Universal Orlando has a knack for keeping things fresh—new attractions, revamped events, and occasional updates to how the parks operate. Most of the time, these changes make sense. But every so often, the resort sends out a mixed message so puzzling that guests can’t help but ask, “Which is it?”
That’s exactly what’s going on now, thanks to a clash between Universal’s marketing and what’s actually happening inside one of its restaurants.
What Universal Says You Should Do
Open the Universal Orlando app or visit the website, and you’ll see mobile ordering promoted as a go-to dining option. The pitch is simple: skip the lines, order ahead, and save time. It’s been a reliable way for guests to maximize their day, especially when the parks are packed.
But here’s where the story takes a turn.
What’s Really Happening at Richter’s
At Richter’s Burger Co. in Universal Studios Florida, mobile ordering has been shut off entirely. No table number to select, no digital checkout—just the old standby of waiting in line at the counter. For guests who’ve been relying on mobile ordering for years, this sudden removal is a curveball.
The confusing part? Richter’s still appears in the app as a participating location. Guests are walking in expecting the convenience they were promised, only to discover it’s not available. And when they ask why, team members don’t seem to have an answer.
Why the Discrepancy?
Universal hasn’t said a word about why mobile ordering was removed here. Some think it’s due to kitchen capacity issues, technical problems, or staffing changes. Others believe it might be a temporary experiment. The resort has paused mobile ordering at other spots before, but those changes usually came with a clear reason—or at least a heads-up.
Whether it’s a delay in updating the app or a bigger operational decision, the result is the same: guests are being told to use a service that isn’t actually available in all the places they’re being told to use it.
For now, if you’re planning to eat at Richter’s, be ready to order the old-fashioned way. And maybe keep an eye on the app before you commit to a dining spot, just in case this “which is it?” moment isn’t limited to one location.
