Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous (quick-service) at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

What can you say about theme park food? It is over priced and is only "so-so." Here it is cafeteria style and the wait people seem bored and uninterested.



The fun part about this restaurant is the theme. It is full of Seuss creatures hanging from the rafters. A ride goes through the restaurant so you can wave at the folks as they go by, and they wave back. One of my favorite parts is that REAL birds fly in and hang around.

I visit a few times a year. It's the cutest restaurant, especially for kids. It has a variety of food but my favorite is the dessert. It has Dipndots... The best ice-cream in the world. It is hard to find them around Orlando (only a few places) but Universal/Islands is FAB for having them a few places throughout the parks.. but this is my fav place to get them.. If you use your annual pass, you even get a lil' discount 🙂

The laughing, flying, playing, waving, and funning place to eat is Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous. Kids sure love the fun food and Dr. Suess-ian atmosphere. Horton the elephant stands guard at the entrance and once you walk in you are transformed into such a great circus themed topsy turvy place you lose yourself. Waving to the riders from the Suess Train while you eat in a circus car booth is so much fun. The food is good and keeps the kiddos happy. Being part of the meal deal, it does get busy at times. Yet, the wait is not as long as one might think. The cast members are quick and pretty efficient.

Looking for a whimsical dining experience? Then search no further! Escape the Orlando heat or torrential rain by heading under the big top at the Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous! As a prominent fixture in Seuss Landing, this counter-service café may not exactly tantalize your taste buds, but it promises to amaze and entertain while you dine under its colorful circus tent.



The typical “circus” fare is featured, such as chicken sandwiches, pre-made salads, burgers, fries, pizza, and various dessert items, and Universal’s Meal Deal is also available here. Since these food selections are quite comparable with other counter services throughout the park, they are not the main attraction. My husband and I always venture under this big top to enjoy the atmosphere.



Trapeze caricatures swing high above while glowing lights, colorful flags, and fanciful decorations soar overhead. Themed booths located around the café’s perimeter give the illusion of patrons sitting in individual circus train cars – many booths even feature windows to the outside, enabling you and your party to act as the carnival attraction for onlookers nearby while you dine!



In addition to these stupendous surroundings, “The High in the Sky Seuss Trolly Train Ride” takes a whirl through the café on its track high above, providing further eye candy or a chance to wave at guests as the food coma sets in. Also, periodic live shows featuring the Seussical friends performing to music occur on the floor stage. Led by the ring master himself, children in the crowd are invited to join in on the fun.



Satisfy your appetite with whimsy and spend some time under the big top!

Circus McGurkus Cafe is the first place our family of 5 ate during our Universal vacation. After 3 days in the parks, my two youngest (ages 5 and 8) declared it their favourite place to eat because it was "the most fun". We are lovers of all things Dr. Seuss, and this quick-service restaurant makes you feel like you've landing smack in the middle of the McGurkus Circus. The high-flying trapeze characters in center ring, the circus train booths, the circus tent ceiling are fantastic, and my kids loved waving to the other children on the Seuss trolly ride every time it passed through up above.



As for the food, while it was pretty standard theme park fare, we were impressed by the quality. I liked having the option of a Cesar salad or chicken and mashed potatoes, something different and a little healthier than yet another hot dog or hamburger, and not quite so "fast food" feeling. We had lunch a little early, around 11am, and there was no line for food. Service was quick and the staff was very pleasant.