We review the Dragon Fire Grill Asian station at Busch Gardens, featuring the new Sweet and Sour Pork. Read our take on the portion sizes and hidden noodles.
Asian food counts as a less common theme park dining option compared to burgers and fries. Major theme park resorts, such as Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, offer limited Asian food options within their theme parks. However, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have Asian stations inside their food court dining options. Dragon Fire Grill Asian serves as that location at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
What is Dragon Fire Grill at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?
Dragon Fire Grill is a large, market-style quick-service restaurant located in the Pantopia section of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. It offers a diverse, international menu featuring cuisines like Asian (including Sweet and Sour Pork), Mexican, and classic American dishes like burgers and chicken platters. A key feature is the indoor, air-conditioned theater seating where guests can enjoy their meals alongside live musical entertainment. It also houses the Dragon Fire Pub, offering a selection of craft beers and cocktails. The restaurant is included in the All-Day Dining Deal, making it a popular choice for guests seeking variety and a respite from the Florida heat.
Dragon Fire Grill Asian Station
In recent months, this location has added a Bourbon Chicken option to the Dragon Fire Grill Asian station. Based on that, we went to give it a try. The Bourbon Chicken entrée costs $18.79. Guests can choose to order the “Pick Two” option with the three other options to add:
- Beef & Broccoli
- Sweet and Sour Pork
- Vegetable Stir Fry
We decided to add the Sweet and Sour Pork, which is also a relatively new addition at Dragon Fire Grill. The “Pick Two” option costs $21.99 at Dragon Fire Grill. Two newer Asian choices have replaced the Orange Chicken option at Dragon Fire Grill. Our inside sources indicate that it may be reconsidered if leadership has any input. Regardless of whether you choose Pick One or Pick Two, the quick-service entrée comes with fried rice, according to the posted menu boards
Then, It Got Twisty!
In a twist we did not see, Dragon Fire Grill did not have Bourbon Chicken. This caught us by surprise, especially since that is the key component for the kids’ meal at the Asian Station. So, we got a “Pick One” with Sweet and Sour Pork. Also, we were offered noodles or fried rice. Since we had not tried the noodles before at Dragon Fire Grill (and had never been offered them before), we opted for those. If you prefer noodles over fried rice, be sure to specify when you place your order.
On the positive side, the Sweet and Sour Pork tastes better than the Beef & Broccoli and the Vegetable Stir-Fry options at the Dragon Fire Grill Asian station. However, that is like saying this entrée is the fastest turtle. It is not a high bar to get over. Additionally, the portion size of the pork demands praise. Based on this, we would caution anyone paying à la carte to avoid the “Pick Two” option and stick with this one to save a few bucks.
Based on our experience, guests will not lose any value. Still, the noodles make a nice touch in terms of flavor and texture. We wish the noodles were listed on the menu board so more guests would know about them.
On the negative side, the pork tasted dry. It also lacked enough sauce to be a key component of any entrée. The noodles work fine, but also lack any robust flavor. Still, we appreciate seeing this option in addition to the fried rice. Like we usually say about the Asian station at Dragon Fire Grill, it should not be a high priority for your day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Most guests will prefer the Mexican station.
Dragon Fire Grill Asian Station: Pork & Vegetable Egg Roll Disappointment
Since we were participating in the All-Day Dining program, we selected an egg roll as one of the included side dishes. As usual, it was a disappointment at Dragon Fire Grill. This always surprises us since the side option at Expedition Café at SeaWorld Orlando tastes pretty good, and you get two egg rolls. In fact, we have been known to swing by Expedition Café to get this as a snack when at SeaWorld Orlando. We do not recommend ordering the egg roll a la carte at Busch Gardens. However, they work fine with an Asian entrée for those using All-Day Dining.
Dragon Fire Grill
Dragon Fire Grill has undergone numerous changes this year. Some count as good. Still, others made Busch Gardens Tampa Bay look bad. However, this dining option offers the most choices and occasional entertainment. Oh, did we mention it is indoors and air-conditioned with restrooms nearby?
We hope this helps you plan your next trip to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Also, we have placed links to other Busch Gardens Tampa Bat dining reviews below. For more theme park dining reviews, visit MSM News every weekday at noon Eastern Time. As always, eat like you mean it!
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