What Do We Do Now That The Dining Plan is Gone at Universal Orlando?

By Jon Self

Right before the July 4th holiday weekend, Universal Orlando has discontinued their full service and quick service dining plans. This came as a surprise to many in the theme park community. Pietro Maximoff’s first line of dialogue in Avengers: Age of Ultron was:” You didn’t see that coming” In fairness, Pietro and Universal Orlando, I did not see that coming. When Disney is promoting that their dining plan would be returning at some point, I did not see that coming! When the news broke on July 2nd in the morning, I was messaged by several theme park writers saying all my work on how to maximize the Universal Orlando version of the dining plan was no longer valid. Yes, I did not see that coming. In fairness, when the news broke, I was proofreading a potential article entitled: The Universal Orlando Resort Dining Plan Demystified. Well, maybe you are like me and sometimes used the dining plans at Universal Orlando. Now you are confused what to do. As of writing, I have spoken with multiple travel agents that were also caught off guard by this change.

This is what we know for sure: Both varieties of the Universal Dining Plan are no longer being sold in person or online. If you have already booked a full-service plan or have credits with a quick service plan/card, those will still be honored through the end of the year. Overall, this seems like a curious move with Walt Disney World talking about a return of some version of a dining plan. 

There do seem to be some practical reasons why this plan may have been discontinued. First, Universal never could (or would) integrate dining plans into their mobile ordering system. Second, the dining plans in their current form caused food/beverage queues to move even slower than the incredibly slow pace since increasing park capacity. Third, the pricing breakdown on certain items in the plans did allow more skilled visitors to save more money than Universal Orlando probably intended.

We have logical reasons to conclude that a dining plan of some type will be returning to Universal Orlando. We know this was a large up-sell option with their vacation packages. On the other hand, what if you are planning to visit Universal Orlando in the next few months wanting to take advantage of the dining plan?

You still have a few ways to save on food/beverage at Universal. As of writing this, I see several options. First, Universal Orlando in previous years offered a combo ticket of mini-golf and a meal at one of the table service dining options in CityWalk. They also offered movie and meal deals. These were not a huge savings, but they would save you a few dollars if you were planning to go to a movie or play mini golf anyway. These plans were removed from Universal’s website many months ago. However, we hope to see them return soon in the future.

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If you are looking for dining discounts, one of the best deals in Orlando area is a premier or preferred annual pass. You get at least 10% off all food/beverage in the parks and CityWalk. In the past, Universal Orlando has offered additional food/beverage discounts as high as 25% during certain seasons of the year. With passholder appreciation days coming from August 16th through September 30th, this might be a good time to explore your annual pass options.

    This leaves the classic food/beverage potential savings options in the parks and CityWalk.  Universal Orlando offers a popcorn bucket refill program and a freestyle cup refill program. The popcorn bucket program is a familiar theme park option. Currently, the price to purchase the popcorn bucket is $11.29 with standard popcorn refills being $2 each. You can continue to bring your bucket back for future trips. Flavored pop corn has also returned at the price of $3.69. for a refill. If you are a person who can walk around the park just snacking on popcorn as opposed to a more substantial meal, then the popcorn bucket can be a great savings for you. These popcorn locations are strewn across each park and at the Coke Kiosk in CityWalk.

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My personal well-used freestyle cup originally purchased in 2013.

    If you decide to live off popcorn, then my personal favorite way to save money on food/beverage at Universal Orlando is the Coke freestyle program. As someone who embraces his diet soda addiction, I utilize this program often. Coca-Cola Freestyle machines are scattered all over both land parks and one machine in CityWalk. You may purchase a new freestyle cup for $17.99, which entitles you to free refills for the day at any Universal Orlando Resort theme park. There are specialty themed cups that cost about $26 also. If you already have a freestyle cup, then you can “recharge” it for $10.99/day for unlimited refills. Do bear in mind that freestyle cups may not be used in Wizarding World food/beverage locations so if planning to spend a great deal of time in those area, then you will have to leave those areas to refill your cup. As mentioned, you can get an annual pass discount also on these purchases. You also can get a discount by purchasing more than one at a time. To clarify, these freestyle cups do not work at the UOR/Loews hotels. Freestyle cups purchased at the resorts do not work in park. 

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Please note that the cost for if your purchasing multiple  Coca-Cola Freestyle Cups have also increased by a dollar.  $13.99 for three to six Coco-Cola Freestyle Cups, 16.99 for two Coca-Cola Freestyle Cups and 17.99 for one ​Coco-Cola Freestyle Cup.

Please note that the cost for if your purchasing multiple Coca-Cola Freestyle Cups have also increased by a dollar.

We will have to wait and see what happens regarding Universal Orlando Resort dining plans. Until then, these options could save you some money and frustration. As always, enjoy the park and the adventure.

This year, a "Mardi Gras Food and Beverage" card will be available for purchase in the park during the event. Here's how it works. If you purchase a $65 "Universal Orlando Food and Beverage Card," you receive $75 or $120 for $150. There is no limit on the quantity for purchase. There's good news tho. Premier and Preferred Passholders will their respective discounts with valid Annual Pass on Food and beverage (excluding alcohol) when paying with their Food and Beverage Card at Mardi Gras kiosks and at all Universal Orlando owned and operated restaurants and carts. This is a great deal to take up and can be used throughout the year even after Mardi Gras has ended at Universal. Be sure to purchase them now before Mardi Gras ends April 24. 2022.
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Purchase Locations:
Mardi Gras food and beverage kiosk locations inside Universal Studios Florida from February 5- April 24, 2022, during regular operating hours.

Redemption Locations:
Guests will be able to redeem their activated Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card at any food and beverage location in Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Universal's Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk.

Jon Self

Jon Self is an avid theme park fan who has the high privilege to serve as a pastor at an American Baptist Church (fbcmacomb.com) while also trying to find the proper life path with his loving spouse, a bigger theme park fan than Jon. You can follow him at @pastorjonself on Twitter. Jon writes for various theme park sources such as touringplans.com and universalfamilyvacations.com. He also writes for faithelement.net.