Universal’s Volcano Bay has ditched fancy Polynesian choices like Hawaiian Ribs and a Jerk Mahi Sandwich for traditional theme park eats of hot dogs, burgers, and nachos.
The menu change comes just two months after the Memorial Day weekend opening, which touted healthier menu choices. The park’s giant hot dog still gives a nod to tropical cuisine with pineapple relish that tops the Weiner in a pretzel bun and the bacon cheeseburber is served on a Hawaiian-style bun.
The water park’s main restaurants, Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club, Whakawaiwai Eats, Bambu, and The Feasting Frog still offer a few Polynesian favorites. The Coconut Crusted Fried Chicken, Coconut Curry Chicken, and Mango BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich are still on the menu Kohola Reef. The Waturi Mahi Sandwich and Karika Chicken Sandwich remain at Bambu.
The loss of tacos from the Feasting Frog and the Quinoa Edamame Burger at Bambu may be a sign of water park goers tastes or a reflection of price as the newer items were costlier than the traditional offerings.
Some theme park fans gave Universal kudos for trying.
“The changes reinforce the lesson that you can put out an ambitious menu, but you can’t force theme park fans to eat it,” said Robert Niles, author of the Theme Park Insider blog.