Epic Universe has sold more than 500,000 mac and cheese cones during the park’s first year of operation, according to remarks shared by a culinary representative at a public anniversary event in May 2026.
The figure was presented during celebrations marking one year since the park opened in May 2025. Media coverage of the event noted that the sales total stood out because Universal Orlando Resort rarely discloses item-level food performance.
Epic Universe opened as Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park in Central Florida. The destination includes multiple themed lands and attractions, including the Isle of Berk area inspired by How to Train Your Dragon.
The reported sales figure reflects cumulative performance across the first year rather than a single seasonal spike or short-term promotion.
Early Demand Led to Operational Changes
When Epic Universe first opened, guests could purchase mac and cheese cones from Hooligan’s Grog and Fuel. However, the item quickly became a fan favorite. Attraction-long wait times led Epic to expand Mac and cheese cones to Spit Fyre Grill as well.
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Universal chef Jens Dahlmann shared his surprise over just how successful Mac and cheese cones became.
“Yeah, mac and cheese cones, wow, what a surprise that has been,” he said. “So, we sold over half a million of those already in just a year. Just one of those unexplained [things]. We knew it was going to be popular, but we had no idea because when we programmed it, we thought a small little kiosk would be enough. Two weeks later, we’re like, ‘We need another kiosk!’ [Two weeks later] ‘We need another restaurant!’ Those lines are too long, we can’t wait two hours for Mac and Cheese Cones! We put them in Spitfire, as well… the guests love it. It’s such a GREAT handheld food option.”
What the Mac and Cheese Cones Include
Epic Universe mac and cheese cones are handheld food items that combine macaroni and cheese with a bread cone designed for portable eating. The format allows guests to carry and consume the dish while moving through the park.
There are three variations to the handheld item that change out periodically.
The park’s current options include:
- Classic Mac & Cheese Cone
Cheddar macaroni and cheese served inside a hollow bread cone topped with fish-shaped crackers - PB and J – Pork, Bacon and Jam
Macaroni and cheese topped with pulled pork and peanut bacon jam - Dragon’s Garden Pyre
Macaroni and cheese topped with seasoned chicken, roasted corn, and Flamin’ Hot® Cheetos®
Universal Epic Universe has sold over 500,000 Isle of Berk’s mac and cheese cones since opening.
(https://t.co/STDnhEbhEy) pic.twitter.com/mhEOFWdky5
— Boardwalk Times (@BoardwalkTimes) June 6, 2026
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Each version uses the same bread cone base but differs in toppings and seasoning profiles. Prices fall within the typical range for quick-service snacks at major theme parks.
Broader Context Within Park Operations
Universal Orlando Resort has positioned Epic Universe as part of a long-term expansion strategy in Central Florida. The park adds capacity to the company’s existing Orlando portfolio and introduces new themed environments aimed at increasing guest stay duration.
Company financial reporting does not break down revenue by individual food items. Food and beverage sales are typically grouped into broader categories across theme parks. As a result, specific performance details for Epic Universe mac and cheese cones are not included in standard earnings reports.
The portal to How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
The reported 500,000-unit milestone stands out because it provides rare visibility into a single menu item’s performance within a major theme park setting.
Conclusion
The sales total for Epic Universe mac and cheese cones reflects strong and sustained demand during the park’s first year. The figure, shared during the one-year anniversary event, highlights how a single quick-service item became a notable part of the park’s food and beverage operations.
Have you tried one of the Mac and cheese cones at Epic Universe? Which one is your favorite? Does it live up to the hype? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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