You've probably seen it. That big, neon-lit sign right at the entrance of Universal CityWalk. It’s hard to miss. Most folks treat Bubba Gump Shrimp Co Orlando FL like a glorified photo op—they sit on the bench, snap a pic with the leg braces, and then keep walking toward the roller coasters. But there's a weird kind of magic in this place that goes beyond just being a "movie restaurant."
Honestly, the internet is divided on this one. You’ll find Reddit threads calling it a "tourist trap" in one breath and families swearing it's their favorite tradition in the next. It’s the kind of place where the vibe is the main course, and the shrimp... well, the shrimp is the fruit of the sea, just like Bubba said.
The Reality of the CityWalk Experience
Look, let’s be real. If you’re looking for a quiet, candlelit dinner where you can hear your own thoughts, you’re in the wrong zip code. This place is loud. It’s chaotic. It’s basically a high-energy party that happens to serve seafood.
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Located at 6000 Universal Boulevard, right at the mouth of Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk, it’s often the first thing people see when they get off the moving walkways. It’s huge, too—we’re talking a seating capacity of over 500 people. Despite that size, the wait times during peak season can be brutal.
Pro Tip: If the wait is over an hour, check if you have a Landry’s Select Club card. It costs about 25 bucks to join, but it usually gets you seated way faster, often jumping you to the front of the line. Plus, you get that 25 bucks back as a credit, so it’s kinda a wash if you’re planning to eat there anyway.
What’s Actually Worth Ordering (And What’s Just Hype)
The menu is basically a novella. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Most people gravitate toward the Shrimper's Heaven ($30.79), which is a platter featuring four different types of shrimp: fried, coconut, tempura, and grilled. It’s a lot. It’s the safe bet for someone who can't make up their mind.
But if you want the "insider" pick? Go for the Shrimper's Net Catch.
- The Peel 'n' Eat Vibe: It’s steamed in beer with either Garlic or Cajun seasoning.
- Price Point: Around $20.89 for a half-pound, or you can go big for $32.99.
- The Mess Factor: It’s messy. You’re going to get butter on your hands. Accept it.
I've talked to folks who swear the Mama Blue’s Shrimp Gumbo is the most authentic thing on the menu, while others think the Alabama Chicken Pasta ($25.29) is the sleeper hit for people who aren't actually that into seafood.
One thing people often miss is the "I’m Stuffed!" Shrimp. It’s large shrimp with crab stuffing, baked in garlic butter and smothered in Monterey Jack cheese. It’s rich. Like, "I need a nap immediately after this" rich.
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The Drink Situation
You can't talk about Bubba Gump without the "Run Forrest Run" and "Stop Forrest Stop" signs. Flip it to "Stop" and a server will appear with a drink menu faster than you can say "Lt. Dan."
The Coronarita is the big seller here—it's a margarita with a mini Corona tipped upside down into it. It’s a bit of a gimmick, but hey, you’re on vacation in Orlando. Embrace the gimmick. They also do a decent Jenny’s Blonde Ale, which is a private label beer that’s surprisingly crisp for a theme park brew.
The "Tourist Trap" Myth
Is it overpriced? Yeah, probably. You’re paying for the location. You’re paying for the memorabilia. You’re paying for the fact that the waiter might quiz you on Forrest Gump trivia while you’re trying to chew a hush puppy.
But calling it a "trap" feels a bit harsh. A trap implies you didn't get what you paid for. Here, you get exactly what’s on the tin: a high-energy, movie-themed experience with decent, consistent seafood. It’s the McDonald's of shrimp—you know exactly what it’s going to taste like whether you’re in Orlando, Tokyo, or Monterey.
Dietary Stuff Most People Miss
Kinda surprisingly, they are actually pretty good with allergies. They have a dedicated gluten-free menu that isn't just "have a salad." We're talking:
- Accidental Fish & Shrimp: Broiled Mahi Mahi with grilled shrimp over jasmine rice.
- Shrimp & Veggie Skewers: Simple, clean, and safe for the gluten-sensitive.
- The Steamed Bucket: Just straight-up seafood without the breading.
If you’re vegan, things get a bit trickier, but they can usually modify the Alabama Linguine by nixing the cream sauce for olive oil and loading it with broccoli and tomatoes. It’s not the most exciting meal in Orlando, but it works in a pinch when the rest of your group is craving shrimp.
When to Go to Avoid the Madness
If you want to experience Bubba Gump Shrimp Co Orlando FL without the 90-minute wait, timing is everything.
Avoid the "Park Dump." That’s the hour right after Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure close. The crowd flows out of the gates like a tidal wave and hits CityWalk hungry.
Instead, try a late lunch around 3:00 PM or a "second dinner" after 10:00 PM. CityWalk is open until midnight most nights, and the vibe at Bubba Gump changes significantly once the sun goes down. The neon glows brighter, the music feels a bit more "Southern porch," and the staff isn't quite as rushed.
The Memorabilia Factor
Don't just eat and leave. Walk around.
The Orlando location has some legit props from the 1994 film. You’ll see costume pieces, script pages, and storyboards scattered throughout the dining rooms. The "Gump House" section of the restaurant is particularly cool if you’re a fan of the movie’s production design.
And yeah, the gift shop is a lot. But those "Bubba Gump" hats are iconic for a reason.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning to hit Bubba Gump on your next Orlando trip, do these three things to make it actually enjoyable:
- Download the Landry’s App: Even if you don't buy the $25 membership, you can check wait times and earn points if you end up eating at other spots like T-Rex or Rainforest Cafe.
- Skip the Appetizer Sampler: The Run Across America Sampler is tempting but mostly fried filler. Save your appetite (and $30) for a dedicated shrimp entree like the Shrimp New Orleans.
- Check the Early Bird Menu: If you’re there between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, they often have "Early Bird" specials that can save you a significant chunk of change on classics like the Fish & Chips.
Ultimately, Bubba Gump isn't trying to be a Michelin-star seafood joint. It’s a love letter to a movie that everyone’s seen a dozen times on TNT. If you go in with that mindset—and a willingness to peel a few shrimp—you’ll have a much better time than the grumpy reviewers on Yelp.