Discover Universal

Know Before You Go: How to Use Your Dining Card

Must be 21+ with valid Photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.

Congratulations and cue the confetti – you’ve purchased a select Universal Orlando Resort vacation package that includes a dining card! Now what? I’m here to give you a guide on how to get your card, how to use your card, and how to best enjoy Universal Orlando Resort’s mouthwatering dining options.

As you consider your future trip — dreaming of your future four-course dinners and sky-high thrills — I’m sure you’ve had at least one of these questions:

Never fear… you’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers. Let’s dive right into these tasty topics!

What is the value of my dining card?

As you likely saw when purchasing one of the select dining packages that includes a dining card, there is a “menu” of options (get it?), and the value of the included dining card will depend on the hotel and length of stay you picked. Check out the list below and find the options you selected to see the coordinating value of your included dining card!

Where do I pick up my dining card?

When you and your group arrive at your hotel (stomachs surely rumbling for adventure) and check in at the front desk, mention you bought the Dining Card Promotional Package. You will be directed to the Universal Vacation Planning Center in the lobby to pick up the dining card (also known as the Food & Beverage Card). Easy pea-sy! (Getting tired of food puns yet? I’m not!)

What does the dining card look like?

The dining card is wallet size and looks like this: 

Front 

Back

You’ll see on the back of the card, it says to “safeguard this card like cash” and that’s good advice! If your card is lost, there are unfortunately no replacements or refunds.

Where can I use my dining card? Are there exclusions?

The dining card can be used across 200 locations at Universal Orlando Resort, including Universal hotels, theme parks, and Universal CityWalk, so explore to your heart’s (stomach’s?) desire! However, there are certain important exclusions that you will want to be aware of. Check out the list below:

The Food & Beverage (dining) Card may NOT be redeemed…

How do I use my card at a location that primarily uses Mobile Food & Drink Orders?

As mentioned above, at this time, the dining card cannot be used for orders placed with Mobile Food & Drink Ordering. So, if you are interested in chowing down at a location that features Mobile Food & Drink Ordering Table Delivery service, ask a Team Member for help and let them know that you would like to use your dining card as payment. They’d be happy to help, easy pea-sy, lemon squeezy! (The puns are getting worse, I know.)

Before we move on to the main attraction of the dining card (the food, of course!), if you have more questions about the card, please scroll down to the bottom of the page for more FAQs. Now, on to the real “meat” of the matter. 

What kind of dining options are there to explore at Universal Orlando Resort?

Now that you know how to get your dining card, and how to use your dining card, are you craving a sneak peek at the food you can enjoy at Universal Orlando Resort? Here’s a look at our scrumptious food offerings, with over 200 locations to explore and award-winning restaurants to start craving now! We’ve gathered some of the best food articles from the Discover Universal Blog for you to peruse. Click the titles below to explore different categories of food and drink; there’s something for every palate. 

Please note:  the below articles may feature restaurant and merchandise locations that are excluded from the dining card.  Please review the above dining card exclusions to confirm if the dining card can be used at a particular location of interest mentioned in the below articles. 

A Guide to Our Favorite Snacks at Universal Orlando Resort

I can smell the churros now….and the popcorn…and the pretzels…

Where to Eat: Breakfast at Universal Orlando Resort

When it comes to breakfast in my family, a couple quotes you can often hear are: “mmmm…donuts” or “…and in the morning, I’m making WAFFLES!” So many great moments are had at breakfast – especially a Universal Orlando Resort breakfast.

Guide to the Best Adult Beverages at Universal Orlando Resort

Did you know there’s a place at Universal Orlando Resort where a Rum Captain can guide you through a Rum Flight? Aye aye, there is, and it’s called Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. Just one of the many scenic watering holes on property! Must be 21 years and older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages. Drink responsibly.

Your Zero Proof Guide to Must-Try Drinks at Universal Orlando Resort

Looking for a booze-free alternative to your libations? We’ve got you covered! Elevated, tasty, bubbly, fruity, iconic – you name it, we got it. Even a bright purple beverage called the Hoverboard Highball that’ll have you saying, “Great Scott!”

A Guide For Healthy and Allergy-Friendly Food at Universal Orlando Resort

Whether you have certain food restrictions due to allergies or prefer to eat certain foods due to lifestyle choices, Universal Orlando Resort offers delicious meals that can accommodate a variety of eaters across the entire resort!

A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Chocolate Desserts at Universal Orlando Resort

As a wise wizard once said about chocolate, “Eat this, you’ll feel better.” It’s hard to argue with that wisdom! No matter which world you find yourself in, chocolate is a very important food group that brings happiness across Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Orlando Resort’s 3-Day Itinerary for Food Lovers

A look at three whole days of food, drinks, and snacks across the resort – with still so much left to explore! 

Hungry for more? Check out our previously posted YouTube Playlist for the “Dine and Ride” series! And, to see a full list of our dining locations, click here.

Please note: the Dine and Ride videos may feature restaurant and merchandise locations that are excluded from the dining card. Also, the full list of dining locations does feature locations that are excluded from the dining card. Please review the above dining card exclusions to confirm if the dining card can be used at a particular location of interest. In addition, the “Dine and Ride” videos may highlight offerings that may have been discontinued or are otherwise no longer available. Current offerings may be confirmed at the location of interest’s page at UniversalOrlando.com.

Still need questions answered? We got you! See below for more Dining Card FAQs:

Does the dining card apply to the purchase of alcoholic beverages? 

Yes, the dining card can be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages at participating locations. Must be 21+ with valid Photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.   

Can the card be used over multiple days? 

Yes, the dining card does not expire. 

Can the card be shared among a group of people? 

One dining card is issued per guest room, so all guests staying under that room reservation may use the dining card. 

Can my dining card be added to my Universal Guest Account Wallet? 

At this time, the dining card cannot be added to the Universal Guest Account Wallet via the Website or the Universal Orlando Resort App. Guests must physically present the dining card as payment. 

Can my dining card be used with TapuTapu at Universal Volcano Bay? 

At this time, the dining card is not compatible with the Universal Orlando Resort App or the TapuTapu wearable.

Can my dining card be used for Character Dining?

To make a reservation for a Character Dining Experience, please visit the applicable restaurant, visit a Guest Services location, or call Guest Services via phone to inquire about reservation availability. If there is availability for a reservation, the team member assisting you will add in the reservation notes that payment will be required at the venue via dining card. Reservations must be made up to 24 hours before arriving.

Guest Services Phone Numbers

Main Number: (407) 224-4233

Toll Free Number: (877) 589-4783  

Can the dining card be used to pay for gratuities at the restaurant?

Yes, the dining card can be used to pay for gratuities at the restaurant.

Can the dining card be used at the Mardi Gras event dining booths?

Yes, the dining card can be used at the Mardi Gras event dining booths.

Can the dining card be used for the Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort?

No, the dining card cannot be used to purchase tickets for the Wantilan Luau show.

How can I check the balance of my dining card? 

Universal Orlando Resort Gift Card or Food & Beverage Card (dining card) balances may be checked by calling the Universal Orlando Resort Gift Cards information line at 1-888-322-1565. Balances are not available online at this time. Also, after every purchase, a receipt will be given to the guest with the remaining balance on the sheet. 

If I have a dietary restriction or food allergy, are there food options available for purchase with the dining card? 

Universal Orlando Resort offers a number of dining locations where dietary needs can be accommodated. To find out more, visit our Dietary Needs Page.  

You can also listen to our Guide to Dietary Needs, Allergies, and Preferences Discover Universal Podcast or read our Discover Universal Blog: Guide For Healthy and Allergy-Friendly Food at Universal Orlando Resort. 

What happens to the remaining balance on the dining card after leaving Universal Orlando Resort? 

The dining card does not expire and can be used again during your next visit. 

What happens if the dining card is lost?  

The card cannot be replaced if the original card issued is lost during or after your vacation.  

Can more funds be added to the card? 

No, the dining card is not reloadable.  

Where can the free souvenir photo be redeemed?

If your package includes a free souvenir photo, the souvenir photo is available at participating in-park My Universal Photos locations. Attractions and locations are subject to change without notice.

Universal Studios Florida:

Universal Islands of Adventure:

Universal Volcano Bay:

Who can I contact with more questions?

The Universal Orlando Resort Guest Contact Center is available:

Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 12:00am

Saturday – Sunday: 7:30am – 10pm

General Information

(407) 363-8000

Guest Services

Main Number: (407) 224-4233

Toll Free Number: (877) 589-4783

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