Shop, dine and have fun at Universal CityWalk

Shopping, dining and entertainment are all on the menu over at Orlando’s Universal CityWalk. This entertainment and retail district just outside the parks opened in 1999 as a part of the expansion of Universal Orlando Resort, and from here you can access Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure, so take a diversion from the theme parks and step into this exploration of Universal’s ‘Epicenter of Awesome’.

Pick up some memorabilia of your holiday at Universal Studios Store as you collect a variety of branded merchandise, including clothing, mugs and magnets. There will be something for every budget to take home as a gift for friends, or even just for yourself! A more permanent memento of your Florida trip could come at Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company, where some of the country’s top tattoo artists work. If you don’t fancy a permanent inking you can always purchase some of the store’s exclusive clothing and accessories instead!

How about a round of mini-golf? With two fun-filled 18-hole courses available at Hollywood Drive-In Golf you are bound to have a great time playing against your family! Paying homage to cheesy sci-fi and horror films of the 1950s, you can choose between the aptly-named ‘The Haunting of Ghostly Greens’ or ‘Invaders from Planet Putt’, or if you can’t choose, why not do both courses - before it’s time for ‘tee’!

Dining on Universal CityWalk

From dinner in the world’s largest Hard Rock Cafe to a quick sugary treat from CityWalk’s newest restaurant, Voodoo Doughnut, the wide selections of restaurants and eateries mean that there is bound to be something to suit the taste of even the pickiest of diners.

If you have a sweet tooth you’ll want to head over to the iconic steampunk-inspired Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. We’ve looked at this venue in our blog Sweet treats for your Orlando holiday, which you can read here >. It isn’t just desserts and chocolate dishes that you can enjoy here – there are plenty of classic dishes on the menu too, and it’s worth a visit just to take in the spectacle!

Fancy something spicy? Look no further than Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, where you can dine on authentic Mexican street food. The heat is on as you are whisked south of the border to enjoy favourites such as tacos and fajitas alongside traditional dishes, and on select evenings you could be serenaded by a live Mariachi band.

Music restaurants on Universal CityWalk

If you love music while you dine, you might want to check out Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. Enjoy a variety of dishes including burgers, shrimp and fish tacos at this chilled-out homage to island life; if you still have room for pudding check out the signature Chocolate Hurricane dessert! As the name suggests margaritas are a big part of the appeal here, with ten variations available to try. Sip a drink while live musicians play covers of songs by Jimmy Buffett, and wait for the eruption of margarita at the Volcano Bar.

Hard Rock Cafe is known across the globe, and you won’t want to miss the chance to visit the Orlando restaurant, which is the largest in the world. After your meal, pick up some official Hard Rock merchandise and marvel at iconic musical memorabilia including Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas costume and Buddy Holly’s iconic glasses.

More music history is on display at Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom, which was developed in collaboration with the Bob Marley Foundation and his widow Rita Marley to faithfully recreate his home in Jamaica. Look at exhibits, photos and video clips of his life to discover more about a musical legend, before grabbing something to eat from the Jamaican-inspired menu, which includes jerk chicken and oxtail stew. If you are at the restaurant in the evening, you’ll also be treated to the music of a DJ and live reggae band.

Other dining options on Universal CityWalk:

• Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co - Seafood restaurant with a Forest Gump theme
• The Cowfish - Sushi and burger bar
• Hot Dog Hall of Fame - The USA's most iconic hot dogs
• NBC Sports Grill & Brew - Sports-dining experience with nearly 100 HD screens
• Vivo Italian Kitchen - Celebrate the beauty of true Italian cuisine
• Pat O'Brien's - Reproduction of the famous New Orleans bar
• Burger King Whopper Bar - The World's first build-you-own Whopper Bar

Entertainment on Universal CityWalk

If you want to relax for a few hours after a busy day, then Universal Cinemark is the best place to catch all the latest film releases, with all theatres including 4K digital projection. If however, the night is still young and dancing and singing are for you, then CityWalk has a few venues you are bound to want to check out. Put on your glad rags and head over to the multi-level nightclub the groove, which is popular with locals and holidaymakers alike. With themed bars, a wall of video screens and stunning views from the balcony terrace you will party the night away in style!

Be the star of the show as you take centre-stage at CityWalk’s Rising Star. This is a high-octane karaoke club where vocalists who are brave enough to step up to the musical challenge will be accompanied by backing singers and a live band (or on Sunday and Monday a recorded track), as they belt out their favourite tunes.

If you aren’t much of a performer you might want to see a show at Hard Rock Live Orlando, where you will be able to see top names in comedy and music in the 3000-seat auditorium. Another choice is to get tickets to the world-renowned Blue Man Group show, which has been wowing Orlando audiences here since 2007. If you are a fan of the Blue Man Group you can even buy a VIP ticket which will give you exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the theatre, along with a private meet-and-greet with one of the Blue Men, the chance to play one of their instruments and much more.

So, after a busy day at the parks, why not stop off to see what CityWalk has to offer? You could even skip the theme parks and spend a whole day shopping till you drop, grabbing a bite to eat, then partying into the small hours! With free parking after 6:00pm, whatever you choose to do, you are bound to have a great time!

We’ve only looked at a few of the shops, eateries and entertainment that you can find if you visit CityWalk; there is plenty more to see and do, though if you do plan on heading to the bars and clubs you’ll want to check the age restrictions in place, and make sure that you have valid ID with you!