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With an attitude that’s distinctly non-Disney, Universal has created nightlife for adults who want to party. The epicenter is CityWalk, a 30-acre entertainment and retail complex at the hub of promenades that lead to both Universal parks.
When it comes to retail, much of the merchandise includes things you can find elsewhere—and most likely for less. But when you’re swept up in the energy of CityWalk and dazzled by the degree of window-shopping (not to mention the fact that you’re on vacation and you’re more inclined to spend), chances are you’ll want to drop into stores selling everything from surf wear and cigars to tattoos and timepieces.
In addition to stores, the open and airy gathering place includes an over-the-top discotheque, a theater for the fabulous and extremely popular Blue Man Group, and a huge hall where karaoke’s king. There’s a New Orleans bar, a Jamaican reggae lounge, a casual Key West hangout, and, as of 2012, Hollywood Drive-In Golf, a pair of fun-filled 1950s sci-fi movie–themed miniature golf courses. On weeknights you find families and conventioneers; weekends a decidedly younger crowd parties until the wee hours.
Clubs have individual cover charges, but it’s far more economical to pay for the whole kit and much of the caboodle. Choose a Party Pass (a one-price-all-clubs admission) for $11.99, or upgrade to a Party Pass-and-a-Movie for $15; a Party Pass-and-a-Meal for $21; a Movie-and-a-Meal for $21.95; or a Meal and a Mini-Golf Deal for $23.95.
At AMC Universal Cineplex, with its 20 screens (including IMAX), there’s certain to be something you like—including nightly midnight movies. Meals (tax and gratuity included) are served at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, the Hard Rock Cafe, and others. And as if these deals weren’t sweet enough, after 6 the $15 parking fee drops to $5. Nevertheless, it’s a long haul from the garage to CityWalk—if you prefer, simply call a cab. They run at all hours. | 407/354–3374, 407/363–8000 Universal main line | www.citywalkorlando.com.
Nightlife
With the wide range of nightlife you’ll find at Universal, you may get the feeling that you’re vacationing not in Orlando but in New York City. CityWalk’s stores open by midmorning, and its restaurants come to life between lunchtime and late afternoon. Eateries that double as nightclubs (such as Pat O’Brien’s, Bob Marley’s, and the Red Coconut Club) start charging a cover before dusk and apply age restrictions (usually 21) around 9. For details on a particular establishment, check with Guest Services.
Bars and Clubs
Bob Marley—A Tribute to Freedom.
Modeled after the King of Reggae’s home in Kingston, Jamaica (even down to the a/c window units), in a way this nightclub is also part museum, with more than 100 photographs and paintings showing pivotal moments in Marley’s life. Though the place does serve meals, most patrons are at the cozy bar or by the patio, where they can be jammin’ to a (loud) live band that plays nightly. For a nice souvenir, pose by the wonderful Marley statue outside the club. Legendary Thursdays feature drink specials for everyone, and Sunday is ladies’ night from 9 pm until closing. TIP Often on Monday and Tuesday, CityWalk’s pace is slow enough where some clubs will offer free admission. Ask before you pay. | CityWalk | 407/224–2692 | www.universalorlando.com | $7 after 9 pm | Daily 4 pm–2 am.
CityWalk’s Rising Star.
Here you and other hopeful (and hopeless) singers can really let loose. Instead of singing to recorded music, you’re accompanied by a band complete with backup singers—in front of a live audience. Backup singers are on hand every night, while the live band plugs in Tuesday through Saturday, and a full bar is always on tap. | 6000 Universal Blvd., #717, CityWalk | 407/224–2961 | www.universalorlando.com | $7, no charge to sing | Nightly 8 pm–2 am.
the groove.
In this cavernous hall images flicker rapidly on several screens, and the lights, music, and mayhem appeal to a mostly underthirty crowd. Prepare for lots of fog, swirling lights, and sweaty bodies. The ’70s-style Green Room is filled with beanbag chairs and everything you threw out when Duran Duran hit the charts. The Blue Room is sci-fi Jetson-y, and the Red Room is hot and romantic in a bordello sort of way. The music is equally diverse: Top 40, hip-hop, R&B, techno, and the occasional live band. | 6000 Universal Blvd., CityWalk | 407/224–2692 | www.universalorlando.com | $7 | Daily 9 pm–2 am.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.
Buffett tunes fill the air at the restaurant here and at the Volcano, Land Shark, and 12 Volt bars. Inside there’s a miniature Pan Am Clipper suspended from the ceiling, music videos projected onto sails, limbo and hula-hoop contests, a huge margarita blender that erupts “when the volcano blows,” and live music nightly—everything that Parrotheads need to roost. Across the promenade, another full-size seaplane (emblazoned with “Jimmy Buffett, Captain”) is the setting for the Lone Palm Airport, a pleasing and surprisingly popular outdoor waterfront bar. | 6000 Universal Studios Plaza, #704, CityWalk | 407/224–2692 | www.margaritavilleorlando.com | $7 after 10 pm | Daily 11:30 am–2 am.
Pat O’Brien’s.
An exact reproduction of the legendary New Orleans original, this comes complete with flaming fountain and dueling pianists who are playing for highly entertained regulars and visitors—even on weekday afternoons. Outside, the cozy and welcoming Patio Bar has a wealth of tables and chairs, allowing you to do nothing but enjoy the outdoors and your potent, rum-based Hurricanes in Orlando’s version of the Big Easy. | 6000 Universal Blvd., CityWalk | 407/224–2692 | www.patobriens.com | $7 after 9 pm | Patio Bar daily 4 pm–2 am; piano bar daily 5 pm–2 am, 21 and up after 9 pm.
Red Coconut Club.
Paying tribute to kitsch design of the 1950s, the interior here is part Vegas lounge, part Cuban club, and part Polynesian tiki bar. It’s “where tropical meets trendy.” There are three full bars on two levels, signature martinis, an extensive wine list, and VIP bottle service. Hang out in the lounge, on the balcony, or at the bar. On a budget? Take advantage of the daily happy hours and gourmet appetizer menu. A DJ (Sunday–Wednesday) or live music (Thursday–Saturday) pushes the energy with tunes ranging from Sinatra to rock. Thursday is ladies’ night. | 6000 Universal Blvd., CityWalk | 407/224–2425 | www.universalorlando.com | $7 after 9 pm | Sun.–Wed. 8 pm–2 am, Thurs.–Sat. 6 pm–2 am.
Shows
Blue Man Group.
At their own venue, the Sharp-Aquos Theatre, the ever-innovative Blue Men continue to pound out new music, sketches, and audience interaction that is nothing like you’ve ever seen. Attempting to understand the apps on a GiPad (a gigantic iPad), they may appear clueless and perplexed about cutting-edge technology (which for them can be as basic as a can of paint), but they’re always excited when they can drum out rhythms on lengths of PVC pipes and throw a rave party finale for all in attendance. The show is a surreal comic masterpiece, so if you have the time and a little extra in your vacation budget, this is a must. Three levels of admission (Poncho, Tier 1, and Tier 2) hint at how messy things can get when the Blue Men cut loose. | CityWalk | 407/258–3626 | www.universalorlando.com | Adults start at $70 advance purchase, $85 at box office; children 9 and under from $30 | Daily showtimes vary; call for schedule.
Shopping
This 30-acre entertainment and retail complex is at the hub of promenades that lead to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Shops here sell fine jewelry, cool beachwear, fashionable clothing, and stylish accessories. The best stores are near the entrance/exit of the complex.
Fresh Produce.
Featuring fashions that look right at home in sunny Florida, this boutique showcases comfortable and colorful swimwear, blouses, Capri slacks, dresses, footwear, beach gear, and accessories designed for coastal comfort. | CityWalk | www.universalorlando.com/Shopping/shopping.aspx.
Quiet Flight.
Granted the closest beach is about 60 miles east, you can still get outfitted like a surfer at this shop, which sports an inventory featuring brand names such as Billabong, Quicksilver, Hurley, and Oakley. In addition to shorts and shirts, Quiet Flight also sells sandals, watches, sunglasses (Ray-Ban, Prada, and D&G among the featured names), and surfboards! | CityWalk | www.universalorlando.com/Shopping/shopping.aspx.