Universal Orlando Thanksgiving celebration offers a flavorful feast

While the thrill rides and immersive experiences make guests go whoa, the food flavors the Universal Orlando experience. With Orlando just being named the second most popular Thanksgiving destination, many people have packed their bags for fun in the sun. But, some people crave the traditional flavors which have become part of their holiday celebrations. Luckily, the Universal Orlando Thanksgiving celebration is a feast that will satisfy even the most robust appetite.

Now that the holiday celebrations have begun at Universal Orlando Resort, guests can enjoy both the mischief and the merry. While The Grinch might still be a little snarky, many other people are slightly more sentimental when strolling through Seuss Landing or singing along with those always happy Whos.

As the sun fades and the lights begin to twinkle, guests know that something special is coming. Although the traditional Thanksgiving parade only happens one day a year, the Universal Orlando holiday parade featuring Macy’s happens every night. From vibrant floats to the iconic balloons, everyone embraces the holiday spirit.

For some guests who are away from home over Thanksgiving or locals who might prefer to have their feast prepared by someone else, the Universal Orlando Thanksgiving meals are a tasty choice. Many of the resorts will offer both traditional holiday fare as well as other special food offerings for the celebration.

Here is a complete list of Universal Orlando Resorts and their Thanksgiving Day offerings.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

• Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Trattoria del Porto
• Thanksgiving Menu in Mama Della’s Ristorante

Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando

• Thanksgiving Day Breakfast Buffet in Avalon Ballroom
• Thanksgiving Day Buffet in The Kitchen

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

• Thanksgiving Day Breakfast Buffet in Jake’s American Bar
• Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Islands Dining Room

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

• Thanksgiving Day Breakfast Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse
• Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

• Thanksgiving Day Meal Special in Bayliner Diner
• Watch Thanksgiving Day Parades in Bayliner Diner
• Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowling in Galaxy Bowl

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

• Thanksgiving Day Meal Special in Urban Pantry

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

• Thanksgiving Day Meal Special at Beach Break Cafe

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

• Thanksgiving Day Meal Special at Dockside’s Pier 8 Market

While the resorts have their special offerings, Big Fire in City Walk has a special Thanksgiving menu on November 24. The three course meal captures the seasonal flavors while still adding that cooked over the fire flavor. This year’s offering includes an Autum Salad, Turkey Breast and Thigh Meat served with wood-charred Brussels sprouts, cranberry compote, stuffing, gravy, and a Dutch apple for dessert.

Another Thanksgiving option in City Walk is Breadbox’s Holiday Turkey Sandwich. Piled high with all the traditional food, it is the grilled cranberry bread and sage aioli which makes it memorable.

For those guests who prefer to have their Thanksgiving feast with a side of thrills, several of the restaurants inside the theme parks will be offering traditional fare. Although it might be better to ride Velocicoaster prior to eating that big dinner, the offerings bring a taste of the familiar in a non-traditional setting.

Here are the Thanksgiving food offerings inside Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure.

Lombard’s Seafood Grille at Universal Studios Florida

• Three course meal including appetizers, turkey entrée and pumpkin pie for dessert.

Confisco Grille at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

• Three course meal prix fix meal includes soup or salad, turkey with sides, and a pumpkin pie for dessert.

Thunder Falls Terrace at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

• Guests can enjoy a salad, turkey entrée with sides and a pumpkin pie for dessert.

While these sit-down food options are available, several grab and go items are available throughout the park. Also, these seasonal inspired dishes are not limited to just Thanksgiving Day. Instead, they bring those holiday flavors to the table every day through the end of the year. If that home cooked holiday dinner goes sideways, Universal is waiting with a tasty version throughout the holiday season.

From the Turkey Dinner Crepe at Central Park Crepes to Turkey Dinner Sandwich in the holiday pop-up location in Battery Park, these offerings prove that a Thanksgiving feast does not require a fork and a knife. And, the Today Café has seasonal desserts that are the perfect sweet ending.

Whether all the laughter makes guests hungry or people would prefer to step away from the kitchen this year, Universal Orlando Thanksgiving food offerings are waiting to be enjoyed. It might become a new holiday tradition for years to come.