Mel’s Drive-In Closed for Refurbishment at Universal Studios Florida

Shannen Ace

Mel’s Drive-In Closed for Refurbishment at Universal Studios Florida

Shannen Ace

Mel’s Drive-In Closed for Refurbishment at Universal Studios Florida

Mel’s Drive-In at Universal Studios Florida has closed for a brief refurbishment.

Mel’s Drive-In Refurbishment

mel's drive-in

It was previously rumored the restaurant would close soon and that Minion Café would open around the same time. The new Minion Land restaurant did indeed soft open earlier this month.

mels closed refurb usf 1977

A “Set enhancement in progress” sign is outside the entrance to Mel’s Drive-In.

mels closed refurb usf 1978

Team Members weren’t sure how long Mel’s would be closed, but said likely only a couple of weeks.

mels closed refurb usf 1980

Mel’s Drive-In is in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida. The 50s-inspired diner is based on the restaurant that appeared in “American Graffiti.” It sells quick-service burgers, fries, chicken fingers, milkshakes, and more. Classic cars are parked out front.

Guests can dine at the nearby Cafe La Bamba or in Minion Land instead.

Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida

minion land opens 9983

Minion Land takes over most of Production Central, transforming it into Illumination Avenue. Minion Café replaces the former Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Cafe and is joined by Bake My Day, Freeze Ray Pops, and Pop-A-Nana.

Take a full tour of Minion Café and read our review of the full menu. Plus, read our review of Pop-A-Nana’s banana popcorn.

Check out all of the Bake My Day merchandise and treats, too.

Illumination's minion land concept art

The attractions for this area are the pre-existing Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the upcoming Villain-Con Minion Blast. The façade of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem was recently refurbished.

Minions and other Illumination characters have meet-and-greets outside Illumination Theater now.

The back of the Transformers: The Ride show building has also been painted teal blue to match the new land.

An entirely different Minion Land also exists at Universal Studios Beijing. Meanwhile, Minion Park is yet another separate land at Universal Studios Japan, with a clone under construction at Universal Studios Singapore. A version of Minion Café exists at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Where is your favorite place to dine at Universal Studios Florida? Let us know in the comments.

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