food is part of the experience. You get the sense that there was a huge amount of thought and expertise put into the food here.
This is not your average theme park food.
I have been able to spend multiple days in the new park (thank goodness it wasn’t just a day or two because those lines are long). So here is my own take on the best snacks that Epic Universe has to offer.
DK Crush Float From The Bubbly Barrel
This is the one that you have probably already seen on social media somewhere. The very photogenic DK Crush.
It was also the one that I thought I was not going to like. I was very wrong.
This Banana pineapple soft serve float with pineapple soda, waffle bowl, toffee pieces, and caramel popcorn is available for $12.99 or if you are tempted by the souvenir mug (and who wouldn’t be) then it is $18.99.
And as if the mug isn’t enough, there is also a spoon!
We found a shady place to sit next to the Bubbly Barrel and watched guests on the Mine-Cart Madness with Donkey Kong ride.
Surprisingly it wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet. It perfectly fit the fun, over the top experience of the Super Nintendo World area of the park.
PB&J Mac And Cheese Cone From Hooligan’s Grog and Gruel
What could be better than Mac and Cheese in a Cone? With Goldfish! Carb overload!
There are 3 options for this and all are available at Hooligan’s Grog and Gruel stand in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
There are 3 options and, being non meat eaters, we got the first one.
- Goldfish Mac & Cheese Cone – $13.99
- PB&J (Pork, Bacon, and Jam) Mac & Cheese Cone – $15.99
- Dragon Fire Chicken Spire Mac & Cheese Cone – $15.00
This is taking the concept of soup in a bread bowl to the next level.
Whilst mac and cheese, bread and Goldfish is not a combo I would ever have dreamed up this actually worked well. This is something that could definitely be shared as it was pretty substantial.
The bread is crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.
Butterbeer Crepe From Cafe L’air De la Sirene
This is probably the most talked about food in the whole of Epic Universe. The Wizarding World has long had the very popular Butter Beer drink and ice-cream.
Now we have the beautifully presented Butterbeer Crepe.
When you visit Epic Universe make sure that you take a look inside Cafe L’air De la Sirene.
The Ministry of Magic is just stunning. And this beautifully themed cafe is worth a look even if you aren’t going to eat anything there.
The plate is just gorgeous. I so wish that you could buy one, and surely Universal are missing a merch opportunity here.
The Butterbeer Crepe itself? I had high hopes and I was not disappointed. The $19.99 price point is a little steep, but if you take into account the location and the uniqueness, really it isn’t surprising that this is one of the most popular treats in the park.
You get two reasonably sized crepe, filled with butterscotch flavor sauce. It is topped with a generous amount of whipped creme, sliced strawberries, and a shortbread biscuit. A very nice touch is that this has the word Bièraubeurre written on it.
This is probably something that you will want to share as it is very sweet!
Celestial Steamed Buns From Star Sui Bao
This one is not going to be the most popular, and is probably overlooked by many people, but this is a tasty, reasonably priced snack. At $12.99 it is good value for a theme park snack. As someone who doesn’t eat meat it can be difficult to find savory, tasty food, so I was very pleased to see that this was offered.
The Celestial Steamed Bun is a vegetable blend bun with bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and vegetarian oyster sauce. This is certainly something I would have again if I wanted something reasonably substantial but not overwhelming.
Burning Cheddar Bites From Burning Blade Tavern
Before I visited the park, Dark Universe was not even on my radar of places where I thought I would want to spend a lot of time – but all that changed as soon as I walked through the portal.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is probably my favorite ride – so what better way to spend even more time in this dark world than at the Burning Blade Tavern.
The Burning Cheddar Bites are $11.99 and are a perfect snack to share. They are served with a satisfyingly spicy sriracha ranch dip.
There is limited seating outside the Burning Blade but make sure that you take a look inside. You may even encounter one of the spooky characters who walks around the world.
Hunter’s Garlic Stake From Burning Blade Tavern
Another great snack from Burning Blade Tavern is the Hunter’s Garlic Stake for $8.99
Whilst I definitely preferred the Cheddar Bites, this garlic laced bread was served with a delicious garlic butter dip, and was a satisfyingly good texture.
Frank ‘n’ Friends Pretzel From De Lacey’s Cottage
Carrying on with my obsession with Dark Universe, another of my favorite snacks is the Frank ‘n’ Friends Pretzel. What can be better than a Frankenstein shaped pretzel?
You can get this monster pretzel at De Lacey’s Cottage Kiosk which is just a short walk from Burning Blade Tavern. Priced at $12.99 it is served with a side of white cheese sauce.
I am a big fan of the pretzel – and this one didn’t disappoint.
Warm Hearted Cinnamon Roll Bites From De Lacey’s Cottage
Also in Dark Universe these Warm Hearted Cinnamon Roll Bites were not my favorite, but my sons loved them so I was persuaded that they had to be included. It was always unlikely that I would be a fan, as cinnamon is not a favorite of mine.
Described as warm cinnamon sugar donut bites with cream cheese icing and streusel, these sharable treats are priced at $7.99. I felt that things could have been improved by a more generous serving of the cream cheese icing.
Red Velvet Death at Das Steakhouse
Another place you really have to see in Dark Universe is Das Steakhouse. Brilliantly themed and offering the rather disconcertingly named Red Velvet Death dessert.
If you can get over the name, and the appearance, this is a delicious option if you have a sweet tooth,
This red velvet heart “beet” coffin cake with chocolate crumbs and puffed rice maggots is priced at $6.99.
I loved it, but my sons disagreed and really couldn’t get past the appearance – particularly of the puffed rice maggots which they felt looked just a little bit too realistic. I didn’t mind as this meant that I didn’t have to share too much!
Grilled Fourmaggio at Meteor Astropub Epic Universe
You really can’t beat the combo of tomato soup and grilled cheese and this didn’t disappoint.
The amusingly named Grilled Fourmaggio is priced at $15.999 and is a combination of sharp cheddar, smoked cheddar, mozzarella and American cheese with tomato bisque and basil goat cheese creme.
I was very impressed by the variety of the snack and food options at Epic Universe. Let me know in the comments if you have a favorite.
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.