After a long hot day of having fun at Universal Orlando’s theme parks, we were hungry and ready for a fun, family-friendly dining experience. That’s when we decided to visit Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Orlando, a place we had walked past many times before. The big question for us was: is a chain restaurant like this really worth visiting at Universal CityWalk? With two movie loving teenagers in tow, we decided to try it for ourselves and this is our honest review.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is inspired by the iconic 1994 film Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks. Just like Forrest’s mama said, “Life is like a box of chocolates — you never know what you’re going to get,” and dining here certainly delivers surprises and delight for fans of the film and families alike.
Bubba Gump is easy to find, just on the left as you enter Universal CityWalk. The restaurant is lively, energetic, and perfect for families looking for more than just a meal. It’s one of the most uniquely themed spots in the complex, combining immersive movie nostalgia with casual dining.
From the moment you step inside, Bubba Gump immerses you in the world of Forrest Gump, with clever theming, film memorabilia and thoughtful details that make it feel like an experience rather than just another restaurant. While some may dismiss it as a tourist trap, our visit proved otherwise. The restaurant delivers a clever combination of Southern-inspired comfort food, fun and friendly service in a setting that works brilliantly for families.
The restaurant’s interior reflects Forrest’s Alabama roots with reproductions of script pages, storyboards and even costumes displayed throughout. The girls had a blast spotting quotes and props, especially as they had watched the film just before our Orlando trip. Even the bathrooms are themed, featuring playful “I gotta pee” number plate signs, a small but charming touch.
What really stood out, though was the service. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable, and full of personality. From the moment we arrived until we left she made the experience fun, even running a Forrest Gump quiz at our table while we waited for our meals.
The menu here is extensive and packed with seafood focused dishes, particularly shrimp prepared in almost every style imaginable: sautéed, fried, coconut, scampi, and more. Beyond shrimp, there are baby back ribs, steaks, chicken, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pasta, many named after characters from the film.
The drinks menu is equally fun, featuring cocktails such as Jenny’s Classics and Mama’s Margaritas. The girls were delighted with their soft drinks, served in collectible cups they could take home as souvenirs.
We skipped starters and went straight to mains. The children’s menu was impressive: our daughter chose the burger and fries, served in a cardboard “Jenny” boat, a fun touch that perfectly matched the restaurant’s theme.
As tempting as the seafood was, we opted for steak, although I chose a combination dish. Our order included a 12oz boneless ribeye and steak with crab-stuffed shrimp, served with broccoli and fries. Everything was hot, fresh, and perfectly cooked. Our other daughter opted for chicken tenders and fries and like the rest of us thoroughly enjoyed her meal.
After thousands of steps across the parks, dessert was a must. My husband chose the strawberry shortcake with vanilla ice cream and strawberries and cream. I went for the Ooey Gooey Box of Chocolate, a delicious chocolate lava cake with ice cream, fudge, and chocolate sauce.
The girls shared an Oreo cookie sundae loaded with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, whipped cream and a cherry on top. It was the perfect ending to a really enjoyable first visit to Bubba Gump.
No visit would be complete without stopping by the gift shop which is packed with memorabilia from the film, from T-shirts to mugs and collectibles.
Overall: Is Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Orlando Worth Visiting?
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Orlando is more than just a casual meal, it’s a fun, immersive dining experience for families and fans of Forrest Gump alike. From the friendly service and themed interiors to the extensive Southern-inspired menu, this is a CityWalk restaurant we would happily return to.
While it may not be fine dining, it is undoubtedly a must-visit for families looking to combine nostalgia, food and an entertaining and interactive atmosphere. Whether you’re a die-hard Forrest Gump fan or simply want a lively themed dining experience, Bubba Gump delivers .