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Five days in Orlando in September 2024, split between Universal and Disney: shrimp at CityWalk, an all-you-can-eat lobster dinner, tiki drinks at Trader Sam’s, Iron Chef Morimoto’s Disney Springs restaurant, the Hogwarts Express and a Portillo’s stop on the way out.
Day 1: Bubba Gump at Universal CityWalk
We started at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at Universal CityWalk with a cold beer, a bucket of peel-and-eat shrimp and a shrimp plate with rice. Afterwards we found a huge scale model of a theme park on display at CityWalk.
Day 2: Boston Lobster Feast
Dinner was the all-you-can-eat Boston Lobster Feast on the Kissimmee side of town, with whole Maine lobster and snow crab legs.
Day 3: CityWalk lunch
A lighter day: flatbread pizza and wings at CityWalk.
Day 4: Trader Sam’s and Morimoto Asia
In the afternoon we went to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It’s a tiny, packed tiki bar with carved figures everywhere and a porthole window effect, and the drinks come in collectible mugs and a glowing nautilus.
Dinner was Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s pan-Asian restaurant. We had shumai, sushi rolls with tempura shrimp, lettuce cups, crispy glazed wings and a bowl of ramen.
Day 5: Universal Studios, the Hogwarts Express and Portillo’s
Our last morning was at Universal Studios Florida, starting on the London street with its red phone box and then riding the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade. Lunch in the park was a burger with curly fries.
On the way out we stopped at Portillo’s for an Italian beef and a Chicago-style hot dog.
Where to stay
We stayed at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. It’s a short walk or water taxi ride to CityWalk and the parks, and hotel guests get Universal Express Unlimited, which saves a lot of time in line.
Tips for eating around Orlando
- Trader Sam’s is small, so go mid-afternoon to get a seat inside.
- Book Morimoto Asia ahead, especially on weekends.
- You need a park-to-park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express between the two Universal parks.
- Boston Lobster Feast is a drive from the parks, so plan it for an evening off.
See more tiki bars in our guide to Disney’s tiki bars.
Planning a visit? See our Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto guide for the walk-up list, hours and which drinks set off the effects.
