Where to find all the Butterbeer Season items at Universal Orlando + a Butterbeer Waffle review

Butterbeer Season 2026 at Universal Orlando Resort introduces the all-new Butterbeer Waffle, available for a limited time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. While the Butterbeer Waffle headlines this year’s celebration, it joins an expanded lineup of Butterbeer-inspired treats.

What is Butterbeer Season?

Butterbeer Season is an annual celebration at Universal Destinations & Experiences that honors the most iconic beverage in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. For 2026, the event runs from March 1 to May 31 at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. This year is particularly special as it marks the 25th anniversary of the film “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

2026 Butterbeer Season Highlights

• The Butterbeer Waffle: The headliner of the 2026 season, available at the Three Broomsticks (Hogsmeade) and the Leaky Cauldron (Diagon Alley).
• Exclusive treats: These include Butterbeer Cookie Sandwiches, and the high-end Biéraubeurre Crème Brûlée found at the new Ministry of Magic area in Epic Universe.
• Limited-Edition Merchandise: Fans can snag collectible silver steins, Butterbeer-themed spirit jerseys, and even Butterbeer bucket hats.
• Global Celebrations: While U.S. parks and Universal Beijing Resort run their Butterbeer Season celebrations through May, Universal Studios Japan will host their celebration from April 1 to May 17.

The New Butterbeer Waffle

The star treat of Butterbeer Season 2026 is the Butterbeer Waffle, now available for a limited time at:

• The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade (in California and Florida)
• The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley

Butterbeer Waffle Review

Inspired by the iconic Butterbeer flavor profile of butterscotch and shortbread, the new Butterbeer Waffle offers a warm, comforting twist on the popular wizarding beverage. Guests can expect the signature sweet flavor that has made Butterbeer a theme park staple since The Wizarding World of Harry Potter first opened.

The official menu description reads, “waffle served with Butterbeer syrup, Butterbeer Cream, butter barrel, and fresh strawberries.” Whether enjoyed as breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat between rides on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, this limited-time waffle is poised to become one of the most sought-after seasonal snacks. However, we have some concerns.

This Butterbeer Season treat replaced last year’s Butterbeer Cream Puff. Ironically, that treat can be found again this year at other Universal locations worldwide, but not at Universal Orlando Resort. While this could change as the event continues, at this point, no Buttercream Cream Puffs are available Universal Orlando Resort.

Last year, the highly regarded Butterbeer Cream Puff only cost $6.99. In contrast, the Butterbeer Waffle costs $19.99 (before annual pass discounts), a sharp price increase for a Butterbeer Season offering. To be fair, the $19.99 price tag includes a small beverage on the breakfast menu, a common addition for Wizarding World of Harry Potter quick-service breakfast dining options.

While this is a good-tasting waffle with fresh fruit, it does not feature as much of the signature Butterbeer flavor as most Wizarding World of Harry Potter fans will be hoping for. Of course, like almost all waffles, it tastes better with butter and syrup.

The Butterbeer Waffle is more about the experience than the taste of the food and the signature Butterbeer symbol on the waffle, along with the “B” on the butter, elevates this Butterbeer Season option for Harry Potter fans.

If you have ever wanted to place well-themed butter on top of a Butterbeer entrée, this is the recipe for a “heart-stopping” magical experience! Maybe, Universal Orlando chefs saw  Paula Deen wandering around Diagon Alley, and she told them, “Hey y’all, if a little bit of butter is magical, then a whole stick is a straight-up Patronus for your arteries!” Despite all the bad jokes, this is a solid Wizarding World of Harry Potter treat.

Expanded Butterbeer Treats at Honeydukes and Sugarplum’s

Butterbeer Season 2026 doesn’t stop at waffles. Universal Orlando Resort is expanding its confectionery lineup at Honeydukes in Universal Islands of Adventure and Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop at Universal Studios Florida.

The new Butterbeer season sweets include:

• Butterbeer Cupcake – A fluffy cupcake infused with Butterbeer flavor, likely topped with rich frosting reminiscent of the drink’s famous foam.
• Butterbeer Cookie Sandwich – Two soft cookies sandwiching a creamy Butterbeer filling, creating the perfect handheld wizarding snack.
• Butterbeer Candy Apple – A classic theme park favorite gets a magical makeover with Butterbeer-flavored coating.
• Butterbeer Shortbread Bar – Leaning into the shortbread notes of Butterbeer, this dessert bar promises a buttery, crumbly texture layered with sweet Butterbeer goodness.

These additions (exclusive to Universal Orlando Resort) further cement Butterbeer as more than just a beverage; it continues to grow as a main food group at Universal theme parks.

Nonetheless, we have a word of warning about the new Butterbeer treats found in the bakery cases of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter candy shops. We went to try some on the opening afternoon of Butterbeer Season at Universal Orlando Resort, but sadly, this did not go as planned as bakery cases were already wiped clean of Butterbeer goodness a sure sign that these will be popular for the entire limited-time event.

While we did see Butterbeer Candied Apples in stores on the morning of March 2, team members told us they expected the Butterbeer Season bakery treats to return later in the day or the next morning.

We wish you luck in your magical quest for Butterbeer Season goodness.

Butterbeer Treats at Epic Universe

In addition to the already popular Biéraubeurre (Butterbeer) Crepe in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe, a new Biéraubeurre Crème Brûlée is also available at Café L’air de la Siréne. 

Butterbeer Season 2026 also marks the debut of Butterbeer-flavored truffles and macarons, which will be offered year-round at the K. Rammelle confectionary shop.

A Seasonal Tradition Gets Even Sweeter

Butterbeer Season has quickly become a fan-favorite celebration at Universal Orlando Resort, offering limited-time twists on the drink that first captured fan’s imaginations. From cold, frozen, and hot Butterbeer beverages to ice cream and specialty desserts, Universal continues to find creative ways to expand the flavor into new forms.

The introduction of the Butterbeer Waffle shows the resort’s continued commitment to refreshing its seasonal offerings while keeping the nostalgic taste guests know and love. For Wizarding World of Harry Potter fans planning a 2026 visit, this may be the perfect time to indulge in something new, especially since these items are available for a limited time only.

Butterbeer Season Merchandise

A new assortment of Butterbeer-themed merchandise is also available to commemorate the season, including a Spirit Jersey, t-shirt, bucket hat and more.

Guests can shop for the new collection at various retail locations across The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood or online.

Planning Your Visit for Butterbeer Season

Butterbeer Season 2026 runs for a limited time at Universal Orlando Resort, so guests hoping to try the Butterbeer Waffle and expanded confectionery lineup should plan accordingly. Both Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida will be serving up the seasonal specialties.

With warm waffles, sweet confections, and the iconic Butterbeer flavor leading the charge, this year’s celebration is shaping up to be one of the most delicious yet. At Universal Orlando Resort, Butterbeer Season runs through the end of May 2026. Will you be trying the Butterbeer Waffle during Butterbeer Season 2026?