Universal CityWalk Orlando

"Similar to Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk offers adult-oriented—but totally family-appropriate—fun for when you’ve wrapped up another theme park day. An entertainment zone with free admission, it connects the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks. Still, it’s most happening after the parks close, when it turns into a veritable dining and nightlife district that often attracts more revelers than downtown Orlando itself. All the restaurants and bars surround a man-made lagoon, which becomes busy with boats ferrying guests to and from the Universal hotels. To eat, there’s everything from casual cafés and a food court to extravagant theme restaurants like the new Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. Bar options are similarly wide-ranging—you can drink a hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s (which looks just like the original in New Orleans ), sip a Red Stripe beer to the tune of reggae music at Bob Marley—A Tribute to Freedom, or catch the big game at the NBC Sports Grill & Brew. Parking is free after 6 p.m. so expect crowds starting at sundown. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the calendar, as CityWalk hosts major concerts and festivals throughout the year."

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https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-to-plan-a-trip-to-universal-resort-in-orlando

How to Plan a Trip to Universal Resort in Orlando, Florida | Condé Nast Traveler

"You can navigate between them through Universal CityWalk, an open-air plaza featuring a range of dining options, from fast-food and frozen yogurt to date night-suitable Italian and Mexican restaurants, as well as a number of shops, miniature golf, and concert venues."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/everything-we-know-about-universals-newest-theme-park

Everything We Know About Universal's Epic Universe, Orlando’s Newest Theme Park | Condé Nast Traveler

"Concept art released by Universal depicts four distinct lands within the park, with shops toward the center hub—like a small-scale CityWalk, Universal’s dining and entertainment complex that connects its other theme parks—and a hotel at the far end of the site."

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-universal-orlando-resort-attractions

Our Favorite Universal Orlando Resort Attractions You Can't Miss | Condé Nast Traveler

"CityWalk is the dynamic dining, shopping, and entertainment complex that links Universal Orlando’s two theme parks. Take a midday break from the thrill rides at one of the restaurants, or challenge your family to 18 holes at the Hollywood Drive-In, a sci-fi and horror movie–themed mini-golf course. CityWalk takes on a nightclub atmosphere in the evenings, thanks to its colorful neon lights and live music on the waterfront. Make sure to stop by VooDoo Doughnut, one of the most recent additions to CityWalk; it's the only East Coast outpost of the Portland favorite." - Valerie Marino

Tanya Fook-Marshall

Google

There is a lot of walking, but it's definitely not boring! I took my grands, we made a day of it. Be prepared for rain! Three rain ponchos hit me for $41.00. Parking and entry fees were exorbitant but to be expected. We would re-visit at a later time.

Mustafa A

Google

CityWalk isn’t just a cluster of restaurants and shops—it’s a ritual of preparation, a carefully constructed gateway where your senses (and your spending habits) are gently broken in before entering the worlds beyond. Here, you don’t just grab a bite—you participate in the ceremony of consumerism. A $9 pretzel here, a novelty milkshake there, maybe a pair of Minion socks you didn’t plan to buy but now feel spiritually obligated to own. It’s the appetizer, not just for your appetite, but for your wallet. There are lights, music, smells of garlic and sugar and anticipation all swirling together. CityWalk says: “You’re not at the park yet, but you’re close enough to start spending like you are.” It’s not bad—far from it. The food hits the spot, the atmosphere is buzzing, and the energy is contagious. But make no mistake: this is the training ground. You warm up your legs and loosen your budget, getting fully limbered up for the beautiful financial chaos waiting inside Universal. In short: CityWalk is the on-ramp to fun and financial flexibility. Embrace it. Laugh. Spend a little. Then march into the park fully initiated.

Tasha S

Google

City Walk is fantastic; this was my third visit. I arrived after 6:00 PM when parking is complimentary. It was a wonderful experience for the whole family, regardless of age. There are numerous activities to partake in and a variety of delicious food options. Additionally, there are excellent shops for a superb shopping experience.

Anthony Tobin

Google

Love the whole atmosphere , busy yet relaxed , bright lights , and a hive of activity. Situated between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios , it's perfectly situated. Plenty of brilliant places to eat , themed and otherwise. Plenty to keepers those wanting to shop , happy for ages.

David Lee

Google

Universal CityWalk Orlando is truly one of the best entertainment and dining districts I’ve ever visited. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by a lively atmosphere full of energy and excitement. The variety of shops is amazing, offering everything from unique souvenirs and themed merchandise to trendy apparel and collectibles. Whether you’re a fan of pop culture, looking for gifts, or just browsing, the shopping options won’t disappoint. When it comes to food, the selection is equally impressive. There’s something for everyone—whether you want gourmet dining, casual snacks, or international cuisine, CityWalk has you covered. The restaurants offer delicious, high-quality dishes, and many have creative, fun themes that add to the overall experience. It’s the perfect place to relax and refuel before or after a day at the parks—or just to enjoy a fun night out. What really stood out to me was the exceptional staff throughout the area. Every employee I encountered was friendly, approachable, and genuinely eager to help. Whether it was answering questions, giving directions, or offering recommendations, their professionalism and warmth made the visit even better. I also want to give a special shout-out to the security team. They were highly visible but never overbearing, providing a strong sense of safety and peace of mind. It’s clear they work hard to keep CityWalk a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment for everyone. Overall, Universal CityWalk Orlando combines great shopping, fantastic food, excellent customer service, and top-notch security into one vibrant destination. It’s a must-visit whether you’re a local or just passing through. Can’t wait to come back!

Gulnur Avci

Google

It’s cool to see the displays and everything but the fact that parking is $32 before 6PM is a bit steep for the experience, considering that Disney Springs is free and there is much more to do there. I went to both on the same day since we went with a large group and didn’t want to buy tickets for a single day, and found much more to do at the other location unfortunately. I’m still glad we went though and checked it out!

Shawn Christensen

Google

This place is like a giant stripmall that is Universal Studio themed. They have all the shops selling the same tourist stuff that you can get at the parks. There is no entrance fee but parking is like $50. There was a whole row of restaurants and bars that were closed and I'm not sure if that was seasonal or if business is hurting. Overall we got some great photos and got gifts for people back home. It was a generally fun shopping experience.

Trae Fackler

Google

First thing is first... You will have a 15 min walk from your car, Uber, taxi, whatever you arrive in, until you get where you need to go. That aside, awesome experience. Clean, exciting and free. You do go through security before entering CityWalk but it's a great time. Food, shops, entertainment, sights. Touristy expensive everywhere but you knew that before you booked the trip. You won't be disappointed you went.

Meri L.

Yelp

City walk is fun and it's basically inbetween both Universal and Islands of Adventure. Lots of places to eat and shop. There's also a movie theatre and mini golf. Even a tattoo shop. Something for everyone! You get in free! My boyfriend and I visited about a week after Christmas. So after the holiday rush. It was still somewhat crowded, but not terrible. I'd definitely recommend stopping here. Even if you just wanna go to some shops.

Vivek B.

Yelp

Christmas Day Experience at Universal's CityWalk Orlando Spending Christmas Day at Universal's CityWalk in Orlando was an unforgettable experience! The combination of festive decorations, lively atmosphere, and diverse dining and entertainment options made it the perfect place to celebrate the holiday. Highlights of My Visit: 1. Festive Decorations: CityWalk was beautifully decked out with holiday lights, garlands, and an impressive Christmas tree. The twinkling lights and festive music added so much holiday cheer to the already vibrant atmosphere. 2. Relaxed Holiday Vibes: Unlike the theme parks, CityWalk offered a slightly more relaxed pace, making it an ideal spot to soak in the festive spirit without feeling rushed. 3. Delicious Dining: We enjoyed a fantastic holiday meal at one of the many restaurants. The variety of options made it easy to find something special for everyone. The festive cocktails and desserts were a nice touch! 4. Live Entertainment: CityWalk's street performers added an extra layer of excitement to the evening. The live music and holiday-themed performances made it feel like a true celebration. 5. Cinematic Escape: After a fun day of exploring, we caught a holiday blockbuster at the Universal Cinemark theater. It was the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the holiday spirit. 6. Unique Holiday Shopping: The shops at CityWalk offered plenty of unique gift options. We picked up some fun souvenirs and even found a last-minute holiday gift. Pro Tips for Christmas at CityWalk: * Arrive early to secure parking and explore at your own pace. * Make dining reservations if you plan to eat at a sit-down restaurant--Christmas can be busy! * Don't miss the live music stages; they bring an extra festive vibe to the area. CityWalk Orlando on Christmas Day was the perfect mix of fun, food, and holiday cheer. Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or on your own, it's a magical way to celebrate the season! Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a festive yet laid-back holiday experience.

Shantal H.

Yelp

Wow! This was my first time visiting Universal City Walk, and it was such a vibe! My husband and I were in Orlando for a quick weekend getaway. We decided not to do the parks this time, but that doesn't mean we didn't want to have a little fun. Universal City Walk boasts a large selection of restaurants, bars, entertainment spaces, and even a few shops where you can purchase Universal branded merchandise. Best of all, it's free to get in! I love that it technically shares the same gate access to the Universal Theme parks, so it makes you feel like you're entering into a different world. We went around 8/8:30pm on a Sunday night as people started exiting the parks. By this time, parking was also free. Big note...parking is FREE after 6pm. Shoutout to our hotel concierge for that tip :) I love how each restaurant and section of the Walk had a different theme. On brand for Universal, the themed restaurants and bars make you feel like you are transported into a different world. Everything from the Chocolate Emporium with a whimsical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory feel to the Bob Marley restaurant that is a tribute to the reggae legend and Jamaican culture. They had a fantastic live band! We didn't get an opportunity to eat at any of these places, but we did get to preview the inside. I will absolutely come back when it's warmer to enjoy some of the restaurants. I'm sure CityWalk is only going to get more popular when Epic Universe opens May 2025. Check it out if you're in the Orlando area.

Brittany I.

Yelp

Universal CityWalk has so many cool places to eat, shop, and take selfies. You will always find a good time at CityWalk.

Samantha K.

Yelp

You get in free! Let me say it again, you get in free! You can go to city walk to enjoy the food, the vibes, the bars (if you're into that), and the shops! They have live music periodically which is always a fun cherry on top. I've gone here for a nice dinner, food and drinks after the parks, halloween for a great vibe, it's always decorated for the holidays no matter the holiday it is. Be warned, there are times where it is packed and feels like the park. If it's opening or closing for the park expect park sized crowds. They'll eventually dwindle but sometimes people do stick around and hang at city walk do there are high times to avoid. Dinner is hit or miss. If you're trying to eat avoid when parks open and close and like lunch hour. Otherwise, this is a great place to go to walk around, eat, shop and sit in the sun. I love going to the bar and grill and watching the football games!

Brittany C.

Yelp

Variety of stores to shop at; food, souvenirs, you name it, and an overall feeling of being a child again! Amazing night life also, restaurants and music to keep you going all night!

Michael M.

Yelp

I love CityWalk! Restaurants, shops, bars, donuts?! Too often used as a simple passage to the parks, there's a great time to be had here, especially if you're into people-watching, or day-drinking, or both!

Cole L.

Yelp

CityWalk Orlando is the entrance to the Universal Studios Orlando resort. It is colorful and well-maintained with dazzling lights which offers an exciting environment. The best part about CityWalk is the dining locations, cocktail bars and movie theaters. My favorite restaurants are Vivo, Hard Rock, Cowfish, Big Fire, Antojitos and Voodoo Donuts. You can make reservations in the Universal Orlando app for the CityWalk restaurants; otherwise, you will have a long wait time. The only places I do not enjoy eating at are the NBC Bar and Grill and Bubba Gumps. I find the food to be very basic and attainable almost anywhere. If you bring children, I would recommend the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. The food is ok, but the theming and ambiance give it the best experience for children. Where CityWalk falls short is the shopping. They must compete with Disney Springs right down the street, filled with 30 times the shopping and free parking. I think CityWalk needs to expand and focus on bringing in outside retailers. I remember when they had Fossil and other outside companies besides Universal-owned stores. They must find a way to bring in 10 retailers and improve the shopping experience. I love the AMC movie theater here at CityWalk, but if you are not a pass holder, you have to pay to park your car before the movie, which adds to the expenses. It's an excellent place to catch a film and grab a bite or drink afterward. CityWalk also offers escape rooms and miniature golf, but I haven't had the chance to experience those activities. CityWalk is a fun place to hang out, drink and do very light shopping. But no matter how hard you try, you cannot spend an entire day there.

Rob B.

Yelp

This was my first time here and I have to say, This place is awesome!!! Me and my gf had a great time here recently exploring it for all that it is. She was like I have to take you here you are going to love it and that I did. Tons of great stuff to do and places to eat and drink at plus it's easily accessible from the street or from one of the adjoining theme parks. I love everything about this place and I can't wait to come back again and enjoy more of it. Enjoy :)

Lurine J.

Yelp

Very cool place to walk around eat and people watch. We ate at the pizza spot, five stars and we gave voodoo doughnuts a try as well. The cool thing about this place is all the restaurants and shops. Definitely nice to walk around and window shop and grab a quick bite before you hit theme parks.

Katie F.

Yelp

Universal Citywalk has undoubtedly everything. From restaurants to bars sweet shops and entertainment you won't miss out the fun at citywalk. Last night friends and I dined at the hard rock restaurant; which was on point with the theming . I had the ribs a friend of mine had a burger and the third individual had the flatbread. We waited only about twenty minutes and we're seated. We also stopped at menchies and got frozen yogurt for dessert. Not only do they have dinning but they've also got live entertainment as well. I definitely recommend 10/10

Ray R.

Yelp

Pretty cool place to walk around and visit. Free parking and free to walk around. Looking to kill time stop here.

Jeff S.

Yelp

We visited City Walk because we had a concert at the Hard Rock Live which is located on the premises. We arrived after 6pm so parking was free. Security was very tight, with metal detectors and bag searches which is understandable, but they seemed to have issues processing the crowd. With the big line it took us about 25 minutes to get from our parking spot to the Hard Rock. As for the "attractions", they have a movie theater, mini golf, some universal themed shops, and the most generic restaurants imaginable, for example Cinnabon, Burger King and Panda Express. The place does look cool at night, everything is lit up and they have the gigantic Universal globe near the water. But I mean, come on, lit up buildings and chain restaurants don't make a destination anything special. 100% do not understand the allure of this place.

Michelle Q.

Yelp

City walk is a good time if you don't want to visit the parks and just take a stroll and have some food. They also have some vendors around that have pins and other souvenirs that might catch your attention.

Danielle B.

Yelp

I have come here to see a band in concert, and it was a great time. It works well as a music venue. I appreciated that they had a cooler of water outside the performance space to be able to stay hydrated. As a restaurant, we went after a long day out at the Universal parks. They told us it was going to be a 45 minute wait, but it ended up being more like 20 minutes, which was good for us. They may have been short-staffed because we saw lots of empty tables while we were waiting. They have several vegetarian options on the menu, including a burger, but I was feeling the margarita flatbread. It was very good! I ended up eating the whole thing! The crust was flat, so it wasn't too filling, but as a meal, one portion is just right. Service was great. Our waitress was very nice and accommodating, especially with our eating restrictions. We enjoyed the ambiance and the music videos playing in the background. I would come back again.

Rokeia S.

Yelp

Let me start by saying...City Walk restaurants did NOT disappoint. I wasn't able to hit them all but I'll express my top 2. NBC Bar and Grill.... the Artichoke and Spinach dip is fanominal. It came out piping hot. And the chips are not you tortillas chips, no. They are made with some type of bread, crispy and soft. Perfect. Highly recommend. The Chocolate Factory on the other side. I had the Bookie Sundae... again highly recommend. The cookies and brownies were soft and the ice cream was so good. I will definitely be back to both restaurants and try other things. In the mean time...great job!

Tamilah K.

Yelp

Omg this place is HUGE and there's literally something for every age group. While in town for a business conference we snuck away for a bit and had an amazing experience. AntoJitos was delicious although our server wasn't as attentive as I'd like and it was very low lighting. We didn't get a chance to do any of the fun activities but when I'm back in Florida, I will certainly spin the block.

Tharin W.

Yelp

Universal CityWalk is the free to enter (other than pay to park) shopping, dining and entertainment district of the Universal Orlando Resort. This area has lots of food options, from affordable to higher-end. The Universal Orlando App allows for fairly easy dining reservations, but there is also an in person concierge desk to help out. You can go shopping, head to bars, have a meal (my favorite restaurant is CowFish) and more. The only major negative of CityWalk is that it can be very, very crowded at times as it is the entrance for both of the Univetsal Orlando parks. Universal will have Team Members out to help with crowd control, but even still it can be chaotic. I highly recommend this location for Voodoo Doughtnuts, The Chocolate Emporium, CowFish, the live entertainment and Margaritaville, but there are plenty of other great options as well.

Vanessa L.

Yelp

This place is always packed but at least there is something to do! We always pass city walk on the way to the parks and my kids always want to stop and eat here. It is just full of lights and extremely visually attractive. There are multiple restaurants everywhere. The only negative is that you have to make reservations to all restaurants and the wait times are normally long. However all the shops are here without even having to enter the parks. So you're able to check out universal before you go in or leave. There are also kiosks everywhere. As well as satélite bars set up to have a quick cocktail or beer before you go walking around. I do like coming here and hopefully will be back soon!

Erica O.

Yelp

If you are looking for a very nice dining experience, this is an area with lots of choices. If you are looking for something like "Disney Springs" with many stores for actual shopping - this is not it. There are 2 Universal souvenir stores and one Tattoo shop. Food choices are National names like Hard Rock Cafe, Margaritaville to a good number of restaurants unique to Universal. I wanted something unique so we ate at the Chocolate Emporium - Willy Wonka meets steampunk! Other choices from bbq to steak and seafood to Jamaican, Mexican, Asian etc. We picked up a few souvenirs as gifts but it was a short visit with not much to do.

Katie F.

Yelp

A MUST do when in the area - to explore, shop, eat and drink! We stopped in to get our wiggles out and proved to be the best decision! Pro Tip: Come after 6PM and parking is free! Otherwise, be prepared to pay for Theme Park Parking - at $30 a car.

Marissa G.

Yelp

My family and I went through Universal City Walk everyday as we entered Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure. There are stores and restaurants all along there. We ate at Cowfish which I recommend trying. We also ordered and picked up sandwiches from Bread Box. We went into Moe's Southwest Grill, ordered our food and took it to go. There are many other choices of food. They also have some stores that you can shop in with all kinds of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure Merchandise. I liked how it looked lit up once the sun went down. It's a cool place to check out.

George G.

Yelp

parking 32 to goto city walk what the heck disney is free!!!!!! their city walk compared to disney was an absolute joke seriously needs more places to eat more shopping and for free LAME

Robyn F.

Yelp

My sons & I really enjoy it. There's so much to do. There's mini golf & a movie theater. Hard Rock & a chocolate emporium. Dining, shopping & more. The grounds are upkept & the bathroom was clean as well. Always a good time & experience.

Lori B.

Yelp

I'll keep this short... my group of four ladies in our fifties took the ferry from Sapphire Falls to CityWalk around 11pm on a Saturday night in mid-May. We wanted desserts & drinks. Unfortunately, we only found a nightclub open & no food was available anywhere. I'm not sure where the crowds of people were going, but we gave up & took the ferry back to our resort where we enjoyed the alcohol we'd brought from home.

Nora M.

Yelp

Great area to enjoy, with food, shops, clubs, dessert spot, great atmosphere. It's always fun to hang out in this nice touristy area that is meant for both the locals and the tourist. Definitely recommend

Heather D.

Yelp

We had a great time! Go in and make sure you get tickets for the wax museum and the Ferris wheel, the Ferris wheel portion goes around once but there is a bar to purchase beers of coolers for the ride. You can hookup your Bluetooth to the car of the Ferris wheel and have a mini dance party inside. The whole area has all types of fun.. Ripleys believe it or not. - axe throwing, restaurants, bars and tons of shops in t

Sara G.

Yelp

Here again. Very cool that you get into City Walk free but it is packed and it's a Monday. There are so many chains. Hard to navigate local spots.

Kari C.

Yelp

For those that don't know what to expect when visiting Universal for the first time, here's a brief explanation of how City Walk connects the parks. Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are connected by Universal City Walk. Before arriving, Universal have a central security check point. From there either everyone goes to Universal or Islands of Adventure. City Walk is a promenade of shops, entertainment and restaurants. Guests are funneled past all of these attractions prior to entering the parks. One perk of City Walk is that it serves as an entertainment complex for guests staying nearby. Another perk is that souvenirs and other items can be found in the area as well. The two largest restaurants are Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Hard Rock Cafe.

Mari R.

Yelp

The worst experience ever!! Tonight went in to enjoy an occasion at rising star and was turned away because we had our faces painted, was told HHN wasn't allowing any masks or costumes but we weren't goin there we were trying to to enjoy the establishment Rising star in city walk. Security stopped us and said we would have to wash our face off even after asking the parking valet and paying $35!! He said we wouldn't have a problem but WE DID! The manager wouldn't even escort us to get a refund without removing the makeup?! This place over charges and sucks at providing proper information for guests! Would never return or host an occasion there ever!!!!

Victoria S.

Yelp

My boyfriend and I visited for a vacation at Hard Rock and we walked through the shops and ate at a few restaurants at citywalk. I appreciated how the ground outside was clean and there was a great variety of businesses. They are under construction right now, so quite a few shops are closed. Overall, a great experience!

Alli C.

Yelp

City Walk is the much-smaller equivalent of Disney Springs without the shopping, character or elevated culinary experiences. Most of the dinning is large commercial chains with an entertainment focus, and it mostly serves as the entrance for Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. I will say that like Disney Springs, City Walk is very clean and it is quite easy to walk in a fairly quick lap. The downside is, once you've been to any of the restaurants at City Walk, you've been to them all and there isn't a unique experience.

Amanda L.

Yelp

This is the front part of Universal Studios Resort where all the restaurants and shops are before you have to fork off and head to the entrance of either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. It truly does feel like a city/massive outdoor mall kind of feel and is just filled to the brim with food and drink and a movie theater! The options are endless and a bit overwhelming. And even with the sheer volume of options available, there can still be quite a bit of a wait at restaurants as you're leaving the park. You can definitely look on your Universal app to see which of these places at CityWalk you can order ahead from because that can typically help you plan ahead as well. I don't believe any of these spots really take reservations though, but you're bound to find a spot that can handle your party given just how many places there are here - fret not!

Skylar W.

Yelp

Chaotically busy on a Saturday evening, but overall had a pretty good experience. Free parking starts at 6 and we got there at like 5:55, but still got waved in. It's super touristy, everything is a million dollars, but it is pretty incredible. Lots of fun people watching, food, shops, and more!

Jay S.

Yelp

It's a great hang out area with lots of great places to eat, drink, and experience! There are tons of choices for food, entertainment and fun.

Tyler L.

Yelp

This is the shopping and dining area that you will walk through on the way to Universal Studios' entrance. As a result, you don't need to have tickets to the park to be here. Since my friend and I were staying at a hotel outside Universal's entrance, this area came in very handy. The choices are mainly popular American chains that you'd find in malls. Some fast food options are Starbucks, Moe's Southwest Grill, Panda Express and Cinnabon. Some of the full service restaurants are Margaritaville, Bubba Gump and Hard Rock Cafe. In addition, you will find a movie theater, mini golf, and souvenir shops. Having this shopping complex saved us the trouble of driving someplace at night.

Richa T.

Yelp

This is such a fun place to visit at night when you first come into Orlando or before/after your trips to Universal Studios. Pros: + Plenty of shops that are open very very early - before the parks even open. I highly recommend coming in early and getting some breakfast while you're waiting + Great Opportunity for photos - There are a bunch of cute options near the store fronts and of course the Universal Globe + No entrance fees IG: QueenOfAdventureNYC

Heather C.

Yelp

I loved my time at the Universal CityWalk. I highly recommend going here when you are in the Orlando area! There is lots of parking when you're approaching CityWalk. I am really not sure if it is paid parking or not, as I took an Uber but I would assume you need to pay something. As far as the Uber system...it is weird. They have fences everywhere and it is a big inconvenience for the drivers and the riders. You then have to go through security, which I actually liked, as it brings peace of mind. However, they could really figure out these lines. There isn't really any. It is just a big cluster of people squeezing through security. I visited Disney Springs quite a few times while I was in Orlando and thought it was the Bee's knees. When I first approached the Universal CityWalk, I thought it was massive! Once I did a loop around the lake, I realized it wasn't as big as I thought it was. However, there were perks to Universal CityWalk that I still really enjoyed. One of my first impressions was also the difference in pricing. I mean, it is still pretty pricey but I ended up getting a souvenir at CityWalk instead of anywhere else because it was only $30 something for a t shirt. I really loved seeing the lake and the boats on it. It was kind of fun to sit on the grass or benches, and hang out. They also had an assortment of foods to choose from, which was great. This is where I found Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville (I wrote a review about my experience on their page, specifically), they had a Voodoo Doughnuts with the longest line I have ever seen. I wanted to try Voodoo Doughnuts but could not justify the line. They had a really nice steak restaurant that I would've loved to try. The vibe in there seemed amazing! They also had Cowfish, which is has one of my favorite meals (you can also find my review on their business page). They had a chocolate factory, which had incredible curb appeal but was pretty underwhelming on the inside. The Hard Rock Cafe was cool on the inside and the outside but I never got the chance to eat there. I also thought the bar with the plane coming out of it was a cool little place. I also have a small story about my visit here, that I think is important. I got my aforementioned t shirt at the beginning of my visit to Universal CityWalk. I walked around the whole day with the bag in my hand. Then, when I am in the parking garage, about to get an Uber back to my hotel, I realize that I don't have my bag anymore...I must've left it somewhere. It's not the end of the world, as it's only a $30 shirt, but I was still stressed. Luckily, security let me go back in and look for the bag. I traced my steps and was able to find my shirt. I feel like this speaks volumes about the kind of place Universal CityWalk is. It was sitting in the same spot, untouched. Overall, Universal CityWalk was an awesome experience. The best part is that it was free and you didn't have to pay any kind of admission fee or anything. It was fun to walk around and check out all the shops but it definitely isn't as big or has a big selection, compared to Disney Springs. I still highly recommend going to Universal CityWalk at least once while you are in the area!

Lyn C.

Yelp

My husband and I have always enjoyed coming here throughout the years. Some of the stores and restaurants have changed but it's always fun to see what they have whenever we are in town. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to visit Universal studios or islands of adventure at this trip. We did stop by last night for a fun family evening stroll to do some shopping and eat at Cowfish with our 10 month old baby boy. One of the newer features we learned is that you can order food ahead of time using the Universal Studios app. This place offers an abundance amount of restaurant options and an AMC theater for an evening of fun. Shopping is light with a handful of stores and kiosks including the Universal Studios Store. There is on-site parking which is available. Universal Studios City Walk is a fun place to hang around with family and friends. If you're visiting the parks or just looking for an evening of fun, definitely stop by and check this place out.

Lucy H.

Yelp

Had fun walking around enjoying the shops, cute food kiosks and beautiful views. Will definitely be back to try ALL the restaurants

Vicki M.

Yelp

CityWalk was very busy early on a Saturday evening in December. All the restaurants had waits and lines. We were lucky to get a reservation at The Cowfish Sushi and Burger Bar. You can order food via the Universal Resort app. A section of CityWalk was closed off for private parties. Parking is free after 6:00 pm. The garage is convenient, exiting after dinner was easy. CityWalk was decorated nicely for the holidays.

Apple S.

Yelp

You need reservations at any place you want to go otherwise you have at least an hour wait in line to get in or you can just forget it. It was nice to walk around and see all the restaurants souvenirs stores etc. But I could not experience the restaurant I came for.

Joe S.

Yelp

This is a nice destination on it's own, but it's also the way you make your way to the amusement parks. You can eat, drink, eat, shop, eat, play, eat, sight see, eat, watch a show, eat, sing karaoke, and then grab a snack. There are sit down restaurants as well as some quick serve places as well (Like Burger King... really? Skip the fries, trust me). Parking isn't terrible but it's a bit of a walk to get from the parking garages to the CityWalk. Make sure you note where you parked. They do have moving walkways that help people along but stupid kids seem to play around on them and muck it all up for those of us trying to just get there. There's no admission fee for this area of Universal (other than parking), so you can spend some time and money here without the overhead of a park admission. It's also a good spot to grab a bite after you leave the parks. Some of the bars are open late, so the party doesn't have to stop after 11 consecutive rides on the Tonight Show ride!

Marjorie H.

Yelp

We often enjoy walking around City Walk and exploring everything it has to offer. From shops to food, there is something to be found for everyone!

Deb D.

Yelp

Lots of things to do and places to eat. The prices are quite high, which is why we didn't spend a lot of time here. However, the food choices are pretty abundant and the movie theater is a great place to take in a film. The Coconut Lounge was themed for Christmas, however, it didn't open at its regular 4 pm time so we missed it. Will catch it next year.

Denise B.

Yelp

Margaritaville was fun the drinks were refreshing the atmosphere was super fun The waitstaff was soo nice

Genesis T.

Yelp

Universal CityWalk Orlando is the Universal Resort's jam-packed entertainment district. There is a lot to do here. You can eat, drink, and shop. Whether you're searching for that perfect souvenir, grabbing drinka or have dinner after a day in the parks, or watch shows, there is something for everyone here. It is between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, Universal CityWalk serves as a hub to the entire resort. You don't just need to drive here - shuttles and water taxis also bring guests from the Universal and other nearby resorts. What I like most about the Orlando CityWalk is that its size and location make it easy to either tack it on to the end of your day in one of the parks or to spend an entire day there taking advantage of all the different entertainment, restaurants, and exploring all the shops, bars and clubs.

Alyssa H.

Yelp

Love city walk, pricey on the food but worth it. The Chocolate Emporium is great if you're into steampunk. Always a cool place to go and hang out. We get the crepes every visit to Universal Studios.

Sarah H.

Yelp

Every time we go to Universal Studios/Island Adventure we never have time to really check out Universal CityWalk Orlando. It always looks so lively, so we decided to go and solely check out the CityWalk. Our final opinion, meh, we weren't missing anything. Universal CityWalk Orlando is made up of shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and a mini golf course. The restaurants seem like the food could be better than what you get in the parks, but restaurants outside of the CityWalk would be even better. The only caveat to that is the VooDoo Doughnuts located on the CityWalk. Their donuts are amazing, and worth stopping and grabbing one on the way into the Universal Parks. There are a few good stores on the CityWalk but nothing you would need to make a special trip to the CityWalk for. If you run into a few on your way into or out of the Universal Parks, that's all you need. This is no Disney Springs. The absolute largest downfall of Universal CityWalk Orlando, which is reason alone why you should skip visiting it unless you are already visiting one of the Universal theme parks, is it costs $30 to park. It does not matter if you are not going into the theme parks, it costs $30 to park, unless you are going to see a movie. Overall, our solo trip to Universal CityWalk Orlando was very disappointing, and costly (parking). Fortunately, now we can stop wondering - there is nothing to see/do here beyond what you see on your way into/out of Universal Studios/Island Adventure.

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