Universal Orlando's CityWalk: A Great Place for a Night Out

Published: 06/26/2012 08:55:33 AM

The first Universal CityWalk was built as an expansion off of the original Universal Studios Hollywood park in California. After being such a success on the west coast, a CityWalk was added to the Universal Orlando Resort in 1999, as well. This Florida retail and entertainment area provides anyone looking for a fun time a perfect scene of southern nightlife.

Universal Has an Amazing Parking Garage

The entrance into the resort park is a unique one. Guests, whether they're there to shop and dine or to seek some thrills on rides, must park in a multi-story parking structure before moving near the park via covered moving sidewalk. This special touch helps ladies who are wearing higher shoes and are on a date to one of the Walk's fine restaurants as well as small children who may become tired from so much walking. As soon as the sidewalk ends, the magnificence of the Walk, also known as The Entertainment Capitol of Orlando, begins.

Dining on the Walk

As far as dining goes on the Walk, there are quite a few great restaurants to choose from. Located here is the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, which is one of the restaurant chains' largest locations. This dining hot spot serves top-notch cuisine and features music memorabilia from some of the biggest names in the music industry. Also in this dining Mecca is Emeril's Restaurant Orlando, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, NASCAR Sports Grille, and also Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, which was inspired by the 1994 Oscar-winning film 'Forrest Gump'. These and many other dining spots are located on this one strip, making it a place that can satisfy even the pickiest of palettes.

Entertainment on the Walk

Universal Orlando Resort Park is known for entertainment, and the Walk is no exception. A full-sized AMC theaters rests here with an adjoining IMAX theater. Hard Rock Live, a venue separated from the Walk's Hard Rock Cafe, features live musicians and performers daily. There's even TNA Wresting, a live wrestling show featuring professional TNA wrestlers. Just about anyone, young or old, could be entertained by the Walk's many different shows and performers.

Shopping on the Walk

Besides fine dining and entertainment, Universal's Walk is known also for its shopping destinations. It's quirky stores and boutiques range from Katie's Candy Co. to The Endangered Species Store and even a tattoo parlor. More practical shops are also available, including a Tommy Bahama and even a store that sells all fresh produce.

The Orlando Walk may have many different shops and music venues within it, but the building all look very similar with a very modern and chic design to them. This greatly helps the area to flow nicely without looking choppy and slapped together. The design of the Orlando Walk is much more modern that that of the Hollywood Walk, which mixes contemporary stylings with old-Hollywood ones.

Best Time to Visit the Walk

The best time to visit Universal Orlando's CityWalk is at night on a weeknight. This is usually the time when it is much less busy compared to on the weekends. But no matter when you go, the Walk is sure to satisfy and delight anyone seeking a bit of entertaining nightlife and maybe a bite or two to eat.

Be sure to visit the Universal Orlando Resort's Website for more information.

By Jeff Collins

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