Not wanting to feel left out, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld have instituted their own character dining experiences. Like Disney's meals, these are very popular experiences, so be sure to reserve your spot as far in advance as possible.
At Islands of Adventure, the Confisco Grill is home to a character breakfast buffet where Spider-Man, Captain America, the Cat in the Hat, and Thing 1 and Thing 2 all join in on the fun. It runs Thursday through Sunday, from park opening until 10:30am. The cost is $16 adults, $10 kids 3 to 9; park admission is required but not included in the cost. Call tel. 407/224-4012 for more information or to make reservations.
The Islands offers some of the best theme park dining in town, with a number of stands where you can get a quick bite to eat, and a handful of full-service restaurants. The park's creators have taken some extra care to tie in restaurant offerings with the theme. The Green Eggs and Ham Cafe may be one of the few places on earth where you'd be willing to eat tinted huevos. (They sell as an egg-and-ham sandwich for about $7.) No matter which Island you're on, each offers a selection of sit-down restaurants, eateries, and snack carts. To save money, look for the kiddie menus, offering a children's meal and a small beverage for $6 to $8. Also consider combo meals (good for sharing), which usually offer a slight price break. Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park, for instance, offers a rib-and-chicken combo as well as other options in the $9 to $14 range.
Here are some of our other favorites at Islands:
Best Sit-Down Restaurant -- At Mythos on the Lost Continent, choose from main courses such as cedar-planked salmon, balsamic chicken, shrimp primavera, or a selection of sandwiches and pastas. The atmospheric, undersea cavelike setting is pleasant. This is a grown-up dining affair, best suited to adults and children older than age 10. Entrees cost $11 to $16, and Mythos is usually open from 11:30am to 3:30pm and again at 5pm for dinner.
Best Atmosphere for Adults -- The Enchanted Oak Tavern (and Alchemy Bar), also in the Lost Continent, also has a cavelike interior, which from the outside looks like a mammoth tree, and is brightened by an azure blue skylight with a celestial theme. The tables and chairs are thick planks, and the servers are clad in "wench wear." Try the chicken/rib combo with waffle fries for around $14. The menu offers 45 types of beer.
Best Atmosphere for Kids -- The fun never stops under the big top at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in Seuss Landing, where animated trapeze artists swing from the ceiling. Kids' meals, including a souvenir cup, are $6 to $8. The adult menu features fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, spaghetti, and pizza. Try the fried chicken platter or the spaghetti for around $8.
Best Diversity -- Comic Strip Café, located in Toon Lagoon, is a four-in-one counter service-style eatery offering burgers, pizza and pasta, chicken and fish, and even Chinese (entrees run $6-$9).
There are also several restaurants and clubs that are just a short walk from the park in Universal's entertainment complex, CityWalk.
Food for Thought
Those green eggs at the Green Eggs and Ham Cafe get their color from a variety of spices, not food dye.
