caroline
04-09-2002, 23:51
Found this write-up and thought it was quite useful....
Universal Studios Escape has come alive at night with CityWalk, an entertainment complex that has been opening in increments this year.
The complex is filled with hip, big-name clubs and restaurants, similar to Downtown Disney West Side. But the layout is more compact -- like Disney's Pleasure Island or Church Street Station.
CityWalk stretches along a small lake with a plaza and an outdoor stage and offers views into Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
It's the first thing visitors encounter after they park in Universal's two massive parking garages and walk toward the theme parks.
CityWalk offers clubs that span a wide range of musical tastes: from such evergreens as Jimmy Buffett, Motown and Bob Marley to rock 'n' roll, dance music, dueling pianos and Latin rhythms.
Venues include CityJazz, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, NASCAR Cafe, Pat O'Brien's, Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom, the Groove, Hard Rock Live and the world's largest Hard Rock Cafe.
The Groove, a dance club, looks like a turn-of-the-century theater that was converted into a nightclub. There's a wooden dance floor, a wall of video monitors and small lounges tucked here and there.
CityJazz is decorated in a mix of natural wood with a purple and green decor. A montage of jazz stars fills one wall. Glass cases show jazz memorabilia.
Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom was patterned after Marley's home in Kingston, Jamaica, which was converted into a museum after the reggae star died in 1981.
To build Pat O'Brien's Irish bar, Universal took thousands of photos of the original Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans. The exterior replicates the original, and on the patio in the back, you'll find the signature fire and water fountain. There are two inside bars, including one with dueling pianos.
As for the Latin Quarter, the 20,000-square-foot, $10 million restaurant features 'Nuevo Latino' cuisine. The Spanish colonial architecture of the building 'ages' as you enter, going from Mayan to Aztec to Incan.
CityWalk visitors who are fans of chef Emeril Lagasse can make reservations for Emeril's Orlando, a version of Lagasse's original restaurant in the warehouse district of New Orleans.
Motown Cafe is a medley of food, live entertainment and memorabilia. And for Italian-food fans, Pastamore is an open-air, walk-up cafe.
There is no admission charge for CityWalk, although individual clubs may have cover charges. Visitors can buy a Key to the Clubs, providing admission to all venues, for $7.95 plus tax. The Universal parking garages charge $7 for cars and $8 for RVs and campers before 6 p.m. Parking is free after 6 p.m.
General operating hours are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., although each venue has its own hours.
CityWalk can be seen only on foot. Visitors must park in Universal's garages and walk about five to 10 minutes to get there. Moving sidewalks are available.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Individual club and restaurant hours may vary.$7 parking for cars, $8 for RVs before 6 p.m., free park.
Caroline
Universal Studios Escape has come alive at night with CityWalk, an entertainment complex that has been opening in increments this year.
The complex is filled with hip, big-name clubs and restaurants, similar to Downtown Disney West Side. But the layout is more compact -- like Disney's Pleasure Island or Church Street Station.
CityWalk stretches along a small lake with a plaza and an outdoor stage and offers views into Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
It's the first thing visitors encounter after they park in Universal's two massive parking garages and walk toward the theme parks.
CityWalk offers clubs that span a wide range of musical tastes: from such evergreens as Jimmy Buffett, Motown and Bob Marley to rock 'n' roll, dance music, dueling pianos and Latin rhythms.
Venues include CityJazz, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, NASCAR Cafe, Pat O'Brien's, Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom, the Groove, Hard Rock Live and the world's largest Hard Rock Cafe.
The Groove, a dance club, looks like a turn-of-the-century theater that was converted into a nightclub. There's a wooden dance floor, a wall of video monitors and small lounges tucked here and there.
CityJazz is decorated in a mix of natural wood with a purple and green decor. A montage of jazz stars fills one wall. Glass cases show jazz memorabilia.
Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom was patterned after Marley's home in Kingston, Jamaica, which was converted into a museum after the reggae star died in 1981.
To build Pat O'Brien's Irish bar, Universal took thousands of photos of the original Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans. The exterior replicates the original, and on the patio in the back, you'll find the signature fire and water fountain. There are two inside bars, including one with dueling pianos.
As for the Latin Quarter, the 20,000-square-foot, $10 million restaurant features 'Nuevo Latino' cuisine. The Spanish colonial architecture of the building 'ages' as you enter, going from Mayan to Aztec to Incan.
CityWalk visitors who are fans of chef Emeril Lagasse can make reservations for Emeril's Orlando, a version of Lagasse's original restaurant in the warehouse district of New Orleans.
Motown Cafe is a medley of food, live entertainment and memorabilia. And for Italian-food fans, Pastamore is an open-air, walk-up cafe.
There is no admission charge for CityWalk, although individual clubs may have cover charges. Visitors can buy a Key to the Clubs, providing admission to all venues, for $7.95 plus tax. The Universal parking garages charge $7 for cars and $8 for RVs and campers before 6 p.m. Parking is free after 6 p.m.
General operating hours are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., although each venue has its own hours.
CityWalk can be seen only on foot. Visitors must park in Universal's garages and walk about five to 10 minutes to get there. Moving sidewalks are available.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Individual club and restaurant hours may vary.$7 parking for cars, $8 for RVs before 6 p.m., free park.
Caroline