Here in Florida, it’s always ice cream weather. Whether it’s a hot summer day or the middle of an eighty-degree Florida winter, one of many perks of having Universal Orlando Resort in my backyard are all of the incredible ice cream treats.
Let’s see, there are unique flavors like the fruity, colorful swirl of Waturi Fusion. Out-of-this-world creations… basically anything from Penelope’s Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. And you can even step foot inside a certain ice cream parlour that this young witch could only dream of back when the first Harry Potter book came out.
Here’s my list of favorite ice cream treats you have to try during your upcoming trip to Universal Orlando.
Brain Freezin’ D’oh-nut Sundae
Location: Lard Lad Donuts in Universal Studios Florida
This sundae is for the adventurous at heart. You’ll get one of Homer’s famous pink-frosted donuts, split in half and filled with your choice of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. You’re not done yet though! Choose your toppings from a variety of sprinkles, hot fudge, or cookie crumbles.
Earl Grey & Lavender Ice Cream
Location: Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
You can’t visit Diagon Alley without a stop at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. My favorite flavor is Earl Grey & Lavender, but a few other unique flavors are the Chocolate Chili, Clotted Cream and, of course, Butterbeer!
Waturi Fusion Ice Cream
Location: Koka Poroka in Universal Volcano Bay
This ice cream is four different flavors with swirls of orange, blue raspberry, strawberry, and banana. Not only is it a party for your taste buds, but its colorful appearance makes it photo-friendly and perfect for your Instagram.
Chocolate Brownie Bark Sundae
Location: The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen in Universal CityWalk
This one lives up to its restaurant’s name. Chocolate ice cream, chocolate brownies, chocolate fresh whipped cream, chocolate sauce, chocolate brownie bark, and — wait for it — chocolate sprinkles. I definitely recommend sharing with your significant other, or you know, a small army.
Emack Attack Sundaes
Location: Emack & Bolio’s Marketplace at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
After a day in the parks, hang out at Emack & Bolio’s Marketplace for scoops of this legendary ice cream from Boston. You can get creative flavors like Deep Purple and Grasshopper in handcrafted sundaes or get them in candy-coated cones.
Baked Alaska
Location: Bigfire in Universal CityWalk
Before you dive into this cold treat, we’ll need to heat things up. Torched tableside, this Baked Alaska has chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream inside. I think that’s one of the things I love about Baked Alaska. You get both fire and ice working together to create one tasty treat.
Strawberry and Peanut-Butter Ice Cream
Location: Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Harry Potter and his friends enjoyed strawberry and peanut-butter ice creams. You and your friends can do the same with a cup of this delicious hard packed ice cream available in Hogsmeade at the Three Broomsticks.
Gelato Panini
Location: Urban Pantry at Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Yes, I’m aware gelato is technically not ice cream, but it’s a close cousin. You got to try the gelato panini over at Urban Pantry. Take your choice of yummy gelato (honey peach for me) and press into a panini for the ultimate “ice cream” sandwich.
Gelato
Location: Gelateria at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Because I’m stuck on the gelato hype train, you’ve got to go to the Gelateria, which serves all kinds of delicious flavors like Tiramisu and Stracciatella topped with fresh ingredients like fruit. Fruit makes it healthy, right? That’s what I tell myself, especially during vacation.
Classic Banana Split
Location: Schwab’s Pharmacy in Universal Studios Florida (seasonal)
Sometimes you just can’t beat a classic. Stop by for a scoop of your favorite flavor or a sundae like hot fudge or my go-to, the banana split. It’s the perfect way to take a break and cool off.
Milkshakes!!!
Location: Across Universal Orlando Resort
Basically, it’s ice cream in a sippable, mobile container, and we here at Universal Orlando have perfected this creamy delight. You can get milkshakes all across our destination, from the whimsical creations over at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen to the classic hand-spun at Mel’s Drive-In to even the “spiked shakes” at The Cowfish.
What is your favorite place to grab ice cream? Share in the comments below and explore all of Universal Orlando’s dining before your vacation to discover even more sweet treats.