Universal’s Nightlife

As I mentioned in my last entry, there are plenty of opportunities for night time fun off Disney property. Today we will take a look at Universal’s hub of evening activity, City Walk. This shopping, dining, and entertainment complex offers exciting choices for all tastes. There is a cover charge at this location; you can buy a City Walk Party Pass for $11.99 (plus tax) or if buy Universal’s two park unlimited admission, you can get in for free.

If you’d like to have dinner, there are no less than ten restaurants to pick from. Racing fans will want to hit up NASCAR Sports Grille. Likewise, the basketball nuts will want to visit NBA City. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville offers cheeseburgers in paradise for the parrotheads in your group (like me!). If you just can’t get enough of the islands, head over to Bob Marley – A Tribute to freedom to grab some Jamaican influenced specialties and artifacts from the music legend’s home. Try the Hard Rock Café for more musical memorabilia. If celebrity chefs are more your thing, check out Emeril’s. Maybe you have a hankering for Creole? Then try Pat O’Brien’s, an import from New Orleans. Seafood lovers will flip for Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Marketplace. The Latin Quarter offers up dinner and dancing with a Latin flair. Rounding out the full service options is Pastamore with its family-style Italian fair. Several quick service eateries are also scattered throughout the complex.

Many of these restaurants double as clubs later in the evening with of them offering live entertainment nightly. Margaritaville has a live island inspired band each night. Bob Marley – Tribute to Freedom has a reggae band in the outdoor gazebo in the evening. Dueling pianos and sing-alongs are the feature attraction at Pat O’Brien’s after 6 p.m. A live salsa band plays (and often dances) nightly at Latin Quarter late into the night. There are only a few clubs who do not share their space with the dinner rush. One of these is the groove which has a dj spinning dance songs. If you are in the mood for signature martinis, dancing, and a lounge atmosphere, then check out the Red Coconut Club. City Walk’s Rising Star is a great spot for karaoke fanatics. A live band plays with those brave enough to get up on stage to sing their hearts out.

Universal’s City Walk certainly offers a lot of chances for fun on any given night. Why not try it the next time you visit the Orlando area?

Next time, I’ll take a look at some down town Orlando hot spots…