In our inaugural episode of this season of Iconic Eats, we traveled to Universal Orlando Resort to try the park’s food and cocktails. Now, to celebrate the holiday season and our the season finale of the show, our host Adriana Redding is back in Florida to try Universal’s lineup of Christmas-themed goodies.
You can find seasonal celebrations in nearly every corner of the resort. Head down to Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure or Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida for a Harry Potter-themed holiday. Over at Seuss Landing, your heart can grow three sizes at the The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.
Didn’t make it to Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York this year? It’s not too late! You can head over to Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring larger-than-life balloons that resemble some of your favorite characters. Join in on the fun through January 1st by purchasing a theme park ticket or using your annual pass.
There are so many attractions to experience at Universal Orlando Resort this holiday season, but the thing we’re most excited about is the food. With so many limited-edition treats, it’s almost impossible to decide what food and drinks to try. Thankfully, Adriana ate her way through the resort to find the best of the best.
Here are the six can’t-miss food and drink items at Universal Orlando Resort’s annual Holiday celebration:
Best Drink: Hot Butterbeer, $7.99
You can’t go to Hogsmeade, or Universal Orlando Resort in general, without getting a cup of butterbeer. And now that Florida has cooled down for the winter, you can cozy up with the hot version. This warm, butterscotch-flavored brew is topped with a creamy foam on top. It’s like a butterscotch version of hot chocolate, only better.
Best Meatless Option: Vegan Beefless Pasty, $16.49
At the Leaky Cauldron, you can choose from a variety of British treats. One of the most quintessential treats there is a pasty (think of it like an English empanada). Now anybody can enjoy them with this beefless vegan pasty. Instead of the traditional beef or lamb, the Leaky Cauldron uses beefless crumbles. Even without butter in the dough, it’s perfectly flaky and rich.
Best Meal: Roast Beast Sandwich, $16.99
One of the most iconic delicacies in Whoville is roast beast. And now you can try it for yourself! This sandwich stacks roast beef dipped in French onion soup, meatloaf, secret sauce, and cheddar cheese sauce on a pretzel bun. It’s warm, saucy, and decadent. The best part of the meal, however, is the mini meatloaf grilled cheese stacked on top. You can share it in the spirit of the holidays; but if you’re feeling like the Grinch, you should definitely keep it for yourself.
Best Snack: Cranachan, $5.99
Sometimes you need a little snack to tide you over between meals, but you don’t want to take up precious space in your stomach. Enter the cranachan, a traditional Scottish dish served at the Leaky Cauldron. This layered parfait includes whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and oatmeal. It’s not too sweet, and the oatmeal will keep you full until your next meal.
Best Dessert: Grinch’s Heart On A Pillow, $6.49
With so many delicious desserts, it was almost impossible to pick a favorite. But this limited-edition treat at Hop on Pop in Seuss Landing definitely deserves the top spot. The vibrant dish has a shortbread cookie base stacked with mascarpone cream cheese and a heart-shaped red velvet cake pop on top. The fluffy and creamy mascarpone is dusted with bright green powdered sugar and provides the perfect contrast to the dense, rich cake pop.
Best For Sharing: Peppermint Toads, $8.95
There are plenty of magical snacks in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but the peppermint toads are a holiday crowd-pleaser that you need to buy on your next trip. These small, frog-shaped treats are like a peppermint patty, only better. The chocolate and fluffy peppermint center melt in your mouth. It’s hard to have just one, but the bag full of toads makes it super easy for sharing.
Previously on Iconic Eats: The Best Food At Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party