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What to do at CityWalk, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida

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What to do at CityWalk, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida
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What is Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk is easily accessible by car, bus, Uber and Lyft, offering an entertaining experience for the whole family or just a few friends. It is located at 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA.

It’s a bit like Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

Enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the many renowned restaurants such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Hard Rock Café Orlando, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville or while watching one of the 100 televisions at NBC Sports Grill & Brew.

For a touch of the exotic, try the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar or the Chocolate Emporium. For a quick break, stop off at Red Oven Pizza Bakery or Breadbox Handcrafted Sandwiches.

What to do at CityWalk, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida - Universal City Walk 2

Finally, for a day of adventure and discovery, don’t miss Universal Orlando’s three theme parks, where you can plunge into the world of blockbusters and meet legendary movie heroes by chance.

CityWalk is right next to the entrance to Islands of Adventure amusement park to the east and Universal Studios Florida amusement park to the west.

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In a nutshell: CityWalk at Universal Orlando

Whether your visit to Universal Orlando is planned for a day or a week, a stop at CityWalk is a great way to spend the day or evening. It’s a dynamic space, set around a calm lake.

In fact, a water cab runs between CityWalk and the hotels:

  • Sapphire Falls Resort;
  • Royal Pacific Resort ;
  • Hard Rock Hotel;
  • And Portofino Bay Hotel.

CityWalk’s stores, restaurants and recreation areas are open both day and night, and are free of charge. It’s easily accessible from the main Universal Orlando parking lot nearby.

What to do at CityWalk, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida - Universal City Walk 15

Some places, like the Voodoo Doughnut or the Chocolate Emporium, offer a unique experience in addition to their culinary products – it would be a shame to miss them! Even if you don’t go inside, the Chocolate Emporium is one of CityWalk’s most impressive buildings. The sweet smell of chocolate wafts through the air as soon as you step inside.

There are plenty of activities for children too, making CityWalk an ideal place for a family day out.

Whatever your visit, don’t hesitate to stop at CityWalk for a moment of relaxation and entertainment in the heart of Universal Orlando.

What to do at CityWalk, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida - Universal City Walk 21

Explore CityWalk at Universal Studios Orlando

Discover Universal CityWalk entertainment center

In the heart of Orlando, Universal CityWalk is a must-see for fun-loving visitors. This vast leisure area is the ideal place for a lively evening after a long day exploring theUniversal Studios Resort theme parks.

Universal CityWalk calls itself “The Epicenterof Awesome”.

Here, the atmosphere is electrifying, with colorful lighting. A wide range of dining and entertainment options are available, from fine dining and movies to dancing and drinks.

What to do at CityWalk, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida - Universal City Walk 23
What to do at CityWalk, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida - Universal City Walk 3

Enjoy attractions and live shows at Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk offers a wide range of attractions to suit all tastes. Film buffs can head to the Universal Cinemark and its 20 theaters for an unparalleled cinematic experience. For music fans, Hard Rock Live offers comedy shows and concerts by renowned artists. While CityWalk’s Rising Star transforms you into a singing star with its lively karaoke evenings.

At the entrance to Universal CityWalk, golf enthusiasts can enjoy Hollywood Drive-in Golf, which offers 2 18-hole mini-golf courses with a sci-fi theme. For an interactive experience, head to Airbrush Studios for painting and drawing on caps and T-shirts.

Finally, for a memorable evening, head to the Red Coconut Club, a Tiki-style nightclub with DJs and dancing into the wee hours.

What to do at CityWalk, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida - Universal City Walk 17

Visit the souvenir stores at Universal CityWalk

Discover CityWalk souvenir stores

Universal CityWalk is a shopper’s paradise, with a multitude of souvenir stores to explore. Classics like the Universal Studio Store and Universal Legacy Store offer a range of Universal-branded merchandise, perfect for bringing home a piece of nostalgia.

Lovers of sweet treats won’t want to miss the Candy Smith counter at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.

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Discover CityWalk restaurants

CityWalk at Universal Studios Florida is a true gourmet paradise. With a wide variety of restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world, there’s something for everyone.

Not to be missed is Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, offering authentic, tasty Mexican cuisine.

For seafood lovers, don’t miss the very popular Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. serving a variety of shrimp dishes. Take the opportunity to bring home the famous red Forrest Gump cap, a Run Forrest Run T-shirt or a Bubba Gump ping-pong racket.

What to do at CityWalk, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida - Universal City Walk 8

If you prefer fusion cuisine, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is an excellent choice with its innovative mix of sushi and burgers. Their Burgushi is a very interesting combination of burger and sushi.

For a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, head to the Hard Rock Cafe or relax with a cocktail at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.

For sports fans, the NBC Sports Grill & Brew is a great place to relax while watching a game. Finally, for an Italian culinary experience, try Red Oven Pizza Bakery.

Please note that reservations are recommended, especially during busy periods such as Fridays, American March Break or the holiday season. This can be done directly in the Universal Studios Resorts mobile application.

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Discover the unforgettable attractions at Universal Studios Florida

Shopping at Universal Studios Florida

For an exceptional shopping experience at Universal Studios Florida, take a trip to the Universal Studios Store.

This flagship store, with 8,300 sq. ft. of retail space, is the destination of choice for vacation souvenirs and collectibles related to Universal films and attractions. You’ll find objects and clothing featuring Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, The Simpsons, Spiderman and Harry Potter.

There’s also the Universal Legacy Store nearby. He appeals a little more to nostalgia and his films from years ago. You’ll find retro items and vintage accessories, linked to his earliest films such as Jaws and E.T..

What to do at CityWalk, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida - Universal City Walk 1

Practical tips for visiting CityWalk

Allow 2-3 hours to explore CityWalk and enjoy the attractions. The complex is open from 08:00 to 00:00 and even 1 a.m. on certain evenings of the week or year.

At the entrance, you’ll have to pass through security checks and metal detectors. The security guards are efficient and passage is quick, even if the queue seems long.

  • CityWalk parking costs $30 during the day, but is fully refundable with the purchase of 2 Universal Cinemark movie tickets between 11am and 6pm.
  • CityWalk parking is free after 6pm, except on Halloween Horror Nights event evenings.
  • You can access CityWalk completely free of charge, even without a theme park ticket.
  • If you’re staying at a Universal Studios hotel, or even at any of the hotels in the area, take advantage of the free shuttles for much less complicated access to CityWalk.
What to do at CityWalk, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida - Universal City Walk 9

If you have time, consider buying a multi-park ticket to visit Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay. It’s well worth the effort, especially to see the sections dedicated to Harry Potter and to drink the wonderful Butterbeer.

The rides are designed for thrill-seeking customers or families with older children.

Many hotels are partners of the parks, including the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Near Universal Orlando Resort. Shuttles to CityWalk and Universal Studios Orlando and breakfast for all make the trip so much easier.

Don’t forget to download the Universal Studios mobile app to help you plan your visit. A number of restaurants and stores offer online advance purchase of certain popular dishes or items, with Mobile Food Ordering. This is extremely practical, to avoid crowds or waiting lines.

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CityWalk – Frequently asked questions

Here are some questions frequently asked in the milesopedia community about CityWalk at Universal Orlando.

Do you need a park ticket to enter CityWalk?

No. Access to CityWalk is completely free, even without a theme park ticket. You can eat, shop, catch a movie or enjoy the shows without buying an admission ticket for Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure.

How much does parking cost at CityWalk?

Parking costs US$30 during the day. It becomes free after 6pm, except on Halloween Horror Nights event evenings. It is also refunded with the purchase of two matinee Universal Cinemark movie tickets.

How much time should I plan to visit CityWalk?

Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore CityWalk, eat and enjoy the attractions. The complex is open from 8 a.m. until midnight, and even 1 a.m. on some evenings.

Which restaurants should I not miss at CityWalk?

Among the must-tries: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, the Hard Rock Cafe, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food and the NBC Sports Grill & Brew. Reservations are recommended during peak periods.

How do I get to CityWalk from the Universal hotels?

If you stay at a Universal Orlando hotel, take advantage of the free shuttles for easy access to CityWalk. A water taxi also links CityWalk to the Sapphire Falls Resort, Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay Hotel.

The Orlando hotel reviews and guides page pulls together the hotels, flights and park guides for the rest of the trip.

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