Is the Bacon Smash Cheeseburger at SeaWorld Orlando worth $19.99? We review the taste, the “smash” factor, and if it’s a good value for your next park visit.
Lakeside Grill at SeaWorld Orlando is a bit of a mystery for many guests, primarily because it has been closed more often than open over the last 12 months. This refurbished quick-service location recently opened its doors on a busy weekday, and we stopped in to see if the 1/4 LB Bacon Smash Cheeseburger lived up to its name.
Located on the Waterfront, Lakeside Grill offers a relaxing escape with panoramic views of the SeaWorld Orlando lagoon. Guests can dine in air-conditioned comfort or enjoy the breeze on the outdoor patio near the pier. As a participating location in the All-Day Dining Deal, it’s a popular spot for families to refuel between coasters while watching the nearby ducks. It’s the perfect balance of scenic vistas and hearty theme park fare.
Lakeside Grill offers a scenic spot to grab a bite, but the menu can be a bit confusing. For those on the All-Day Dining Plan, you can order the 1/4 lb. version of this burger, but note that the fish sandwich and the 1/2 lb. burger are excluded from the plan. Guests using the All-Day Dining Plan should plan accordingly.
Bacon Smash Cheeseburger: The Experience and the Wait
We entered the queue at 4:08 p.m. and didn’t finish with the cashier until 4:22 p.m. While a 14-minute wait isn’t a dealbreaker on a busy day, the real issues began with the food assembly. Despite the menu promising “Lakeside Sauce and Pickles,” both were completely missing from our order—and no, we didn’t ask for them to be left off.
Bacon Smash Cheeseburger: The Breakdown
The 1/4 LB Bacon Smash Cheeseburger ($19.99 a la carte) features Applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a standard theme park bun.
- The “Smash” Factor: Let’s be clear—this is not a smashburger by any definition. It’s a standard patty. While the flavor of the meat was actually above average, it was served barely warm and lost its heat quickly.
- The Bacon: This was the highlight. The Applewood smoked bacon was very crispy and the portion size was surprisingly generous—much larger than what you’ll find at Seafire Grill. Just be careful; the crispy strips tend to break and fall out of the burger while you eat.
- The Cheese & Toppings: The American cheese was standard fare. It would have worked well if it had actually melted, but because the patty wasn’t hot enough, it just sat there.
- The Fries: This was a disappointment. Though they looked fresh from the fryer, they were cold, soggy, and the portion size was noticeably smaller than other SeaWorld quick-service spots.
The Sweet Finish
Since we used the All-Day Dining Plan at SeaWorld Orlando, we grabbed a chocolate cupcake for dessert. It’s your classic SeaWorld cupcake: the icing is the star (well above average), while the cake base is a bit dry. However, the addition of chocolate chips added a nice texture, saving the treat. Also, using the All-Day Dining Plan (normal cost $59.99), we avoided paying the high price of basically 20 dollars for this entree.
However, we didn’t hate the burger at SeaWorld Orlando, but the marketing is misleading. If you go in expecting a true caramelized, thin smashburger, you’ll be disappointed. It’s a decent theme park burger with great bacon, hampered by inconsistent kitchen execution. Is it worth the price? Of course not! Still, with the All-Day Dining Plan, it does not hurt your bank account as much.
For more theme park dining reviews, visit MSM News every weekday at noon Eastern Time. Additionally, we sometimes post bonus theme park dining reviews. As always, eat like you mean it!
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