Universal Orlando’s holiday menu creates emotional connections with guests, interview

Once guests step under the arch, the mischief in the merry fills the experience at Universal Orlando. From the traditions of the Macy’s Holiday Parade to the seasonal magic in the Wizarding World, every experience is a holiday spectacle of grand proportions. With Universal Orlando’s holiday menu, the specialty food items are more than just sweet treats on a plate. They evoke an emotional connection with the guest.

Over the years, Universal Orlando’s holiday food options have captivated guests. Who doesn’t remember the first chocolate bomb that they enjoyed? What about Earl’s warm nuts as a snack during the parade? Of course, no one can refuse a Grinch inspired dessert.

While all those favorites always warm people’s hearts more than three sizes, new menu items often get a big reaction. This year, the Universal Orlando culinary team added a wide array of food choices across the theme parks and Universal CityWalk. They are:

Florida Snowman – ginger snap cookie with a vanilla bean cheesecake

Chocolate Poinsettia Cake – chocolate cake with mascarpone cream and orange and raspberry jam

Hazel “Nutcracker” – éclair filled with hazelnut chocolate crémeux and toasted hazelnuts with a chocolate nutcracker

Holly Jolly Christmas Roll – chocolate mousse with marshmallow insert and chocolate cake

Pistachio Holiday Wreath – pistachio whipped ganache with pistachio puree in a crispy pastry wreath

Peppermint Cheesecake Bar – coconut coated cheesecake bar with chocolate leaves and crushed peppermint

Roasting Chestnuts Mont Blanc – roasted chestnut cake and cream with a vanilla bean mousse and sable

Chocolate Christmas Mousse – vegan chocolate mousse with raspberries, raspberry gelee and vegan whipped topping

While that food list is quite robust, it is more than butter, sugar, and flour mixed into every recipe. The culinary team appreciates that they want to give guests an experience with every dish.

As Chef Jens Dahlmann, VP, Executive Chef at Universal Orlando Resort explained, “Holidays at Universal are very special to us and we love to make emotional connections with our guests, and holiday food does that, the unique smells and aromas of warm winter spices or cooling peppermint are an homage to the holidays. This year, our Roasting Chestnuts Mont Blanc dessert that is served at Today Cafe has a little international connection to the French and Swiss Alps, where chestnut puree piped over cream is a very traditional Holiday dessert. Ours is a super elegant version of this dessert garnished with edible gold leaf.”

The Mont Blanc is a lovely example how the culinary team brings a classic dessert to a larger audience. Many people might have seen this dessert on Food Network competitions and other baking shows. Now, everyone has an opportunity to try the dessert in a welcoming setting.

Beyond the blend of sophisticated and traditional favorites, the Universal Orlando culinary team appreciates that guests want to share their food experiences. As many people understand, the camera often eats first.

When asked about the influence of visually engaging desserts, Chef Jens shared, “Our main focus is always the taste first, but the team works hard to create something fun or unique, as we all know, the camera eats first and this year the Florida Snowman is one of my favorite desserts. We will also be featuring Grinch Chocolate Bombs at Seuss Landing that can be put into your hot chocolate,  and when it melts, it gets even more delicious and rich.”

The Florida Snowman might be the must have dessert of the season. Similar to the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Halloween Horror Nights, it seems that no one can resist a cute dessert.

All of these holiday menu items are available at Universal Orlando theme parks and Universal CityWalk. Check with stores for availability and pricing.

The holiday season is upon us and sweet treats are part of the celebration. Enjoy the merry, mischief, and deliciousness before the moment fades away.