UNIVERSAL'S CITYWALK

Citywalk is easily one of the best entertainment options in Orlando. Completed earlier this year, Citywalk was built to compete with Downtown Disney in the "nightlife mega-complex" game. For a long time, Downtown Disney (including Pleasure Island) was the only night-time attraction provided by a major theme park. It's success was based on a simple concept; give people enough nightlife options in one place and they'll never need to leave.

Citywalk has certainly accomplished this feat. Even the most varied tastes in nightlife will be satisfied. Bar fly, club kid and everyone inbetween will find something they like. The next question is " If Citywalk and Downtown Disney both have bars, dancing, music and restaurants, how do I decide between the two?

A comparison of Citywalk and Downtown Disney underscores the general difference between Disney World and Universal. Disney will always be for families while Universal caters to everybody else. The attractions in Citywalk are billed by Universal as "entertainment...with a distinct attitude". For the most part, this is correct. The attractions here are definitely more for adults. Universal Studios substituted Mickey Mouse with Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffet.

The other main difference is that Pleasure Island charges a large cover at the entrance, then all the attractions are free. Citywalk itself doesn't have an entrance fee, but the individual clubs have a small cover. If you're only going to stay for one drink, go to Citywalk.

 

Bob Marley - A Tribute To Freedom
This restaurant and nightclub is an authentic replica of Marley's home in Kingston, Jamaica. It features the cuisine of the Carribean along with it's music. You can see live reggae and learn about the heritage,  life and music of  Bob Marley. 21 and Over after 10:00 p.m.
Open daily 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Cover Charge: $4.25 between 7pm and 2 am (more for special acts)

CityJazz

Even if you're not a jazz afficianado, you'll appreciate CityJazz. While you snack on appetizers, you can see the  gold records, instruments and other jazz artifacts adorning the walls - it's one of the largest collections of jazz memorabilia ever assembled. (Move over Hard Rock) The acoustics in the room are perfect from every seat and the food is terrific. For more information call 407-224-2189. For tickets or reservations call 407-224-JAZZ.
Open daily 7:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Cover Charge:$5.25 (more for special acts)

 

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville at Universal Studios CityWalk
It's a great place to have a cheeseburger in paradise. There are three themed bars, outside patio and balcony seating, a state of the art sound system and an 18-foot volcano that spews margaritas. The menu of cajun, carribean and others was personally tastes and approved my Jimmy himself.
Open 10 a.m. - 2 a.m. for merchandise
11 a.m. - 2 a.m. for restaurant
Live entertainment nightly from 10 p.m. - close

Pat O'Brien's
This restaurant is an exact replica of the Pat O'Brien's Bar in New Orleans. Pat O'Briens features dueling pianos, the "flaming fountain" patio, and the "Hurricane," the bar's signature drink full of Caribbean spiced rum. The menu is filled with Cajun and Creole dishes that are excellent. Shop in the boutique or sit at the piano bar, it's up to you!

Piano Bar
3pm - 2am

Food Service
11am - 1am

Walk-up Window
3pm - 1:30am

Retail Shop
11am - 2am

Cover Charge: $3.25 for the dueling piano bar, open 3pm to 2am

The groove
The decor in this ultra-hip New York Style club reflect five time periods ranging from a Vaudeville stage from the 1890s to a futuristic look into the next millennium. These lounges surround the dance floor and provide lots of quiet places to chat and have a drink. The custom sound system keeps the dance floor moving with the help of lights and a wall of video monitors.

9pm-2am

Cover Charge: $5.25

Must be 21 to enter