Three Broomsticks

[Mfarquar]

Good to know about Mel's - we've never tried it there. We'll definitely have to give it a whirl in September!

Yes, Latin Quarter was VERY good. I did hear their switching their menu to more of a Brazilian Churrascaria (meats on skewers brought from table to table) soon. I'm sure it will be great since we found the quality to be very high the last time. Enjoy!

[DizneyFreak2002]

My friend wants to get a burger from Richters when we head on down in October. One friend of mine said Richters burgers are very greasy. I have eaten at Mel's before and found them to be greasy too. Are Mel's burgers still greasy? It's been a few years since I ate there.

[Mfarquar]

I can't speak for Mel's, but I suggest Finnegan's for burgers. It's a sit down, but the prices are very reasonable and they are pretty quick if you want them to be.

Beware of Richters!

Finnegan's is also great for Halloween Horror Nights. It is part of the holding area of "Stay and Scream". So, in years past, if you're already in Universal Studios, you can eat there while the park is closed to setup for Halloween Horror Nights. When you're finished eating, it will probably almost be time for HHN to open and you can be the first ones through at least 2 of the houses.

Not sure if you're going to HHN, but since you mentioned October, I thought you might be interested in this burger joint tidbit

[DizneyFreak2002]

We plan on HHN.... Where is Finnegans??? Our plans are to hit Universal during the day, eat at Margarettaville and then back to Uni for HHN...

[Mfarquar]

Finnegan's is in the New York area of the park (right across the street from The Mummy Ride).

If you don't have a fast pass or multiple nights to visit, using the Stay and Scream area can be VERY helpful. Most people don't know about it. It has been in the same location for the past 3 years, which is an alley in New York, in which Finnegan's entrance is on. You can either wait in this alley/side street or go into Finnegan's.

Basically, Universal lets the Stay and Scream people loose about 10 minutes earlier than people at the gate. So, if you go to the first 2 main houses (follow the crowd) you'll be the first through and can stay ahead of the crowd for at least another 2 - 3 houses. Also, Stay and Scream people get a jump on the outside lines because they don't have to content with people who didn't have passes during the day and the metal detector line.

Margaritaville is REALLY yummy, but there is something to be said for getting some of the houses done without a line (also leaves more time scarezones and for shows like Bill and Ted).

Maybe Margaritaville for lunch and then Finnegan's for dinner?

From a restaurant standpoint, I don't think you can go wrong with either

[NJGIRL]

Margaritaville is REALLY yummy, but there is something to be said for getting some of the houses done without a line (also leaves more time scarezones and for shows like Bill and Ted).

I totally agree with this. You could wait hours in line for the houses once everyone gets in. IMO it's not like the Disney party were lines of the rides are short for the most part. It is very very crowded.

BTW you are going to love the party. It's very scary and very well done. This tops any other party we have ever gone to in a amusement park, and we have been to several others.

[Mfarquar]

Totally agree with NJGirl. The Universal rides that are open (usually Mummy, Men In Black, Simpsons, etc.) will have very short lines.

The houses, as NJGirl said, will eventually have very long lines. If you don't stay in the park before the event opens and/or get an Express Pass, I would work the park counter clockwise to avoid the crowds. Usually the ones closest to the entrance are a little less crowded at the end of the night.