Skip the Lines: Universal Orlando Mobile Ordering Guide (2025)
Nothing kills the fun faster than a hungry family stuck in a 30-minute lunch line. That’s why I’m a huge fan of Universal’s mobile ordering system. It’s the quickest way to skip the chaos, grab hot food, and dive back into the fun without missing a Butterbeer.
With just a few taps on your phone, you can browse menus, customize your order, pay, and have your food ready when you are. Our family loves mobile ordering because it means we spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the parks.
- View and download my free 2-page PDF overview of mobile ordering. Includes a list of restaurants that participate.
What Is Mobile Ordering & Why It’s Beneficial
What it is:
Think of mobile ordering as your personal food fast-pass. With the Universal Orlando app, you can browse menus while standing in line for a ride, customize your meal just how you like it, pay right in the app, and then pick it up (or have it delivered to your table) when you’re ready. No waiting at registers, no juggling trays through a crowded line. Just order, tap, and eat.
Why it’s beneficial:
- Save time, skip the wait: Place your order while you’re in line for a ride and grab it right after.
- Order on your terms: Decide when you want food prepared with one quick tap.
- Family-friendly: Everyone can choose what they want from the phone, no arguing at the counter.
- Fresh and hot: Nothing gets made until you hit “Prepare My Order,” so your meal doesn’t sit around getting cold.
Quick tips:
- Order 5–10 minutes before you want to eat.
- Use park Wi‑Fi for the best speed.
- Set up your Wallet in advance.
Step-by-step Process to Place a Mobile Order:
- Download & log into the app: Ensure you have the latest version of the Universal Orlando Resort app and are signed in.
- Set up payment: You need to save a credit card in the app’s Wallet. To do this, click “Profile” and then “Wallet.”
- On this screen, click “Manage” under “Payment Details” to add a credit card. Once it’s saved, you will see it under “Payment Details” in your Wallet. Now you’re ready to place a mobile order!
- Access mobile ordering: Tap “Dining” on the home screen or sidebar.
- Choose location and menu: Browse participating restaurants and menus by using the filters at the top. You can also look at nearby restaurants to see if they offer mobile food ordering.
- Pick what you want to eat! Customize, adjust quantities, and note any special requests.
- Select pickup type: You’ll see labels like “Pickup”, “Table Delivery”, or both. For table delivery, you must order after seating (so you can enter your table number).
- Place your order: Check out using your saved card. Before finalizing, apply any passholder discount if applicable.
- Hit “Prepare My Order”: When you’re near the restaurant (or seated) and ready to eat, tap the button to start food preparation.
- Grab your meal: You’ll receive a notification when it’s ready. Depending on the restaurant, either pick it up at a dedicated window or wait for your delivery at your table.
Participating Restaurants
Here’s a breakdown of mobile‑ordering options by area. This list tends to change from time to time. I updated it in September 2025. The best way to see the most current restaurants offering mobile ordering is in the Universal Orlando app.
Universal Studios Florida
Hollywood
- Café La Bamba: Tacos and burritos with plenty of indoor seating (a lifesaver on hot days).
- Mel’s Drive-In: Classic burgers and milkshakes with that retro diner vibe.
- Today Café: Sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. Perfect for a mid-morning recharge.
New York
- Louie’s Italian Restaurant: Pizza and pasta in a casual, family-friendly setting.
San Francisco
- San Francisco Pastry Company: Coffee, pastries, and quick breakfast bites.
- Richter’s Burger Co.: Big burgers with a Bay Area twist.
Diagon Alley
- The Leaky Cauldron: A must-do if you’re craving Butterbeer with hearty British fare.
Springfield: Home of the Simpsons
- Luigi’s Pizza: Simple slices for when you need something fast.
- Flaming Moe’s: Grab a quirky themed drink.
- Krusty Burger: Iconic Simpsons-style burgers.
- Cletus’ Chicken Shack: Fried chicken that hits the spot.
- Duff Brewery: Beer lovers will want to stop here.
- Lisa’s Teahouse of Horror: Surprisingly healthy wraps and salads.
Minion Land
- Illumination’s Minion Café: Bright, fun, and loaded with kid-approved options.
Islands of Adventure
Port of Entry
- Cinnabon: The smell hits you before you even see it.
- Croissant Moon Bakery: Light breakfast or a sweet snack.
Marvel Super Hero Island
- Cafe 4: Pizza and pasta near the Fantastic Four theming.
- Captain America Diner: Burgers worthy of a superhero appetite.
Toon Lagoon
- Blondie’s: Famous Dagwood sandwiches piled sky-high.
- Comic Strip Cafe: Variety menu, good for groups with different tastes.
Jurassic Park
- Pizza Predattoria: Quick pizza fix.
- The Burger Digs: Burgers with a dino backdrop.
- Thunder Falls Terrace: Ribs and rotisserie chicken in a shaded riverside spot (one of my favorites).
Hogsmeade
- Three Broomsticks: Rustic, hearty meals, and of course, Butterbeer.
The Lost Continent
- Fire Eater’s Grill: Gyros, chicken tenders, and snacks, often overlooked but quick.
Seuss Landing
- Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous: Whimsical setting, kid-friendly meals.
Epic Universe
Celestial Park
- Meteor Astropub: Modern pub bites with cosmic theming.
- Pizza Moon? You guessed it! Pizza, but with a fun presentation.
Dark Universe
- The Burning Blade Tavern: Smoky, hearty meals, perfectly themed to monsters.
- Das Stakehaus: Gothic, atmospheric dining with German-inspired flavors.
Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon)
- Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel: Viking-themed feasting.
- Mead Hall: Where you go for a hearty spread with rustic vibes.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
- Toadstool Cafe: Over-the-top Nintendo-themed dishes, great for families.
Ministry of Magic
- Café L’air De La Sirène: Elegant spot for light bites.
- Le Gobelet Noir: Mysterious and stylish.
Volcano Bay
- Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club (Wave Village): Island classics and plenty of seating.
- Whakawaiwai Eats (River Village): Fast comfort food like pizza and hot dogs.
- Bambu (Rainforest Village): Tropical flavors with a focus on lighter options.
CityWalk
- Bend the Bao: Creative bao buns with fun fillings.
- Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom: Jamaican eats with live music vibes.
- Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches: Elevated deli sandwiches.
- Hot Dog Hall of Fame: Gourmet hot dogs from around the country.
- Red Oven Pizza Bakery: Wood-fired pizza, quick but delicious.
- Voodoo Doughnut: Wild, photo-worthy doughnuts you’ll want to take home.
Mobile Ordering FAQs (Real Questions I Had, Too):
Does mobile ordering cost extra?
No, there’s no additional fee for using mobile ordering. You’ll pay the same price as if you had ordered at the counter.
Is the Annual Passholder discount supported?
Yes. Annual Passholders can apply their discount by scanning their pass or entering their ID number before checkout in the app.
Can I place a mobile order from outside the park?
No, you need to be inside the correct park or CityWalk to place your order. The app won’t allow you to order unless you’re physically at Universal Orlando Resort.
When should I tap “Prepare My Order”?
Only hit “Prepare My Order” when you’re at or very near the restaurant. If the location offers table delivery, wait until you’re seated and have entered your table number. This ensures your food is prepared fresh and ready at the right time.
What if I don’t want to use mobile ordering?
You don’t have to, as mobile ordering is optional. You can still order and pay at the counter with cash or card. Just keep in mind that the lines may be longer, especially during peak meal times.
Can you use a Universal gift card to mobile order?
Yes! You are able to use select Universal gift cards in the app to pay.
Mobile ordering at Universal Orlando is one of the simplest ways to take stress out of your vacation and maximize your fun.
Mobile ordering has become one of my go-to Universal hacks. From Butterbeer at the Leaky Cauldron to late-night Voodoo Doughnuts, it saves time and stress every trip. Next time you visit, give it a try! You’ll spend less time waiting and more time making memories.
