Some of the biggest changes at theme parks aren't always new rides or billion-dollar expansions. Sometimes they're much simpler.
Universal Orlando has quietly updated one of the longest-running dining locations inside Islands of Adventure by adding funnel cakes to the menu at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous.
Universal had added funnel cakes to the Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous menu. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/xIwIxCo0BI
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) July 14, 2026
The restaurant, which has been welcoming guests since Seuss Landing opened alongside the park in 1999, is now offering three funnel cake creations for visitors looking to satisfy their sweet tooth.
Guests can choose from a traditional Classic Crunch Cake covered with powdered sugar or two specialty varieties. The Cookies & Cream Twist includes vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and Oreo cookie crumbles, while the Strawberry Wild Cake is topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, strawberry sauce, and fresh strawberries.
Although the update may seem minor, it reflects how Universal continues refining even its oldest themed lands.
Seuss Landing has remained remarkably unchanged over the years compared to many other areas across Universal Orlando. Its colorful architecture, imaginative scenery, and family-friendly attractions have made it a favorite for generations of guests.
Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous is an important part of that experience.
Inspired by If I Ran the Circus (1956), the restaurant offers one of the most immersive dining environments anywhere at Universal Orlando. Every corner is filled with whimsical details that capture the playful style of Dr. Seuss, making it much more than simply a place to grab lunch.
Adding funnel cakes enhances that experience by introducing another classic amusement park favorite.
Desserts have become a major draw at theme parks over the past decade. Guests regularly seek out specialty treats to share online, and parks have responded by creating increasingly elaborate menu items.
Universal has embraced that trend throughout the resort, with seasonal desserts, limited-time offerings, and themed snacks becoming part of the overall guest experience.
The new funnel cakes fit seamlessly into that strategy.
While longtime visitors may remember Circus McGurkus primarily for its entrées, the restaurant now gives guests another reason to stop inside even if they're only looking for a snack between attractions.
It's also another example of Universal continuing to invest in the guest experience without dramatically changing the identity of one of its most beloved lands.
After nearly three decades, Seuss Landing still feels much like it did on opening day, and many fans appreciate that consistency.
Instead of reinventing the area, Universal has focused on preserving what guests love while making thoughtful improvements where they make sense.
The addition of funnel cakes may not be the largest announcement of the summer, but for visitors planning a day at Islands of Adventure, it offers one more delicious reason to spend a little extra time wandering through the wonderfully whimsical world of Dr. Seuss.
