As of time of writing, the Revenge of the Mummy attraction remains closed during an extended refurbishment. One of the signature lines of that attraction states: “Are you insane? Get out of here! The curse is real!” Though we love that line from the Mummy attraction in Universal Studios Florida, another curse may exist. That one appears to reign over the Toon Lagoon area of Islands of Adventure. Comic Strip Café closed several weeks ago. What does that mean?

Why is that significant? First, Universal Orlando needs more food service places open during the busiest month of the summer. Second, this food court location takes up a significant amount of space for people to go besides standing in long queues. In the Florida summer heat, people need a place to enjoy air-conditioning. Third, Universal Orlando invested a large amount of time and money changing the menu here in recent times.

For context, Universal Orlando slowly reopened food service areas in the parks during reopening in 2020. All those cautious reopening procedures made sense to maximize guest safety. Comic Strip Café eventually reopened. Still, in November 2021, Comic Strip Café scratched their previous eclectic menu for a new one. The new one focused on arepas and ramen bowls. Sure, a few standard theme park items like burgers stayed on menu. Still, this menu change shows bravery by Universal’s food and beverage. Initial reviews of the new menu items failed to glow. Yet, all stated that this menu served as an improvement overall.

Then in April 2022, the menu changed again. The arepas disappeared. Some standard theme park fare returned to the menu. Now the menu looks more eclectic than before. On one side of the menu, you have ramen and rice bowls. Yet, on the other side of menu boards, you have burgers and pizza. Is Comic Strip café doomed to have an odd, complicated menu forever? Is the curse real? Maybe they are insane? Perhaps, we should get out of here.

Universal Orlando continues to try to make this location work. One unscientific definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing over and over expecting a different result. What is the future of this large space in Toon Lagoon? How long will it be closed this time? If it is closed during July, will they keep it closed until winter holiday season? Since I have no inside information, I lack knowledge on this one.

A curse placed on this location grows more powerful by the day. Hopefully Universal Orlando will emerge from the rubble of this food court area displaying a new concept. Also, may the curse of Comic Strip Café be eradicated with a new fresh concept that works for guests and Universal Orlando.

I know some people loved this place before the pandemic. However, most guests gave it below average ratings for food service. Good news, Universal Orlando successfully revived Green Eggs and Ham from the dark ages of food quality. There resides hope. In contrast, they still have not solved the Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-Pendous menu issue, so which will it be? Only time will tell. I assure you when/if Comic Strip café reopens; I will update you on the pros and cons of that place. Who knows, this place might reopen between time I type these words, and this gets published. As always, eat like you mean it!