5 Fun Universal Studios CityWalk Restaurants for Families
Universal Studios CityWalk is quickly becoming an amazing family hot spot. There are so many things that families can do, outside of the normal theme park. These include a karaoke bar, mini golf, and a movie theater. Not to mention, the Universal Studios CityWalk Restaurants. CityWalk has so many unique restaurants that are sure to please both kids and parents. Below are five of our most favorite Universal Studios CityWalk Restaurants and we hope you like them too.
The Cowfish
The Cowfish Sushi Bar has a unique concept. The idea behind the Cowfish Sushi Bar is burgers meets sushi. The Cowfish Sushi Bar is only a few years old in Orlando, yet is becoming famous. Those interested in this food will discover an innovative cuisine, which is a blend of American and Asian food.
We especially loved Burgushi®, a mix of a burger and sushi. Do not let this scare you though; there are many other options on their menus, to appease everyone. Kids will appreciate The Cowfish Sushi Bar because it has fun games screens for them to play on. But the games start outside in the waiting area with the toss bean bags. Also, do not forget to get your selfie with the elusive and adorable cowfish that is living in a bowl at the entrance.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
This unique restaurant opened later in 2016. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is a Willy Wonka-like imaginative spot to dine. The restaurant has an extensive menu with huge portions. Although most patrons come for the desserts. Their most famous item you can get exclusively at the restaurant is the over the top, incredibly delicious milkshakes that come in a variety of flavors with a cupcake on top.
Our son chatted away with the fictitious owners dressed in steampunk nineteenth-century clothes. For those that can still not get enough of The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, the venue has an elaborate souvenir store stocked with beautiful and delicious goodies.
Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
The Hard Rock Cafe Orlando is a mini destination in itself. Considering it will take visitors a minimum of one to two hours to explore the musical artifacts alone. For those interested in a more detailed tour, the venue offers a free two-hour walk through tour that includes the upstairs area with some John Lennon and Elvis relics.
Though the food is typical American cuisine, the portions are large enough to split or share. Like all Hard Rock Cafes around the world, this one has its souvenir store with items to look at or purchase as souvenirs.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
In 1996, the chain restaurant Bubba Gump Shrimp Co opened its first location following the t success of the film Forest Gump. For those who don’t remember the movie plot was about the story of a special needs man that manages to achieve his goals despite his disability. As parents to a son with autism, we have always found the storyline inspirational.
The restaurant menu offers multiple southern dishes. Our favorite and most highly recommended by the restaurant is the fabulous Shrimp Po’ Boy. For patrons with room left in their stomachs, the mud pie cake is worth ordering. Kids, as well as adults, will enjoy the laid-back atmosphere as well as the little quips to call the server to your table. Visitors can visit the gift shop, and have their photo taken with the Forest statue too.
Burger King Whopper Bar
For visitors exploring Universal Studios CityWalk restaurants who are fans of Burger King, a visit to the Burger King Whopper Bar is a must. Located in the food court area, guests will have their choice of a delicious Whopper. Not only can guests choose from specific specialty Whopper, but they can also use the make-your-own bar.
What makes the Burger King Whopper Bar great? The hundreds of combinations of Whoppers that guests can create. The Burger King Whopper Bar is not your typical fast food restaurant.
Autism Travel Tips
The restaurants above are great places to get children to try new foods.
Some children, especially children with autism, may refuse new food. Well, at these locations, children may be just distracted enough with the unique decorations and try something new.
As always, make sure to check the menu and ask about menu choices if food allergies are an issue. Example, for people who have a fish allergy, ask if the fries are cooked in the same oil as the fried fish oil.
Ask for seats away from the kitchen, bathrooms, and main lobby. While some distractions may be okay for some, the noise and commotions of these high traffic areas may cause discomfort for others.
Also, visit these restaurants during the slower off hours. During these hours, the restaurants will not be as busy. This may allow for a quieter dining experience.
Last, let the manager or Maitre D know you are there with a family member who has disabilities. Many times, they will work directly with the hostesses and staff to make the family visit the best experience. The ways they can help may include better seating or wait staff that is familiar with that particular disability. While these options are not guaranteed, it does not hurt to ask.
Have you been to any of these restaurants?
Which of the Universal Studios CityWalk Restaurants was your favorite?