5 Fun things to do at Universal CityWalk Orlando
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Citywalk is my favorite place to be after a long exhausting day enjoying all the rides and entertainment at the Universal parks. I love relaxing here after putting in 7-9 miles in the heat. On really hot days, I sometimes stop for a long lunch at a themed restaurant to get out of the heat for a bit (it’s an easy walk from Islands of Adventure). Most of the time, I head here after the parks close so I can get as much value out of my pricey admission ticket as possible. Sometimes, on days I’m not visiting any park, I take the shuttle over from my resort to still enjoy the fun vacation vibe. One thing I learned after many visits is that you don’t have to go to a theme park to enjoy a fun night out!
With everything in one place, this entertainment complex is super convenient. Whether you feel like dining, shopping, seeing a movie, kicking back at a bar, or splurging on a treat, you can basically do it all here. And it’s open hours after the theme parks close which is nice (Midnight every day but Saturday when they stay open until 1am). As an added bonus, self parking is free after 6pm (with the exception of Halloween Horror Nights). If you are staying at a Universal resort (I recommend Cabana Bay), you can take a free shuttle over.
Citywalk opened in February of 1999 and many resident businesses are still going strong, although a few newbies have entered the scene in recent years including the super popular Voodoo Donuts which has expanded to new locations outside of Portland. I’ve been enjoying the many amenities at this lively entertainment complex since my first Orlando vacation in 2008. My guide includes a few of my favorite places to check out.
1. Enjoy a sweet treat at Toothsome Chocolate Factory
Toothsome is the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. For anyone more interested in the dessert menu than the regular menu, this unique restaurant is definitely for you. Featuring appetizers like Warm Chocolate Almond Bread and Coffee and Chocolate Stout Wings, entrees like Chocolate Waffles, and a long list of tempting sundaes, milkshakes, and desserts, you really can’t go wrong. You will also find a massive truffle bar if you want to pop in for a few treats as opposed to a full sit down experience.
On a recent birthday celebration, we ordered the Chocolate Brownie Bark sundae. The ultimate in chocolate indulgence, this extravagant sundae features chocolate brownies, chocolate ice cream, chocolate whipped topping, chocolate brownie bar, chocolate sauce, and chocolate sprinkles. I am not a big fan of sweets, but I had no problem enjoying more than my fair share of this amazing dessert. Yes, it is big and rich enough for your whole party to split! Other tempting options include: Strawberry Shortcake, Apple Pie, and Banana Cream Pie. They are also known for their over-the-top milkshakes which come in flavors like Red Velvet and Marshmallow Crisp.
2. Rock out at Hard Rock Cafe
On most touristy trips, I like to enjoy a fun night of music, rock n’roll memorabilia, fun food, and festive drinks at the Hard Rock Cafe. You have probably seen the big guitar in front of this iconic restaurant in many other touristy cities. The Orlando location is particularly appealing with a multi floor layout, a Roman coliseum design, and more memorabilia than any other cafe. It’s the largest Hard Rock in the world.
Don’t leave without getting your picture by Elvis’s Pink Cadillac spinning above the bar. Also, I recommend checking the entertainment lineup to see if there will be any special shows during your visit. I find the staff super friendly here and I just love the vibe. They are always offering your group some fun photo opp when you walk in.
For those who have never dined here, the food here is comfort food at its’ best. I recommend starting with their amazing legendary nachos and flatbread as an app. My favorite main course is the Twisted Mac and cheese which has a slightly spicy extra kick.
The menu has changed many times over the years – I am so disappointed they got rid of those amazing spring rolls: please bring them back! You can order all sorts of fun drinks in souvenir glasses and the gift shop offers some amazing souvenirs (I like to collect the mini guitars).
I recommend taking a look at my themed dining guide for more fun vacation restaurants at the theme parks and around the city.
3. Shop til you drop at the Universal Studios Store
If you were having a bit too much fun at the theme parks, you probably did not have too much time to waste shopping for souvenirs. I typically try to hold off on most shops until the end of the day (minus all the wonderful shops in the The Wizarding World).
Thankfully, you will find a massive Universal Studios Store where you can pick up anything you forgot at the parks. I could seriously spend hours just browsing around. You can find anything Harry Potter here as well as novelty items from all the other rides. They carry everything. I checked like 5 shops in Hogsmeade & Diagon Alley for a Ron wand (all sold out) and finally found one here. Side note: I really want that Wizard Chess set!
4. Treat yourself to an authentic Italian dinner at Vivo
You will find many fun themed restaurants like Hard Rock and Margaritaville here, although there are a handful of fancier options too. Vivo Italian is a wonderful choice for anyone seeking more of a romantic, date night dinner destination.
At Vivo, family recipes are served in a beautiful modern dining room which features an open kitchen layout. Pasta is made fresh in-house and there is something on the menu for everyone including vegans, vegetarians, as well as anyone avoiding gluten. At the time, I was avoiding gluten and the chef was nice enough to prepare a few specialities including GF rolls for our table. Thankfully, I no longer follow any special GF diet so I can enjoy anything here as well as anywhere else. Read more about my experience dining at Vivo.
5. Splurge on a crazy donut
I am not a huge fan of sweets, but I made an exception to try a bite of one of the iconic Voodoo Donuts (Mike finished the rest!). This eclectic donut shop started in Portland, Oregon (back in 2003) and has since spread to include locations in numerous trendy cities like Austin and Orlando. If you have ever taken a flight in these areas, you will see dozens of tourists carrying the iconic pink box. They offer all sorts of crazy flavors including Voodoo Bubble Gum, Apple fritter, and Butterfinger. Vegan options include PB&J and Maple Cream.
More entertainment options
Rising Star: Experience being in a real band as you belt out tunes in the company of live music and background singers at this karaoke bar.
Hollywood Drive In Mini Golf: This is a fun vintage course themed after 1950’s horror and science fiction movies. Choose between “single-feature” (18-holes) or “double-feature” (36-holes).
Cinemark movie theater: Modern theater with 20 screens featuring luxury recliner seats and a full bar. Discounts on Tuesdays. Also, you will receive free parking with the purchase of 2 matinee tickets.
