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Top Things to Do at Universal CityWalk

Find dining, shopping, nightlife, and family-friendly entertainment at Universal CityWalk.

Couple walking and smiling near the iconic Universal globe at Universal Orlando Resort on a sunny day in Central Florida.

Step into adventure at Universal Orlando Resort, where unforgettable thrills and world-famous attractions await just minutes from Kissimmee.

Written by the Experience Kissimmee Editorial Team

At a Glance 

  • Universal CityWalk is a free-to-enter entertainment, dining, and nightlife district at Universal Orlando Resort featuring restaurants, bars, live music venues, shops, and attractions.
  • Popular dining spots include The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen, Bigfire, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, and Voodoo Doughnut.
  • Popular entertainment options include mini golf, a movie theater, karaoke, an escape room, and live performances.

Located between Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal CityWalk could be a theme park of its own with restaurants, night clubs, concerts, shops, attractions, and more. 

Enjoy Epic Restaurants

With more than 25 dining options, Universal CityWalk Orlando is a great destination for post-theme-park fun, a date night, or a celebration with your crew.

Big Flavor & Big Fun at Famed Restaurants

Get a Cheeseburger in Paradise at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and enjoy live music on the main stage as you sync up with island time. Or rock out with classic fare at Hard Rock Cafe, known for its legendary steak burgers and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia.
 
Get spicy at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food and choose from crowd-pleasing options like enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, and more. Or heat up the night at Bigfire, where you can savor elevated American fare, from fire-grilled steaks to delectable seafood. And finishing off the fire-themed meal with tableside s’mores feels fitting, so save room for dessert!
 

Don’t miss the shrimp and seafood at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., where the story of Forrest Gump meets the real world. And for something truly unique, try the cutting-edge burgushi at The Cowfish. This delightful fusion of burger and sushi ingredients is as creative as it is delicious, as is the presentation: The bento boxes include mini burgers and sushi rolls, the best of both worlds. 

Quick Bites & Casual Dining

Bend the Bao is Asian cuisine fused with American dishes, resulting in creations like kimchi-fried chicken. At Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches, you can grab a BLT, Cuban, grilled four-cheese, or other option for lunch on the go. Craving pizza? Order ahead from Red Oven Pizza Bakery and enjoy your pie on the patio. These pizzas are cooked in a 900-degree stone oven for a quick and delicious meal. If you have a picky crew to please, Panda Express, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and the Burger King Whopper Bar are all in the same area, making it easy to grab and go for different tastes.

One-of-a-Kind Desserts

If you don’t dine at the fantastical, steampunk-style Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen for dinner, you can hop in line at The Dessert Foundry to get one of their over-the-top milkshakes. Trust us—a cupcake on top of a milkshake definitely makes sense. Or sink your teeth into the wicked creations at Voodoo Doughnut, from the Universal Orangesicle filled with Bavarian cream to the classic glazed Texas. (Note: Voodoo also makes for a great breakfast!)

Check Out Experiences & Events: Mini Golf, Karaoke, Movies & More

Attractions & Nightlife

There's a lot more to do at Universal CityWalk than eat. Take a swing at the Hollywood Drive-In Golf mini-golf course, themed after the horror and sci-fi movies of the 1950s. For a night with serious star power, enjoy the ultimate karaoke experience at CityWalk’s Rising Star. Take the stage with professional backup singers and a live band for a rockin' good time. 
 

Want something more low-key? Settle into one of the oversized loungers at Universal Cinemark, put your feet up, and watch a movie in style. Catch the next new release, and who knows—maybe it’ll have its own ride at one of the Universal theme parks someday.

In the mood to dance, sip, and celebrate? See what’s happening when the sun goes down by checking out the top nightlife options at CityWalk

Seasonal Events

Seasonal events in the parks often spill out into CityWalk, featuring street performers, live music, fun menu items, and more.
 
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval takes place in the spring and celebrates with parades, food, and music reminiscent of the iconic New Orleans event. At the end of the school year, Grad Bash and Gradventure mark the graduation milestone with live concerts and dance parties. And in fall, Halloween Horror Nights takes the stage with its themed haunted houses and scare-tacular characters. To close out the year, Holidays at Universal Orlando warms the crowd with Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

Shop for Souvenirs & Gifts

Who doesn’t love souvenirs? If you want something that represents Universal, head to the Universal Studios Store, which features exclusive merch for your favorite movies and characters. For timeless gifts, check out the Universal Legacy Store’s retro-themed collectibles. 
 
For a classic yet bold souvenir that lasts forever, adults can spring for a tattoo at Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company. This world-famous boutique has an impressive collection of flash art. Not into ink? Check out their selection of clothing and accessories for something less permanent. 
 
And don’t forget to check out the variety of shops located in CityWalk’s signature restaurants, including Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.

Take the Best Vacation Pics

Photos often make the best souvenirs, and CityWalk has a few iconic spots where you can snap some pics. The Universal Studios globe is right by the entrance to Universal Studios Florida. It spins, so try to time your shot so that "Universal" is visible. Opposite the globe are the iconic Universal Studios arches, which are dressed up for each holiday during the year. And like a beacon for fun times ahead, the iconic tower near the entrance to Universal’s Islands of Adventure is a popular photo op.

Explore More Entertainment Districts

For more dining, shopping, and entertainment in Kissimmee, check out entertainment districts like Promenade at Sunset Walk, Celebration Town Center, Old Town Kissimmee, and Downtown Kissimmee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Universal CityWalk is a vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment district located at Universal Orlando Resort. It connects visitors to the theme parks and offers restaurants, nightlife, live music, and attractions without requiring park admission.

Top things to do include dining at themed restaurants, enjoying live music and nightlife, catching a movie at Universal Cinemark, playing mini golf, shopping for souvenirs, and experiencing seasonal events and entertainment.

No, entry to Universal CityWalk is free, and guests can explore restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues without purchasing a theme-park ticket. You only pay for parking, dining, or attractions.

Evenings are the most popular time to visit due to live entertainment, nightlife, and illuminated waterfront views. Daytime visits are ideal for dining, shopping, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Yes, Universal CityWalk is a standalone destination, so you can visit for dining, entertainment, or nightlife without entering Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure.

The Universal parking garages charge per vehicle, and pricing varies depending on whether you are self-parking, valet parking or are an annual passholder. If you are self-parking, save a few bucks by purchasing parking in advance of your arrival.

Experience Kissimmee Editorial Team

We are destination experts and storytellers creating local travel content to help visitors plan their trips with ease. We regularly review and update content in collaboration with community partners, ensuring our recommendations are reflective of current visitor experiences.

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