**5-Star Rehearsal Dinner Thanks to an Exceptional Event Planner!**
Planning a last-minute rehearsal dinner from out of state felt incredibly overwhelming. We were in Orlando for our wedding on January 17, 2026, at the beautiful Lake Nona Wave Hotel. The evening before, January 16, we needed a private space for more than 30 family members. We wanted everyone to gather comfortably, share important wedding logistics, enjoy a delicious meal, and share a special moment of prayer together. After several venues turned us away; either unable to accommodate our group size or provide the privacy we required, my husband reached out to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at Universal CityWalk. That call connected us with their incredible event planner, Shaira, who truly became our Godsend!
From our very first conversation, Shaira’s communication was outstanding, warm, responsive, and incredibly thoughtful. She treated me like a close friend rather than just another client, patiently guiding me through every step without a hint of pressure. Her attentiveness shone through in small but meaningful ways, like spotting a minor signature error on our contract and promptly texting me to resolve it discreetly. She fully understood the high-stress chaos of finalizing details the night before a wedding and handled every interaction with grace, patience, and genuine empathy.
What truly elevated Shaira above the rest was her strategic mindset and remarkable problem-solving ability. When our guest count unexpectedly grew to 33, the original private room we'd booked suddenly felt too tight. I was worried we'd have to compromise on the intimate feel we wanted, but Shaira was already steps ahead. She proactively suggested a beautiful semi-private space that could comfortably accommodate everyone. Though I was hesitant at first, walking in on the night of January 16 left me speechless! The area was spacious, welcoming, and perfectly balanced between lively and intimate. Our families laughed, connected, and celebrated in a setting that felt tailor-made for us, setting the perfect tone heading into our wedding day. Shaira’s foresight and creative solutions turned a potential disappointment into one of the highlights of our wedding weekend!
Shaira’s wonderful, dedicated team of three was equally impressive during the dinner service. They were quick and efficient in taking drink and food orders, moving smoothly to keep everything flowing without any delays. Most importantly, they were incredibly careful and accommodating, even with the pickiest eaters in our family, making sure every request was handled thoughtfully and with a smile. I can't recall all their names, but a huge shout-out to that wonderful team of three for making the meal experience seamless and enjoyable for everyone!
Her dedication didn’t stop at planning. On the evening itself, Shaira stayed well past her scheduled time just to personally greet my husband and me, shake our hands warmly, and introduce us to her outstanding team. She remained attentive throughout, checking in to ensure every detail was perfect and that our loved ones felt comfortable and cared for. That level of hands-on hospitality and genuine kindness is rare and deeply appreciated.
To Shaira: Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Your professionalism, strategic planning, unwavering attentiveness, exceptional communication, and heartfelt sensitivity to our needs made our rehearsal dinner on January 16 not just successful, but truly unforgettable and stress-free!
If you're considering hosting any gathering, big or small, at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Universal Studios Orlando, do yourself a favor and ask for Shaira. She is, without question, the best in the business!
Highly recommend!
5 stars aren't enough!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Tomás and Vinnie
I had an amazing experience at Bubba Gump! The atmosphere was fun and welcoming, especially if you’re a fan of Forrest Gump. The restaurant is beautifully themed, clean, and very well organized.
Our server, Doug, was outstanding. He was extremely friendly, attentive, and professional throughout the entire meal. He made great recommendations, checked on us at the right times, and made sure everything was perfect. His positive attitude really made the experience even better.
The food was delicious and fresh, especially the shrimp dishes. Everything came out quickly and was cooked perfectly. You can really tell they care about both quality and service.
I highly recommend Bubba Gump, and if you get Doug as your server, you’re in great hands! I’ll definitely be coming back.
CC
chrisrogers24
6 days ago
I was merely impressed with my actual meal over the salad. I'm not saying the food was bad, because it was really good and I enjoy everything about the restaurant. The fish was cooked but not cooked thoroughly. The cooks and chefs need to be a bit more thorough with (how and the way) the food is prepared and served before it's transported to customers. I'm not just saying this, I'm mentioning this because I was actually there last night. Meaning get do the job, get it right, or get out! Aside from the location being very convenient to the parks and city walk, it's a good spot to rest and relax from a long day of rides.
SL
Sarah Latchaw
Feb 16, 2026
Don’t let the line scare you. If you are a Laundry Club member you can make a reservation online through their app and then whe the host asks you to come inside you can skip the regular line and go next to the laundry select line indicated on the floor sticker and head to VIP seating. Even without signing up for the club the tables turn pretty quickly so wait it out. The memorabilia throughout the restaurant with the movie theming is an immersive experience. If you are lucky enough to be able to request Doug as your server you are in for a treat. He’s a Forrest Gump expert not to mention has been here for 14 years. He is witty, fun, helpful especially when accommodating our family of 5 after a long day at the park. Doug is “the guy” who will take care of you and make sure everything goes off without a hitch while attending to whatever you might need. So go see “the guy” Doug when you stop by. Get his autograph, give him a high five, shake his hand, just let him know you “heard” about him and how “fabulous” he is. That being said for a restaurant to have an employee for 14 years means they are doing something right. Now the food! Oh my goodness the food is made fresh to order and out of this world. The crab and shrimp boil is an amazingly filling, and fun to devour not to mention messy entree. Not the first time we’ve ordered it so that means it’s worth it. Every time it’s worth it. The choice of Cajun or garlic? Well why choose ask for both flavors and you will be in for an explosion of flavor treat. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Universal Studios also offers either your laundry points or annual pass holder discount. We all love perks. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co Universal City Walk has a great menu. I know I’ve practically convinced you of the boil but don’t pass up some of the other items. Of course some fried pickles to start is always a fan favorite and is enough to share. It’s big tin plate filled with fried pickles and comes with some ranch for dipping. Start there. Also grab yourself a Jenny’s blonde ale like I did and enjoy a crisp cold beer on draft that is exclusive to Bubba’s and pairs well with all of the seafood. I opted for the Lt. Dan drunken shrimp and it was delicious. The shrimp were grilled and Smokey and the andouille sausage had the right kick not to mention the polenta was cooked perfectly. I mean I don’t make polenta but I loved a little comfort food when the rain storm kicked up outside. Kids meals. Let’s talk kids. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co Universal City Walk knows kids as they should. The kids meals come on an adorable paper boat and have a variety of options. From pizza to tenders there is something for every kid. Forrest Gump is an endearing movie that creates a warmth for family and acceptance and hospitality. Our Server Doug embodied all of that. The hospitality extended was great extension of the bubba Gump culture and spirit. So don’t double think it. Step on in and be in for a treat. Go see “the guy” Doug and he will take care of you. Everyone needs “a guy” the one they can depend on and Doug will make sure you have a dining experience that will be one of the most memorable of your vacation. Tell him I sent you. Cheers.
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#bubbagumporlandoflorida
BF
Brenton Ford
Feb 12, 2026
If you ever find yourself at Universal City Walks Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., do yourself a favor and grab a seat at the bar and ask for Alex. From the moment you walk up to the bar, Alex brings the kind of energy that turns a fun night into an unforgettable one.
He doesn’t just serve drinks — he runs the room. Glasses are never empty, orders are spot-on, and somehow he keeps up with a packed crowd while still cracking jokes, checking in on everyone, and hyping up the Dorrest Gump trivia. His timing is impeccable, whether he’s sliding over a perfectly mixed cocktail or tossing out a quick Forrest Gump reference between rounds.
What really sets Alex apart is how genuinely invested he is in making sure everyone has a great time. He celebrates your right answers like you just won the Super Bowl and eases the sting of a missed question with a smile and a refill. It’s rare to find someone who balances efficiency, personality, and professionalism so effortlessly.
The only thing better than his service was his Forrest Gump trivia. Just remember Alex, Forrest celebrated the 1972 New Years Eve with Lt. Dan in NYC.