The Horse Lantern Doughnut at Voodoo Doughnut CityWalk Orlando delivers bold design, vanilla cream sweetness, and a surprising blue twist. However, you will need to hurry to try this Lunar New Year doughnut.

If you’ve ever wandered through Universal CityWalk Orlando in search of something sweet, you’ve likely caught a whiff of sugar drifting out of Voodoo Doughnut. Known for its over-the-top creations and eye-popping designs, this cult-favorite doughnut shop has once again delivered a treat that’s as photogenic as it is indulgent: the Horse Lantern Doughnut.

Released as part of Universal Orlando’s Lunar New Year celebration offerings, the Horse Lantern Doughnut is a limited-time pastry that looks like it galloped straight out of a festival lantern display and onto a pink bakery box. Like the rest of the Lunar New Year food and beverage offerings, this is only around through February 27, 2026.

The Basics of Voodoo Doughnut

Before we get icing on our shirts, let’s cover the essentials.

Voodoo Doughnut originated in Portland, Oregon, and built its reputation on quirky flavors, playful branding, and doughnuts that feel more like edible art than breakfast. The Orlando location at Universal CityWalk keeps that spirit alive with a colorful interior, signature pink boxes, and a menu that ranges from classic glazed to wildly imaginative creations topped with cereal, cookies, and candy bars.

You don’t go to Voodoo Doughnut for subtlety. Oh no…you go for the spectacle. You go for sugar. Additionally, you go because you saw someone walking by with something neon and thought, “Well, I guess I need that.” The Horse Lantern Doughnut fits that tradition perfectly.

First Impressions: A Doughnut Worthy of a Parade

Let’s start with the design — because wow. The Horse Lantern Doughnut is undeniably beautiful. Inspired by Lunar New Year iconography, the doughnut features a bold blue exterior that makes it stand out even among Voodoo’s already technicolor lineup. The detailing gives it a festive lantern-inspired aesthetic that feels celebratory and carefully crafted.

It’s the kind of doughnut that demands a photo before a bite. We’re happy to report that the design holds up in person. The colors are vibrant, the presentation is clean, and it genuinely looks special compared to standard menu items. If you’re hunting for a limited-time treat that screams “seasonal celebration,” this is it. However… there is a catch.

We’ll get to the Blue Factor shortly.

The Filling: Vanilla Bavaria Cream Explosion

One bite in and you’re immediately greeted by a generous helping of vanilla Bavarian cream. And when we say generous, we mean it. This doughnut does not skimp on filling.

The cream is smooth, rich, and undeniably sweet — perhaps too sweet for some. If you’re someone who enjoys subtle desserts, you may find yourself waving a little white flag halfway through. The phrase “sweetness overload” may have been uttered at our table more than once. The gold star candy add a nice crunch.adds

That said, the flavor itself is pleasant. The vanilla profile is classic and comforting, pairing well with the soft dough and colorful glaze. The combination creates a refreshing overall flavor experience despite the sugar punch. It’s indulgent without being heavy, which is impressive considering the amount of cream tucked inside. Sharing is strongly encouraged unless you’re fully prepared to commit to a sugar sprint.

The Blue Factor (Proceed with Caution)

Now, about that vibrant blue exterior. It is gorgeous. It photographs beautifully. Additionally, it makes the doughnut pop in a way that few pastries can. It also has staying power.

The food coloring that gives the Horse Lantern Doughnut its striking appearance doesn’t disappear quietly. If you’re planning to take a big, toothy grin photo in front of the Universal globe, you may want to check a mirror first. The blue dye tends to linger on lips, on teeth, and possibly on unsuspecting napkins that will never recover.

We like to call this the “Blue Factor.” It’s not a deal-breaker by any means. In fact, it adds to the fun in a slightly chaotic theme park way. Still, consider this your friendly public service announcement: maybe save your character meet-and-greet photos for before dessert.

Horse Lantern Doughnut: Overall Flavor & Experience

Despite the sugar rush and the Smurf-adjacent smile risk, the Horse Lantern Doughnut delivers where it counts.

• Nice design: Absolutely. It’s one of the prettier limited-time offerings we’ve seen.
• Refreshing flavor: Yes, especially if you enjoy vanilla-forward sweets.
• Blue factor: Real. Very real.

The dough itself is soft and fresh, holding up well to the generous filling. The balance between texture and creaminess is solid, even if the sweetness level climbs quickly. This is a celebratory treat, not a restrained pastry, and it fully embraces that identity.

Horse Lantern Doughnut at Voodoo Doughnut

The Horse Lantern Doughnut at Voodoo Doughnut in Universal CityWalk Orlando is a festive, photo-ready indulgence that leans heavily into sweetness and style. It’s a fun addition to the Lunar New Year lineup and perfectly embodies what makes Voodoo such a hit with theme park guests: bold flavors, bold colors, and absolutely zero fear of excess.

Would we get it again? Yes, but probably with a bottle of water and a friend willing to split it.

If you’re visiting Universal Orlando during the celebration window, this doughnut is worth a stop. Just remember: take the photo first. Smile responsibly. Also, maybe pack a toothbrush. Still, while the sweetness may fade, the blue lives on.

Once again, hurry to Universal CityWalk Orlando to get this before it leaves after February 27, 2026. While you are there, you could try the Mardi Gras 2026 Doughnut at Voodoo Doughnut, which will be around through April 4, 2026.

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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