By Jordan Coates, Editor in Chief
Universal is well known throughout Florida; however, the name Universal extends to much more when talking about the entire Universal Resort.
Universal Resort is comprised of a lot more than just Universal Studios. A stroll down CityWalk offers a variety of dining options, entertainment, and night life. To the right, Universal Studios invites guests into a world of Hollywood, and to the left, Islands of Adventure offers thrilling attractions in seven unique theme parks. After a day and night of fun, Universal Resort also offers three luxurious hotels just a ferry ride away.
Universal Resort provides traveling guests with a chance to rush their adrenalin, calm the nerves with a drink, and lay their head on a very soft pillow all in one day and all in very close proximity. Opened only a decade ago, the 30 acres that makeup CityWalk offer numerous restaurants, shops, and clubs. For a tasty meal and tropical atmosphere, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville is always a fine choice. Its cuisine is a combination of Florida and the Caribbean and has an extremely appetizing slice of key lime pie. Of course, this would go best with one of the many margaritas they have. Margaritaville also has a new daiquiri bar with drinks that tend to keep guests in this man-made paradise. While this is a fun and interesting way to dine, another finer option is Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando. This Creole based restaurant created by known chef Emeril Lagasse is the perfect blend of fine cuisine in a nice relaxing area. This restaurant is a bit higher in price, but the food is worth it. These are only two of the great dining options CityWalk has, but with over 20 options, guests can have a sit down dinner, a quick bite in the food court, or can sit by the water with a turkey leg.
After filling guests’ stomachs, CityWalk has four different night clubs to dance off the calories. CityWalk’s Rising Star takes karaoke to a new level. Nerves or bad vocals is no excuse in this club, as guests are invited onstage to pose as the lead singer of their favorite band. They can belt out the lyrics as loud as they can and have a group of backup singers to help out. Frequent Universal attendees agree: “the Rising Star is one of my favorite CityWalk clubs” said Universal PR Employee Brittany Tollerton.
The other three equally entertaining clubs are the Red Coconut Club, Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom, and the Groove. Partying and dancing is not the only option however; CityWalk is also home to The Blue Man Group, the AMC Universal Cineplex 20, and Hard Rock Live Orlando where many of the biggest names in music perform. CityWalk is open all year with a New Year’s Eve event in December.
Just a short walk or quick ferry ride away are three luxurious hotels welcoming guests of Universal Resort. These three hotels are the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. All three are unique in their own way, but all provide quality service with much to offer. The Portofino Bay Hotel is not only a high-class comfortable stay, but itis visually breathtaking. The hotel, opened in 1999, recreates the famous Mediterranean village. This hotel and the other two provide restaurants, entertainment, recreation, gyms, spas, pools, and all the works. Providing the luxury of free, quick transportation, guests can get a few extra minutes of sleep before taking on Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. These two different theme parks have so much to offer and see; guests will not want to miss a thing, especially not Universal Studios new Rip Ride Rock it Coaster. This exciting coaster is built in the musical shape of a treble clef, which was originally sketched out on a paper napkin. Guests may also want to stop by Islands of Adventure for a bite to eat at the Mythos- The Lost Continent Restaurant. Voted the Best Amusement Park Restaurant in 2010, Mythos has meals that stand apart from other options offered at the park and are mouthwatering delicious. Not only this, but the atmosphere is relaxing and a great way to cool down from the heat of the day and admire the creative architecture of the restaurant.
Universal Resort invites guests to not only be entertained but to become part of the entertainment. With all they have to offer, it is an option hard to pass up. Interested travelers should check out the annual winter events including Islands of Adventure’s Grinchmas, where the beloved Dr. Seuss story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” comes to life and Universal Studios’ Macy’s Holiday Parade, where celebration hits the streets with the magic and some authentic balloons and floats from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. These events are both held in December, so don’t miss out, especially since it only takes one tank to travel there!
