Top Caffeinated Treats for a Day at Universal Orlando Resort

Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, your annual pass…there are loads of essentials for a day at Universal Orlando Resort. One thing that’s essential for me? Espresso! Or a caffeinated treat of some kind, anyway.

Whether it’s a pre-coaster boost or a midday pick-me-up, I can find pretty much any excuse to get a fun bevvy. Luckily for me, between Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, there are plenty to choose from! (There are also plenty of coffee options at the hotels if you’re staying on property — but this is for the folks who need a mid-theme-park-day jolt.) Read on for some of my favorite ways to caffeinate around Universal Orlando.

Universal Studios Florida

Coffee from Lard Lad Donuts

We’ll start with a classic: a nice, hot cup of Joe from Lard Lad Donuts in Springfield, U.S.A. This iconic spot is best known for its donuts, including The Big Pink — which is very deserving of its name — and the genius creation that is the Brain Freezin’ D’oh-Nut Sundae. But if you’re in need of a caffeine-fix, you can also grab a hot coffee here! Or, channel your inner Chief Wiggum and grab a coffee and donut for dunking.

Cappuccino from Lombard’s Seafood Grille

Ah, the cappuccino: a shot of espresso, hot milk and foam all in perfect concert to make the ultimate caffeinated drink for any time of day. I’ll be the first to admit that my cappuccino standards are high, and I can honestly say that Lombard’s Seafood Grille is home to one of the best capps I’ve ever had. Besides the nifty little mug, the star of this drink is the rock crystal sugar stir stick that adds a little extra sweetness to the mix.

Cable Car Coffee from San Fran Snacks

The only thing better than iced coffee? Iced coffee with boba, obviously! Cable Car Coffee — available at the San Fran Snacks cart located, fittingly, in San Francisco — is a sweet iced treat with brown sugar boba pearls. Fair warning: this one is pretty sweet, so if you’re one of those very powerful people who take their coffee black, it might not be for you. I, however, do not take my coffee black, so this is a go-to way for me to fuel up before I catch the next Beat Builders performance!

Universal Islands of Adventure

S’mores Latte from Croissant Moon Bakery

This one is a real hidden gem — you’re welcome! At Croissant Moon Bakery, you can snag this delicious combination of espresso, milk, toasted marshmallow syrup, marshmallow and chocolate sauce, and graham cracker crumbs. And yes, it’s as delicious as it looks in that photo! 

PRO TIP: Grab a seat outside and sip on your latte as you people-watch and listen to the sounds of Port of Entry, one of my favorite areas in Islands of Adventure.

Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew from Cinnabon

It wouldn’t be a caffeine guide without a stop at Cinnabon! My go-to drink here is the Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew, which does, in fact, taste just like a cinnamon roll. Pair this with some BonBites and you’ll be bouncing off the walls — the perfect frame of mind for coaster-riding, in my opinion.

Espresso Shake from Mythos

Mythos Restaurant is best known for its award-winning cuisine — but did you know you can also get a kickin’ espresso milkshake here? Complete with a cherry on top, it’s the perfect sweet treat in between exploring all of the shops and sights of The Lost Continent. This drink is less thick than your standard milkshake, instead having more of a frozen coffee vibe. No notes!

Sneelocks Pink Lemonade from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendus

This one goes out to any readers who can’t — or don’t — consume caffeine. The Sneelocks Pink Lemonade at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendus combines strawberry lemonade with a cold foam topping and a fun red star design on top, and it’s just as sweet as it sounds. Best of all, it’s just sugary enough to give you a boost without dooming you to a mid-afternoon crash.

Universal CityWalk

Coffee (and a doughnut!) from Voodoo Doughnut

Nothing goes together quite like a doughnut and coffee, and Voodoo Doughnut is a shining example of that fact. My usual strat here is to place a mobile order on my way into Universal CityWalk for maximum convenience, so I can grab my caf (and usually a Little Pink doughnut, too) on my way into Universal Studios Florida. If you’re in the mood for a flavor, you can choose from vanilla, caramel or hazelnut. (I’m a vanilla fan myself, but there’s no wrong way to caffeinate!)

Espresso Buzzzz from The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen

Drum roll, please! Found at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, The Espresso Buzzzz is the mother of all espresso milkshakes. It contains coffee ice cream, espresso, chocolate espresso beans, biscotti, whipped topping and — of course — a maraschino cherry on top. I recommend dipping the biscotti in the whipped topping and then tackling the shake itself. Next thing you know, you’ll be buzzzzzing your way into the parks!

Have you tried any of these caffeinated treats around Universal Orlando Resort? Do you have a favorite we didn’t cover? Let us know in the comments!