Located between the Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida theme parks, this nightclub, restaurant, and shopping district had its coming-out party in 1999 and competes head-to-head with Disney's Pleasure Island. It opens daily at 11am, but the hours of many clubs and restaurants vary, so call in advance if you're interested in a specific venue. Most clubs stay open until 2am.
At 30 acres, CityWalk (tel. 407/363-8000; www.citywalk.com) is five times larger than Pleasure Island. Alcohol is prominently featured here as it's geared to an adult crowd; younger members of the family should always be accompanied by an adult if allowed to tag along. The nights can get pretty wild. (Note: Some clubs here won't allow anyone younger than 21 inside after a certain hour -- see the listings below for details.)
Just like Pleasure Island, you can walk this district for free at night or visit individual clubs and pay an individual cover charge. CityWalk also offers two party passes. A pass to all clubs costs $11.99 plus tax. For $15.40 plus tax, you get a club pass and a movie at Universal Cineplex (tel. 407/354-5998). Universal also offers free club access to those who buy select multiday theme-park tickets (see chapter 7, "Exploring Beyond Disney: Universal Orlando, SeaWorld & Other Attractions"). There's also a "Dinner and a Movie" option; for $21.95 you can get entrance to a movie at the Cineplex and dinner at one of the CityWalk restaurants (select menu items apply -- see www.universalorlando.com for complete details).
Daytime parking in the Universal Orlando garages costs $11, but self-parking is free after 6pm. To get to CityWalk, take I-4 Exit 74B (westbound) or 75A (eastbound) and follow the signs to the parks.
Chilling Out -- You can grab a margarita to go and "chill" in the brightly colored wooden chairs (think of the Adirondacks) outside Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. It's a perfect spot to watch the crowds scurrying to and from the theme parks.
New Kid on the Block -- Replacing the Decades Café, The Red Coconut Club (tel. 407/224-3663) is the latest club to land on CityWalk's lineup of revolving lounges, but this one looks like it's here to stay. A chic upscale interior, signature martinis, and live music draw a hip crowd -- something previous tenants couldn't manage. It's open Sunday through Wednesday 7pm to 2am, Thursday through Saturday 6pm to 2am. There's a cover charge of $7 after 9pm. You must be 21 or older to enter.
