What to Eat, See, and Skip

Hits and Misses at Busch Gardens Food Festival

With over 25 food options (plus all the drinks) across 18 locations, not every bite can be a revelation. The challenge isn’t finding something to eat; the challenge, if you choose to accept it, is narrowing down how to spend your sampler lanyard credits without missing out on a breakout hit.

Here’s our breakdown of what absolutely earns a lanyard token, and what you can safely skip:

Best Busch Gardens Food Festival Options

Chipotle-Lime BBQ Salmon Bites – Cabin 2: The Charred Lime ($10.99)

The Chipotle-lime BBQ Salmon bites are a standout addition to the Food, Wine & Garden Festival this year, offering a refreshing twist on classic festival fare. The BBQ flavor provides a balanced smokiness that complements the salmon’s natural richness without overpowering it. Sure, not every piece of salmon is perfect…this is quick-service theme park salmon, right? However, the quality works fine for these purposes.

One of the most impressive aspects of this offering is the portion size. Unlike many festival samples that leave you wanting more, this is a very generous portion, ensuring guests feel they are getting excellent value.

For those seeking a protein-forward option that satisfies the appetite, these salmon bites are a must-try.

Herb-Crusted Lamb Steak – Cabin 5: Rosemary Table ($10.99)

The United Parks in Florida usually do a solid job with lamb dishes at their food festivals, and the Herb-Crusted Lamb Steak is no exception.

The lamb steak itself is exceptionally well-prepared and remarkably easy to cut. While we would have preferred the dish to be served a bit hotter, it arrived warm enough to enjoy the depth of the savory red wine reduction. The herb crust also adds a decent flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the glossy sauce.

Interestingly, the minted pea mash leans more toward a variation of traditional mashed potatoes than a pea puree, which might appeal to those who prefer familiar comfort flavors. With a good portion size that’s easily shareable, this dish offers a more upscale festival experience without sacrificing value. It’s a solid choice for those looking for a refined protein option.

Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs – Cabin 11: Root & Reserve ($10.99)

The Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs are the ultimate “meat and potatoes” comfort dish with the sophisticated twist of a parsnip purée. While calling them “fork-tender” might be a slight exaggeration, the short ribs are undeniably high-quality and well-prepared. The parsnip purée is exceptionally smooth and serves as a perfect complement to the richness of the beef, while the crispy leeks add a bit of texture, even if their contribution is somewhat questionable.

Although the red wine braise doesn’t impart a heavy or significant wine flavor, the overall profile is savory and satisfying. It’s a straightforward, “no-frills” dish that doesn’t try to be too fancy, yet leaves very little to complain about.

What truly stands out with this dish is the excellent generous, shareable serving that offers great value for festival-goers. Additionally, the service at this location was top-notch, with ambassadors doing a fantastic job managing the crowds. For those who want a reliable, filling festival meal, this short ribs dish is a solid choice.

Vanilla Whoopie Pie – Cabin 15: The Art of Indulgence ($7.99)

This is a delightful treat for those who appreciate classic, straightforward sweets, with two soft, cake-like vanilla cookies sandwiching a generous layer of fluffy cream filling. The texture of the cake is impressively moist, providing a gentle bounce that holds up well against the rich center. The vanilla flavor is clean and sweet without being overwhelming, offering a nostalgic taste reminiscent of traditional bakeshop favorites.

While it may not have the complex flavor profiles of some more experimental festival offerings, its simplicity is its greatest strength, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages (and the portion size is also large enough to share if you’re looking to save room for other festival bites).

For a Busch Gardens food festival snack that feels both comforting and indulgent, this whoopie pie is a solid, no-frills choice that delivers exactly what it promises.