Review: Does Wimpy's have the Best Burgers in Universal?

If you think you might want to grab a quick-service burger when you visit Universal Orlando, then you should read this. Here is a full review of Wimpy’s over in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Dining In Universal Orlando

Universal Celebrates Butterbeer with a New Place to Eat — Credit: Kate

Many theme park visitors will be both surprised and delighted to find that Universal Orlando offers over 100 dining options throughout the theme parks, CityWalk, and the Universal hotels. There is so much variety that just about anyone can find something to enjoy.

Not only does Universal Orlando have kiosks filled with snacks and quick-service locations featuring classic theme park fare, but you can also find bars, lounges, sit-down restaurants, and even fine dining during your visit! HERE is everything you need to know about which restaurants take reservations.

While some locations like Minion Cafe are filled with unique offerings, there is also plenty of run-of-the-mill food, the likes of which you would expect to find at a theme park. This includes Wimpy’s, a simple burger joint in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Wimpy’s

Once, when I was visiting Universal Orlando with my family, my son was struck by a craving for a cheeseburger. I asked several Team Members at attractions what their favorite burger in the parks is, and almost all of them pointed us to Wimpy’s. So, We decided to head over and give Wimpy’s a try for lunch one day to see what the fuss was all about.

Wimpy’s is a quick-service dining location in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It is named after one of the biggest burger fans in the cartoon universe, Popeye’s pal J. Wellington Wimpy.

Wimpy’s is quite literally a burger shack. It is an outdoor stand with a queue that zigzags back and forth in the sun. The shack itself looks very cartoon-like, in keeping with Toon Lagoon, and it has a bit of themed signage. There is also a big ole pile of prop hamburgers out front that make for a fun, cartoony photo op.

Location and Hours

Finding Wimpy’s is easy enough. It is located in Toon Lagoon in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. You’ll find it snuggled over near Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges and Me Ship, the Olive!

It is also conveniently close to the spot where Popeye and Olive typically visit to greet park guests. You might be able to catch them for some cute photos and autographs on your way to and from Wimpy’s.

It might be important for you to know that Wimpy’s ONLY offers outdoor seating. Some of it is shaded under a pavilion, but some of it is not. Seating can fill up quickly, especially around peak lunch hours.

Characters Universal Popeye Olive Oil picture — Credit: Kate

Be sure to check Wimpy’s hours in the app to be sure it’ll be open.

The exact hours may vary, but Wimpy’s typically maintains relatively limited during lunch and dinner, usually 11:00 am to 5:00 pm or 11:00 am to 6:00 pm depending on the day. Be sure to check the time in the Universal Orlando app for availability to make sure you don’t miss out if you want to try it.

The Menu

Wimpy’s has a relatively small menu compared to some Universal dining locations. But, if you are there looking for cheeseburgers, it’ll do!

You basically have 3 choices in terms of entrees. First, there is the Wellington Cheeseburger Platter, which is a cheeseburger and curly fries. It is served with cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickle, onions, mayo, and ketchup if you wish. It is currently priced at $16.49.

There is also a vegan version of the platter called the Vegan Supreme Cheeseburger Platter with curly fries. It is served with vegan cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickle, onions, and veganaise. It is currently priced at $14.49.

Chicken Tenders Wimpy's Universal — Credit: Kate

There is only one other option. If burgers aren’t your thing, you can order a Chicken Fingers Platter with curly fries. This is the least expensive item at $12.49.

Perhaps the biggest and most welcome surprise lies in the dessert options. You can choose between Vanilla soft serve ice cream and Pineapple Dole Whip! Cups are $3.99 and cones are $4.49. This was a delightful discovery for my family on a hot day.

If you are like me, you might associate Dole Whip with Walt Disney World. But, Dole is not owned by Disney, so you can find it at several places around Universal. Head over HERE to see all the locations.

One thing Wimpy’s does NOT have is kids meals. If you are looking for a children’s menu, you’ll have to head elsewhere.

The Verdict

So, are Wimpy’s burgers as good as the Team Members said they would be? Compared to other quick-service burgers I have had in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, I would say absolutely yes. And, my family unanimously agreed with me on this one.

Does Wimpy’s serve the best burger you will ever eat? Certainly not. However, if you want a quick burger while you are visiting Universal’s Islands of Adventure, this is where you should go for the best option. It is a very tasty burger – not too dry and not too greasy!

The only real drawback is that, unlike the everlasting burgers in the Popeye cartoons, this burger does not last forever, regenerating the first bite. Still, it is a pretty decent portion size, so it might be the next best thing.

Also, it is far better than the burger you will find at places like The Burger Diggs over in Jurassic Park. I’d say it’s also better than Mel’s.

universal mel's diner drive thru restaurant — Credit: Susan

For comparison, if you are a Disney regular, it is better than the standard quick-service burgers you will find around Disney parks at places like Cosmic Rays. You might find better at some of the deluxe resort quick-service options.

In fact, the only quick-service burger I like better at Universal is the one over at Bayliner Diner at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. You can read a review of Bayliner Diner HERE.

Wimpy’s makes a perfectly decent burger, but is it the best burger anywhere on Universal property? If you compare it to the burgers at some of the Universal table-service restaurants, it does not hold up as well. The best of the best is over at Cowfish in CityWalk.

Want More Universal Dining Reviews?

Are you curious about what other dining options Universal has to offer? Here are lots of reviews.

Have you ever tried Wimpy’s in Universal’s Islands of Adventure? What did you think of it? Let us know. And, be sure to pass the review along to your friends and family members who are planning a visit so they know whether to include it in their plans.