As you exit a ride, many visitors at Universal Orlando pass through CityWalk, which is a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment area situated between the park’s main parking and the theme parks themselves. The only alternative route is to use a water taxi or a walking path from one of the nearby Universal hotels.

Instead of viewing it merely as a passage, consider CityWalk as a destination in its own right, allowing you to experience Universal in a fun way without having to purchase a park ticket. Here’s how to spend your time at the Florida resort for free.

Is Universal CityWalk free?

Absolutely, entry to CityWalk comes at no charge. Here are some additional activities you can enjoy for free:

Stop by the Red Coconut Club for a lively lounge experience that features live performances, especially during special events like Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and various holiday festivities. The venue operates primarily from Thursday to Sunday, with seasonal themes giving it different names throughout the year. Currently, it’s the Dead Coconut Club for Halloween, whereas it will transform for Mardi Gras and holidays as the Cursed Coconut Club and the Green and Red Coconut Club, respectively.

Discover exciting updates about the upcoming theme park at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center. Utilize a free application on your smartphone to interact with a detailed 3-D model map. There are also various free photo opportunities and merchandise available for purchase.

Throughout the year, you can also find free pop-up entertainment events in CityWalk, along with additional live shows in various dining spots.

Is visiting Universal CityWalk worth it?

<pDefinitely! You can easily enjoy an entire afternoon or evening at CityWalk for significantly less than the cost of a park ticket.

Karaoke enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of singing alongside a live band at CityWalk’s Rising Star, or join in from your seat for dueling piano tunes at Pat O’Brien’s. You can also catch live music performances at Bob Marley–A Tribute to Freedom and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, all included with your food or drink orders.

Additionally, you can catch free local music performances on Friday and Saturday nights at the outdoor patio of Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, the largest Hard Rock Cafe globally. However, for major acts like Luis Fonsi and Larry the Cable Guy, tickets must be purchased to enter Hard Rock Live Orlando for concerts.

CityWalk also offers a wide range of dining options without live music, where popular spots like the whimsical Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, known for its decadent milkshakes, and Voodoo Doughnut, which may have long lines but offers mobile ordering options, can also be found.

Other available activities encompass movie screenings at Universal Cinemark, themed mini-golf at Hollywood Drive-In Golf, and escape rooms themed around “Jurassic World” and “Back to the Future” at Universal’s Great Movie Escape. Movie tickets begin at $5 during Cinemark Movie Rewards Discount Tuesdays. Mini-golf pricing starts at $19.99 for children aged 3 to 9 and $21.99 for guests aged 10 and up, with discounts for military members, seniors, AAA members, and Universal Orlando Annual Passholders. Escape rooms are available starting from $39.99 per person, regardless of age.

What does Universal Orlando Resort offer?

Staying guests at Universal Orlando Resort receive several advantages, including up to an hour of early access to certain parks, the ability to hop between pools, complimentary resort transportation, and free delivery of park purchases to their hotel rooms. Additionally, guests at Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, and Portofino Bay receive free Universal Express Unlimited passes, which can significantly shorten wait times for attractions.

Even if you are not staying overnight, you can still take part in activities like surprise character encounters and bowling at Galaxy Bowl located in the retro-themed Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Prices for bowling start at $18.50 per person, which includes shoe rental, and reservations are required.

On Saturday evenings, Loews Royal Pacific presents a complete luau experience that includes live Hawaiian dance performances, fire dancing, music, and a buffet with Polynesian-inspired dishes. Ticket prices for the Wantilan Luau begin at $45 for children aged 3 to 9, and $99 for those aged 10 and older, which covers gratuity and parking.

Special events like Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Velvet Sessions and Velvet Unplugged at The Hard Rock Hotel, and Jake’s Beer Dinners and Festivals at Loews Royal Pacific Resort offer diverse experiences at varying prices.

Year-round dining options that create lasting memories include Bar 17 Bistro, the rooftop bar at Universal Aventura Hotel featuring panoramic views of Orlando, and Mama Della’s Ristorante at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, where musicians perform for diners and take song requests.

Is parking free at Universal Orlando?

Indeed, self-parking in the main garage at CityWalk is free after 6 p.m. on nights when Halloween Horror Nights are not taking place, although this policy can change.

If you attend matinee showings at Universal Cinemark between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., you can park free of charge if you buy two movie tickets. While you must pay for parking in advance, you will be reimbursed.

If you dine at most full-service restaurants within Universal’s resort hotels, you may park there for free for a limited time.

For general parking, the fee is $32 for a full day in the main parking garage.