TICKETS FOR UNIVERSAL CITYWALK’S UNPARALLELED NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION ON-SALE NOW
Celebration features access to six Universal CityWalk venues, unlimited gourmet cuisine,
six unique party zones and Orlando’s biggest outdoor dance floor
On Dec. 31, 2014, guests can experience non-stop entertainment at EVE, Universal CityWalk’s unparalleled New Year’s celebration. With unique party zones – each featuring their own entertainment and signature drinks, access to six different clubs with live music and unlimited gourmet cuisine, EVE will be the place to ring in the New Year.
Partygoers can celebrate all night on Orlando’s biggest outdoor dance floor, built just for this event. When midnight strikes, guests will kiss 2014 goodbye in style with a champagne toast, and enjoy a pyrotechnics display with incredible special effects.
Tickets for CityWalk New Year’s Eve Celebration are on-sale now for $129.99 plus tax.
Admission includes access to:
Unlimited gourmet cuisine, including jumbo shrimp, roast sirloin, custom desserts and more
Six unique outdoor party zones with entertainment and signature drinks
Orlando’s largest outdoor dance floor, featuring live music from DJ M-Squared on a 360˚ DJ platform
Six Universal CityWalk venues, including: Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Pat O’Brien’s, the groove, Rising Star and Red Coconut Club
DISCLOSURE: I was an invited guest of the Universal Orlando Resort, and I was provided with admission, lodging, and promotional items for sharing my opinions, experiences, and thoughts. All opinions are my own.
CityWalk, at the Universal Orlando Resort, has always been an exciting nighttime destination in Orlando, however over the last eight months seven new and two enhanced venues have really brought new life to this bustling area!
This epic CityWalk expansion was the product of a nationwide search for culinary concepts that included a mix of established national brands, up-and-coming concepts and Universal’s own creations. The new venues all share an overall theme that includes inviting common areas, al fresco dining, open kitchens and more.
Antojitos Construction earlier this year
Over the past months, we have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time exploring the new additions to CityWalk and are anxiously awaiting our chance to try ‘Burgushi’ at The Cowfish.
So join us as we take a look around the new and enhanced CityWalk Venues with some great photos from Betsy Bates!
A closer look at the CityWalk Expansion
Red Oven Pizza Bakery
Take a quick trip to Italy for authentic, artisan pizza–made fresh, while you wait–at Universal CityWalk’s first-ever Neopolitan-style pizza bakery. The combination of the highest quality ingredients and a traditional 900-degree stone-lined oven ensures every slice is pizza perfection.
The menu at Red Brick Oven Pizza Bakery features some really yummy pizza combinations, fresh salads, and beverages.
The outside seating area is really relaxed and covered to shield you from the rain and sun!
I’ve really enjoyed the Alla Benno red pizza! It’s a really great combination of sweet, salty, and spicy!
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
Take a journey through the cantinas, street carts, and markets of Mexico for unique tapas-style dining at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food. Only the freshest ingredients are used to create craveable, made from scratch Mexican street fare in an environment of unmatched authenticity.
I adore Antojitos!
The authentic Mexican Cuisine and specialty drinks are served up in a vibrant environment of art and music! The downstairs of Antojitos has a more relaxed feel, while the upstairs dining area has the vibe of a fancy family meal!
You can check out my post on icFlorida.com from the opening of Antojitos in February!
Hot Dog Hall of Fame
Strike out your hunger at Hot Dog Hall of Fame with some of the most iconic hot dog creations from our nation’s most famous ballparks. Take a seat in the bleachers and enjoy a loaded Chicago dog with all the toppings, a perfectly charred Boston brat, a monster LA dog and more.
The seating for the Hot Dog Hall of Fame lets you know that you are definitely in for a unique and fun experience when you choose to eat here!
If you are a mustard lover, you will definitely want to visit the Hot Dog Hall of Fame to try all of their mustard creations!
The Cowfish
Innovative sushi joins forces with creative burgers for an untraditional dining experience at this reincarnation of the popular North Carolina hotspot. The result: “Burgushi”. A cutting-edge fusion of burger and sushi, burgushi items include sushi rolls created using burger components and sandwiches created using sushi elements.
During the Orlando CityWalk announcement in December, nothing garnered as much interest as an item called ‘burgushi’, which is a burger topped with sushi elements, and I seriously cannot wait to give it a try!!!!!!
Vivo
Immerse yourself in the essence of modern Italian cuisine at this new restaurant created by Universal Orlando. Watch as the culinary team handcrafts your pasta from scratch to create fresh takes on classic dishes in a clean, contemporary dining atmosphere.
We had the chance to dine at the VIVO Italian Kitchen during our Diagon Alley FAM trip, and it was amazing! The food is rustic and comforting with a flair for the unexpected!
I will be sharing more about our meal at VIVO soon!
Bread Box
With a Bread Box sandwich, you’ll be transported back to your childhood kitchen or your favorite street corner deli. Here you’ll find that the combination of quality meats and vegetables, fresh bread, and simple preparation can transform a sandwich into something more.
While I haven’t gotten the chance to try Bread Box yet, it has a really fun vibe and sandwiches that look amazing!
I seriously want to try ALL of the grilled cheese Bread Boxes!!!!
Cold Stone Creamery
For more than 25 years, Cold Stone Creamery has served up the finest, freshest ice cream, cakes, smoothies and shakes using only the highest quality ingredients and their signature process of preparing your custom ice cream creation on a frozen granite stone.
Is there really anything better than Coldstone on a hot Florida day??? It is really great to have this familiar favorite as a new venue in CityWalk!
Menchie’s
One of the world’s most popular frozen yogurt shops is coming to Universal CityWalk. The dream was to create a place where people from all walks of life and ages could enjoy themselves—not only with great tasting, quality frozen yogurt and an expansive self-serve toppings bar, but with a unique experience in a fun and happy environment that makes you smile.
I know that my daughter LOVES that Menchie’s has been added to CityWalk!!! We used to climb the ramp and stairs to go to TCBY, but now I notice that no matter how tired she is Zoe zips up there quicker!
The Menchie’s location has a good amount of indoor seating, a large assortment of both topics and yogurt flavors, and a staff that is crazy friendly.
Universal Orlando Annual Passholders also receive a discount here, so make sure that you show your pass at the register!
Starbucks
While there has always been a Starbucks located in CityWalk, their new venue is full of indoor and outdoor seating and is beautiful inside!
I cannot tell you how excited I about the expanded seating areas and the fact that it is on the ‘first’ floor of CityWalk!
Starbucks is our go-to place to grab a bite of breakfast before heading into the parks, and it is so easy to pop in and out of now! We love it!
Universal Studios Store
The new and improved Universal Studios Store is an absolute welcome addition to CityWalk!
They carry a huge variety of park merchandise in one place, and it has been a trip-saver for us on more than one occasion!
All of these new venues have really brought a new life to CityWalk at the Universal Orlando Resort, and I seriously can’t wait to explore and try them some more!
What is your favorite venue at CityWalk?
It’s never a dull moment at the Universal Orlando Resort, so make sure that you keep up with the latest news by following the Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
‘Tis the Season to Create Lasting Family Memories at Universal Orlando Resort’s 2014 Holidays Celebration
Universal Orlando’s Holiday Offerings to include Grinchmas, Macy’s Holiday Parade and Electrifying Holiday Concerts by Mannheim Steamroller
Hotel Rates Now Available Featuring Savings of up to 30 Percent at Universal Orlando’s On-Site Hotels
Universal Orlando Resort is the perfect place for families to spend the holiday season. In addition to the pulse-pounding attractions and unforgettable experiences found at the theme parks, families can build lifelong memories together at Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration.
Beginning Dec. 6 and running daily through Jan. 3, the Holidays at Universal Orlando features one-of-a-kind traditions for guests from one to 92 throughout the destination. At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, families will light up with holiday cheer as Grinchmas comes to life throughout Seuss Landing. Guests can enjoy a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale, “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” featuring the Whos from Who-ville, accompanied by an original musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. Guests can also meet The Grinch and the Whos and on select dates, enjoy a special breakfast with the characters.
At Universal Studios Florida, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will fill the streets every evening with the same larger-than-life balloons seen in Macy’s famous Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. This year, you won’t want to miss the Chloe The Clown “Balloonicle,” a new addition to the parade that combines a towering balloon with a self-powered vehicle that roams the streets of Universal Studios. Guests will also enjoy colorful holiday characters, fantasy-filled floats and a tree-lighting ceremony by Santa Claus.
This year, the masters of modern Christmas music—Mannheim Steamroller—will return to the stage to spread Christmas cheer. With more than 40 million albums sold worldwide, the acclaimed musical group will take to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios on select nights to perform their memorable holiday hits. Performance nights are Dec. 6, 7, 14, 15, 20 and 21.
All theme park holiday entertainment—including Mannheim Steamroller—is included with Park-to-Park admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
During their holiday experience, guests can also enjoy the extraordinary attractions and exhilarating entertainment that can only be found at Universal Orlando’s two theme parks – including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure and TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the all-new, spectacularly-themed environment, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. This incredibly immersive area features shops, dining experiences and the next generation thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and expands upon The Wizarding of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, found at Islands of Adventure. Guests with Park-to-Park admission can journey between both lands aboard the Hogwarts Express, the iconic steam locomotive from the Harry Potter books and films.
New Year’s Eve at Universal CityWalk
It’s never too early to plan how you’ll ring in the New Year. At Universal’s CityWalk, guests can experience a dynamic New Year’s Eve celebration which includes non-stop entertainment, unique party zones—each with their own entertainment and signature drinks—along with six different clubs with live music, unlimited gourmet cuisine, and Orlando’s largest dance floor. Information about New Year’s Eve event tickets will be released at a later date.
For a memorable getaway, guests can take advantage of the following Universal Orlando Holiday Resort offer:
Offer
Details
SAVE up to 30% at one of our Spectacular On-Site Hotels**
**Minimum 3-night stay
Stay more nights and save up to 30% at on-site hotels, including Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Average Nightly Rates as low as $106 per adult, per night
Deluxe on-site hotel guests enjoy even more benefits, including Free Universal Express Unlimited ride access so you can SKIP THE REGULAR THEME PARK LINES in both parks– a value of up to $89 per person, per day!
On-site hotel guests receive Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme parks open and complimentary on-site transportation to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk
For more information on the Holidays at Universal Orlando, vacation packages and ticket offers, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/holidays
About Universal Orlando Resort Vacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts. It is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending time as a family. Together, you can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, become a Minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and join Optimus Prime in the fight to save mankind on the new mega-attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. And now, you can step into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Universal Orlando Resort is home to two incredible theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure; four magnificently themed on-site hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and the newest addition, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort; and Universal CityWalk – a unique dining and entertainment complex featuring one-of-a-kind restaurants, shops and nightclubs. And located just minutes from Universal Orlando Resort is Wet n’ Wild, Orlando’s premier waterpark.
Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company. Follow Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
With the start of a new year and with so much going on after the holidays, I thought it would be a great time to restart our Week in Review and play a little catch up on this week’s highlights and news from the Orlando and Central Florida Attractions and Venues!
Week in Review – December 30, 2013 to January 3, 2014
Walt Disney World Resort
The Disney Parks Blog announced a new contest where you can win a 5-day/4-night vacation for four to either the Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort.
We’ve just launched disney.com/resolutions where Disney celebrities are sharing how they plan to resolve to spend more time with family in 2014. A new video will be uploaded everyday in January.
On disney.com/resolutions, we are also awarding a vacation-a-day from December 31, 2013 through January 31, 2014! So enter every day for your chance to win because this is the year to spend more quality time with the people you love most. Good luck!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open only to individuals, who are, as of Entry, legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S., D.C., Puerto Rico or Canada (excluding Quebec) and who are not Minors. Sweepstakes starts 12:01 AM (EST) on 12/31/13 and ends 11:59:59 PM (EST) on 1/31/14. Click here for Official Rules.
runDisney
With Walt Disney World Marathon weekend right around the corner, runDisney was everywhere when they released details about the Limited Edition runDisney 2014 New Balance shoes!
With construction on Diagon Alley ramping up, A Celebration of Harry Potter drawing close, Cabana Bay opening reservations being taken, and CityWalk undergoing a HUGE transformation, the Universal Orlando Resort is buzzing with energy!
Diagon Alley Construction on December 29, 2013.
I don’t know about you, but I am so excited for everything that is coming to the Universal Orlando Resort!!!
SeaWorld Orlando
January is Passholder appreciation month at SeaWorld Orlando, and they are offering some great deals!
Bring a friend for FREE! SeaWorld® Orlando Pass Members receive a friend for free ticket*. Online registration is required. Valid for one single-day admission by January 31, 2014. Register Now.
Double Your Discount**
Save 20% on dining in all of our cafeteria-style restaurants
Save 20% on merchandise in our gift shops
*Pass Member must be present for guest to gain admittance. Free ticket offer valid for active SeaWorld Orlando 1-Year, 2-Year and FL Platinum Pass Members. Not valid for Fun Cards, Teacher’s Study Passes or Friends & Family Passes. Free ticket is non-transferable, not for resale and may be revoked for misuse.
**Offer only valid between Jan. 1-31, 2014. Must present active SeaWorld Orlando 1-Year, 2-Year, or FL Platinum Pass to receive savings. Not valid with any other discounts or offers. Not valid on All-Day Dining offers. Merchandise offer valid for in-park purchases only.
Amway Center
The Circus is coming to town!
Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus LEGENDS is coming to the Amway Center January 9-12, but Monday the circus train rolls into Orlando. Fantastic photo opportunities will be available as the Ringling Bros. pachyderm performers parade to the Amway Center.
The Ringling Bros.animal performers will unload at 8:00 p.m. and walk beginning at 8:30 p.m. Animals will unload at railroad tracks near 1035 W. Amelia, then travel east on Amelia, south on North Hughey Ave., then west on West South St. and enter the GEICO Garage behind Amway Center. (Note: route and time are subject to change without notice.)
Tickets are still available and start at $16. Ticketmaster service charges and facility fees not included. All seats are reserved. Tickets are available atwww.ringling.com or www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Amway Center box office (phone:407-440-7900). For group ticket sales and information, call 866-248-8740.
LEGOLAND Florida
If your house is anything like mine, you have watched the trailer for ‘The LEGO Movie’ four times daily and I was excited to see that they are going to be having a weekend of activities in February!
httpv://youtu.be/fZ_JOBCLF-I
February 8 & 9, 2014 Enjoy fun for all with activities to celebrate “The LEGO Movie”, the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO adventure featuring an all-star cast and set to open in theaters February 7. Guests will enjoy a special movie-themed building activity, movie-themed scavenger hunt in Miniland USA and meet and greet sessions with costume characters Emmet and Wyldstyle, who play leading roles in this epic movie.
Busch Gardens Tampa
January is also Passholder appreciation month at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Double the Fun – Bring a Friend for FREE
During January, Pass Members can bring a friend for free! Online registration required. Limit one free ticket per active Pass Member. Offer valid between January 1-31, 2014. Other Restrictions Apply. Log in now to register your friend’s ticket and learn more about this limited time offer.
Triple the Savings – 30% off merchandise, food, and beverages
All month long, Pass Members get 30% off merchandise, food and beverages when you visit the park! Offer valid between January 1-31, 2014. Other Restrictions Apply.
Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex
A Falcon 9 rocket is targeted to lift-off during a dramatic SpaceX launch scheduled for January 3, launch time is subject to change but the launch window of 5:05 p.m. to 7:17 p.m. EST. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests may view the launch from the Apollo/Saturn V Center, the closest possible public viewing area, or special areas at the Visitor Complex.
Launch viewing from the Apollo/Saturn V Center, located in Kennedy Space Center, includes live mission control commentary and is available for Visitor Complex guests for $20 plus the cost of admission. Admission to the Visitor Complex is $50 plus tax for adults and $40 plus tax for children 3-11. Bus boarding for the Apollo/Saturn V Center begins at 3:15 p.m.
Launch viewing, featuring live mission control commentary, also is available from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is included in regular admission.
While I am still putting together a lot of my final ideas for a larger post on icFlorida about yesterday’s Universal Orlando CityWalk Announcements (You can find the Press Release here), I wanted to take a moment to look at my initial reactions to what we were shown.
1. Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
I had a lot of A-ha moments during The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley presentation! Originally I looked at how close the construction of Diagon Alley was to Universal Studios Florida, and I always wondered why it had to be so close to the existing park. And yesterday, when they spoke about how Diagon Alley was wedged into London everything clicked for me! And while I am positively giddy about riding on the Hogwarts Express, given the detail that is going into the streets of Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron (especially the ceiling) I want to camp out now! The current Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of my most favorite places in any theme park, and I am beyond hopeful about Diagon Alley!
2. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is going to be everything that you wish a Walt Disney World ‘Value’ Resort would be! The resort will have 900 Rooms and 900 Family Suites at opening with a fun 60’s retro feel. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will also boast several large pools for each section of the resort, dining options, high-energy bowling alleys, and more at a manageable walking distance to the parks. I love fun resorts, and with the proximity to the park this ‘Value’ resort really has value.
3. The Cowfish / The Hot Dog Hall of Fame
The Cowfish and The Hot Dog Hall of Fame that will be coming to Universal CityWalk are fun and quirky! The Cowfish is a mix of sushi and burgers in a fun environment (there will be tablets in the Sushi Bar for people to surf as they sit under Pop Art), and the result is ‘Burgushi’ which include sushi rolls created using burger components and sandwiches created using sushi elements. The Hot Dog Hall of Fame boasts signature Hot Dogs from around the country and a Mustard Bar with custom mustards created from a partnership from the National Mustard Museum. If you love Hot Dogs, how can you not be excited about this restaurant coming to Universal Orlando CityWalk? Amid Bars and themed restaurants, I am looking forward to the fun options and atmosphere that these two locations will bring to the mix of CityWalk!
4. Starbucks / Menchies / Cold Stone Creamery
While I would have loved to see all original offerings at the Universal Orlando CityWalk announcement, I have to say that choosing to expand the Starbucks presence and adding Menchies and Cold Stone Creamery to CityWalk make more sense and go with the ‘best in class’ mind-set that is going into the renovation of Universal Orlando’s CityWalk. Starbucks moving downstairs and into a larger space that will be filled with seating (Yay!) and innovative touches is a win for everyone, because it is more accessible and adds another location to grab a quick breakfast at the parks which has always been an issue with my family. Menchies and Cold Stone Creamery are solid yogurt and ice cream places that are family favorites, which is important when you have a little (or big) kid who needs a treat after a long day in the theme parks!!!
5. Antojitos / The Red Oven / Bread Box / Pranzo
Work is well under way at Antojitos at Universal Orlando CityWalk!
And now we come to the unique restaurants that are coming to Universal Orlando CityWalk! Antojitos is a going to be more of a culinary journey than passive restaurant experience. The themed facade of Anotjitos is where you start your trip to cantinas, street carts, and markets of Mexico for tapas-style dining with authentic Mexican food.The Red Oven is open now, and amid an modern Italian atmosphere you can find a huge variety of brick oven pizzas and salads. The Bread Box will feature hand made breads and sandwiches with fresh ingredients to capture the feel of the Deli of your childhood or movies! Pranzo will feature modern Italian foods and hand made pastas. The common thread between the variety of restaurants is that there will be a focus on using only fresh ingredients, that are hand-made, and sometimes even created as you watch. While I am a HUGE Mythos fan (aren’t we all though…Universal butter, bread that you can’t stop eating, and delicious dishes), I always find myself wanting more of a fresh feel to my meal. So beyond beautiful decor, I am excited to find these kinds of foods offered in a Theme Park Area.
6. Shopping!
I will admit that the shop-a-holic in me really wished there was more on this front, I am excited to see what the new Universal Studios Store will offer! The design will also boast more interactivity and fresh design elements. It is a great place to catch those souvenirs that you said you would go back to pick up that you might have forgotten.
With all these locations opening as the first phase of a Universal Orlando CityWalk revitalization by June of 2014, it makes me really excited to see what phase 2 is going to bring besides me spending more time there!
Historic Expansion Kicks off an Epic Year for Universal Orlando Resort
This is the Press Release about the Universal Orlando CityWalk Expansion, you can find more of an opinion piece on the expansion here!
Universal Orlando’s CityWalk will undergo a historic expansion during 2014 – all part of an epic year for Universal that will include the opening of the destination’s largest hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Universal Orlando announced Thursday that it will open eight new venues across CityWalk throughout 2014 as part of a bold growth strategy designed to complement the entertainment complex’s already popular collection of national brands.
The expansion comes after a nationwide search for culinary concepts that include a mix of established national brands, up-and-coming concepts and Universal’s own creations. The new venues will share an overall theme that includes inviting common areas, al fresco dining, open kitchens and more.
“We want Universal CityWalk to grow along with the rest of our destination,” said Ric Florell, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Resort Revenue Operations at Universal Orlando. “We are bringing our guests an amazing new collection of experiences that will be world-class and offer something for everyone.”
The new venues include Hot Dog Hall of Fame, featuring iconic hot dog creations from some of our nation’s most famous ball parks. Universal partnered with Steven Schussler, the global culinary concept creator behind popular restaurants like Rain Forest Cafe, Backfire Barbecue and more, to bring his Hot Dog Hall of Fame concept to CityWalk. They also include CowFish, an innovative and trend-setting concept out of Charlotte, North Carolina with a signature dish called “Burgushi;” and popular frozen treat spots Cold Stone Creamery and Menchie’s.
Original concepts include Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, a unique tapas-style restaurant, Bread Box, a home-style sandwich shop; A new modern Italian kitchen concept, where guests can watch as the culinary team handcrafts their pasta from scratch; and Red Oven Pizza Bakery – Universal’s first-ever Neopolitan-style pizza bakery, which is now open.
A full list of new venues and descriptions can be found below. Exact opening dates will be released at a later time.
Since its opening in 1999, Universal CityWalk has served as the “entertainment capital of Orlando,” quickly becoming the hottest place in town among locals and visitors to grab a bite to eat, catch a movie, dance the night away and more. The two-tiered, 30-acre complex features a collection of nightclubs, restaurants and shops themed after some of the most recognizable names in entertainment, including Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom, Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Universal CityWalk is also home to Rising Star – an energetic karaoke club where guests can perform with a live band and backup singers, the 36-hole mini-golf course, Hollywood Drive-In Golf, and the indescribable, nationally-renowned live show, Blue Man Group.
For more information about Universal CityWalk, visit: https://www.universalorlando.com.
New Universal CityWalk Venues
Opening Throughout 2014
NOW OPEN – Red Oven Pizza Bakery: Take a quick trip to Italy for authentic, artisan pizza–made fresh, while you wait–at Universal CityWalk’s first-ever Neopolitan-style pizza bakery. The combination of the highest quality ingredients and a traditional 900-degree stone-lined oven ensures every slice is pizza perfection.
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food: Take a journey through the cantinas, street carts, and markets of Mexico for unique tapas-style dining at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food. Only the freshest ingredients are used to create craveable, made from scratch Mexican street fare in an environment of unmatched authenticity.
Hot Dog Hall of Fame: Strike out your hunger at Hot Dog Hall of Fame with some of the most iconic hot dog creations from our nation’s most famous ballparks. Take a seat in the bleachers and enjoy a loaded Chicago dog with all the toppings, a perfectly charred Boston brat, a monster LA dog and more.
The Cowfish: Innovative sushi joins forces with creative burgers for an untraditional dining experience at this reincarnation of the popular North Carolina hotspot. The result: “Burgushi”. A cutting-edge fusion of burger and sushi, burgushi items include sushi rolls created using burger components and sandwiches created using sushi elements.
A new modern Italian kitchen concept (Pranzo): Immerse yourself in the essence of modern Italian cuisine at this new restaurant created by Universal Orlando. Watch as the culinary team handcrafts your pasta from scratch to create fresh takes on classic dishes in a clean, contemporary dining atmosphere.
Cold Stone Creamery: For more than 25 years, Cold Stone Creamery has served up the finest, freshest ice cream, cakes, smoothies and shakes using only the highest quality ingredients and their signature process of preparing your custom ice cream creation on a frozen granite stone.
Bread Box: With a Bread Box sandwich, you’ll be transported back to your childhood kitchen or your favorite street corner deli. Here you’ll find that the combination of quality meats and vegetables, fresh bread, and simple preparation can transform a sandwich into something more.
Menchie’s: One of the world’s most popular frozen yogurt shops is coming to Universal CityWalk. The dream was to create a place where people from all walks of life and ages could enjoy themselves—not only with great tasting, quality frozen yogurt and an expansive self-serve toppings bar, but with a unique experience in a fun and happy environment that makes you smile.
About Universal Orlando Resort
Vacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts. With two incredible theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex, Universal Orlando is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending time as a family. Together, you can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, become a Minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and join Optimus Prime in the fight to save mankind on the new mega-attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D.
Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company. Follow Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Universal CityWalk Drops New Year’s Eve Celebration Details and Advanced Ticket Offers!
Celebration features access to six Universal CityWalk venues, unlimited gourmet cuisine,
six unique party zones and Orlando’s biggest dance floor
On December 31, 2013,guests can experience non-stop entertainment at Eve, Universal CityWalk’s new, incomparable New Year’s celebration.With unique party zones – each featuring their own entertainment and signature drinks, access to six different clubs with live music and unlimited gourmet cuisine,Eve will be the place to ring in the New Year.
Partygoers can celebrate all night on Orlando’s biggest dance floor – built just for this event – in front of the CityWalk Plaza Stage. Whenmidnight strikes, guests will kiss 2013 goodbye in style with a champagne toast, a pyrotechnics display and incredible special effects.
Tickets are on-sale now for Universal CityWalk New Year’s Eve Celebration advance pricing of $99.99 plus tax until December 21, 2013.
Admission to Universal CityWalk New Year’s Eve Celebration festivities include:
Unlimited gourmet cuisine, including filet mignon, jumbo shrimp, custom desserts, and more
Six unique outdoor party zones with entertainment and signature drinks
Orlando’s largest dance floor, featuring live music from DJ M-Squared on a 360˚ DJ platform
Admission to six Universal CityWalk venues, including: Bob Marley’s – A Tribute to Freedom, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Pat O’Brien’s, the groove, Rising Star and Red Coconut Club
This year Matisyahu returns to Orlando, and will be performing on September 17 at the Hard Rock Live Orlando.
Matisyahu puts on an amazing show that is perfect for teenagers, young adults, and all Matisyahu fans. The performance features a full band and highlights songs from Matisyahu’s new record Spark Seeker as well as some fan favorite songs like “One Day”, “King Without a Crown”, “Sunshine”, and “Jerusalem”.
The Hard Rock Live Orlando is located at Universal CityWalk, and is a really great place to see a concert and I love Matisyahu!!!
Tickets are still available, so what are you waiting for???
Our adventures on Saturday June 15th took us to the very first Hard Rock Cafe Orlando’s “Social Media Rock Party”, exclusively for @Hardrockorlando ‘s Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook fans.
Guests were told to meet at the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando at 6:30, and despite all the rain that night, there was even a red carpet to welcome us on arrival!
We were guided upstairs to a private room just for us social media fans. As soon as we walked in we were greeted by the friendly staff and asked to sign in to receive our name badges. Looking around it was a great turn out, some familiar faces, and lots of new ones to meet and mingle with!
We were told to help ourselves to the food and soft drinks provided, which not only looked like a nice selection but was presented so uniquely too.
Being a vegetarian I was so pleased to see they had considered their guests’ different tastes, and offered plenty for non meat eaters also!
The food was delicious, and it was made even sweeter by their cupcakes for dessert! I personally highly recommend their tiramisu cupcake, had to resist to only eat one so as not to appear greedy!
The room we were seated in was full of rock memorabilia of all eras, so offered great talking points for the guests and fun items to see.
After a bit of mingling and, of course, a photo opportunity with their social media mascot Rocky Bearboa, we were introduced to some of our hosts for the evening.
One of which included the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando VIBE Host, which every Hard Rock Cafe has at least one, who really specializes in rock and roll and Hard Rock’s history.
We learnt so many interesting facts that we didn’t know before tonight, and guests who were able to answer trivia questions were rewarded with Hard Rock Swag bags!
Our night was really topped off when we found out that next we would be attending the show at Hard Rock Live to see Classic Albums Live Featuring Queen’s “A Night At The Opera”!
But before heading to our seats we were taken on a tour into the Lennon Room! This is a special room designed to replicate Lennon and Ono’s apartment in the Dakota, which one can only gain access to upon being taken to via a tour or by invite.
The room was largely white, but filled with memorabilia all around! One of my favorite pieces was the couch that John actually used to compose some of his songs on!
After touring this room, and getting to see the beautiful views from the patio, we were lead upstairs to our upper balcony VIP leather seats!
The show was amazing, and the second set featured many Queen classics from Bohemian Rhapsody, and Under Pressure, to We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions!
From our seats it was obvious to me that everyone was singing along with the words and dancing. They were even given a standing ovation at the end, best Freddie Mercury tribute singer I’ve had the pleasure to hear!
That night we left feeling like we were treated like true VIP rock royalty! We met some amazing new people, and got to see a side to Hard Rock Cafe that most don’t get the chance to.
But next time you are here, be sure to ask for a special tour if you’re early enough, and you too may get to see the famous Lennon Room!
If you have never eaten at a Hard Rock Cafe before, be sure to stop by, and if you have the pleasure of being served by @justmikeyhrc then you are indeed in for a treat! Not only is he a passionate music fan, but he was also the one responsible for putting together this wonderful event for us!
So thank you Mikey, the sponsors and the workers of the world’s largest Hard Rock Cafe Orlando! What a fantastic event, showing us that Orlando truly does ROCK!
A few weeks ago some of us On The Go ladies decided to have a impromptu Girls Night Out! Shalon, Megan and I decided to head to Universal Studios City Walk for some festive drinks and music!
We started out at Red Coconut for a few fruity and POTENT Cocktails! I only have one picture of my Lovely WhipTini but let me tell you that their martinis are TO DIE FOR! They have signature drinks and they always make them with extra love 😉
Made with LOTS of Love!!! A Whip Tini at the lovely Red Coconut Club
Club Details:
Dance to live music every Thursday through Saturday night. On all other evenings a DJ spins popular tunes into the wee hours of the night. Every Thursday is Ladies’ night with free admission for ladies.
Hours: Open seven nights a week Sun – Thurs 8 pm to 2 am and Fri – Sat 6 pm to 2 am Charges: Cover is $7, tax included, after 9 pm or as part of the CityWalk Party Pass Phone: For more information, please call the Red Coconut Club Line at 407-224-2425.
Admission is 21 and older and dress code is casual-chic. Attire: Casual-Chic
After we got our drinks we decided to head over to Rising Star! Rising Star is one of my favorite places. Not only do you get to sing Karaoke style but you get a back up band and back up singers!!! They have a VERY extensive list of songs. I wish I could tell you how they pick each singer each night but it seems like a crap shoot lol. There are song lists and sign up forms when you walk in. You choose TWO songs and write them on the slips, you place them in a bucket on the stage and wait… and wait… and sometimes wait…. and wait still yet. There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to how the choosing is done. My suggestion is to pick a up beat and fun song, those seem to be picked more than slow songs. When we got there I immediately put my two song choices down and ordered a drink. The girls and I loved watching the other people on stage. Some are amazing and some are…. let us say less then so 😉 We were having a great time being impatient! Finally my name was on the list! So I went downstairs to I wouldn’t be late! I am sharing this with you all because I love you…. lol. No judging allowed…. well at least not in comments 🙂
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2chC5Wt7Smo
Was it my best? No. Was it a Blast? YES! The backup singers and dancers were so much fun and having a live band behind you instead of just recorded music was a blast. I am looking forward to heading back after this summer when it isn’t as busy for some more singing fun! I also plan on entering their annual Karaoke contest at the end of the summer!
Club Details:
Enjoy karaoke nightly. Tuesday through Saturday nights you can perform with a live band and backup singers, with a host keeping the show moving. Sunday and Monday evenings feature a host, live backup singers and recorded tracks. There’s a large selection of song titles to choose from, in a variety of tempos and styles from hard rock to country ballads to favorite standards. Hours: Open nightly from 8 pm – 2 am Info: Tuesday – Saturday: Live band with backup singers & host
Sunday & Monday: Backup singers and host Cover: $7, no charge to sing
CityWalk Party Passes accepted
Full Bar with signature cocktails
We decided that it was time to shake out tail feathers for the remainder of the night so we headed over to The Groove. Who can pass up dancing with the girls? The place was packed but we got some shaking in and people watched which is always fun as well!
Club Details:
Dance to the best in Top 40, Hip-Hop, R&B and Top Pop Hits. There’s a DJ every night, and occasional appearances by live performers. It’s a different experience every evening!
Hours: Open 9 pm – 2 am 7 days a week Charges: Cover is $7, tax included Must be 21 and older Attire: Casual chic; no hats or tank tops
If you want to take a break from the dance floor there are multiple bars and three themed lounges – the cool Blue Room, which has a futuristic sci-fi feel; the sizzling and romantic Red Room; and the tranquil Green Room, which has a 70’s vibe.
Overall, I love City Walk. It is awesome that you can get lots of different club vibes in one area. We didnt go to Bob Marley or Pat O’Briens this time but rest assured, we will be back! Their dining options are great too! I have NOTHING but good things to say about the fried pickles at Margaritaville! And I will always recommend stopping by the Long Palm Bar and picking up a VooDoo Juice !!!!!!
I can not wait to show you readers out next Girls Night Out activity!!!! We have all sorts of fun things planned!!!!!
Looking for an opportunity to volunteer in the UCF area? Or are you looking for a 5K to run? Are you a huge college sports fan? If you answered yes, you might want to check out the Inaugural Orlando Health Gridiron 5K Challenge, that our friends at the Central Florida Sports Commission have created!
2012 Gridiron 5K Challenge
Check out our review of the latest Disney Chanel Original Movie Let It Shine on DVD and enter for your chance to win a copy!
Let It Shine Comes to DVD August 7, 2012
This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us over to the Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal’s CityWalk!
Hollywood Drive-In Golf Golf at Universal Citywalk
Earlier this summer we told you about SeaWorld rescuing a pregnant manatee that gave birth to an adorable calf, and we updated you about their return to their home in Merritt Island, Florida.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team prepares calf and mom for transport to Sykes Creek.
Thursday, we were really excited to let you know about Visit Orlando’sMagical Dining Month returning this year in September! This is definitely something you are going to want to check out!!!
We are all super excited about the Solar Bears returning to the ice in Orlando, and they will be returning under their 2001 Turner Cup Championship Banner!
And we wrapped up the week with Cheryl taking a look back at her DVC stay at the Beach Club Villas!
Beach Club Villas Studio Main Room (courtesy of Betsy Bates)
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