Universal CityWalk Orlando: Your In-Depth Guide

Read on to uncover our in-depth guide to Universal CityWalk.

We have the tips, the tricks, and the inside scoop on this high-energy destination that features a variety of over 20 restaurants, shops, and two interactive miniature golf courses. It’s not called the “Epicenter of Awesome” for nothing.

After a hard day of theme park hopping, you might be looking for a reprieve from the repeated wave of Transformer, Hulk, VelociCoaster™, and Harry Potter escapades. Universal Orlando Resorts has the perfect antidote in CityWalk, ideally located between Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Tag along as we uncover the best haunts and can’t-miss sites of this incredible village of fun. Guests can hop between parks and, along the way, enjoy a respite with heavenly treats at Voodoo Doughnut or the spirited dueling pianos at Pat O’Brien’s®. CityWalk Universal has an array of eateries like Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food™, VIVO Italian Kitchen, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Guide to Universal CityWalk Dining Venues

With so many choices and so little time, you’ll want to know where to stop and refuel at Universal Studios City Walk. Especially when you have a big group, you could be wandering around, debating “Where are the best restaurants at Universal Orlando City Walk?” squandering precious moments.

Save the day with our list of top-rated Universal Orlando City Walk restaurants. We’ve got you covered whether you’re searching for a quick lunch or celebratory meal.

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food

Hold off on your Mexican cravings until you get here. With vibrant décor and made-from-scratch fajitas and guacamole, it’s a top-notch crowd-pleaser! Antojitos serves the best margaritas and has a live mariachi band on hand to liven the mood. 

Hard Rock Café Orlando

Rock and rollers will appreciate this fine establishment’s live performances, music memorabilia, and appetizing entrees. Check out Buddy Holly’s black glasses, Elvis’ white sequined suit, and mementos from the Ramones, Pearl Jam, and U2. The patio even has a section of the Berlin Wall. 

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

Known for its carefree vibe, tropical drinks, and stacked burgers, this is the perfect cap to your day with great food and live entertainers. And while you are at Universal City Walk Orlando, you can also stop by the Margaritas To-Go Surf Shack window for a “Marg-on-the-fly.”

NBC Sports Grill & Brew™

Sports addicts can catch up on scores and watch the latest games on high-definition screens while enjoying great appetizers like the Inside Out Jalapeno Peppers or the Loaded Nachos. NBC has a wide selection, from burgers and salads to seafood and pasta. Even picky eaters should be able to find something they like here!

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Don’t be deterred by the name. This quintessential Asian American eatery offers terrific food with a twist. Try a sushi burger combo, which brings together gourmet burgers and sushi plus beer and spirits in a lively, colorful space. 

Red Coconut Club

This boho-chic nightclub has live music and dancing on one floor and scrumptious entrees on the second. The Club hosts outdoor patio seating with a stunning view of Universal Studios Citywalk glittering lane.

CityWalk also has delectable fast-food options and take-out windows for guests on the move, like the Burger King Whopper Bar, Hot Dog Hall of Fame, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and the Red Oven Pizza Bakery, where the pizzas are cooked in 90 seconds or less. 

Guide to Universal CityWalk Entertainment

In addition to the best bars, clubs, and dining, Universal City Walk’s family venues will not disappoint. For the perfect low-key things to do at Universal CityWalk after hitting the parks, peruse our recreation guide for thrills, chills, and great laughs. 

Hollywood Drive-In Golf

This is not your average miniature golf scene but an interactive foray into 1950s sci-fi and horror movie theme worlds. Hollywood Drive In Golf offers plenty of ideal spots for unique and thrilling Universal Citywalk photos opportunities.

With special effects throughout, the synergistic putt-putt course is full of excellent sites that will keep you on your toes!

Bob Marley- A Tribute to Freedom

More than a restaurant, this museum-like dining hall at Universal Studio CityWalk pays homage to rock legend Bob Marley. Modeled after Marley’s hometown in Kingston, Jamaica, diners see artifacts and photos and can experience video clips of the reggae icon. Also, after 10:00 pm, the place turns into an adults-only hot spot with a live reggae band or D.J. every night.

Universal Cinemark

If cruising through The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ has you feeling nostalgic for the silver screen, have no fear. You can slip into an air-conditioned cinema at Universal Studio City Walk to catch all the latest blockbusters without leaving the park. 

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Universal CityWalk Parking is free for matinee movie showings from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm with the purchase of two Universal Cinemark matinee tickets. (The Cinemas reimburse guests upon presentation of parking receipt.)

Hard Rock Live Orlando

Feel like grooving out to a live band or comedy show? Guests of Universal Orlando City Walk can experience top musical performances in this 3,000-seat auditorium with state-of-the-art audio, a full bar, and a concession stand. Check the events page for special Hard Rock Live venues.

Rising Star

Looking for fun things to do at CityWalk Universal Studios? Connect with your friends, cut loose, and let your star shine during a night of karaoke as you belt out hits with the world’s top artists. The more serious entertainers can sing with a live band and backup singers! They also have delicious food and specialty cocktails for the fans.  

Guide to Universal CityWalk Shopping

With all the putt-putting, karaoke, and reggae nights, don’t forget you’ll need the perfect souvenirs and gifts to commemorate your trip. Don’t worry; CityWalk is an exclusive retail experience, and we have your perfect Orlando shopping strategy right here. 

Universal Studios Store

At Universal Citywalk Stores, you’ll find countless gift ideas and Harry Potter collectibles with the largest Wizarding World of Harry Potter-themed area, not to mention other film souvenirs, books, and memorabilia with Spider-Man, Cat in the Hat, and Jurassic World merch. With over 8,300 square feet, this is the place to pick up vintage t-shirts, jewelry, keychains, and coffee mugs.

Universal Legacy Store

Not to be outdone, this shop has the Universal goods, with 90s-inspired classics like Jaws and E.T. You can also find current movie hits, props, and iconic classic goods on all of Universal’s finest films. 

Pro Tip: Save your visit to Universal City Walk shops Orlando until the very end, so you don’t have to carry your bags all day.

The Smugglers Hold at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville

Find yourself hungry when exploring City Walk Universal Studios? Parrot Heads will enjoy this haven of Buffet t-shirts, shot glasses, home décor, and flip-flops to take home and revisit your experience time and time again. 

Candy Smith at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen

For tasty chocolate, truffles, and cookies, Candy Smith at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Savory has the perfect something souvenir for virtually anyone with a sweet tooth. But be warned, if you take a sample, your gifts may not arrive at their destination.

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Better buy a backup gift from the array of trinkets, knickknacks, and jewelry in the gift store of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Savory Feast Kitchen.

Not only is this dining establishment a treat for your taste buds, but Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Savory Feast Kitchen is also a feast for the eyes. The whimsical steampunk-inspired decor, intricate details, and mouthwatering desserts make it just the right spot for capturing captivating Universal Citywalk Orlando photos for the gram.

Rock Shop at Hard Rock Café Orlando

Screenagers and rockers can find the perfect keepsakes amongst rock stars past, present, and future. The Rock Shop has band t-shirts, hats, glasses, and mugs. 

Universal City Walk Hours

Universal City Walk Orlando hours of operation vary by attraction and park. Check the website for current Park Hours. CityWalk is open from 8:00 am to 12:00 am, with some clubs and bars staying open a tad longer.

CityWalk Shuttle Hours

If you’re staying at one of Universal’s parks and don’t have to worry about a car, you might wonder how late the shuttle buses run back and forth. The answer is: as long as the parks are open. Which is typically from 7:00 am until 2:00 am.

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The drop-off destination is near the Universal parking garages. This convenient service runs every few minutes, with guests rarely having to wait for a bus.

Guide to Universal CityWalk Parking

City Walk Universal Orlando has two main parking garages for guests. Other options include standard, valet, and Universal Prime Parking. Universal also has accessible parking, electric car stations, and R.V. parking. 

• General Parking: $27 before 6:00 p.m.
• Prime Parking: $60 before 6:00 p.m. (With Prime Upgrade: $23.)
• Valet Parking: $27 for less than two hours or $75 for more than two hours. 
• R.V./Bus Parking: $32 per day. 

Nestled at Universal Citywalk Orlando 6000 Universal Blvd Orlando FL 32819, CityWalk is the park’s central hub with easy access to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.

Once parked, you don’t need to drive between Universal destinations. And your Universal City Walk parking Orlando validation is good all day if you leave and return.

For visitors staying on-site, the options are even easier. Guests can walk to CityWalk from the Universal Orlando Resort, take a shuttle from Universal’s Endless Summer Resort or Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Hotel, or water taxi their way from Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel.

Parking fees never apply if you arrive via public transportation or stay at an official Universal Orlando Resort hotel.

Remember Tripster has the best guaranteed online rates for condos, luxury resorts, and hotels near Universal City Walk Orlando. So secure your lodgings now with us, and you’ll save bookoo cash.

Universal Studios’ two wings are split into three main sections with multiple parking levels.

• Wing One – includes Jurassic Park, King Kong, and Jaws
• Wing Two – includes Spider-Man, Cat in the Hat, and E.T.

Pro Tip: Before embarking on a Universal Studios walk, take a photo of your parking section, row number, and parking garage. The two garages don’t connect, so you want to ensure you’re headed back to the right one. Your tired feet will thank you!

Plan Your Universal Orlando Vacation

With endless amusement and night-life options, our list of City Walk things to do is an experience of exciting activities that include funky bars, nightclubs, and eateries, not to mention galleries, movie theaters, and bowling.
Get ahead of the pack and start planning your dream vacation now! Tripster has easy solutions and discounted ticket options when ordering Universal Orlando Tickets.

Plus, if you want to save some real currency, we have the best Orlando Vacation Package deals with other parks, hotels, and attractions.

Tripster is teeming full of facts about everything you might want to know about Universal Orlando. For a deeper dive into the park, check out our Insider’s Guide to Universal Orlando Resort and our Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Orlando.

Have you experienced the ultimate movie-going experience at AMC Universal CityWalk Hollywood? While we’ve been exploring the wonders of Universal CityWalk Orlando, let’s not forget its equally impressive counterpart on the West Coast: CityWalk Universal Hollywood.

With endless amusement and night-life options, Universal CityWalk Hollywood offers a vibrant mix of funky bars, nightclubs, and eateries that will keep you entertained. Don’t miss the chance to explore galleries, catch a movie at the Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood, or have a fun-filled bowling session with friends and family.

Plan on extending your trip to visit some other theme parks? Tripster has guides to help you explore Walt Disney World, Disney Springs, SeaWorld Orlando, and more.

Universal CityWalk Orlando FAQs

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We’d love to hear some recommendations and feedback on restaurants, shops, and unique experiences. Let us know in the comments below.