I Go To Orlando Theme Parks for a Living. This Is One of the BEST Parts of the Job

There are a lot of things I enjoy about my job and being in Orlando’s theme parks, but chances are, if you get me talking about this particular part, you won’t get me to stop!

We’re experts on everything you need to know about Orlando’s theme parks and how they’re constantly changing. While walking around the parks all day might seem like the dream begins and ends there, that doesn’t take away from the fact there are certain parts of our jobs that shine a little brighter from time to time. And if you were to ask me about some of my favorites, this is certainly one that makes my shortlist.

It’s no secret that most of my days you’ll find me somewhere in an Orlando theme park usually between Disney World and Universal Studios. While you might assume that work is hard (and full disclosure, it has its challenges), there are lots of reasons I love reporting out in the theme parks.

Yes, I love visiting the whimsical and fun lands of Disney World but don’t get me wrong, I equally love spending my days over at Universal’s action-packed worlds, too. One of the best parts of my job is made even more enjoyable when I’m there.

There’s just something about Universal’s restaurants that hits just right for me. It’s made all the better when I’m trying out new menu items to share my opinions with you and tell you what’s actually worth spending your hard-earned money on during your trip. Actually, there are a lot of points about Universal’s food and restaurants in general that make up my collective score on it, so let’s unpack it all for a bit.

The Menu

Let’s start with the obvious — the menu. True, in order to score pretty highly on my list you’ve got to have some good eats. This is especially true of Universal’s food options for me.

While I have my favorites, there’s usually something I can find that’s pretty filling on each of Universal’s quick service food locations (but you’ll never catch me turning down a meal at one of Universal’s table service restaurants either). When I’m out working in the parks with lots of things to see and do, it takes a lot of energy to keep going all day — and that’s before getting your energy zapped by the sun.

It’s nice to be able to grab a quick meal that doesn’t always have to be a hot dog, or burger and fries (but I do love a good burger and shake combo from Mel’s Drive In)! Usually, when I’m feeling like eating a heartier meal, I’ll spring for something at Fast Food Boulevard like the Double Batter Chicken Platter with a crispy piece of chicken served with a few sides or the Ribs and Chicken Combo from The Three Broomsticks that’s served with those crisp seasoned potato medallions that are perfection with every bite.

The prices for quick service here don’t leave me feeling like I’m grossly overpaying for the meal that I’m served, either. All of the platters above usually cost me around $15 with my discount which is a huge plus in my book. If the food budget can stay down while offering exceptional food quality and portion size, it’s a winning combination.

Discounts (Cha-Ching)!

Since I’m in the parks almost daily, becoming an Annual Passholder at Universal just makes sense. Do I visit more than the average passholder is able to? Sure. But, that doesn’t mean that any other Annual Passholder isn’t entitled to the same discounts that I use to my advantage.

One glaringly apparent reason Universal’s food stands out to me is the rampant use Universal allows its Annual Passholders on select food and merchandise. Based on your tier of Annual Pass, you may be entitled to a percentage off of your snacks and meals almost everywhere!

There are very few places where I’m not able to use an AP discount, and the Team Members working the kiosk or counter usually try to advise on that before I order so there’s no confusion. If there’s one thing we can all agree on when visiting theme parks, it’s that every dollar can add up quickly!

All. Day. Refills

While we’re on the subject of saving money on things spent at Universal, we HAVE to talk about their souvenir refillable mugs. These things are a lifesaver when it comes to my day spent around Universal’s parks.

Not only do I pay one price when I initially purchase the mug but I‘m able to bring it back on return visits over and over again to have the cup reactivated. And, as an added bonus, once it’s active, Universal allows for its quick service restaurants, snack kiosks, and freestyle machines to dole out refills all day long!

You’ll even have options of what you want to drink just in case you want to switch it up. Don’t feel like Sprite on your next refill? Try out the Powerade! Looking for something different? Try one of the various ICEE flavors you’ll find around the parks.

Yes, I said park(S)! The best part of all is that this refillable cup can even park hop with you between Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, AND City Walk. My best hack for this cup is when Universal stays open super late for an event like Halloween Horror Nights, and you’ve already been enjoying refills during the day and get to keep them coming through the event all night!

You CAN Sit With Us

There are plenty of snacks I can pick up and take with me as I roam around, but sometimes I stop to eat while simultaneously using it as a break to recharge.

One small change that Universal has made to their quick service locations, won me over quickly. Most restaurants will ask you to mobile order your food in the Universal Orlando app and as you do it will ask for a table number. You’ll find these labels as you find a seat which takes the guesswork out of finding a place to enjoy your food after you’ve ordered while juggling a full tray of drinks, full baskets of fries, and melty desserts.

This helps take the awkwardness of staring someone down while attempting to telepathically signal to them you desperately need their table when they’re done with their meal AND helps me blend as one of the crowd. After I’ve been seated at a table and ordered on the app, I don’t have to nervously huddle around the counter to wait for my food — it’s either brought out to my table for me, or I’m called by number to grab it as I happen to pass by. It just helps balance me out when I’m not flustered by scouting for a place to eat while allowing me time to actually enjoy the food I’ve paid for.

So there you have it — this is one of my absolutely FAVORITE parts of my job. Getting to know the ins and outs of the parks on the surface level is great but when I can really zero in and tell you the smaller nuances that really stand out against other Orlando theme parks, well, that’s when you’ll really get a glimpse into what its like to never work a day in your life and define work as…fun!

We’re always talking about Universal, Disney World, Disneyland, and everything in between to help you prepare for your next vacation! Be sure to stay tuned with us at AllEars for even more.

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Which of Universal’s restaurants make the top of your list during your visit? Tell me where I should be eating in the comments below!

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