Our Bourbon Chicken Review at Busch Gardens Tampa looks at portion size, flavor, pricing, and whether this saucy kids’ meal is worth ordering.
If you’ve ever wandered into Dragon Fire Grill at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and thought, “You know what sounds good? Bourbon Chicken for children under nine,” well… you’re either a very adventurous parent or someone who really wants to test the limits of a kid’s palate. Either way, we salute you.
During a recent visit, we ordered the kids’ meal at the Asian Station at Dragon Fire Grill. The Kids’ Meal involves an order of Bourbon Chicken and a choice of side. The suggested side is fried rice, which we got. Guests can also order noodles according to the Busch Gardens ambassador. The menu sign also indicates that this kids’ meal can also have baby carrots or fresh fruit as a side.
Bourbon Chicken Review Dragon Fire Grill Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
We approached this Bourbon Chicken review with optimism, curiosity, and some passmember Busch Bucks, only to find that during our first attempt, the entire Asian Station was dramatically out of Bourbon Chicken. Gone. Missing. Vanished like a coaster rider’s hat on Iron Gwazi. Fortunately, the station was actually stocked this time, and we set out to discover whether this $10.79 (before passholder discounts) kids’ entrée was a hidden gem or a culinary side-quest.
For the Record…
We have ordered this twice in the last five days. Each time, it rings up as $10.49. That should change soon. However, if you visit soon before any Busch Gardens executives read this, then you might save some change.
Let’s Talk Choices (and Consequences)
Guests can reportedly select noodles instead of fried rice, or even swap in a different entrée entirely. Flexibility in theme park dining? Incredible. Revolutionary. Or possibly just a sign that the kitchen knows what’s coming and wants to offer an escape hatch.
The kids’ meal, very clearly labeled for ages nine and under, comes with a generous portion. Generous enough, in fact, that we suspect this may be part of an age-old plan: child orders Bourbon Chicken, becomes overwhelmed, Dad finishes it, Dad feels proud, Dad tells the story for years. Classic.
One lingering question: how many kids are actually ordering Bourbon Chicken, and how many will be devastated when they realize it contains zero bourbon? It’s a valuable life lesson: sometimes names lie.
Flavor Profile: Bring Your Own Excitement
The chicken is covered in plenty of sauce. Plenty. Enough to drown the fried rice, which is… unfortunately helpful. Because that fried rice? Not winning any awards. Or participation ribbons. Or polite nods. It’s rough. When we mixed the rice with the sauce, though, the combo actually made sense, like those weird food pairings your uncle swears by that somehow work.
The chicken itself? Not bad, but not bold. If you enjoy fast-food-style Asian bourbon chicken, this is squarely in that lane. If you’re seeking something more elevated, you’re on the wrong roller coaster.
Grease levels were high, but that’s part of the charm. As the shiny pool at the bottom of our container confirmed, this meal fully embraces the fast-casual Asian aesthetic: slightly red and brown, very sticky, unapologetically oily.
Adult Pricing: For When You Want More Sauce and More Questions
Dragon Fire Grill’s adult entrées cost:
- $18.99 for a “Pick One”
- $22.29 for a “Pick Two”
With recent price bumps around the park, it’s quickly becoming clear that the real headliner at Busch Gardens may not be Iron Gwazi. It might be the food budget.
Bourbon Chicken Review: Almost Worth the Side Quest
We genuinely appreciate that Dragon Fire Grill offers something beyond the usual theme park burgers and pizzas. Portion size is solid, the flexibility is nice, and we’ve had better adult entrées here before.
Still, the Bourbon Chicken itself? It’s fine. Perfectly fine. Not offensive. Not crave-worthy. A respectable B-movie of a meal.
If you’re a die-hard fan of mall-style bourbon chicken—welcome home. If not? You won’t regret skipping it in favor of something more thrilling… like a coaster. Or a churro. Or literally anything that actually contains bourbon.
For more theme park dining reviews, like this Bourbon Chicken Review one, visit MSM News every weekday at noon Eastern Time. As always, eat like you mean it!
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