Universal Studios Hollywood has rolled out a new $59 dining pass that’s good for two meals with four sides during a single visit to the movie theme park — but is it worth it?
We do the math to break down the average cost of the most popular menu items to see if the new Universal dining pass is a good value or a waste of money.
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The new Universal dining pass gets you two entrees and four sides, snacks, desserts or drinks at restaurants in the park.
The $59 dining pass that can be purchased online or at the park becomes active with your first meal and is only good for one day. The meal plan can be linked to your digital wallet on the Universal Studios Hollywood app.
Eligible items on restaurant menu boards will be identified with the Universal dining pass logo. You can not use the dining pass on alcoholic beverages, Starbucks or Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks or any menu items costing $25 or more.
The pass also can’t be used during Halloween Horror Nights, Fan Fest Nights or at Universal CityWalk.
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Is it worth paying $59 for the new Universal dining pass?
In most cases, the simple answer is yes. As long as you plan on eating both lunch and dinner at the park — which is the whole point of the meal deal. Universal is offering the deal in hopes that you’ll spend more time and money in the park.
It would be pretty hard to spend less than $30 on an entree, side and drink at Universal Studios Hollywood at places like Toadstool Cafe, Cocina Mexicana and Hollywood & Dine.
Main courses typically cost between $10 to $23 with sides, snacks and desserts running about $5 to $13 and drinks in the $5 to $13 range.
Doing the math, that works out to $20 on the low end for an entree, side and a drink and $49 on the high end if you buy the most expensive items on the menu. Doubling that up for lunch and dinner works out to $40 to $98.
That means it’s possible to spend less than $59 on two meals at Universal, but highly unlikely.
More than likely you will save money opting for the $59 dining plan — provided you keep an eye on the menu prices and go for the more expensive items.
Opt for the $10 Nice Slice O’ Cheese Pizza at Luigi’s Pizza and you’ll be giving your money away to Universal. Go for the $23 Spare Ribs Platter at Three Broomsticks and Universal will be picking up part of your dining tab.
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The restrictions are really the only thing you need to pay attention to.
Adding booze would make this deal a no-brainer — but alcoholic drinks aren’t an option.
There really aren’t that many entrees over $25, except for the $26 Bowser’s Fireball Challenge and $26 Chef Toad Short Rib Special at Toadstool Cafe, $60 Family-Size Pizzas at Luigi’s Pizza and the $75 Great Feast at Three Broomsticks.
The real question: Do you plan on eating two full meals at Universal in a single day? If so, then the $59 meal pass makes sense. If not, it’s likely better to pay as you go.