Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is the name shared by the entertainment and retail districts located adjacent to the theme parks of Universal Destinations & Experiences. CityWalk began as an expansion of Universal's first park, Universal Studios Hollywood, and serves as an entrance plaza from the parking lots to the theme parks. CityWalk can also be found at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort in Beijing, China.
CityWalk Hollywood and CityWalk Orlando have some common tenants, but their respective architectural styles are quite different. Where CityWalk Hollywood incorporates a classic modern blend of Hollywood, CityWalk Orlando is almost entirely modern in appearance.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood edit
| Location | Universal Studios Hollywood |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34°08′10″N 118°21′18″W / 34.1359945°N 118.3551362°W |
| Address | 100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, California 91608 |
| Opening date |
|
| Closing date | amphitheatre: September 6, 2013 |
| Owner | Universal Destinations & Experiences |
| Architect | Jon Jerde |
| No. of stores and services | 29 |
| Public transit access | Universal City/Studio City Station |
| Website | Official website |
CityWalk is separate from Universal Studios Hollywood although it does serve as an entrance from the parking lot to Universal Studios.[2] Inspiration came from the Horton Plaza according to Jon Jerde, the architecture of CityWalk Hollywood tries to capture the architecture found all over Los Angeles.[3]
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a three-block entertainment, dining, shopping promenade. It has more than 30 eateries, a 19-screen movie theater featuring IMAX, 7 night spots, indoor skydiving and more than 30 stores.
History edit
Designed by Jon Jerde, CityWalk opened in May 1993 adjacent to the Cineplex Odeon cinema (operated by AMC Theatres since 2006). A $1 billion, 93,000 sq ft (8,600 m2) expansion opened in 2000. Planning done by Jerde Associates. Street performers (magicians and musicians) are a common sight.
CityWalk's central plaza is topped by a 170-foot radial trellis designed and built by Pearce Structures[4] (who also constructed Biosphere 2). The courtyard features a leaping fountain, created by WET. A huge television monitor brought in by Panasonic, is located above the multiplex, showing upcoming Universal movie releases, music videos, and NBCUniversal promotions stands next to the giant guitar towering over the Hard Rock Cafe.
In January 2010, the music video for Justin Bieber's song "Baby" was recorded here.
5 Towers edit
"5 Towers" is an interactive outdoor concert venue on Universal CityWalk, featuring a technologically advanced staging system. The stage is equipped with thousands of LED fixtures, motion capture sensors, five soaring 42-foot light tower sculptures, a massive video monitor, and a state-of-the-art audio system.
The new staging system serves as the structural artistic centerpiece for CityWalk. It features live music.
Dining edit
| Casual Dining | Quick Service Eateries | Snack & Refreshments |
|---|---|---|
| Antojito's Cocina Mexicana | Chick Chick Chicken | Ben and Jerry's |
| Bubba Gump Shrimp Company | Cinnabon | Menchie's Frozen Yogurt |
| Buca di Beppo | Firehouse Subs | Mini Monster |
| Dongpo Kitchen | Jamba Juice | Popcornopolis |
| Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville | KFC Express / Pizza Hut Express | Sparky's Mini Doughnuts and Chocolates |
| Johnny Rockets Restaurant & Sports Lounge | Panda Express | Starbucks |
| NBC Sports Grill & Brew | Pink's Famous Hot Dogs | Voodoo Doughnut |
| The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium | Taco Bell | Wetzel's Pretzels |
| Vivo Italian Kitchen | The Crêpe Café | |
| Wasabi at CityWalk | The Habit Burger Grill |
Shopping edit
| Apparel & Accessories | Collectibles, Games & Novelties | Food Specialities, Home, Health & Beauty |
|---|---|---|
| Abercrombie & Fitch | Cartooniversal | IT'SUGAR |
| Billabong | Celebrity Authentics | Karma and Luck |
| Francesca's Collection | Dodgers Clubhouse Store | Nectar Bath Treats |
| Lids | Hot Topic | Sephora |
| Lids Locker Room | Production Central | Zen Zone |
| Shoe Palace | Super Nintendo World Store | |
| Sunsastions | The Raider Image | |
| The Los Angeles Sock Market | Things From Another World | |
| Tilly's | Universal Studios Store | |
| Universal UNIVRS |
Entertainment edit
| Night Spots | Experiences | Cinemas | Game Show Taping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bubba Gump Shrimp Company | iFly Hollywood | Universal Cinema | Family Feud (2010–2011) |
| Buca di Beppo | |||
| Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville |
Universal CityWalk Orlando edit
| Location | Universal Orlando Resort |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 28°28′20″N 81°27′56″W / 28.4722676°N 81.4656319°W |
| Address | 6000 Universal Boulevard Orlando, Florida 32819 |
| Opening date | February 4, 1999 |
| Owner | Universal Destinations & Experiences |
| No. of stores and services | 13 |
| Public transit access | 21, 37, & 40 |
| Website | Official website |
The Universal CityWalk in Orlando opened in February 1999 as one component of the expansion that transformed Universal Studios Florida into Universal Orlando Resort. It was built over the former Universal Studios parking lot and entrance. Guests arriving at the resort park in one of two parking garages then travel via covered moving walkways over Universal Boulevard into CityWalk. From there, guests can proceed into either of the theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Dining edit
- Hard Rock Cafe Orlando – This is the second Hard Rock Café built on Universal property. The first café was built near the Psycho house, Bates Motel, E.T. Adventure, and Fievel's Playland. Although the first café was considered to be one of the largest in the chain, the company closed down the restaurant to reopen in an even bigger facility and alongside Hard Rock Live in the CityWalk section. The old Hard Rock Café building was demolished in October 2011.[5]
- Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
- Lone Palm Airport – A quick service bar across from Margaritaville
- Antojito's Authentic Mexican Food (formerly Latin Quarter in 1999)
- Starbucks
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Company – Inspired by the 1994 film Forrest Gump (formerly Motown Cafe in 1999)
- Cinnabon
- Pat O'Brien's Bar – A franchise of the original bar/restaurant in New Orleans.
- BK Whopper Bar – Limited service to the fast food restaurant Burger King
- Panda Express
- Moe's Southwest Grill
- Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom
- Fat Tuesday – A walk up bar
- Red Oven Pizza Bakery
- Cold Stone Creamery
- Menchie's Frozen Yogurt
- Vivo Italian Kitchen (formerly Pastamore Italian Restaurant in 1999)
- Hot Dog Hall of Fame
- Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches
- The Cowfish Sushi and Burger Bar
- NBC Sports Grill & Brew (formerly NASCAR Café in 1999)
- The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen (formerly NBA City in 1999)
- Voodoo Doughnut
- Bigfire American Fare (formerly Emeril's Restaurant Orlando in 1999)
- Bend the Bao
Entertainment edit
- Universal Cinemark at CityWalk, previously operated by Loews Theatres until January 26, 2006, when AMC Theatres merged the Loews Theatres chain, and previously operated by AMC until 2018.
- Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom
- CityWalk's Rising Star – A karaoke club featuring a live band and backup Singers. Opened in April of 2008 replacing CityJazz.
- Hard Rock Live – A separate performance venue adjacent to the Hard Rock Cafe
- Red Coconut Club (Formerly Decades Cafe in 2005)
- Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville – Live bands take to the restaurant's stage to perform every evening.
- Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf – A miniature golf course harkening back to 1950s era drive-in movies. The facility has two different and intricately themed courses: "The Haunting of Ghostly Greens" and "Invaders from Planet Putt-Putt". Opened in March 2012.
- Universal's Great Movie Escape – An Escape room experience with rooms themed to both Back to the Future and Jurassic World. (formerly "the groove" nightclub)
Shopping edit
- Candy Smith (at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium)
- CityWalk Hub Store
- Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company
- Quiet Flight Surf Shop
- The Smuggler's Hold (at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville)
Former Shopping edit
- Universal Studios Store
- Universal Legacy Store (now replaced by Universal Epic Universe Preview Center as a new exhibition)
Exhibition edit
- Universal Epic Universe Preview Center (Opening in 2024)
Former Outlets edit
- Big Kahuna Pizza
- BMG Gear
- Blue Man Group Theatre
- Cartooniversal
- Cigarz at Citywalk
- Element Skateboards
- The Endangered Species Store
- Fresh Produce
- Fossil, Inc.
- Fusion Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar
- Galaxy Bar
- The Groove
- Island Clothing Co.
- Katie's Candy Company
- P!Q
- TCBY
- Tommy Bahama
Incident edit
On April 22, 2011, a 33-year-old man from Winter Haven, Florida, was found unconscious in front of the Universal Cineplex 20 theater after being tased by an off-duty police officer due to disorderly conduct. The man was taken to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and later died.[6][7]
Universal CityWalk Osaka edit
The Universal CityWalk Osaka opened to public on March 31, 2001 as part of the Universal Studios Japan.
Dining edit
- Red Lobster
- Nolboo
- Ganko
- Shinobuan
- Inaba Wako
- Shabu Sai
- Yakiniku Karubin Champ
- Fugetsu USA
- Gottie's Beef
- Pommenoki
- Fujin Raijin RA-MEN
- Kamakura Pasta
- Kobe Motomachi Doria
- Moana Kitchen
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Kushiro Monogatari
- Bistro 309
- T.G.I. Friday's
- Aen Table
- Kyoto Katsugyu
- Daikisuisan Kaitensushi
- Mos Burger
- Funfun
- Popcorn Papa
- Moomin Stand
- Momi & Toy's
- 551 Horai
- Pizza Napoletano
- Kineya Mugimaru
- Romaken
- St-Marc Cafe
- Seiryumon
Shopping edit
- Edion
- Nostalgia Museum
- Rock Shop
- Little Osaka
- LAWSON - convenience store chain
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi - drug store chain
- Jump Shop - Weekly Shōnen Jump official shop with character goods
- Claire's
- Maimo
- Gap Factory Store
- Boushiya Flava
Other edit
- Takoyaki museum (Takoyaki Dining)
- The Original Takoyaki Tamade, Osaka Aiduya
- Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru
- Osaka Amerikamura Kougaryu
- Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan
- Juhachiban
- Naniwa's Specialty Ichibirian
Universal CityWalk Beijing edit
The Universal CityWalk Beijing opened to public on September 2, 2021[9] as part of the Universal Beijing Resort's first phase with no entrance fee.[10]
Dining edit
- BMW JOYCUBE
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
- CityWalk Red Oven Pizza Bakery
- CityWalk WUBEI CRAFT FOOD AND BEER
- Cutie Cones
- Donglaishun
- Jumbo Seafood
- KPRO
- Neon Street Hawkers
- Peet's Coffee
- Phoenix House Superior Shop
- Quanjude
- The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
- TIME TRAVEL GRANDMA'S HOME FLAGSHIP STORE
- Universal CityWalk - The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
Shopping edit
- Adidas
- Harmay
- Kakao Friends
- POP MART
- Swarovski
- The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Candy Store
- Universal Studios Store
Entertainment edit
- Universal CityWalk Cinema
References edit
- ^ Hayes, Dade; Bing, Jonathan (2004). Open Wide: How Hollywood Box Office Became a National Obsession. Miramax Books. pp. 315–7. ISBN 1401352006.
- ^ SMITH, DOUG (1993-05-25). "Celebrating L.A. Icons : Universal CityWalk Is for Real--Almost". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
- ^ NELSON, JIM (2000-04-24). "The Real Mastermind Behind CityWalk". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
- ^ "Peter Jon Pearce site – Building Systems Developments – other projects".
- ^ Kleinhenz, Marc N. (2020-06-07). "The long and surprising history of Hard Rock Café at Universal Studios Florida". Orlando Informer. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
- ^ "Fla. man dies after police Taser him at Universal Studios complex". USATODAY.COM.
- ^ "Autopsy: Police restraints killed Winter Haven man". theledger.com.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2017-06-30. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
- ^ . Beijing Youth Daily. 2021-09-04. Archived from the original on 2021-10-17. Retrieved 2021-09-07.
- ^ "定了！北京环球度假区9月20日正式向公众开放". 北京日报客户端. 2021-08-30. Retrieved 2021-08-30.
- ^ "Universal Beijing Resort Raises the Curtain on Universal CityWalk Beijing - Desitined to Become Beijing's One-Stop Dining and Entertainment Center".
External links edit
- Media related to Universal CityWalk at Wikimedia Commons
- Universal CityWalk Hollywood official Web site
- CityWalk Orlando official Web site
- Universal CityWalk Restaurants
- Universal Studios CityWalk Hollywood – Top of Hour Video Montage on YouTube
- The New Universal Cinema at Universal CityWalk Hollywood on YouTube