Universal CityWalk


Universal CityWalk is the name shared by the entertainment and retail districts located adjacent to the theme parks of Universal Parks & Resorts. CityWalk began as an expansion of Universal's first park, Universal Studios Hollywood, and serves as an entrance plaza from the parking lots to the theme parks. CityWalk can also be found at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida and Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Japan.
CityWalk Hollywood and CityWalk Orlando have some common tenants, but their respective architectural styles are quite different. Where CityWalk Hollywood incorporates a classic modern blend of Hollywood, CityWalk Orlando is almost entirely modern in appearance.

Universal CityWalk Hollywood

CityWalk is separate from Universal Studios Hollywood although it does serve as an entrance from the parking lot to Universal Studios. Inspiration came from the Horton Plaza according to Jon Jerde, the architecture of City Walk Hollywood tries to capture the architecture found all over Los Angeles.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a three-block entertainment, dining, shopping promenade. It has more than 30 eateries, a 19-screen movie theater featuring IMAX, 7 night spots, indoor skydiving and more than 30 stores.

History

Designed by Jon Jerde, CityWalk opened in May 1993 adjacent to the Cineplex Odeon cinema. A $1 billion,. expansion opened in 2000. Planning done by Jerde Associates.
CityWalk's central plaza is topped by a 170-foot radial trelis designed and built by Pearce Structures. The courtyard features a leaping fountain, created by WET. A huge television monitor brought in by Panasonic, is located above the multiplex, showing upcoming Universal movie releases, music videos, and NBCUniversal promotions stands next to the giant guitar towering over the Hard Rock Cafe.
Street performers are a common sight.

5 Towers

"5 Towers" is an interactive outdoor concert venue on Universal CityWalk, featuring a technologically advanced staging system. The stage is equipped with thousands of LED fixtures, motion capture sensors, five soaring 42-foot light tower sculptures, a massive video monitor, and a state-of-the-art audio system.
The new staging system serves as the structural artistic centerpiece for CityWalk. It features live music.

Dining

Casual DiningQuick Service EateriesSnack & Refreshments
Antojito's Cocina MexicanaBlaze PizzaBen and Jerry's
Bubba Gump Shrimp CompanyLudoBirdCinnabon
Buca di BeppoPanda ExpressJamba Juice
Dongpo KitchenPink's Famous Hot DogsMenchie's Frozen Yogurt
Jimmy Buffett's MargaritavilleSubwayPopcornopolis
Johnny Rockets Restaurant & Sports LoungeTaco BellStarbucks
Karl Strauss Brewing CompanyThe Crêpe CaféWetzel's Pretzels
NBC Sports Grill & BrewVoodoo Doughnut
Samba Brazilian Steakhouse & Lounge
Vivo Italian Kitchen
Wasabi at CityWalk

Shopping

Apparel & AccessoriesCollectibles, Games & NoveltiesFood Specialities, Home, Health & Beauty
Abercrombie & FitchIT'SUGARPopcornopolis
Sephora
Sparky'sZen Zone
BillabongDodger Clubhouse Store
Hard Rock Café – Retail Store
Flip Flop ShopsHot Topic
FossilThe Raider Image
Francesca's CollectionsThings From Another World
GUESS AccessoriesUniversal Studios Store
Havaianas
Lids
Lids Locker Room
The Los Angeles Sock Market
Shoe Palace
SCENE
Skechers

Entertainment

Universal CityWalk Orlando

The Universal CityWalk in Orlando opened in 1999 as one component of the expansion that transformed Universal Studios Florida into today's Universal Orlando Resort. It was built over the former Universal Studios parking lot and entrance. Guests arriving at the resort park in one of two-story parking garages then travel via covered moving walkways over Universal Boulevard into CityWalk. From there, guests can proceed into either two of the theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Dining

Dining