It’s not unusual for Universal Orlando to roll out new ideas, shuffle events, or tweak policies. But every now and then, they make two moves that seem to cancel each other out—and that’s exactly what guests are dealing with now.
This isn’t about a massive ride closure or a splashy new land announcement. Instead, it’s a smaller change that’s quietly creating headaches for visitors, especially those who plan their days around saving time. The odd part? Universal is actively encouraging a certain convenience while simultaneously removing it at one of its restaurants.
Mixed Messages at the Parks
If you’ve checked Universal Orlando’s app or website lately, you’ve probably seen the push for mobile ordering. It’s advertised as a major perk—browse menus, pay in advance, and skip the counter entirely. During busy seasons, it’s been a lifesaver for avoiding long waits.
But if you head into Richter’s Burger Co. at Universal Studios Florida right now, that perk has vanished. The mobile ordering feature has been turned off completely. Guests can’t place an order through the app, and there’s no option to check out digitally. Instead, it’s back to standing in line and ordering face-to-face, the old-fashioned way.
The Guest Reaction
Part of the frustration comes from the total lack of communication. Visitors have shared that team members don’t have an explanation for the change, and the app still lists Richter’s as a mobile order location. That means people show up expecting to grab food quickly, only to find themselves stuck in a 20-minute line.
It’s even more irritating when the same app still flashes “skip the line” promos for mobile ordering. Standing in that queue while your phone tells you to avoid the queue is enough to make anyone roll their eyes.
Why This Could Be Happening
Universal hasn’t made an official statement, leaving fans to speculate. Some suspect technical glitches or staffing shortages, while others think it could be a trial run to see how the restaurant functions without mobile orders. In the past, locations have paused the feature during especially hectic periods, but those breaks were typically short-lived.
It could also be a simple case of marketing and operations not being in sync. Maybe the app just hasn’t been updated yet. Either way, it’s a clear example of how even small policy changes can cause confusion for guests.
Until Universal clears things up, visitors headed to Richter’s should be ready to order the traditional way. The rest of the park’s mobile order spots seem unaffected, but double-checking before you count on the feature might save you some frustration.
