How to Visit Universal Orlando Without Paying for Tickets

Like the gift shop you exit when exiting a ride, many Universal Orlando guests must pass through the resort’s CityWalk shopping, dining and entertainment complex to get to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure and back. Indeed, CityWalk is located right between the main complex parking lot and the parks. The only way around this is to take a water taxi or internal walking trail from one of the Universal hotels.

But instead of thinking of it as part of the trip, you might want to make CityWalk its own destination, as it’s one of the best places to experience Universal without paying for a park ticket. Here’s how and what else you can do in the Florida resort town.

Is Universal CityWalk free?

Yes, entry to CityWalk is free. Here’s what else you can do for free:

Head to the Red Coconut Club for an immersive lounge experience and live entertainment during Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights and resort holiday celebrations. The club is generally open Thursday to Sunday throughout the year, but during seasonal events it undergoes a facelift and changes its name. It’s currently the Dead Coconut Club for Halloween. It was the Cursed Coconut Club for Mardi Gras, and in the past it was the Green and Red Coconut Club for the holidays.

Check out everything new coming to the resort’s new theme park at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center. There is a large 3D model map that you can interact with using a free app on your smartphone. Free photo ops and souvenirs are also available for sale.

Free live entertainment pop-ups are also available in CityWalk during certain times of the year. Other live entertainment is available in CityWalk with catering.

Is it worth going to Universal CityWalk?

Yes. You can spend an entire afternoon or evening at CityWalk for less than a park ticket.

One of the coolest things karaoke fans can do is sing along with a live band with backup singers on stage at CityWalk’s Rising Star. Or you can sing along from your seat during a piano duel at Pat O’Brien’s. Live music is also available at Bob Marley–A Tribute to Liberty and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. All of this entertainment is included with food or drink purchases.

Free live local music is also available Friday and Saturday nights on the patio of Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, the world’s largest Hard Rock Cafe, but you’ll have to pay for headliners like Luis Fonsi and Larry the Cable Guy inside. Hard Rock Live Orlando concert venue.

Sure, there are plenty of restaurants without live shows but plenty of fans, like the steampunk-inspired Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, famous for its milkshakes, and Voodoo Donut, which always has a line but also offers mobile ordering. .

Other activities include watching movies at Universal Cinemark, themed mini golf at Hollywood Drive-In Golf, and escape rooms inspired by “Jurassic World” and “Back to the Future” at Universal’s Great Movie Escape. Movie tickets start at $5 on Cinemark Movie Rewards discounted Tuesdays. Mini golf starts at $19.99 for children ages 3-9 and $21.99 for guests ages 10 and older, with discounts available for military, seniors, AAA members and Universal Orlando Annual Passholders. Escape rooms start at $39.99 per person, for all ages.

What is included in Universal Orlando Resort?

Universal Orlando Resorts offers a range of benefits to guests staying at its hotels, including up to one hour early admission to select parks, certain pool hopping privileges, free transportation within the resort and free delivery of purchases within parks to hotels. Royal Pacific, Hard Rock and Portofino Bay customers also receive free Universal Express Unlimited passes that can significantly reduce ride waits.

However, you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy on-site activities like pop-up character appearances and bowling at the Galaxy Bowl in Universal’s retro-themed Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Bowling starts at $18.50 per person, including shoe rental, and requires a reservation.

On Saturday evening, Loews Royal Pacific hosts a full luau with live hula performances, fire dancing, music and a Polynesian-inspired buffet. Tickets for Wantilan Luau start at $45 per child ages 3-9 and $99 for guests 10 and older, including gratuity and parking.

There are also limited-time events like Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Velvet Sessions and Velvet Unplugged at Hard Rock Hotel, and Jake’s Beer Dinners and Festivals at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, with prices varying.

Memorable dining experiences available year-round include Bar 17 Bistro, the Universal Aventura Hotel’s rooftop bar with stunning views of Orlando, and Mama Della’s Ristorante at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, where buskers perform. serenade guests and respond to song requests.

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Is there free parking at Universal Orlando?

Yes, on nights other than Halloween Horror Nights, self-parking in the main CityWalk garage is free after 6 p.m., although subject to change.

Visitors to Universal Cinemark matinees between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. can park for free with the purchase of two movie tickets. You must pay for parking in advance but you are reimbursed.

Guests dining at most full-service restaurants at Universal resort hotels can park at the hotels for free, for a limited window.

Otherwise, regular parking costs $32 per day in the main parking lot.