Universal Orlando has amazing themed lands like the Wizarding World and Springfield USA, but CityWalk itself is a hidden gem! Since you’ll be walking through this entertainment district anyway (it connects parking with both theme parks), you might as well know the cool stuff that’s there.
Trust me, most folks just rush through CityWalk on their way to ride Hagrid’s, but that’s a big mistake! Here are 5 experiences worth checking out:
1. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
When I walked into Toothsome for the first time, it brought out the kid in me! Imagine Willy Wonka’s factory with a steampunk makeover – massive pipes, gears, and chocolate everywhere.
You’ll want to try the Chocolate Brownie Bark, Bacon Brittle (weird but amazing!), and Salted Caramel Flan. But the real stars are those insane milkshakes topped with entire slices of cake and cookies. Completely Instagram-worthy!
No time for a full meal? Grab some chocolate to go – just make sure that you don’t let it melt. The sun in Orlando is a real hurdle!
2. Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
This isn’t your average Hard Rock – it’s actually pretty darn impressive!
What makes it worth your time are the authentic pieces from music legends – instruments, costumes, and handwritten lyrics that they rotate regularly. I’ve been multiple times and always spot something new.
If you’re a music lover, take a walk through even if you’re not eating. It’s basically a free rock museum with some pretty good burgers on the side. And air conditioning!
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3. Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf
Need a break from sensory overload? This 1950s drive-in movie themed mini golf is your answer, with two awesome courses:
- “The Haunting of Ghostly Greens” – loaded with horror movie references
- “Invaders from Planet Putt-Putt” – sci-fi themed goodness
Here’s a tip most visitors miss: these courses are open until midnight (sometimes later during peak seasons), and they look completely different after dark with all the special lighting effects.
At around $18 per adult per course (or $30 for both), it’s one of the few CityWalk activities that won’t destroy your vacation budget.
4. Voodoo Doughnut
When Voodoo Doughnut opened in CityWalk, I literally did a happy dance! This Portland-based shop has a cult following for good reason.
Look for the bright pink building (you can’t miss it) and prepare for doughnuts you won’t find anywhere else in Orlando. My must-tries are the Voodoo Doll (complete with pretzel stake and “bleeding” raspberry filling) and the seasonal stuff that really takes imagination to come up with.
Pro tip: These make an awesome breakfast before the parks OR a late-night snack. They stay fresh surprisingly well, so grab a pink box for your hotel room – your 11pm self will thank you!
5. Hot Dog Hall of Fame
For quick bites with a fun twist, Hot Dog Hall of Fame knocks it out of the park (sorry, had to!). This baseball-themed spot serves regional hot dog styles from famous stadiums across the big leagues.
The coolest part? The outdoor seating area uses actual seats from famous ballparks! You can try Chicago dogs with that crazy bright green relish, Boston dogs with the works, or my personal favorite, the bacon-wrapped West Coast dogs.
At $9-12 per dog, it’s one of the more wallet-friendly CityWalk options.
Why CityWalk Matters
One of the best parts about Orlando attractions is that they’re always changing (I’ve seen CityWalk venues come and go over the years), but these five have stuck around for good reason.
Here’s why CityWalk is special: unlike Disney Springs (which requires a whole separate trip), you’re already walking through CityWalk between parking and the parks. Might as well take advantage!
For Universal hotel guests, CityWalk is even better since most venues stay open way past park closing. After a long day at Volcano Bay, there’s nothing better than a late-night Voodoo Doughnut run via water taxi.