Wondering what are the best food options at Universal Orlando Resort? For guests at Universal Orlando Resort hotels, the new Universal TODAY video series simplifies the menu planning. Ready to dig into your ultimate theme park food guide?
Universal Orlando Resort and TODAY have had a long-standing partnership. The TODAY Café opened in 2019. The first restaurant that guests see in Universal Studios Florida feels like a familiar, welcoming space.
Just like the beloved television program that has always been part of people’s lives, the café is the perfect blend of familiar yet exciting. From specialty menu items from the TODAY personalities to tempting over the top desserts, the restaurant is always a top food choice.
Announced on TODAY, Al Roker will host the new program, Universal TODAY. Based on the short announcement, the video series will highlight must do, see, and eat options around the four Universal Orlando Resort theme parks.
Why Is the Universal TODAY Video Series a Smart Move?
While Universal Orlando Resort has not commented on the TODAY announcement, this video series does more than just help guests plan their day. It can drive people to underappreciated food items, hidden gems in the parks, and other potentially overlooked experiences.
Granted, UOAPs love to keep those secret spaces close to the vest. But, theme parks are competing for every dollar spent. Choosing to eat every meal and snack in the park is important for business.
Universal TODAY can use this platform to highlight menu items that the Universal Culinary Team wants to showcase. It could be a limited-time treat, a signature dish that has always been on the menu, or a value-focused option.
For example, everyone knows about the beloved Potato Jacket, but how many tourists really make a stop for this dish. Personally, that baked potato with broccoli and cheese is not only a huge portion at a reasonable price, but also it is a balanced food option. Granted, I would prefer that the line for one of my favorite foods stays short, but I am willing to share a bench with a guest from England and have a conversation. It may not be a “whoa” moment like a roller coaster, but it is vital to the theme park experience.
Will the New Al Roker Video Series Create More Shareable Moments?
Anyone who scrolls social media knows that if people do not share the moment, it does not happen. Whether it is meant to be informational, self-promotion, or creates FOMO may not matter. It is exposure.
The Universal TODAY program plays into that sentiment. Even before a person rises from bed, they are excited to complete that must do, must eat list.
More importantly, highlighting these must eat or must do experiences becomes a shareable moment beyond the turnstile. Through social media, everyone is a critic or expert. But, those moments create hype, cravings, and must buy moments.
Since the Universal TODAY video series is a journalist endeavor, these theme park food menu moments will be more than just another engaging visual or viral moment. They will get the story, inspiration, the real knowledge behind the food choices.
Yes, it is captured in bite-sized, easily consumable information. But, it shows there is knowledge behind the coverage. Having the culinary team explaining the food items is just as important as the perfect cheese pull from a mac and cheese cone.
Could this New Video Series Entice Guests to Make More Plans?
Although the TODAY Show announcement only offered a glimpse of the new video series, Al Roker mentioned that he will be heading to Universal Orlando Resort to preview the Halloween Horror Nights 35 food menu. This feature is a curious choice for the program.
Halloween Horror Nights is always a huge draw. As a specialty ticketed event, some hotel guests might have planned to purchase the extra ticket. The video highlights could spark an additional purchase.
Also, some of the Halloween Horror Nights experiences will be available earlier in the day. Universal Orlando Resort has not yet announced if some of the food booths will be open earlier in the day, as well.
Since Al Roker will be previewing the food menu, people will want to try these specialty menu items. Whether they are choices inspired by Dr. Oddfellow, Sinners, or Killer Klowns will be revealed soon.
More importantly, this series should get some flavorful insight into how and why Universal’s culinary team created these dishes. From flavor infusions to impressive visuals, HHN food always pushes the limits. It is one of the reasons why food purchases are always a priority at the annual event.
Should Universal TODAY Video Series Come to Peacock?
While this video series is designed for Universal Orlando Resort properties, it would be smart to see these short videos come to Peacock. Other streaming services uses “behind the magic” programming for fans. These shows are the bridge in between park visits.
Although Peacock has not leveraged Universal Orlando Resort connections as much as it could have, there are plenty of opportunities to open the door. Peacock uses strategic partnerships in its recent releases. The Five Star Weekend crossover with On the Rocks is a great example.
Adding this new video series to streaming service would be smart. Who wouldn’t want to cook a dish with Chef Jens Dahlmann, make the Shark Attack cocktail, or learn a secret about how Butterbeer became an iconic beverage. It might not be a Top Chef crossover, but it is engaging entertainment that keeps the fan connection strong.
For now, check into a Universal Orlando Resort property and enjoy some flavorful and fun suggestions from Al Roker of TODAY. Whether it is remembering an old favorite or discovering something new, it turns a theme park visit into an experience to remember.
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