If you go to City Walk in Orlando, it’s a must to stop by Voodoo Doughnut. The shop is relatively new, having been opened in May 2018, but it has quickly turned into one of the most well-known shops in the area.  And even though Universal has already established themselves as the leader of creative desserts, this one truly takes the cake (or doughnut). 

Even before you step inside, you can still get a taste of how quirky this place truly is. Near the entrance is a humongous doughnut throne, which is also the perfect place to get a photo taken. However, make sure to take photos and go inside the shop during the day, as the line that forms during the nighttime is usually more than 30 minutes long.  

When you enter, you are greeted with the enticing scent of doughnuts fresh out of the oven. The interior comes alive with vibrant pink and outlandish decorations that give tribute to the voodoo culture which inspired the shop. The amusingly decorated doughnuts are displayed in the center of the store and in the back, which helps build anticipation for the delectable desserts.  

The Voodoo Doll doughnut is arguably the most iconic doughnut in the shop, with a voodoo doll shape and raspberry–jelly center, topped with chocolate icing as well as a pretzel stake to the heart. The attention to detail in this doughnut is spectacular, with a yellow spiral coming out of the hole where the pretzel is and a screaming face that would be unsettling if it weren’t so adorable. The sweet jam filling is still warm when biting into the doughnut, and the salty pretzel adds a very satisfying contrast. It also comes in a vegan option. 

The Eight Mile Cake contains no filling but has vanilla icing and is topped with a multitude of M&M’s. The dessert may seem very basic, but Voodoo Doughnuts manages to go above and beyond expectations. The doughnut practically melts in your mouth, and the sweet crunch of the M&M’s leaves nothing to be desired.  

The Vegan Dirt doughnut may not sound very appetizing, but it definitely was. The doughnut featured a simple vegan doughnut with vanilla frosting and crushed up Oreos. The fact that the doughnut was still warm is really what made it so flavorful, since the icing felt as if it were dissolving in your mouth, while the Oreos, while very sweet, added the texture that really allowed the doughnut to rise above expectations.  

It’s no exaggeration to say that going to Voodoo Doughnut is truly an amazing experience with delicious doughnuts and friendly staff. The concepts are truly one-of-a-kind, and the shop is extremely deserving of its good reputation.