A Guide To Universal CityWalk Orlando

1. Things to do

Blue Man Group

You can’t take a trip to Universal CityWalk without checking out Blue Man Group. They are a trademark performing group. Expect a wild performance of comedy, theater acting, rock concert and dance party combined. It’s a multi-sensory experience that has amazed and captivated 35 million people.

Entertainment galore

On CityWalk alone the entertainment options are endless. You can sing your heart out and release your inner performer at the CityWalk’s Rising Star, a live karaoke bar. Or perhaps drop by Red Coconut Club for a dance-off on their groovy floor. You might also prefer checking out a replica of Bob Marley’s house or Hard Rock Cafe Live and witness the stories behind the legends of pop and rock. Many of these bars are open until 2 am so you can dance the night away!

Retail therapy

Universal CityWalk has a bunch of shops depending on what you need and want. Get some park memorabilia at Universal Studios Store or rock and roll gear at the Rock Shop. You can grab some cool surfing gear at Quiet Flight Surfing Shop and pair them with trendy clothes from The Island Clothing Co. other retail shops include Fossil, Fresh Produce, P!Q, and a tattoo shop, Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company.

2. What to eat

Hard Rock Cafe

Go for a classic American dining experience at Hard Rock Cafe at Universal CityWalk, which is the largest branch in the world. They serve authentic favorites like burgers, steak, chicken fingers, wings, and ribs. On top of that, you can enjoy the collection of memorabilia from pop and rock legends like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and more.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant

The best place to bring your family for a good meal is at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. They’re a family-friendly restaurant that serves mainly varieties of seafood fusion and different takes on shrimp. But don’t worry if you’re allergic, Bubba Gump also serves steaks, ribs and chicken. After your meal, don’t forget to take a memorabilia photo at the famed Forrest Gump bench outside the restaurant and then drop by their Market for some souvenir items.

Sweet tooth delights

You might need to make an appointment with your dentist with these options. Voodoo Doughnut takes your ordinary donut and turns them into colorful concoctions that are too good not to take photos of for Instagram and munch on for later. They also have quite the unusual but yummy flavors. On the other hand, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium will knock you off your feet with their gourmet desserts that’s best paired with their awesome milkshakes. The only problem here is how to decide which one between the dessert and the milkshake is better!

3. Travelers tips

Free admission and convenient parking

The best part about Universal CityWalk is that you don’t have to pay anything to experience it! Admission to the site is free, all you have to do is bring your family and friends, and enjoy your day at CityWalk. Parking also becomes free after 6 pm, so that’s a big bonus for those who are bringing their own vehicle. Though you must take note of where you parked otherwise with the many parking areas on-site, it’s easy to forget especially after a long day of fun. Valet services are also available for more convenience.

Be mindful of the adult-only places

Though Universal Studios is generally a family-friendly theme park for all ages, there are some establishments within CityWalk that are adult-only. There are a lot of bars in the area but check first if they allow kids during the day because at night some of them turn adult-only. Some of the kid-friendly options include the Universal Cinemark where you can watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters and the Hollywood Drive-In Golf, which has your family playing mini-golf against a movie-themed backdrop.

Plan your visit

Visiting Universal Studios can be an exciting thing to look forward to because of its size as an attraction. But don’t underestimate your visit to Universal CityWalk either. There are a lot of things to do here. From restaurants and bars to souvenir and retail shops, it can get overwhelming, even for a small area. It’s always best to plan your day out, budget your expenses, and make sure everyone has a good time.

4. How to get there

Water taxi

This is a free alternative for guests who are staying at one of the hotels within Universal Studios Resort. It’s a complimentary boat ride that goes around the resort from the entertainment hub to the various hotels, namely Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock Hotel. If you want to escape the bustling entertainment for a while, this is a good and quiet option for you.

For those not staying at Universal Studios Resort

You can opt to bring your own vehicle and take advantage of the free parking after 6 pm at CityWalk. There are a lot of parking spaces on-site but remember which one you parked on. It’s also a bit of a walk from the parking lot to CityWalk. Valet options are available too if you don’t feel like walking. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can always rent a taxi or call an Uber to conveniently take you to the resort.

Universal CityWalk Orlando information

Universal CityWalk Orlando

Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

Opening hours: 11am - 2am (daily)

Cost: 12 USD onward

Official Website: Universal Citywalk Orlando

Department of Tourism Website: Orlando Tourism Bureau