Mel’s Drive-In at Universal Studios Florida reopens with a new look

Mel’s Drive-In restaurant is located at the end of the Hollywood Boulevard area, right across the “street” from the Pantages Theatre, where the Horror Make-up Show is staged.

In late June 2023, Mel’s closed for refurbishment, which coincided with the official opening of Illumination’s Minion Café, making it a reasonable time to execute the desired changes at the Drive-In. At the time, no specific details were given by Universal Orlando Resort about when Mel’s would return

On. Feb. 27, 2024, the quick-service dining option reopened with a new menu and several prominent changes to the restaurant. While the exterior remains essentially the same (including the classic cars out front) the interior received some much-needed tender loving care, both in the dining area and the restaurant’s kitchen.

What changes will guests notice at Mel’s Drive-In?

The first change we noticed was brighter décor, as most of the interior areas were upgraded. The team members were also wearing upgraded red uniforms (replacing the former pink and blue aprons), which match some of the décor, including the area to pick up orders.

Mel’s new counter area also has red as the primary color as well as new signage overhead. The previous counter with several registers has been replaced during the refurbishment, which opened up the area for easy traffic flow within the restaurant.

Like many quick-service dining options at Universal Orlando Resort, Mel’s will strongly encourage mobile ordering. On opening day, only one register was open for those wishing to pay by cash or gift card. Still, unlike Illumination’s Minion Café, guests utilizing mobile order must pick up their food and beverages at the counter instead of team members bringing it to their table.

New menu screens behind the counter

Another unmistakable touch of newness to Mel’s Drive-In are electronic menu screens behind the counter. The screens change with different information on them, creating a more kinetic effect for guests. Also, if you watch closely, you might see subtle references to former attractions appear on the screens for brief moments,

These Easter eggs dedicated to extinct Universal attractions quickly cycle through the menu, but we were so busy trying all the new menu items on reopening day that we failed to pay close attention to this unique detail added by Universal Orlando Resort.

All new seating at Mel’s Drive-In

While all the seating is brand new, it still has the feel of an old-school diner. In addition, the seating layout has been adjusted for better flow, and experienced visitors to Mel’s will see some areas (especially the back area), look very different regarding table layout.

Several 1950s-era touches still exist at Mel’s Drive-In, including the large jukebox that can be seen by all guests when they order or pick up their food. The booths also still have mini jukebox props (sorry, you cannot select the next song played at this restaurant with these).

What changes happened in the kitchen at Mel’s Drive-In?

During this refurbishment, much-needed renovations happened in the kitchen area, and even though most guests do not see these changes, they improve the work situation for Universal Orlando team members. The kitchen received brand-new equipment, allowing team members to prepare guests’ orders more efficiently. New equipment also enables team members to make more authentic milkshakes to fit the 1950s vibe of this quick service restaurant. For the record, we think the new milkshakes are far better than the previous ones.

What changes will guests notice with the food and beverage?

The Mel’s menu still features burgers, fries, and shakes. In addition, chili cheese dogs have been added. On reopening day, the menu includes burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, and desserts.

Vegan diners will notice the plant-based burger and “chicken” sandwich have disappeared from the menu. In their place is a vegan chili dog, which resembles the one sold at the Hot Dog Hall of Fame at Universal CityWalk Orlando. Vegan chili cheese fries are also on the menu, and even the carnivores in our group appreciated the vegan items.

The newly-improved milkshakes are available in three flavors: vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. We found the vanilla and chocolate versions to be the better options on reopening day.

Mel’s Drive-In at Universal Studios Florida theme park summary

The 1950s-themed diner reopened with limited fanfare; however, the work done over the last eight months improved the experience for guests and team members. The food quality also improved, adding a few new menu items that kids and adults will enjoy.

Overall, Mel’s continues to be a place to reflect about a simpler time with traditional burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Based on its reopening day, families will continue to enjoy visiting this quick service location during their theme park day.