Circus McGurkus Cafe at Universal Orlando has a new menu and more
Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous at Universal Islands of Adventure has a new appearance, menu, and operation.
In June 2023, Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous closed for an extended refurbishment. Like Mel’s Drive-In at Universal Studios Florida theme park, remodeling and upgrades were recently added to help team members and guests.
The largest dining area in the Seuss Landing area of Universal Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando (and the only one that’s air conditioned), the whimsical Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous unveiled a new look after its lengthy refurbishment.
The restaurant looks like a large circus tent, making it hard to miss. The restaurant also features themes and décor based on Dr. Seuss’s book “If I Ran the Circus.” The book’s story follows the imagination of the young Morris McGurk as he envisions a circus behind Mr. Sneelock’s Store.
Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous Changes
Before guests even enter the quick service restaurant, they will notice a new mobile order pick-up window to the right of the entrance. Of note for those planning their visits to this restaurant, the Contortion Corn Dog can only be ordered via the mobile order window (it cannot be ordered inside the restaurant).
The entrance to the indoor area received a new look. Guests enter doors that present the idea of Sneelock’s Store from “If I Ran The Circus.” Once inside, the dining area is larger and brighter, thanks to a new paint job and new seating. Universal Orlando also added several new props to enhance the Dr. Seuss circus theme. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride still travels above the dining area, creating kinetic energy for this restaurant.
The restaurant now has a new centerpiece featuring several elephants balancing on a ball. Several other props have been added to maximize the circus feel inside.
Other new statues can be found along the wall of the new booth seating where the former ordering area was located. Guests can see acrobats and other characters from the book along the walls.
Also, on a pedestal, Morris McGurk looks to be describing his extravagant dreams for his circus. Near the statue of Morris McGurk, Mr. Sneelock is seen diving towards a fishbowl. The fish inside that bowl reminds us of an essential character from “The Cat in the Hat.” In addition, “If I Ran the Circus” words can be seen around the circular dining area.
More Seating at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous
The most significant change is that the cafeteria-style queue area has been eliminated. Like Illumination’s Minion Cafe at Universal Studios Florida, Circus McGurkus is now primarily mobile order.
While guests can still visit a traditional register point of sale, they no longer enter a queue to pick up their food and beverage. Each table has a QR code sticker for mobile ordering, which aids the team members in delivering food and beverages directly to the table.
Guests will also notice more seating areas than before the refurbishment, as more booths were added when the pick-up queue area was eliminated.
New Menu at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous
The menu at Circus Mcgurkus Café Stoo-pendous before the refurbishment was basic quick service with primarily burgers and chicken sandwiches, but lacking any real personality.
The new menu presents guests with the personality expected at a Dr. Seuss-themed dining location, with things like the Magical Meatball Cone and the “Red Fish, Blue, Fish, Poke Bowl.”
Experienced visitors to Universal Islands of Adventure during the holiday season will rejoice to see the Roast Beast Sandwich as a permanent part of the menu now as that sandwich was previously only available during the holidays.
Those looking for a sweet treat have two choices: The Green Eggs and Ham Chocolate Cheesecake or the Caramel Popcorn Cupcake (though we won’t judge you if you order both).
Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines
For those looking to refill their Coca-Cola Freestyle cups, Circus Mcgurkus has you covered. This restaurant has two different sets of Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. One of those areas has three machines. Guests will see a clown statue and the words “If I Ran the Circus” located nearby.
The reopening of Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous makes the Seuss Landing area of Universal Islands of Adventure feel more complete. Groups with small children will enjoy the added seating within the circus tent of this quick-service operation. Based on initial reports, groups have also appreciated the improved unique menu.
As Morris Mcgurk says in the Dr. Seuss book, “In all the whole town, the most wonderful spot is behind Sneelock’s Store in the big vacant lot. It’s just the right spot for my wonderful plans.” As readers of the book know, that spot in McGurk’s dream was Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous.
If you visit this dining location, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
