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 | |
| Location: | Universal Studios Hollywood |
| Coordinates: | 34.136°N -118.3551°W |
| Address: | 100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, California 91608 |
| Opening Date: |
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| Closing Date: | amphitheatre: |
| Owner: | Universal Destinations & Experiences |
| Architect: | Jon Jerde |
| Number Of Stores: | 29 |
| Publictransit: | Universal City/Studio City Station |
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.
Designed by Jon Jerde, CityWalk opened in May 1993 adjacent to the Cineplex Odeon cinema (operated by AMC Theatres since 2006). A $1 billion, 93000square feet 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" 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.
| Casual Dining | Quick Service Eateries | Snack & Refreshments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antojito's Cocina Mexicana | Chick Chick Chicken | Ben and Jerry's | |
| Menchie's Frozen Yogurt | |||
| Mini Monster | |||
| Dongpo Kitchen | Popcornopolis | ||
| KFC Express / Pizza Hut Express | Sparky's Mini Doughnuts and Chocolates | ||
| Johnny Rockets Restaurant & Sports Lounge | Starbucks | ||
| NBC Sports Grill & Brew | Pink's Famous Hot Dogs | Voodoo Doughnut | |
| The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium | Wetzel's Pretzels | ||
| The Crêpe Café | |||
| Wasabi at CityWalk |
| Apparel & Accessories | Collectibles, Games & Novelties | Food Specialities, Home, Health & Beauty |
|---|---|---|
| Cartooniversal | IT'SUGAR | |
| Celebrity Authentics | Karma and Luck | |
| Francesca's Collection | Dodgers Clubhouse Store | Nectar Bath Treats |
| 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 | |
| Universal UNIVRS | ||
| Universal CityWalk Orlando | |
| Location: | Universal Orlando Resort |
| Coordinates: | 28.4723°N -81.4656°W |
| Address: | 6000 Universal Boulevard Orlando, Florida 32819 |
| Owner: | Universal Destinations & Experiences |
| Number Of Stores: | 13 |
| Publictransit: | 21, 37, & 40 |
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 Universal Islands of Adventure.
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]
The Universal CityWalk Osaka opened to public on March 31, 2001 as part of the Universal Studios Japan.
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]