As we head into the fall and winter, we are quickly approaching the holiday seasons of turkey, presents, and lots of lights. If you have decided to travel to Universal Orlando during a major holiday, you might wonder what dining options are available on the holidays. This article covers the dining options available at the resort, what we recommend, and our touring advice.

The Major USA Holidays

We will be looking at options around the major holidays that involve food and special menu items inside the USA – Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. You know, the big holidays that involve turkey, ham, and/or presents. The tips and suggestions listed below also apply to other holidays where dining is involved, like Valentine’s Day, July 4th, and Easter. Universal Orlando does not typically celebrate international holidays like Canadian Thanksgiving or Boxing Day. Universal only offers its specials on the holiday itself, not the surrounding days.

Theme Parks

Universal’s four full-service theme park restaurants (Finnegan’s, Lombards, Confisco, and Mythos) have previously offered holiday specials, but Universal typically does not promote these specials. Quick Service dining locations tend not to provide a special holiday offering, but Thunder Falls Terrace offers a turkey leg platter all year round. The Today Cafe and Tribute Store feature specialty holiday snacks and desserts, so swing by for some holiday cheer. Guests who practice Kosher should contact Universal Orlando at least five days before their trip to place kosher orders for items like chicken piccata and stir fry. This is Epic Universe’s first holiday season, and the park is still getting its footing, so it is unknown at this time if the park will have holiday dining options.

CityWalk Orlando

CityWalk offers more holiday meal options than the theme park restaurants, so we suggest first looking here for a festive meal. Hard Rock Cafe and Bigfire restaurants host holiday meals and items, but they are usually announced closer to the holiday. We suggest calling ahead to see if a holiday special is planned.  If you’re looking for a spirited cocktail instead, head over to this year’s rendition of the Green & Red Coconut Club, where the holidays meet up with the 50s-inspired cocktail lounge.

Universal Orlando Hotels

You will find many holiday festivities and dining options at the Universal hotels. In previous years, the hotel’s quick service locations served some holiday items like turkey, ham, stuffing, and more. For example, Bayliner Diner and Endless Summer Resort quick service locations have offered holiday selections in the past. We are expecting special holiday meals to be offered at all hotels. Full service restaurants at the hotels also serve special holiday meals on holidays, but they are usually announced closer to the holidays – we suggest visiting the Islands Dining Room at Royal Pacific, The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel, and Mama Dellas at Portofino Bay for the best options.

TouringPlans Touring Tips

• Book your dining reservations early; popular restaurants during lunch and dinner hours fill weeks before a trip.
• Guests who practice Kosher should contact Universal Orlando at least five days before their trip to place kosher orders.
• Go Offsite! The Hilton and Rosen hotels offer holiday feasts, and several restaurants on I-Drive serve up holiday menus.
• Celebrate the holiday before your trip with familiar dishes; no one says you have to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday.
• If a holiday celebration dinner isn’t your cup of tea, visit the fine dining options at BICE and The Palm for a high-end dining experience.

What is your favorite dining location at Universal Orlando during the holidays? Leave your suggestions in the comments below!