Are you excited to visit Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Hollywood but unsure if you can experience the famous CityWalk area without buying theme park tickets? The good news is, you absolutely can! CityWalk is a separate entertainment district that does not require admission to the main Universal parks.
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about accessing and enjoying CityWalk sans theme park tickets. From mouthwatering restaurants to cool shops and thrilling attractions, CityWalk has so much to offer visitors of all ages. Get ready to discover all the fun you can have without ever stepping foot in Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure!
What is Universal CityWalk?
Universal CityWalk is a vibrant entertainment complex located adjacent to Universal’s theme parks in Orlando and Hollywood. It features an incredible array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
The best part? CityWalk is separate from the actual theme parks like Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Hollywood. So you don’t need valid park admission to experience all CityWalk has to offer.
In Orlando, CityWalk is a 30-acre district with over 70 venues including restaurants, clubs, movies, shopping, and more. At Universal Studios Hollywood, CityWalk is a shorter promenade but still packed with hot spots.
Do You Need Theme Park Admission for CityWalk?
The simple answer is no, you do not need to purchase tickets to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure to visit CityWalk Orlando or CityWalk Hollywood. It’s completely free to enter, explore, and enjoy the CityWalk districts.
The only potential cost is parking, which we’ll cover in the next sections. But there’s no gate, no ticket taking, and no admission fee whatsoever just for CityWalk.
You can easily spend an entire day or night at CityWalk dining, shopping, catching a movie, mini-golfing, and more without ever stepping foot in the theme parks.
CityWalk Orlando Parking and Access
To access CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort, you’ll need to park at one of the resort’s main parking garages. Here are the key parking details:
- Before 6 pm, parking costs $27 for cars or $32 for RVs/buses. This fee is waived if you have a valid parking receipt from a previous day.
- After 6 pm, CityWalk parking is free for all guests. The after 6 pm timing is perfect for an evening visit.
- Resort hotel guests get free parking at CityWalk since you’ve paid for parking with your hotel stay.
- If you purchase two movie tickets at the AMC Universal Cineplex, you can get parking validating for free parking.
Once parked, you’ll take covered walkways directly into the heart of CityWalk near all the restaurants and fun. Ride shares like Uber and Lyft have a designated drop-off/pick-up area as well.
CityWalk Hollywood Parking and Entrance
At Universal Studios Hollywood, CityWalk functions as an entrance promenade from the main parking structure. Here are the parking details:
- Self-parking is $27 for cars before 6 pm.
- After 6 pm, CityWalk parking is just $5 if you don’t have regular park tickets.
- You can enter CityWalk on foot without parking by following the outdoor pedestrian routes.
- All CityWalk guests must go through security screening, just like the theme parks.
Once through security, you’re free to roam CityWalk Hollywood’s restaurants, stores, and venues without ever purchasing theme park admission.
What Can You Do at Universal CityWalk Without Park Tickets?
Wondering what CityWalk has to offer for those without Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure tickets? The short answer is: A TON! You could easily spend multiple days fully experiencing all the dining, shopping, entertainment, and more.
Dining at CityWalk
Let’s start with theFood scene, because CityWalk has an incredible lineup of restaurants, quick service spots, bars, and lounges. From full-service dining to tasty treats, you’ll find it all:
- Universal CityWalk Orlando features over 30 different dining options like Antojitos Mexican, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Vivo Italian Kitchen, and unique concepts like The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.
- CityWalk Hollywood has diverse options from chains like Bubba Gump and Margaritaville to original eateries like Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, Dongpo Kitchen, and Voodoo Doughnut’s first California location.
- Craving pub grub and brews? Hit NBC Sports Grill & Brew in either CityWalk location.
- Sweet tooth? Grab a scoop at Ben & Jerry’s, create your own Menchie’s frozen yogurt, or go wild at Toothsome’s over-the-top milkshakes and treats.
With such a wide array, you’re sure to find plenty of amazing dining for any budget and taste! The hardest part is deciding what to eat first.
Shopping Without Park Admission
CityWalk is also a shopper’s paradise, with no theme park ticket required. You’ll find all kinds of stores offering:
- Apparel and accessories from brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Billabong, Tilly’s, and more.
- Home goods, bath items, collectibles, and novelties at shops like Nectar Bath Treats and Zen Zone.
- Sweet treats and delectable goodies at places like It’Sugar and Toothsome’s Candy Store.
- Universal Studios merchandise and movie-themed souvenirs galore!
Whether you want to pick up fun vacation attire, gifts for folks back home, or just indulge in some retail therapy, CityWalk has you covered.
Entertainment and Attractions
But CityWalk isn’t just for eating and shopping. You’ll find all sorts of interactive entertainment and attractions to enjoy:
- Catch a newly-released movie at Universal Cinemark theaters, with premium IMAX and plush recliner seating available.
- Challenge your putting skills at Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf in Orlando, with two whimsical themed courses.
- Experience the thrilling sensation of indoor skydiving at iFly Hollywood.
- See mind-blowing magic and dance acts on the high-tech Universal CityWalk stage.
- On select nights, enjoy free outdoor concerts and dazzling water fountain shows synchronized to lights and music.
With movies, mini golf, live entertainment, and more, CityWalk provides a vibrant atmosphere without needing theme park entry.
Is It Worth Visiting CityWalk If Not Going to the Parks?
You might be thinking – sure CityWalk sounds fun, but is it worth a special trip if you don’t plan to visit Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure? My answer is absolutely yes, for several reasons:
- CityWalk offers a complete evening of dining and entertainment. You can easily spend 4-5 hours eating a great meal, catching a movie, seeing shows/concerts, and strolling around taking in the atmosphere.
- It provides a break from the theme parks. For those vacationing at Universal Orlando, CityWalk makes for a nice lower-key night away from the rides and crowds.
- It’s free entertainment and atmosphere! Without paying for park tickets, you can still experience the dazzling fountain shows, beautiful architecture, and fun vibe.
- There are unique experiences like mini golf and iFly. These special attractions are reasonably priced paid activities for non-park guests.
Whether making it your whole evening’s plans or just killing a few hours, CityWalk delivers amazing value if you’re not visiting the theme parks that day.
Tips for Making the Most of Your CityWalk Visit
To ensure you have an incredible CityWalk experience, here are some tips to maximize your time and money spent:
- Visit on a weeknight if possible when crowds are lower. Weekends and peak seasons get very busy.
- For CityWalk Orlando, arrive after 6 pm for free parking and leave before 6 pm the next day.
- Useride shares or available shuttles to avoid parking fees completely. Many Orlando hotels provide free shuttles.
- Start at one end of CityWalk and work your way down at a leisurely pace, exploring areas of interest. For example, begin at Margaritaville in Orlando and end at the mini golf courses.
- Check for any special free concert lineups and plan around the show times.
- Take advantage of all the free entertainers and fountain shows for no-cost fun.
- Consider an all-you-can-eat option like the Toothsome Milkshake and Brunch offering if you plan to snack heavily.
Following these tips will ensure you get the full CityWalk experience tailored to your interests without breaking the bank!
Final Talk
As you can see, the answer is a resounding yes – you absolutely can visit Universal CityWalk in both Orlando and Hollywood without purchasing theme park admission! These vibrant entertainment districts offer so much more than just an entrance to the parks.
From their vast dining options with unique and world-class eateries, to upscale bowling and mini golf, concert venues, shopping galore, movies, and more – CityWalk delivers a complete nightlife and entertainment experience on its own. Not to mention all the free atmosphere like dazzling fountain shows!
So whether you’re a theme park fan looking for a break, or just want to experience Universal’s dining and fun without the park admission, make CityWalk a must-visit part of your vacation plans. Follow the parking tips, map out your dining and activities, and get ready for an epic night at the Epicenter of Awesome!
