For many of you it’s already cost an arm and a leg to stay on site at a Universal Resort just so you can get an Unlimited express pass or early entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. However once you’re settled in your room, thoughts come round to meal times.

For those staying only a couple of days, splashing out on the best restaurants and trying something different may be the way to go but if you’re on a budget like myself and my other half, food is a necessary expense. As the pound has taken a fall compared to the dollar in recent years it doesn’t go so far when an ice cream and a soda costs about £20 for two in most of Orlando’s theme Parks. Add the price of your park tickets to the price of your flight and airfare and you wonder how the average worker can ever manage to visit Orlando. We always feel privileged to be there and don’t take one minute for granted.

I read many reviews where many families comment on the Universal Hotels but say they can’t comment on the restaurants as they’ve ever eaten there as it’s just too expensive. Despite staying at The Royal Pacific for several years we have only dined there once and that was complimentary due to problems with our room. We live in hope and do the Lottery every week.

My meal budgeting tips when staying at Universal Orlando

• Number One and the most important – Leave the kids at home…. Only Joking . Though I’m sure many of you like ourselves could not afford to visit Universal Orlando when the children are young and keeping a roof over your head is the most important. We did take our son when he was older and made memories we’ll never forget.
• Have a good breakfast – Most rooms at Universal Orlando Resort now have empty fridges rather than a mini bar. Ideal for holding large milk cartons. Cereals can be bought locally at Walgreens. There’s one at the junction of Universal Boulevard and international Drive and also at the junction of International Drive and Sand Lake Road. They also sell milk, bread and other fresh foods. Visit your local supermarket – If you’ve travelled by car or hired one take a trip to the local Walmart. We go to the one on Sand Lake Road about three miles away. Food is still expensive compared to the UK but you will save compared to eating breakfast in the parks.
• Buy a refillable souvenir cup – Universal have a few different deals when it comes to their souvenir cup. They are all heavy duty plastic with a straw and a lid. My favourite is the classic. You buy either a basic cup or a character cup such as a Minion or Sponge Bob and the initial cost covers your first refill. After that the refills are around $1.50 (2018). The advantage to these cups are that the deal lasts for ever at present.  You can bring the mug back year after year and only pay the current refill price. This is a huge saving on the full price. This applies to any refill from any kiosk or restaurant in Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios with a soda fountain dispenser. Unfortunately it doesn’t apply to the drinks at Harry Potter. The other deal is the chipped cup for use at Freestyle machines which give up to a hundred drink combinations. Refills are free for the whole day ( return after 10 minutes). You can pay for a set amount of days or recharge the cup the next day for more free refills or use it as a classic cup and pay the reduced price for refills. Universal also do a popcorn bucket with reduced cost refills. Orlando Informer has an excellent complete insider guide to the discount refill programmes at Universal. Tip – just ask at any kiosk or quick serve restaurant for free iced water.
• Stay at Cabana Bay – They have family suites which sleep up to six people equipped with a sink, good sized fridge under the worktop, coffee maker and a microwave. Ideal for breakfast and snacks. Disposable plates and cutlery are replaced daily. Cabana Bay also has it’s own food court with reasonable prices. We got a really good pizza and thought we were paying for a slice, then was pleasantly surprised when we got a whole one. Although you don’t get the Ultimate Express pass at Cabana Bay you still get the early entry to the Wizarding world of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay.

• Visit an all you can eat restaurant for breakfast or dinner – If you’re after a full English or American breakfast to put you on all day saving you having to eat in the parks I would recommend trying the endless buffet at the Golden Corral. We go to the one behind the Harley Davidson store on International Drive. They have something for everyone and I’m sure even the fussiest of children will find something they like. They even do candyfloss. Prices vary throughout the day with breakfast being the cheapest and includes refillable beverages. Tips – If you arrive before menus change at lunch or dinner you will pay the lesser price but will be able to help yourself to the dearer choices once they are setting them out. Pick up some of the booklets near the exit – they are full of coupons for restaurants and nearby attractions.
• Discounts for over 60’s – Some restaurants in the area will give a discount for those over 60. A few give a discount if you’re over 55. Occasionally as my hair is white, when I’ve checked the bill afterwards they’ve automatically given me a discount – even though I’m not 60.
• Splash out once in a while – Of course you can’t get away with not eating at all at Universal Orlando. It’s part of why you’re there, you’re on holiday. One of my favourite places to eat is The Three Broomsticks at Hogsmeade which is in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Islands of Adventure or the Leaky Cauldron at Diagon Alley. The chicken and rib platter is really tasty and there’s enough to share ( more than enough for two children to share). The theming will please any Harry Potter fan. Tip – These are usually very busy around lunchtime so plan to eat before 12 noon or after 2pm The Monster Cafe at universal Studios also has good portions. Even two people will struggle getting through a dessert or milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at City Walk. There are some also some cheaper eateries on the upper level food court at city walk.

So that’s how we economise. It may seem like we’re missing out on some experiences for example I’ve always wanted to eat in the Mythos Restaurant but would rather enjoy a day at Discovery Cove with the money we save. Read my post on Discovery Cove here as breakfast and lunch are included as well as unlimited drinks and snacks.

How do you manage your food budget whilst you’re at Universal Orlando ? Please leave a comment if you can add any tips.