Nestled next to the splash down on Jurassic Park River Adventure is Thunder Falls Terrace, the premier dining location in Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure. Thunder Falls serves a diverse menu of Puerto Rican BBQ in a gorgeous setting but does this restaurant live up to the hype?

Quick Glance

• Location: Jurassic Park in Islands of Adventure, next to Skull Island Reign of Kong
• Cuisine: Puerto Rican BBQ (chicken, pork, ribs, and vegetarian options)
• Service: Quick service (Mobile Order Table Delivery & Counter Service)
• Price: $17-$20 for adult entrees
• Touring Plans Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  (86% approval from TouringPlans Surveys)
• Seating: Indoor and outdoor seating

The Experience

Thunder Falls Terrace is a large quick service restaurant in the Jurassic Park land at Islands of Adventure, nestled between the Reign of Kong and Jurassic Park River Adventure attractions. The exterior shares the large dome thatched roofing of the other OG Jurassic Park-era sections of the land. The interior is bathed in sunlight thanks to the massive two-story tall windows and the unique light fixtures and chandeliers add whimsical texture. One side of the restaurant has great views of the splashdown of the river adventure and the other side looks at the midway and Camp Jurassic – people watchers will enjoy the drama of the left side – those into the immersion of Jurassic Park and big splashes should stick to the right side. Exterior seating is in front of the restaurant, next to the midway to Reing of Kong, and back by the splashdown (thankfully just out of reach of the waves).

Thunder Falls Terrace offers counter service and mobile order table delivery through the Universal Orlando app.

The Food & Drink

The Thunder Falls Terrace food is great, I and reviewers have enjoyed many meals here over the years. While many folks run over to Mythos or Three Broomsticks we find Thunder Falls to be just as good if not better. Thunder Falls features BBQ meats and vegan proteins alongside sides inspired by Puerto Rico like rice, seasoned black beans, corn, and plantains. Avoid the turkey leg, those are always a mistake, and the ribs are ok – instead choose the superior chicken, pernil (pork), or vegetarian options. All mains and sides are fresh and seasoned perfectly – I enjoy the rice bowl options while the TouringPlans reviewer likes the chicken, rice, and beans. If there is one downside to Thunder Falls, it’s the lack of a kid’s menu and entrees that could put off some picky eaters.

The standard options for non-alcoholic drinks are available along with a small selection of beers, wine, and seltzers. Coke Freestyle Machines are outside of the restaurant at the stand across the pathway.

The Opinion

Thunder Falls Terrace is consistently one of Universal’s best quick service dining locations – the location is convenient, the atmosphere is loud and bustling but bright, and the food is delicious and fresh. Thunder Falls is the best dining option closest to Toon Lagoon and depending on your custom Touring Plans it might place you in this area during lunch. We love watching the boats drop down the flume and I love having a rice bowl. Guests with young children and picky eaters can find more at Burger Digs or Pizza Predatoria towards VelociCoaster.

TouringPlans Touring Tips

• Save Time and use the Mobile Order option on the Universal Orlando app to place an order before you arrive. Notify a Team Member upon arrival of your mobile order.
• Avoid the crowds and dine before 11:30 am or after 2:00 pm.
• Save Money skip the combos and order the platters – combos add on an unnecessary and expensive milkshake to the entree.
• Portions are large, consider splitting a platter with an additional side.
• Dietary accommodations are available for all guests, speak to a Team Member to talk with the on-duty chef.
• Thunder Falls Terrace is fully accessible with open spaces and moveable tables and chairs.

Have you dined at Thunder Falls Terrace while overlooking Jurassic Park River Adventure? Have a favorite menu item? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!