Welcome To CityWalk

CityWalk in Orlando Florida is located at the entrance to Universal Resorts. In essence, this expansive area starts after you exit the hotels or parking garages and is hugged by Universal’s Islands of Adventure  on one side and Universal Studios on the other.  This lively space is a 30 + acres of shopping, dining and entertainment complex that welcomes you to the theme parks. It helps get you ready for your day or end it with a bang.  Comprised of  coffee shops, an epic mini golf course, a mega movie theater, restaurants, shops and bars,  it’s an entertainment district of it’s very own.

Quieter during the day, CityWalk really comes alive at night.   Crowds descend on the area, eager to see a show, or try a meal at one of the areas famous restaurants.

Some of the top family friend choices include The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar,  Emeril’s, Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food and of course the Hard Rock Cafe.  This Hard Rock Cafe is the biggest in the world!  CityWalk is also home to a half-dozen night clubs, frequently offering live entertainment.  Be sure to check the website for performances that may be happening during your vacation.

What not to miss:

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savoury Feast Kitchen:

Worthy of a splurge.

With a unique theme and storyline all it’s own this unique restaurant serves both lunch and dinner.  The menu is huge, perhaps even a bit overwhelming.  Offering a wide variety of dishes certain to please everyone in your party.  Dishes include various salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, pasta, fish and burgers.  However the real star of the show are the epic milkshakes.

They are true showstoppers!

Our choices included:

• Chocolate Banana Brain Freeze: Vanilla ice cream, banana extract, chocolate covered banana, whipped cream, cherry
• Chocolate X5: Chocolate ice cream, chocolate chunks, strawberries, chocolate sauce, fresh whipped cream, chocolate spirals, cherry
• Red Velvet:   Vanilla ice cream, Red Velvet cupcake, raspberry sauce, rainbow sprinkles, fresh whipped cream, cherry

Each milkshake was between $12- $13 and not one of us was able to finish our shake. The milkshakes do come in plastic cups so you do leave with a cute souvenir glass.

Insider Tip:  Consider going at “off hours”.  Think 2:30 in the afternoon between the lunch and dinner rush.  Waits to get into this unique restaurant can be up to 1  1/2  hours long.

The Blue Man Group.

Picture courtesy of Universal

The Blue Man Group is the kind of show you have to see to believe.  Flying marshmallows, splattering paint, giant balls, thumping music, and not a word spoken.  If you don’t want to be pulled up on stage, do not make eye contact with a Blue Man!  Performances from this hilarious trio will have you gasping, laughing and talking about it for days afterwards.

What you need to know about CityWalk:

• CityWalk is at the entrance to the parks
• There is no fee to enter CityWalk
• Most days it’s open 11am – 2am
• Free self-parking for all guests after 6pm

So pack your walking shoes, your credit card and your sense of adventure.  There’s lots to discover at CityWalk!