Universal CityWalk Orlando
Universal CityWalk Orlando: A vibrant entertainment district with dining, shopping, and nightlife, perfect for a night out without a park ticket.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, live music
Universal CityWalk Orlando
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, live music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Universal CityWalk Orlando: A vibrant entertainment district with dining, shopping, and nightlife, perfect for a night out without a park ticket.
"It's not just for tourists!"
🎯 Skip the Park Ticket
CityWalk is free to enter! Enjoy dining & entertainment without a park ticket.
🚗 Smart Parking Options
Free parking after 6 PM at Volcano Bay. On-site hotels offer water taxi access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
Universal CityWalk Orlando
Indulge in decadent milkshakes and steampunk-themed dining. A must-visit for sweet tooths!
Voodoo Doughnut
Universal CityWalk Orlando
Experience wild, over-the-top doughnuts with unique flavors. A sweet treat you won't forget!
Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf
Universal CityWalk Orlando
Challenge friends to a glow-in-the-dark mini golf adventure with a retro, spooky theme.
Live Music & Entertainment
Various venues on CityWalk
Enjoy live bands at Hard Rock Cafe or test your vocal cords at the Rising Star karaoke bar.
Planning Your Visit
Skip the Park Ticket for a Night Out
Parking Strategy is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Skip the Park Ticket
CityWalk is free to enter! Enjoy dining & entertainment without a park ticket.
🚗 Smart Parking Options
Free parking after 6 PM at Volcano Bay. On-site hotels offer water taxi access.
🍩 Don't Miss Voodoo Doughnut
Try unique, creative doughnuts for a sweet treat.
🎤 Karaoke Night at Rising Star
Sing your heart out with a live band for a fun, memorable experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Skip the Park Ticket
CityWalk is free to enter! Enjoy dining & entertainment without a park ticket.
🚗 Smart Parking Options
Free parking after 6 PM at Volcano Bay. On-site hotels offer water taxi access.
🍩 Don't Miss Voodoo Doughnut
Try unique, creative doughnuts for a sweet treat.
🎤 Karaoke Night at Rising Star
Sing your heart out with a live band for a fun, memorable experience.
⛳ Mini Golf Fun
Enjoy a round of glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Hollywood Drive-In.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Universal CityWalk Orlando's vibrant atmosphere, diverse dining options, and entertainment choices, making it a popular spot for evenings out. While parking can be a drawback, the free after-hours parking and convenient on-site hotel access mitigate this. Some find the food prices a bit high compared to other Orlando entertainment districts.
"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."
Tanya Fook-Marshall
"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."
Mustafa A
"What can I say! This brought back so many childhood memories! The Simpson’s!!! Moe’s bar!!!! I would have never thought I would be sitting in his bar!!! Marvel!!!
We did Epic, the Universal, then CETERA rented out Universal for the night for us! So awesome!!!😎
To really explore and experience Universal, two days minimum, but really three days to enjoy it without rushing!
If you are a Gen X, Early Millennial, you don’t want to miss this! Also, if you are military or veteran, Shades of Green has deals for you and your family!"
R. Andrew Yarbrough
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive and park in the Universal Orlando Resort garages, take an Uber/Lyft, or if staying at an on-site hotel, use the complimentary water taxi or shuttle services. Staying at a premier on-site hotel like Hard Rock or Royal Pacific offers the most convenient access via water taxi.
Yes, parking is free at the Volcano Bay garage after 6 PM, with a shuttle service to CityWalk. Otherwise, regular parking is $27 and prime parking is $60.
Walking to CityWalk from off-site hotels is generally not feasible due to distance. It's recommended to use ride-sharing services or drive and park.
Staying at an on-site hotel with water taxi access is the best way to avoid the long walk. Valet parking also significantly cuts down the walking distance.
Yes, there is a shuttle service from the Volcano Bay parking garage to CityWalk for those utilizing the free after 6 PM parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Universal CityWalk Orlando is a free entertainment district and does not require a park ticket for entry.
CityWalk generally opens in the morning and stays open late, with specific hours varying by venue. It's best to check the official Universal Orlando website for the most up-to-date hours.
There is no admission fee to enter Universal CityWalk Orlando itself. You only pay for individual attractions, dining, and shopping.
Yes, Universal CityWalk Orlando serves as the gateway to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. You will need a separate park ticket to enter the theme parks.
The EPIC Universe Preview Center is typically free to visit and offers a glimpse into the upcoming park.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular choices include Toothsome Chocolate Emporium for unique milkshakes and desserts, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar for creative fusion, and NBC Sports Grill & Brew for 'birria wings'. 
Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's recommended to check menus online or ask your server for specific recommendations. Bend the Bao is a good option for plant-based choices.
Try the 'Volcano Nachos' at Margaritaville, the 'Crab Rangoon Dip' at The Cowfish, or the 'Tableside S'mores' at Bigfire. Voodoo Doughnut offers incredibly creative and over-the-top doughnuts.
Yes, Voodoo Doughnut is perfect for a quick, sweet treat. Bend the Bao offers delicious bao buns, and many other venues have grab-and-go options.
Several venues offer happy hour specials. The Lone Palm Airport, part of Margaritaville, is known for its margaritas.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Entertainment
CityWalk features a variety of shops, including clothing stores like Billabong, souvenir shops, and specialty stores.
Yes, there is an AMC movie theater located at Universal CityWalk Orlando, offering the latest film releases.
CityWalk offers a vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs. Rising Star is a popular karaoke bar where you can sing with a live band.
Besides dining, families can enjoy Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf and the various shops.
Yes, venues like the Hard Rock Cafe often feature live music.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant architecture, colorful Voodoo Doughnuts, and the iconic Universal globe are great photo opportunities. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium's exterior and interior offer unique backdrops.
Yes, CityWalk is generally pedestrian-friendly with plenty of open spaces and interesting visual elements, making it easy to capture great shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require permits. Always be mindful of other guests.
Both daytime and nighttime offer different photographic opportunities. Daytime provides natural light, while nighttime brings out the vibrant lights and neon signs.
Yes, you can typically take photos inside restaurants for personal use, especially of your food and the unique decor.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is a hit with children, not only for its whimsical steampunk decor but also for its over-the-top milkshakes and sweet treats. Exploring the unique Voodoo Doughnut shop can also be an exciting experience for younger visitors, marveling at the colorful and creative doughnut designs. When planning your visit, consider the parking situation. Utilizing the free parking at Volcano Bay after 6 PM can be a budget-friendly option for an evening out.
💑 Couples & Date Nights
Consider catching a movie at the AMC CityWalk 20 for a classic date night.
+1 Many visitors find CityWalk to be a great alternative to Disney Springs for a lively evening out, especially if they are already at Universal Orlando Resort. 💰 Budget Travelers
Look for venues that offer happy hour specials for discounted drinks and appetizers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Dining Delights at CityWalk
For a unique fusion, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar offers a playful mix of sushi and burgers, with standout items like their Crab Rangoon Dip. Beyond the popular spots, don't overlook some of the 'hidden gems' mentioned by visitors. The birria wings at NBC Sports Grill & Brew, served with a flavorful guajillo chili dipping sauce, have been praised for their unique twist.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Beyond music and karaoke, CityWalk offers other engaging activities. Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf provides a fun, competitive experience with its glow-in-the-dark, retro-themed courses, perfect for families and groups.
For movie buffs, the AMC CityWalk 20 theater screens the latest blockbusters, offering a classic entertainment option. Navigating Parking and Access
For those driving in, especially if aiming to avoid the lengthy walk from the parking structure to the CityWalk entrance, valet parking is an option that significantly reduces the distance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit