Discover Universal CityWalk in Orlando: Guide, Stores Attractions, Dining And 6 Tips Before You Go in 2025. Is It Worth It?

Hi! I just got back from Universal CityWalk in Orlando and it was AWESOME! There are so many cool restaurants, fun shops, and neat things to do there. I want to tell you all about it so you can plan your trip too!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about CityWalk in Orlando

Nope. CityWalk is completely free to enter and explore. You only need tickets to get into the actual theme parks.

Yes! Parking is free after 6 PM on most nights, except during special events like Halloween Horror Nights.

It depends on your taste! Vivo Italian Kitchen and Antojitos are among the best-rated options for a sit-down meal, while Voodoo Doughnut is a must for a sweet treat

Outside food and drinks are not allowed, except for small snacks and bottled water.

Mornings and early afternoons are less crowded. Evenings are lively but can be very busy, especially on weekends.

Yup! There are lots of family-friendly restaurants, the mini-golf, movies, and cool shops.

CityWalk is always open late! Some places like Red Coconut Club are open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 PM to midnight. Restaurants have different hours.

Cowfish is good for picky eaters, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is fun with the Forrest Gump theme. Pizza at Red Oven is also a safe bet!

Epic Universe (opening May 22, 2025) is not connected to CityWalk. You need to take a bus to get there. Universal also operates Volcano Bay water park, which requires separate transportation from CityWalk as well.

Hot Dog Hall of Fame is one of the cheapest options at about $10 per person. Red Oven Pizza is also relatively affordable.

What Is CityWalk?

CityWalk is a big entertainment area between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks. It opened in 1999 and everyone who visits these parks walks through CityWalk to get to them. You’ll often see excited families heading to catch the Hogwarts Express between the two parks. The best part? It’s FREE to walk around and explore!

You don’t need a ticket to get into CityWalk. You only need to pay if you want to eat at a restaurant, buy something from a store, or do an activity like mini-golf.

Getting There

To get to CityWalk, you need to:

  • Park in the Universal parking garage
  • Go through security
  • Walk across the path to enter CityWalk

Or you can:

  • Take a water taxi if you’re staying at one of the Universal hotels like Royal Pacific
  • Take a bus from some of the other Universal hotels

Dining at CityWalk

10 Sit-Down Restaurants

  • The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium – This place looks like a chocolate factory with steampunk decorations! They have giant milkshakes with cakes on top. One kid said, “they’re prettier than they taste” and were “really bland.”
  • Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar – They have sushi AND burgers! One person recommends “the crab rangoon dip” and “the Flamin’ salmon roll and the Rise and Swine Burger.”
  • Antojitos Authentic Mexican – People say this place has really good, authentic Mexican food. “I mean yeah more authentic that I’ve had in Orlando.” They make fresh tamales and chimmy changas!
  • Vivo Italian Kitchen – They make fresh pasta right in front of you! “I would pick Vivo before Cowfish,” one person said.
  • Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom – This restaurant looks like Bob Marley’s house from Jamaica! They have Jamaican food and live reggae music.
  • Bubba Gump Shrimp Company – Based on the movie “Forrest Gump” with lots of shrimp dishes. The servers quiz you on Forrest Gump trivia!
  • Hard Rock Cafe – This is the “world’s largest Hard Rock Cafe!” One person ate there “over 20 times in the last 15 years and never had a bad experience.”
  • Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville – Try the “volcano nachos” which are “the best at CityWalk” and “huge!”
  • NBC Sports Grill & Brew – Great for watching sports games and drinking beer. They even have cornhole boards outside!
  • Big Fire – They cook food over a wood fire. Good for steaks and burgers. “They have a tableside s’mores for $19.”

Quick Food Places

  • Red Oven Pizza Bakery – “Home to the best pizza that you’re going to find at all of Universal Orlando”
  • Voodoo Donut – They have “50 of the craziest and the best donuts”
  • Hot Dog Hall of Fame – Try the “Kansas City combo dog and a side of chili cheese fries”
  • Bread Box – Sandwich shop (but one person said it “took forever to receive the sandwiches”)
  • Ben & Jerry’s – Ice cream
  • Starbucks – Coffee (gets “crazy long” lines in the morning)
  • Cold Stone Creamery – Ice cream with mix-ins
  • Moe’s Southwest Grill – Mexican food
  • Panda Express – Chinese food
  • Burger King Whopper Bar – Make your own Whopper with 20+ toppings!
  • Menchie’s – Frozen yogurt with toppings (but “the toppings do get very expensive”)
Universal CityWalk Orlando Guide Pros Cons Tips Dining

Entertainment and Attractions

Beyond dining, CityWalk offers plenty of entertainment options:

  • Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf – A fun, themed mini-golf experience with two courses: one based on sci-fi and the other on classic horror movies.
  • Universal Cinemark – A state-of-the-art movie theater where you can catch the latest films.
  • CityWalk’s Rising Star – A karaoke bar where you can sing your heart out with a live band.
  • Universal’s Great Movie Escape – Two immersive escape room experiences themed around Jurassic World and Back to the Future.
  • Live Music and Bars – CityWalk features numerous bars and clubs, including Fat Tuesday, Bob Marley’s Tribute to Freedom, and Pat O’Brien’s for New Orleans-style fun.

Shopping at CityWalk

If you’re looking for souvenirs, CityWalk has plenty of shopping options, including:

  • Universal Studios Store – A massive store featuring merchandise from Harry Potter, Minions, Super Nintendo World, and more.
  • Universal Legacy Store – A nostalgic shop filled with memorabilia and vintage Universal merchandise.
  • Quiet Flight Surf Shop – For those looking to pick up some beachwear and surf-inspired apparel.
  • Fossil – A great place to find stylish watches and accessories.

6 Tips for Visiting Universal CityWalk Orlando – Before You Go

1. Parking

Parking costs money, but it’s per car (not per person). After 6 PM, you can get free parking if you go to the movie theater. Or you can get your parking money back if you buy two movie tickets during the day.

2. Reservations

Make reservations for restaurants if you can. Some get really busy.

3. Budgeting

Dining at CityWalk can be pricey, so plan accordingly. Some quick-service options, like Panda Express and Moe’s Southwest Grill, offer more affordable meals.

4. Early and Late Visits

CityWalk is much less crowded in the morning and early afternoon. Evenings can be very busy, especially on weekends.

5. Mobile Ordering

Some locations offer mobile ordering, which can save you time waiting in line.

6. Universal App

To check out the full menu for all the restaurants at CityWalk, we recommend downloading the Universal Orlando app. This app is very easy to use, and you can even make reservations for certain restaurants.

EXTRA TIP

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Summary

Whether you’re stopping by for a meal after a day at Universal or spending an evening exploring the entertainment and shops, Universal CityWalk is a fantastic place to visit. With so many food options, attractions, and unique experiences, there’s always something new to discover! Have a good time there – wish you ShinyandSpotless team!