Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is a part of Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan originating from Universal's first park, Universal Studios Hollywood. CityWalk serves as an entertainment district, as well as the path from the parking lots, to the theme parks. All three entertainment districts include shopping, eateries, and entertainment venues.
CityWalk Hollywood and CityWalk Florida both have major similarities and differences, mainly in layout and design. CityWalk Hollywood incorporates a classic modern blend of Hollywood, while CityWalk Florida follows a modern city feel.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
The Universal CityWalk Hollywood opened in May 1993 adjecant to the isolated Cineplex Odeon cinema. A $1 billion, 93,000 sq. ft. expansion opened in 2000.
CityWalk's central plaza is topped by a large steel-web canopy with a leaping fountain below. A huge television monitor brought in by Panasonic, is located above the multiplex, showing upcoming Universal movie releases, music videos, and NBC Universal promotions stands next to the giant guitar towering over the Hard Rock Cafe.
Street performers (mimes, magicians, musicians) are a common sight. At Christmas time, there's even a parade, carolers, and an outdoor ice skating rink near the theaters.
Project Statistics
| Jon Jerde | |
| Site Area | 23 acres |
| Total Building Area | 540,000 sq ft |
| Executive Architect | DMJM/Keating |
| Water Elements Designer | WET Design |
| Specialty Lighting Consultant | Imero Fiorentino Associates |
| Graphic Designer | OLIO |
| Signage and Graphics Consultants | Harmonica, Wayne Hunt Design, Inc. |
| Landscape Architect | Emmet L. Wemple & Associates |
| Associate Architects | Hodgetts + Fung Design Associates, Morphosis, Anderson and Schwartz, Ellerbe Becket, Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates |
| Awards | 1994 Design Award, ICSC |
CityWalk Hollywood Attractions
Restaurants
- Buca di Beppo
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Café Tu Tu Tango
- Camacho’s Cantina
- Daily Grill
- Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood
- Karl Strauss Beer Garden & Restaurant
- Saddle Ranch Chop House
- Tony Roma's
- Wasabi at CityWalk
- Wolfgang Puck Cafe
- Ben & Jerry’s
- Cinnabon
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
- The Crepe Café
- Dodger Dogs
- Jamba Juice
- Jody Maroni Sausage Kingdom
- KFC Express
- Panda Express
- Pizza Hut Express
- Puccino Pizzeria
- Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill
- Starbucks Coffee
- Subway*
- Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers
- Versaille
- Wetzel's Pretzels
Shopping
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Adobe Road
- Billabong
- Chocolaté Loco
- The Dodgers Clubhouse Store
- EB Games/ GameStop
- Fossil
- GUESS? Accessories
- The Hard Rock Café Retail Store
- Hollywood Harley Davidson
- Hot Topic
- Kelly Slater's Quiksilver Boardrider’s Club
- Los Angeles Sock Market
- LUSH
- Magnet Max
- Martin Lawrence Galleries*dustry's finest from Picasso, Chagall and Warhol.
- Popcornopolis*
- Raiders Image*
- Salvatory Shoes*
- Shemoni Sterling Silver Jewelry*
- Skechers*
- Sparky's*
- Stop & Play*
- Sunglass Hut*
- Team LA*
- Things From Another World*
- Universal Studios Store*
- Upstart Crow*
- The Wound & Wound Toy Co.*
- Zen Zone*
Nightlife and Entertainment
- B.B. King's Blues Club & Restaurant
- CityWalk Cinemas
- CityWalk IMAX Theatre
- The Gibson Amphitheatre
- Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood
- Howl at the Moon
- Jillian's Hi Life Lane's
- NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway
- Rumba Room
- Saddle Ranch Chop House
Universal CityWalk Orlando
The Universal Citywalk in Orlando opened in 1999. It was built over the former Universal Studios parking lot and entrance. The entrance is now behind CityWalk and two parking garages across Universal Blvd. are connected to Citywalk by covered moving sidewalks.
Dining
- Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
- Hard Rock Cafe (this is the second Hard Rock Cafe built on Universal property. The first cafe was built near the Psycho house, E.T. Adventure, and Fievel's Playground. Although the first cafe was considered to be one of the largest in the chain Hard Rock Cafe closed down the restaurant to reopen in an even bigger facility and alongside Hard Rock Live in the Citywalk section. The Old Hard Rock Cafe building still remains unoccupied. The Hard Rock Hotel was built near it.)
- Emeril's Restaurant Orlando
- NBA City
- Latin Quarter
- Pastamoré Ristoranté & Market
- Starbucks
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Cinnabon
- NASCAR Sports Grille, formerly NASCAR Cafe. Reopened on February 8th, 2007.
Entertainment
- Cigarz at CityWalk
- Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom
- Pat O'Brien's
- CityJazz
- The Groove
- Hard Rock Live
- Red Coconut Club (formerly Motown Cafe in 1999, and Decades Cafe in 2005)
- Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando Opening June 7, 2007
Shopping
- Tommy Bahama
- Cartooniversal
- Cigarz at CityWalk
- Dapy
- The Endangered Species Store
- Fossil
- Fresh Produce
- Quiet Flight Surf Shop
- Universal Studios Store
- TCBY
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Store