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Sunshine, roller coasters, and endless fun – Universal Orlando is the perfect summer getaway!
But let’s face it, battling the heat can be a whole other adventure, especially where Universal is concerned.
It can feel like a barren wasteland with the exposed spaces around the park – the lack of shelter in some parts of the park can make for an exhaustingly hot day.
Of course, staying cool and hydrated is essential for a truly enjoyable experience.
Thankfully, Universal Orlando offers a wide variety of refreshing treats that can help you conquer the heat and keep your energy levels high.
So, grab your sunscreen, hop on your favorite ride, and get ready to dive into our top 10 refreshing treats at Universal Orlando heatwave!
Water
Where can you find water at Universal Orlando? Everywhere.
How much does it typically cost? Between $3.50 and $6.00 pre-tax.
I can absolutely get it if you’re looking at this like … well, duh, Alex, of course, water.
But, I have met far too many people in my lifetime to assume that everyone remembers that it’s the number one thing that can help someone not only stay and be cool, but maintain hydration.
The nice thing is that you can find bottles of water sold everywhere.
You even have the option for regular bottled water or Premium water such as SmartWater and H2O+.
But if you’re looking for something economical, bringing in your own reusable water bottle is the way to go.
There are multiple freestyle soda machines that dispense not only water, but ice, which can turn your entire day from a hot crapshoot to a cool winning one.
So, yes, although it’s not something you’d normally see on a list like this, I can’t help but remind you all that water is king. ?
Frozen Butterbeer
Where can you find frozen butterbeer at Universal Orlando? Over in Universal Studios in Diagon Alley, check out The Leaky Cauldron, The Fountain of Fair Fortune, and The Hopping Pot. But over at Islands of Adventure in Hosgmeade, you’ve got the Butterbeer carts, The Three Broomsticks, and The Hog’s Head.
How much does it typically cost? $8.99 pre-tax
A popular treat among Potterheads (Harry Potter fans), Butterbeer – or in this case, Frozen Butterbeer – is a surefire way to get yourself cooled down in the sweltering heat in line for Hagrid’s.
An incredibly sweet drink, it still hits the spot for cooling you down a couple degrees.
This is a slushy with a creamy topping that can come in a regular plastic cup or the iconic souvenir mug.
You’ll find this at various locations around the park at The Leaky Cauldron, The Fountain of Fair Fortune, and The Hopping Pot in Diagon Alley.
But you’ll also find it in Hogsmeade at the Butterbeer carts and inside The Three Broomsticks and The Hog’s Head.
Slushies (ICEE)
Where can you find ICEE at Universal Orlando? Moose Juice, Goose Juice, Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous, and carts around Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
How much does it typically cost? Between $6.50 and $7.99 pre-tax.
Don’t let the name of quick service spot Moose Juice, Goose Juice in Islands of Adventure deter you from popping in for an ice cold drink.
The Moose Juice (Frozen Orange) and Goose Juice (Frozen Sour Green Apple) are welcome additions when the sun is going to bat trying to roast you alive. There are other flavors you can try as well.
It’s a solid amount of sweet sugary water and the slushy holds up pretty well even in the sun.
Take it around the corner, sit under an umbrella, and take it easy watching the High in the Sky train choo-choo its way around.
You can also find specialty ICEE’s at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in the form of Sneelocks Pink Lemonade and Ringleader Rush that have cold foam topping on each, yum!
Fresh Fruit Cups, Tropical Fruit Cups, and Fruit Salads
Where can you find fresh fruit at Universal Orlando? Some locations are Thunder Falls Terrace and Cafe 4 in Islands of Adventure, Luigi’s Pizza in Universal Studios Florida, and Kohola Reef Restaurant, Whakawaiwai Eats, and Bambu at Volcano Bay.
How much does it typically cost? Between $4.99 and $9.99 pre-tax.
You can’t go wrong with a healthy option of juicy, cold fruits!
Not only does it taste great, provides your body with the necessary water you’re losing in the heat, but it’s got vitamins that you need to keep going.
You’ve got options in fresh fruit and tropical fruits in cups or fruits in large salads – enough to share.
Some places to find these options are at Thunder Falls Terrace and Cafe 4 in Islands of Adventure and at Kohola Reef Restaurant, Whakawaiwai Eats and Bambu in Volcano Bay.
Ice Cream and Sundaes
Where can you find ice cream and sundaes at Universal Orlando? Delicious options are seen in Universal Studios Florida’s Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, Häagen-Dazs, Schwab’s Pharmacy. But there also options at Islands of Adventures’ Chill Ice Cream, Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop, and Cathy’s Ice Cream.
How much does it typically cost? The prices vary, but typically average at around $10.00 for a cone.
If you’re looking for something on the more classic side, you’ll find that Universal Orlando is rife with ice cream and sundae options.
You’ll find some of the best at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour in Diagon Alley with unique flavor options such as Sweet Toffee Pudding, Butterbeer, Clotted Cream, and Early Grey & Lavender among many others.
Other locations you’ll find ice cream and sundaes are Häagen-Dazs and Schwab’s Pharmacy in Universal Studios Florida and Chill Ice Cream, Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop, and Cathy’s Ice Cream in Islands of Adventure.
It can be pretty difficult to find a place to eat though in certain circumstances depending on where you buy your dairy’d out treat, but it will still cool you down as you make your way through the park.
Maybe just try to find somewhere where the sun won’t immediately take to melting your sweet treat.
Recommended: Trying Food at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Coconut Cream Pie
Where can you find coconut cream pie at Universal Orlando? Bambu in Volcano Bay.
How much does it typically cost? $4.99 pre-tax.
I know what you’re thinking …
Pie? Really? Yes, pie, but specifically the Coconut Cream Pie you can find at Bambu in Volcano Bay.
It’s a light and whipped cream-filled pie filled with hydrating coconut.
It’s a no-brainer.
It hits several boxes: delicious, portable, and of course, refreshing.
Classic Key Lime Pie
Where can you find key lime pie at Universal Orlando? Confisco Grille in Islands of Adventure.
How much does it typically cost? $6.95
In the same vein, a Key Lime Pie is another perfect pie option if you’re not a fan of coconut, but love that tartness that comes in a fantastic dessert.
It’s got that wonderful meringue layer that is light and fluffy and can hit the sweetness spot if you’re in need of it, too.
You’ll find this pie at Confisco Grille in Islands of Adventure.
Milkshakes
Where can you find milkshakes at Universal Orlando? If you’re not looking to go into the parks, try CityWalk’s Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, they’re infamous for their massive milkshakes. However, if you’re going in, at Islands of Adventure: Thunder Falls Terrace, KidZone Pizza Company, Captain America Diner, Chill Ice Cream, The Burger Digs, and Comic Strip Cafe. And on the Universal Studios Florida side: Schwab’s Pharmacy, Mel’s Drive-In, Luigi’s Pizza, Richter’s Burger Co., and The Frying Dutchman.
How much does it typically cost? Between $6.99 and $18.00 pre-tax.
Want ice cream, but would rather not get your hands sticky? Try a milkshake.
Here’s the other advantage to the milkshake: it can keep your hands cool, which is a win-win!
While there’s not nearly as many options when it comes to the milkshakes (typically in flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and swirl), nevertheless, it’ll still be cold.
The most extravagant milkshakes will be outside of the parks at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium in CityWalk, but if you’re not looking to leave you can find options at Thunder Falls Terrace, KidZone Pizza Company, Captain America Diner, Chill Ice Cream, The Burger Digs, and Comic Strip Cafe in Islands of Adventure.
Over in Universal Studios Florida, you’ll find milkshakes at Schwab’s Pharmacy, Mel’s Drive-In, Luigi’s Pizza, Richter’s Burger Co., The Frying Dutchman, among others.
Of course, if you grab the milkshake option at Toothsome’s you’ll find yourself having to eat a whole lot of dessert before you really get to the best part of the entire thing – the actual milkshake.
But, if you’re impatient (which I totally understand), ask for a plate and store your milkshake-topped-dessert on there while you drink your delicious (and cold) treat.
Watermelon and Pineapple Bowls
Where can you find watermelon and pineapple bowls at Universal Orlando? Islands of Adventure has these options at Blondies, Pizza Predattoria, Thunder Falls Terrace, and Croissant Moon Bakery while Universal Studios Florida has it over at the San Francisco Pastry Company.
How much does it typically cost? $4.99 pre-tax.
Watermelon and pineapple are full of water, delicious, and when they’re cold they’re so unbelievably refreshing it feels like your entire body gets chilled from it.
This is a great option if you want to control what kind of fruits you’re eating, especially as a picky eater.
These can be found at Blondies, Pizza Predattoria, Thunder Falls Terrace, and Croissant Moon Bakery in Islands of Adventure. And over at Universal Studios Florida, San Francisco Pastry Company,
Recommended: Exhaustive List of Gluten-Free Options at Universal Orlando
Ice Pops
Where can you find ice pops at Universal Orlando? Freeze Ray Pops in Universal Studios Florida.
How much does it typically cost? Between $5.99 and $8.99
The minions brought us something crazy cold to Universal Studios Florida and that’s Ice Pops over at Freeze Ray Pops.
There is a nice variety of ice pops to choose from, such as, Vector’s orange cream popsicle, mango, coconut, lemon mint, and strawberry to name some of the more refreshing options they have.
The fruit ice pops are filled with bits of fruit as well so you’ll get both worlds of something that is not only cold, but also fresh and tasty.
Other Ways to Cool Off
Now, I get it, spending money on things that can cool you off can seem like such a waste of money if there are other ways to do so. Well, there are –
→ Hop on a water ride if you’re in Islands of Adventure (rides below). If you’re hopping on any of them, you have the option to use the people-sized dryers or bringing in extra clothes (you can store your bags in paid lockers nearby) and/or socks.
Most times you don’t even need to do that as the sun will dry you off in about an hour or so.
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
→ Take a break in the middle of the day. There are ample spaces around the park inside of a gift shop or restaurant with indoor seating that allows you to sit back and enjoy the air conditioning.
Take advantage of those spaces, and other shady areas, and people watch if that’s your thing.
→ Find an outdoor table with an umbrella. While it’s not the best of this list, it still takes some of that heat off of you by allowing your body some reprieve from the sun that is drying you out.
Something so simple can be a lifesaver.
Stay Cool
But that’s it, 10 refreshing treats that’ll help you beat the heatwaves at Universal Orlando. Remember to stay hydrated, chill out in the shade when needed, and most importantly, have a blast!
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