If you follow us on Instagram then you have probably seen us going to Universal Orlando a bit more lately. With more trips to Universal it also means we have been eating more and more options at the parks. There have been a few really great options that we’ve had lately which we felt the need to review and share with our readers.
But before we get too far in, I want to note Universal’s current counter service ordering situation. Just like Walt Disney World, they are requiring that you order on their app. The difference here is that you are seated whether you have ordered already or not, they note your order number and your table and someone brings your food out. At Disney you are alerted that your food is ready then you make your way up to get it then seat yourself. The app is all well and good, unless you need to make modifications (spoiler alert: we needed to make modifications here).
One of the best things we’ve had recently is an option that took us by surprise. We had seen photos of it, and let’s just say they didn’t do it justice. So we decided to take a chance on this interesting looking meal and made our way to Thunder Falls Terrace. This is in the Jurassic Park area of Islands of Adventure.
Once we were in the restaurant I let the team member that was seating us know that I was going to need to order in person as the app didn’t allow me to modify as needed, and that I needed to confirm some other options for our son. There was a team member at a register and I hopped over to her to order. I confirmed that the potato sides they have as well as the beans are all vegan as is (aka kids options when in a pinch). I then ordered us two of the Jackfruit Rice Bowls without cheese and some sides for little dude.
Shortly after I returned to our table our food appeared and the portion was huge. Now this is where I say the photos don’t do justice, the jackfruit seems to be just plain jackfruit, which looks unappetizing to me. It had some sort of tang to it, but I wouldn’t say it was seasoned. Once you mixed it in with the rice and beans though, it was delicious.
The plantains were cooked perfectly and the whole bowl was really fresh and filling. The portion of rice and beans were great, and the cilantro rice was cooked well. Our only complaint is that we wished there had been a bit more of the pico de gallo. Otherwise this dish was perfect.
We had the black beans here many years ago and always joked about how good they were for just being beans. So I am glad that they are still just as good, and now we have a real option instead of just beans and potatoes like in the past.
This is a counter service meal that I will absolutely be getting again. I wish we could modify for no cheese on the app, but ordering in person was easy enough. We’re so thankful that Universal has so many vegan options. If you’re looking for a guide, be sure to head to the Universal Orlando Vegans Wiki page, this is what we use whenever we’re in the parks.
Review from August 2020.
Price $
