For theme park fans, the food offered can be just as exciting as the rides and attractions themselves. Universal Studios Hollywood, especially with its highly anticipated SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, promised an immersive experience that would take guests deep into the world of Mario.
But, while the new land offers thrilling rides, shopping, and themed dining, one aspect of the dining experience is quickly becoming a point of frustration for many—Toadstool Café’s unwillingness to accommodate simple menu requests.
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Opened as part of the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD expansion, Toadstool Café quickly became a fan-favorite spot. Its menu boasts a variety of Italian-inspired dishes, such as Fire Flower Spaghetti & Meatballs and Yoshi’s Fettuccine Alfredo, alongside some classic comfort food like burgers. The whimsical setting, paired with the beloved Nintendo theme, made it a must-visit for those seeking a bite to eat while soaking in the magic of Nintendo’s universe.
However, some guests are now questioning if Universal is compromising guest satisfaction in favor of maintaining a strict, predefined menu.
The controversy began when a guest, known online as Universally Speaking, took to X to express frustration over an experience at the café.
After ordering a burger, the guest requested a simple alteration: to have Thousand Island Sauce removed from the burger. According to the guest, the staff at Toadstool Café informed him that the menu was “very specific” about what could and couldn’t be changed, and that any customizations would have to be made by the guest themselves.
This response quickly stirred a debate online, with many questioning Universal’s approach to accommodating guest preferences.
While some may consider this a trivial issue, the underlying sentiment is clear: many theme park visitors expect flexibility, especially when it comes to something as personal as food. One would think that a simple modification, like removing a condiment from a burger, would be an easy request to fulfill, but at Toadstool Café, it seems that is not the case.
Am I being unreasonable here?! 😂🍔🍄#UniversallySpeaking 🌎🗣️ pic.twitter.com/5ZfhLI0e81
— Universally Speaking 🌎🗣️ (@Uni_Speaking) June 28, 2025
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The tweet by Universally Speaking quickly gained traction, with many others sharing similar experiences. It turns out that this is not an isolated incident. Another guest shared their frustration on Reddit, recounting how they were unable to add bacon to an Impossible Burger or remove mushrooms from a different burger—both requests that many would consider reasonable, yet were denied due to the café’s rigid menu policies.
As the discussion continued, other guests began to weigh in, expressing concerns that dietary needs, such as lactose intolerance or gluten-free requirements, were also not being met with the level of accommodation one might expect.
Toadstool Cafe is weirdly unaccommodating.
byu/crome66 inUniversalHollywood
The heart of the issue seems to lie in Universal’s desire to maintain the “Nintendo experience.” For many, Toadstool Café is not just a restaurant—it’s part of the larger narrative of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Just as guests walk into the world of Mario Kart or the Mushroom Kingdom, they are meant to feel as though they are stepping into the world of Nintendo, where even the food is carefully curated to fit the theme. But this commitment to thematic consistency is not without its drawbacks.
A significant number of guests are now asking whether Universal’s refusal to allow basic customization is worth the trade-off in guest experience. Many argue that theme parks are about creating memorable moments and personal experiences, and a guest’s meal should be no exception.
It’s one thing to have a consistent theme, but it’s another to rigidly enforce a menu that doesn’t cater to a wide range of needs and desires.
In light of these ongoing frustrations, it seems that the question remains: should Universal Studios reconsider its strict menu policies? While it’s understandable that the café aims to preserve the integrity of its themed dining experience, it could be argued that a little more flexibility wouldn’t ruin the experience for those seeking a small change. After all, if theme parks are all about creating magic for everyone, shouldn’t their dining options be just as adaptable?
As of now, Universal has not released an official statement on the matter, but the mounting online frustration suggests that something may need to change. It’s clear that Universal’s loyal fan base wants to continue supporting the park, but for some, the current dining policies are starting to feel like a roadblock to the magic they’ve come to expect.
What do you think? Should Universal Studios soften its stance on menu modifications at Toadstool Café? Or is sticking to the menu’s specific offerings the best way to preserve the theme? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
My husband and I are both “Picky Eaters”. It is very disheartening when restaurants we’d love to visit at the theme parks (Universal and Disney alike) deny that experience because they won’t modify their menu. It doesn’t cost them anything. Personally, I do not buy that the reason is “they are trying to create an “immersive experience”. The reason is special requests require someone to read the request and take care to make it right. Face it, it is much easier to stack up 100 burgers all the same and time/cost efficient. Catering to guests is hard work. Remember the old Burger King vs McDonald’s — “Have it your way” or “take it our way and shut up”. It seems society in general just doesn’t want to make the effort to make the guest experience enjoyable anywhere. They just don’t want to bother. There are health restrictions for many people, or we just like or food the way we like it and want to enjoy the wonderful ambience created. After all — when you are paying outrageous prices, should you have it your way! I’m their guest and patron.