A Date at Universal CityWalk

Craving an exciting date night that’s just a short drive away? Look no further than Universal CityWalk in Orlando!  

For Tampa Bay couples, it’s an easy escape that packs a punch.  This vibrant entertainment complex offers delicious dining options, electrifying nightlife, and even the chance to catch a live concert – all within walking distance.  Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a night of thrilling rides, or something a little more unique, Universal CityWalk promises an unforgettable date night experience.

Universal CityWalk Dining

At CityWalk, there’s definitely no shortage of food. With over 25 different options, you and your date are sure to find something you’ll agree on. Or if you don’t agree, with how close together everything is, you could even get a little something to go from each of your top choices and find a nice place to share them at. 

Sit-Down Restaurants

At CityWalk, there are great options for sit-down meals at some awesome restaurants like the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, Pat O’Brien’s, Red Oven Pizza Bakery, and VIVO Italian Kitchen, among many others. 

If you are looking for a VERY Florida experience, a meal at Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville® is a must. Unwind to the tune of live musicians playing Jimmy Buffett covers, tropical sounds, and rock hits. Choose from an island-style menu featuring grilled fish tacos, a Cheeseburger in Paradise, Lava Lava Shrimp, key lime pie, and more plus—of course—margaritas and a host of frozen concoctions.

Just want a quick bite and a drink? Check out Lone Palm Airport right outside of Margaritaville. Located under the wings of Jimmy Buffett’s very own seaplane, the Hemisphere Dancer, this waterfront tiki bar is the spot for a signature margarita or frozen drink, and they also serve select tasty eats.

With over a dozen full service restaurants, you are bound to find the perfect place for your date night meal.

Related Post: Best Universal Orlando Restaurants for Romance

Quick-Service Options

CityWalk offers several tasty quick-service options to fuel your date night! If you are looking for a quick bite before you get started on your evening, CityWalk offers a variety of quick-serving restaurants sure to please any palette.

• Bend the Bao
• Bread Box Handcrafted
• Burger King Whopper Bar
• Hotdog Hall of Fame
• Menchie’s
• Moe’s Southwest Grill
• Panda Express
• Starbucks

Sweet Stuff

No date night is complete without dessert! End your evening on a sugary high with a delicious creation from Voodoo Doughnut, known for their outrageous and mouthwatering doughnuts. Alternatively, grab some classic ice cream flavors or create your own custom concoction at Cold Stone Creamery or Menchie’s.

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen

If you’ve ever done any research or internet searches of CityWalk, you probably have seen the incredible, kooky, milkshakes and drinks served at  Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. It’s smack-dab in between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. It is Orlando’s own gorgeous, industrial, steampunk-esque chocolate factory. 

Home to incredible milkshakes, creative cocktails and food dishes that are perfectly photo friendly for the “gram.” Toothsome has quite an expansive menu so it is easy for even the pickiest of eaters to find something. Most of the entrees are American cuisine with its own Toothsome twist. 

Universal CityWalk Entertainment

After, or even before, your meal, you and your date can enjoy quite a few other things while at the Universal CityWalk. The first thing you can do, obviously, is spend the day at Universal Studios, the attraction park, before heading back CityWalk for dinner. But if that’s not your speed, don’t you worry. There’s plenty to do within CityWalk, too! 

Take In A Show

If you’d like to see a good show, whether it be a comedy act, a concert, or something else, you can check what’s going on at Hard Rock Live. You can take your date to the head to the Antojitos Mexican restaurant for some live Mariachi music or at Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom, you can enjoy a live reggae band and a DJ in the courtyard every night.

Night Life & Dancing

The nightlife at Universal CityWalk is also plenty active. If you like bars and dancing, you have a few options too. You can try visiting the Rising Star bar and karaoke club that even has backup singers and a live band for you. 

Another nightclub you can visit is the Red Coconut Club, where you can dance, enjoy mixed drinks and a wide wine list, and a tropical ambiance. Red Coconut Club turns into a special themed club a couple times a year to coincide with the holidays, Mardi Gras, and even Halloween Horror nights. So make sure to check it out if you are there during those times of year!

Interactive Date Night Ideas at CityWalk

Ready for a little friendly competition? Head to Hollywood Drive-In Golf and challenge your date to a game of mini-golf. Prepare yourself for an invasion of 50s sci-fi and horror flick fun throughout two interactive 18-hole mini-golf courses. Choose between The Haunting of Ghostly Greens and Invaders from Planet Putt, or play all 36 holes for a daring “double feature.”

Universal Orlando Resort recently debuted Universal’s Great Movie Escape – featuring two next-level escape rooms that pack the innovative storytelling and theming Universal is known for into “can’t-miss” experiences. Choose between rooms inspired by the blockbuster films Jurassic World and Back to the Future.

There are also two small bars inside. The bars at Universal’s Great Movie Escape are free for anyone to visit – you do NOT need to purchase admission to the new Universal’s Great Movie Escape. This escape room-style experience is awesome for movie fans, especially of Back to the Future and Jurassic World.

Related Post: Guide to Escape Room Games in Orlando for an Exciting Date Night

Universal CityWalk Shopping

Food and fun isn’t all you get in a trip to Universal CityWalk. There are also various shopping locations at CityWalk where you and your date can browse through different clothing items, knick knacks, and more. 

The Universal Studios Store is full of many different kinds of gifts and souvenirs, from mugs and magnets to clothes and more, that you and your date can take home as a keepsake of a day spent together enjoying each other’s company. You can also visit the Rock Shop for music-themed apparel, souvenirs, and accessories. 

Parking at Universal CityWalk

Parking at CityWalk can be pricey at $32 per vehicle for standard and $50-60 for prime (Pricing is seasonal and may vary by day).

The enclosed parking garage services CityWalk, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure. It features moving sidewalks, escalators, elevators, and on-site wheelchair rental. Vehicles can leave the garage and return the same day by stopping at the toll plaza upon re-entry and presenting their parking ticket.

Try to get there early, parking can take a long time, especially on busy holiday weekends.

Parking Garage Address For Theme Parks And Universal CityWalk – 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819

Know Before You Go

• You can sneak up walk-ins, especially in the bar areas, however, the wait times can be lengthy at park close and peak times
• Make sure to double-check all the hours for the locations you want to visit
• Don’t forget to use your Universal Annual Pass for discounts, just ask

Even though it’s a little bit of a drive, a date at Universal CityWalk is more than worth it! Next time you have an afternoon or night free, take your date to CityWalk for a date night you’ll both cherish.