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
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
LocationUniversal Studios Hollywood
Coordinates34.1359945°N 118.3551362°W / 34.1359945; -118.3551362
Address100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, California 91608
Opening date
  • May 1993 (May 1993)
  • amphitheatre: June 28, 1972 (June 28, 1972)
  • theater: July 4, 1987 (July 4, 1987)[1]
  • expansion: April 7, 2000 (April 7, 2000)
Closing dateamphitheatre: September 6, 2013 (September 6, 2013)
OwnerUniversal Destinations & Experiences
ArchitectJon Jerde
No. of stores and services29
Public transit accessUniversal City/Studio City Station
WebsiteOfficial 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

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

"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
A Jamba Juice store located along the CityWalk in Universal Studios Hollywood.
Casual DiningQuick Service EateriesSnack & Refreshments
Antojito's Cocina MexicanaChick Chick ChickenBen and Jerry's
Bubba Gump Shrimp CompanyCinnabonMenchie's Frozen Yogurt
Buca di BeppoFirehouse SubsMini Monster
Dongpo KitchenJamba JuicePopcornopolis
Jimmy Buffett's MargaritavilleKFC Express / Pizza Hut ExpressSparky's Mini Doughnuts and Chocolates
Johnny Rockets Restaurant & Sports LoungePanda ExpressStarbucks
NBC Sports Grill & BrewPink's Famous Hot DogsVoodoo Doughnut
The Toothsome Chocolate EmporiumTaco BellWetzel's Pretzels
Vivo Italian KitchenThe Crêpe Café
Wasabi at CityWalkThe Habit Burger Grill

Shopping
Raider Image, Universal CityWalk Hollywood
Apparel & AccessoriesCollectibles, Games & NoveltiesFood Specialities, Home, Health & Beauty
Abercrombie & FitchCelebrity AuthenticsIT'SUGAR
BillabongDodgers Clubhouse StoreNectar Bath Treats
FossilGifting Is UniversalSephora
Francesca's CollectionHot TopicZen Zone
LidsSuper Nintendo World Store
Lids Locker RoomThe Raider Image
Shoe PalaceThings From Another World
SunsastionsUniversal Studios Store
The Los Angeles Sock Market
Tilly's
Universal UNIVRS

Entertainment
Night SpotsExperiencesCinemasGame Show Taping
Bubba Gump Shrimp CompanyiFly HollywoodUniversal CinemaFamily Feud (2010–2011)
Buca di Beppo
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville

Universal CityWalk Orlando
Universal CityWalk Orlando
LocationUniversal Orlando Resort
Coordinates28.4722676°N 81.4656319°W / 28.4722676; -81.4656319
Address6000 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, Florida 32819
Opening dateFebruary 4, 1999 (February 4, 1999)
OwnerUniversal Destinations & Experiences
No. of stores and services13
Public transit accesslocal transit Lynx 21, 37, & 40
WebsiteOfficial website
Universal Orlando
Theme parks
Resort hotels
  • Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
  • Hard Rock Hotel
  • Loews Royal Pacific Resort
  • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
  • Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
  • Universal's Aventura Hotel
  • Universal's Endless Summer Resort
Entertainment district
The entrance plaza to CityWalk Orlando

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
Current Hard Rock Café at Universal Studios Florida

Entertainment
  • 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.

Shopping
  • 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)
  • Universal Legacy Store
  • Universal Studios Store

Former Outlets

Incident

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
Universal City Walk Osaka, Japan

The Universal CityWalk Osaka opened to public on March 31, 2001 as part of the Universal Studios Japan.

Dining
  • 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

Shopping

Other
Takoyaki museum at Universal City Walk Osaka
  • Takoyaki museum (Takoyaki Dining)
    • The Original Takoyaki Tamade, Osaka Aiduya
    • Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru
    • Osaka Amerikamura Kougaryu
    • Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan
    • Juhachiban
    • Naniwa's Specialty Ichibirian

[8]

Universal CityWalk Beijing
Universal CityWalk Beijing from its south

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
The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant at Universal CityWalk Beijing
  • 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
Universal Studios Store, Beijing

Entertainment
  • Universal CityWalk Cinema

[11]

References
  1. Hayes, Dade; Bing, Jonathan (2004). Open Wide: How Hollywood Box Office Became a National Obsession. Miramax Books. pp. 315–7. ISBN 1401352006.
  2. 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.
  3. NELSON, JIM (2000-04-24). "The Real Mastermind Behind CityWalk". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
  4. "Peter Jon Pearce site – Building Systems Developments – other projects".
  5. 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.
  6. "Fla. man dies after police Taser him at Universal Studios complex". USATODAY.COM.
  7. "Autopsy: Police restraints killed Winter Haven man". theledger.com.
  8. "English & Chinese Floor Map". Archived from the original on 2017-06-30. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
  9. "环球城市大道 正式向公众开放". Beijing Youth Daily. 2021-09-04. Archived from the original on 2021-10-17. Retrieved 2021-09-07.
  10. "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.
  11. "Universal Beijing Resort Raises the Curtain on Universal CityWalk Beijing - Desitined to Become Beijing's One-Stop Dining and Entertainment Center".
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