 Universal
Studios Escape has come alive at night with CityWalk, an entertainment
complex that has been opening in increments this year.
The complex is filled with hip, big-name
clubs and restaurants, similar to Downtown Disney West Side. But
the layout is more compact -- like Disney's Pleasure Island or Church
Street Station.
CityWalk stretches along a small lake
with a plaza and an outdoor stage and offers views into Universal
Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
It's the first thing visitors encounter after
they park in Universal's two massive parking garages and walk toward
the theme parks.
CityWalk offers clubs that span a
wide range of musical tastes: from such evergreens as Jimmy Buffett,
City Jazz and Bob Marley to rock 'n' roll, dance music, dueling pianos
and Latin rhythms.
 Venues
include CityJazz, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville,
NASCAR Cafe, Pat O'Brien's, Buba Gump Shrimp Co., Bob Marley's - A
Tribute to Freedom, the Groove, Hard Rock Live and
the world's largest Hard Rock Cafe.
 The
Groove, a dance club, looks like a turn-of-the-century theater
that was converted into a nightclub. There's a wooden dance floor,
a wall of video monitors and small lounges tucked here and there.
 CityJazz
is decorated in a mix of natural wood with a purple and green decor.
A montage of jazz stars fills one wall. Glass cases show jazz memorabilia.
Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom
was patterned after Marley's home in Kingston, Jamaica, which was
converted into a museum after the reggae star died in 1981.
 To
build Pat O'Brien's Irish bar, Universal took thousands of
photos of the original Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans. The exterior
replicates the original, and on the patio in the back, you'll find
the signature fire and water fountain. There are two inside bars,
including one with dueling pianos.
 As
for the Latin Quarter, the 20,000-square-foot, $10 million
restaurant features "Nuevo Latino" cuisine. The Spanish
colonial architecture of the building "ages" as you enter,
going from Mayan to Aztec to Incan.
CityWalk visitors who are fans of
chef Emeril Lagasse can make reservations for Emeril's Orlando,
a version of Lagasse's original restaurant in the warehouse district
of New Orleans.
There is no admission charge for CityWalk,
although individual clubs may have cover charges. Visitors can buy
a Key to the Clubs, providing admission to all venues, for $7.95
plus tax. The Universal parking garages charge $7 for cars
and $8 for RVs and campers before 6 p.m. Parking is
free after 6 p.m.
General operating hours are 11 a.m. to
2 a.m., although each venue has its own hours.
CityWalk can be seen only on foot. Visitors
must park in Universal's garages and walk about five to 10 minutes
to get there. Moving sidewalks are available.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Free parking after 6PM.
|
