Essential Guide To The Universal Citywalk Orlando, Florida, USA

Essential Guide To The Universal Citywalk Orlando
Annelene
Annelene 
Updated
| 5 min read

Experience the pulsating energy of the city of Orlando and unlock the electrifying charm which has attracted thrill seekers and holidaymakers from far and wide. As one of the most visited cities in the US, Orlando is teeming with activities to keep travellers and locals of all ages entertained. It’s the place where you can unleash your inner child and see the magic of travel through a child’s eye. Orlando plays host to many theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure. Orlando also boasts world-class attractions, culinary adventures with a mix of cultural exploration and natural wonders. School holidays fast approaching or looking for the perfect activity for the whole family? Pack the family in the car and head out to The Universal CityWalk Orlando for endless hours of entertainment and fun. Visitors of all ages will be bombarded with activities to keep them entertained and keep them coming back for more. To ensure you get the most out of your visit to here is your essential guide to the Universal CityWalk Orlando, Florida.

Welcome to Universal CityWalk Orlando

Nicknamed the “Epicentre of Awesome”, Universal CityWalk is a mecca of entertainment for people of all ages. Located in the centre of the Universal Island of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, CityWalk is a hub for dining, shopping and entertainments. It’s the one place where you can enjoy a mix of great food, family-friendly entertainment and a selection of amazing stores. Its jam packed with activities that could fill a whole day of your trip exploring. Whether it’s a friends’ getaway or a well-deserved family retreat, here is your ultimate guide to getting the most out of your visit to the Universal CityWalk Orlando.

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Parking at Universal CityWalk

Universal Studios Parking Garage
Source: Photo by Flickr user LancerE used under CC BY 2.0

Finding suitable parking at a popular tourist attraction can be quite a hassle for the first-time traveller or even for avid jet-setters. Visitors to Universal CityWalk need not worry about parking as they provide safe, convenient and ample parking spots. To eliminate any confusions, the Universal CityWalk share the same parking garage with the Universal Theme Park which all lead to the security hub that you check in before entering. There is a myriad of options for parking that you can utilise on your visit.

General Parking

They say the early bird catches the worm and this phrase could not be more relevant. To snag the general parking with the odds of securing the spot which requires a short stroll to the security hub, you would need to arrive first thing in the morning or later in the evening. On average it would take you 5 to 20 minutes to walk to the security hub.

Preferred Parking

Reduce a few minutes of your walk and park at the Preferred Parking which also ensures you get an even more convenient parking spot than what is offered in the General Parking bay.

RV/Bus Planning a school or friends group trip? Why not keep the excitement going by hiring a bus or an RV. CityWalk Orlando offers designated parking bays for larger vehicles that are a smidge more expensive than the general parking. There are signs which you can aid so you can get to the right place.

Evenings Parking for free? Yes! You heard right. During off seasons, if you find yourself visiting CityWalk after 6:00 PM, your parking is free. However, during peak, busier seasons, you can still enjoy a discounted parking rate. This means that you will have more money to get yourself a souvenir or even an extra corndog to fuel you for your action-packed evening. During special events like the Halloween Horror Night, you will be expected to pay standard parking rates.

Valet Parking Fancy being treated like royalty? Why not take advantage of the valet parking rates. You will be required to pay different parking rates depending on the hours you spend at CityWalk. However, you will be parked super close to the entrance and even enjoy a special security station so you can escape the crowds.

Red Carpet Valet For even more personalised service, take the Red Carpet Valet option which is a total time saver. Your car will be parked even closer to the entrance and brought to you in five minutes or less. You also get to but the lines at the entrance.

After a day of fun-filled activities at CityWalk, it’s common to forget the exact spot in which you have parked. To save you time, prevent the agonising whines from the little ones and to ensure you don’t walk around in circles, jot down or take note of the section and number in which you are parked. For your convenience, there are moving walkways which would aid in walking from parking garages to security stations and then to the entrance of the park.

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Dining at Universal CityWalk Orlando


Tantalise your taste buds by taking them on an adventure through the excellent selection of restaurants at CityWalk. No matter what you’re feeling for, there is a restaurant for you. Savour the taste of award-winning ribs and the southern flavours at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, enjoy Italian cuisine with a twist at Vivo Italian Kitchen or tuck into a burger at Johnny Rockets. Looking for a bite to grab before you attack the rollercoaster of Universal Studios Theme Park then choose from these quick-service eateries like Subway, Taco Bell, KFC and more. For the sweet tooth, indulge in the sweet treat at Cinnabon, Jamba Juice, Popcornopolis and much more.


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Shopping at Universal CityWalk Orlando

essential guide to the universal citywalk orlando | shopping at universal citywalk orlando
Source: instagram

You are guaranteed to walk out of CityWalk with more than you actually bargained for. CityWalk offers a plethora of stores to cater to the varying tastes as well as the budget of its visitors. From high-end brands to designer bags, CityWalk is a shopaholics’ paradise. Snag designer garments from stores like Abercrombie & Finch, Billabong and more, step out with the freshest sneakers from stores like Shoe Palace and Skechers or walk away with memorabilia from the Universal Studio Store or Hot Topic.

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Entertainment and nightlife at Universal CityWalk Orlando


As the sun goes down, the excitement turns up with a selection of amazing entertainment options to keep travellers of all ages entertained. See the stars on the big screen by taking your movie-viewing experience to new heights with a visit to Universal Cinema. Experience skydiving at the indoor skydiving facilities of iFly which is perfect for ages three and up. Throughout the year CityWalk plays hosts to a myriad of events from theatre act, comedy shows and even the Blue Man Group. There’s also something for the adults at Howl at the Moon piano bar which offers wild nights of live music, drinks at the bar and crazy dance parties. Adopt a tropical state of mind at the Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville offering live music and great cocktails.


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Endless excitement awaits

Universal CityWalk
Source: Photo by user LancerE used under CC BY 2.0

One thing is guaranteed, you will leave the Universal Citywalk Orlando with sore cheeks from the sheer excitement and smiles experienced throughout the day as well as countless memories with the family.

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Annelene is a marketing graduate with a zest for life and a passion for travel. She believes these things help bring new perspective, introduce new cultures and educate us about life.

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