Epic Universe Food and Drink General Discussion

[Mad Dog]

i think it’s at the very least not a good thing to further remove yet another informal interaction in a world that continues to devalue human to human contact.

but, it’s also not what most guests want. and universal is charging too much to do something you might find at a discount grocery store.

Yes. And it's on the wrong side of national concerns about too much smart phone use being detrimental to all age groups. WDW Disney's finally backing off, after going full steam ahead, due to negative guest feedback.

 

[GAcoaster]

Guests are still able to order at the counter in all these restaurants with order through the app, they’re just encouraged to order through the app as much as possible. Just know if you do there is probably a single cashier taking orders and it will take longer.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

i think it’s at the very least not a good thing to further remove yet another informal interaction in a world that continues to devalue human to human contact.

but, it’s also not what most guests want. and universal is charging too much to do something you might find at a discount grocery store.

Certainly there's a happy medium, like at WDW where you still have the option to go to a register. I think Uni needs to "promote" mobile order versus forcing guests into it. For example, at WDW's Satuli, they'll have a CM stationed out front asking for mobile orders and encourage you to use the app, but if you deflect they'll point you towards a physical queue to order instead.

The benefit of WDW's platform is that I have the opportunity to look at restaurant availability (how long I expect my order to be fulfilled) in advance. UOR hides that feature unfortunately. On the operational side, WDW can limit the number of orders to prevent a backlog of hangry guests waiting for their food, unlike UOR which can be overburden by orders since they don't have that option.

Guests are still able to order at the counter in all these restaurants with order through the app, they’re just encouraged to order through the app as much as possible. Just know if you do there is probably a single cashier taking orders and it will take longer.

Problem is that the UOR TMs are not only insistent, but defensive about using mobile order only to the point they won't seat you. I understand it's management policies with guest facing TMs taking the hit, but it's not great guest service. They also don't have TMs stationed there all the time, so you have to chase down a TM to help you get someone.

I just want to stress that it's a management issue, not guest-facing TMs.

 

[Myah1220]

Pizza Moon: I got the Nanarossa for dinner. Coming from NY, this was a REALLY damn good pizza and better than Brick Oven. I will respectfully disagree with everyone who finds the stracciatella too overwhelming - to me, it felt like a fairly plusssed Neapolitan personal pie. For the price, it’s a great but not overwhelming meal.

THIS. The reason I love the pizza at Pizza Moon is exactly because it does remind of a wood-fired Neapolitan pizza which is my favorite style of pizza.

 

[Jake S]

Certainly there's a happy medium, like at WDW where you still have the option to go to a register. I think Uni needs to "promote" mobile order versus forcing guests into it. For example, at WDW's Satuli, they'll have a CM stationed out front asking for mobile orders and encourage you to use the app, but if you deflect they'll point you towards a physical queue to order instead.

Absolutely. I like using mobile order in certain situations, especially when putting together an order for a big group. But you should give people the option to talk to a human being, and they shouldn’t be made uncomfortable doing so.

(I know we agree on this, just clarifying my take)

 

[fryoj]

After Mobile ordering at FFB, I can't imagine waiting in that line again.

 

[Rhian]

If Universal is so insistent about mobile ordering they could've compromised with these at each table:

Planning to hit up Das Stakehaus when I go next month, any consensus emerging on what dishes (if any) are actually any good there?

The burger and chicken sandwiches were good but I wouldn't call them super great. The chicken salad seems was a favorite at my table during our meal.

 

[Skipper Justin]

All of this looks great. I think this place will be a great area to get out of the heat and sit in AC.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I think I'm largely in the minority here, but I've never had an issue using the mobile order as far as lines/long waits go.

 

[GAcoaster]

I think I'm largely in the minority here, but I've never had an issue using the mobile order as far as lines/long waits go.

Same— I actually like it a lot. I’d rather sit at a table than stand in line to order.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Same— I actually like it a lot. I’d rather sit at a table than stand in line to order.

Yeah, I enjoy the process. I get that people don't want to be forced into it, but I think a lot of the resistance is from:

a. Being used to the old/familiar way of doing things
b. The App acting up

Which - I totally get the 2nd one lol. I've had the app crap out on me a few times mobile ordering, but it's never been so bad that I wasn't able to get the order in after another try.

 

[GAcoaster]

We had no real issues, and ordering through the app means everyone can figure out their order in their own time-- no getting behind a group who has no idea what is there and what everyone wants. Too many times there is that moment of indecision happening in front of you holding up the process.

 

[Skipper Justin]

The food overall seems to be praised in the many vlogs and TikTok’s I’ve see. The one exception has been Das Stakehouse. It’s been giving a lot of mid reviews. I love the decor of the place though and will still try it! The food in Berk and Wizarding world just seems better.

 

[Imperius]

Had the turkey wings and salmon at the Mead hall, both were great. Wife had the Harvest Moon pizza at Pizza Moon and enjoyed it.
She has to deal with allergies due to our 11 month old and that was super easy. Just click the allergy note and someone came to our table very quickly to discuss. They even made changes to the salmon dish to account for them.

The Pure of Heart from Burning Blade was very good, but surprisingly very weak.

Waturi Punch from Celestiki was very good and strong.

DKs Bubbly Barrel is soooo good.

 

[familylovemichael]

I went yesterday and wasn't able to find any non-starbucks coffee or espresso in the whole park

did I miss an obvious option, or is there an exclusivity contract with Sbux in Epic? It's a shame since the other two main parks have other cafe options, and my only caffeine option in Epic was Diet Coke. It can be 95 degrees out and I still love walking around with my hot latte. I just want to sit and watch the fountains with my little coffee, so definitely annoyed with the lack of other options.


Also, one thing I didn't expect to go through technical rehearsal bugs was butterbeer, but I got a frozen butterbeer, and it was a much different texture than I've gotten at the original parks! It was super thick and came out like an icy pudding almost. super weird. Still tasted good for the most part, just difficult to get through a straw, lol. (yes, I got a butterbeer, and yes I donated $100 to Mermaids charity after to counteract it).

The garlic stake from Burning Blade lived up to all the great reviews, and honestly didn't even need the dipping sauce with all the garlic "butter" poured over it.

I ended up drinking so many Diet Coke's (vvvverrrrry long day with travel+the park) that it killed my appetite and I didn't get to try any other food aside from the bread stake but I'm still looking forward to trying some of the vegetarian options in Berk when I go back in June. Those look the most promising to me and would love to hear review on those if anyone has them!

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I went yesterday and wasn't able to find any non-starbucks coffee or espresso in the whole park

did I miss an obvious option, or is there an exclusivity contract with Sbux in Epic? It's a shame since the other two main parks have other cafe options, and my only caffeine option in Epic was Diet Coke. It can be 95 degrees out and I still love walking around with my hot latte. I just want to sit and watch the fountains with my little coffee, so definitely annoyed with the lack of other options.

Most of the quick service restaurants (Mead Hall, Oak & Star, Toadstool, etc.) have a selection of hot beverages like tea & coffee.

 

[ZachPL]

Blue dragon restaurant reservations appear to be somewhat live again, but available days are spotty for some reason.

Universal Studios Orlando- Get a Dining Reservation

www.universalorlando.com

Showing reservation for tomorrow, every time I refresh I get different dates. Probably won't be open for reservations tomorrow..

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Blue dragon restaurant reservations appear to be somewhat live again, but available days are spotty for some reason.

Universal Studios Orlando- Get a Dining Reservation

www.universalorlando.com

Showing reservation for tomorrow, every time I refresh I get different dates. Probably won't be open for reservations tomorrow..
View attachment 26375

Wonder if we get a preview tomorrow. This is the last big thing to open for May 22, right?