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Universal CityWalk at Orlando is that area between the parking lots and both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, so for many people it seems like an afterthought, but let´s talk a bit about Universal CityWalk itself in this review.
Universal CityWalk is an area filled with restaurants, shops and entertainment hotspots that may get overlooked when planning a trip to Orlando but it has a lot to offer for very reasonable prices… also, you´re already there so no extra parking fees if you came by car, and you have a shuttle if you are staying in the park hotels.
As an example, you could pick up a PartyPass for twelve bucks that allows you to enter The Groove, Margaritaville and do some karaoke on the same night… and, if you have a Park to Park ticket, it is included in what you´ve already paid.
A view of the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal CityWalk Orlando.
Photo Credit: Dayana Barrionuevo.
Eateries at Universal CityWalk
There are a lot of great options to eat at Universal CityWalk and all of them are in an ok price range.
The Cowfish offers sushi and burgers, Vivo Italian Kitchen offers pasta, Antojitos offers mexican food, then there´s the Hot Dog Hall of Fame, Red Oven Pizza Bakery, Emeril´s by famed chef Emeril Lagasse (this is on the pricey part of the options), Jimmy Buffett´s Margaritaville for caribbean style and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co for some Southern Comfort food.
Stores and Shops at Universal CityWalk
The stores don´t carry many offers and you will probably have better luck if you try the outlets, but there is still a lot of options, and a Universal Studios Store for any merchandising you didn´t get inside the parks.
Entertainment at Universal CityWalk
There´s an IMAX movie theatre you can check out, there´s the Rising Star karaoke club with live music, two nightclubs in The Groove and Red Coconut and a mini golf called Hollywood Mini Golf (do you believe me if I say I never played mini golf in my life? Well… next March on my new trip to Orlando I will definitely hit the mini fields).
Shows at Universal CityWalk
Blue Man Group: Another on my To Do List. I wish I can make it on the next trip in March. It is an iconic musical act that plays every night.
Everything at once at Universal CityWalk
There are two places that are restaurant, shop and have shows all in the same place: Hard Rock Cafe and NBC Sports Grill and Brew.
As you can see, there are tons of options to hang out while you are still outside the parks. I hope this review is useful for your Orlando vacation planning, and let me know if you have any answers. You can also follow me on Twitter for more travel tips and reviews.