Step inside this wacky doughnut store on Universal CityWalk

We hope you have a sweet tooth for this look into the Voodoo Doughnut store, over at Orlando’s Universal CityWalk!

Founded in 2003, it is the brainchild of friends and Portland natives Kenneth ‘Cat Daddy’ Pogson and Tres Shannon. Voodoo Doughnut has expanded from its Oregon roots, spreading throughout the US – currently the business has seven locations – to land sticky-side up in the retail and entertainment district of CityWalk, at the gateway to the Universal Orlando resort. Last year the vibrant pink-coloured store (which is an easily-recognisable key colour throughout their packaging and branding) opened its doors for the first time, with Cat Daddy, Tres Shannon and even the Baron of Voodoo Doughnut himself in attendance to welcome the Orlando doughnut aficionados into the fold!

Voodoo Doughnut shops are known for their eclectic décor, as well as their deliciously sinful doughnuts. Each store also has artwork from three featured artists:

• Juanita - This talented artist specialises in black velvet painting, where the artwork is painted – you’ve guessed it – on black velvet. Juanita showcases a ‘Spirit Channeler’ from the local area in her artwork, in the case of the Orlando store this is comedian Carrot Top.

• Mona Superhero - Mona is the in-house muralist for the brand, creating inspired eye-catching duct tape artwork. For the store she has come up with a unique pop art-style design called ‘Your Wish is My Command’, which features the image of a mystical voodoo queen.

• Chuck Franklin Glass Studio - The studio has designed the stained-glass portrait and doughnut windows in the store. These depict the founders of the company, the former CEO Robin ‘Lobster’ Ludwig and the infamous Voodoo Doll doughnut!

See if you can spot the number 97204 displayed on the wall in front of the decorating counter – this is the Portland zip code for the first Voodoo Doughnut store!

With more than 50 doughnuts and cakes available to try, including a selection for vegan customers, you’ll have trouble choosing your favourite! Some of the most popular choices are depicted on the Voodoo Throne at the front of the shop – an oversized seat formed from classic Voodoo Doughnuts (not real ones though!) that are exclusive to this store. This is a great place to take a fun photo, and ponder whether you want to try the Bacon Maple Bar (maple frosting with crispy bacon on top), the Grape Ape Ring Doughnut (topped with vanilla frosting, grape dust and sprinkles of lavender), or something completely different!

“Totally worth every minute you wait in line and every dollar you spend. These were the most fantastic doughnuts I have ever had in my life. We got one of the pre-picked dozens!”

Things aren’t done by half in Voodoo Doughnut, where stepping into the zany shop is an experience in itself. As the off-the-wall creations are the key to their amazing reputation, it’s great news that vegans needn’t miss out on all of the fun either – why not try the Vegan Apple Fritter – with apple chunks and cinnamon covered in a glaze, or the signature Voodoo Doll Doughnut, which can be seen on much of the company’s branding – this time given a vegan twist, but still filled with delicious raspberry jam, topped with chocolate frosting and staked through the ‘heart’ with a pretzel stick. If you want to peruse the menu of cake-based goodness before you go there is a list here on the Universal website.

The quirky company, which has thousands of visitors per year in their shops, has earnt a cult following and sells a selection of merchandise on its webpage and in store. Why not show your sweet tooth credentials and dress the part in a branded Voodoo Doughnut T-shirt? If you want to know what merchandise is available in the Orlando store, it is recommended that you call ahead first to avoid disappointment; all of the relevant contact details are listed at the end of this blog.

“It’ll change what you think about doughnuts - these are next level. Universal was smart to bring this in. The staff were great too. Managed well. Clean and everything is fresh.”

With the motto ‘It’s Worth the Weight’ proving apt, its worth noting that you might have to be prepared to queue a while to get served at the shop, though the lines do move fairly quickly. Fortunately there are plenty of offbeat decorations to keep you occupied while you wait!

Which doughnut do you think that you will try first? Let us know which one gets your mouth watering!

Opening hours:

• Sunday – Thursday: 7:00am – midnight
• Friday – Saturday: 7:00am – 1:00am

Address: 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819

(407) 224 2691