How to visit Universal Orlando without paying for tickets

Much like the gift shop you exit to at the end of a ride, many Universal Orlando guests must pass through the CityWalk shopping and dining complex to get to and from Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. This is because CityWalk is located between the resort’s main parking lot and the parks. The only way is to take a water taxi or the internal walking path from one of the Universal hotels.

But instead of considering it part of your trip, you can make CityWalk your own destination because 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 at a Florida resort.

Is Universal CityWalk free?

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

Come to the Red Coconut Club to enjoy an immersive lounge and live performances during Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights and holiday celebrations. The club is usually open from Thursday to Sunday all year round, but during seasonal events it undergoes a thematic makeover and a new name. Currently it’s 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 coming to the resort’s new theme park at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center. There is a large map of 3D models that you can interact with using a free app on your smartphone. Free photos and souvenirs are also for sale.

CityWalk also offers free pop-ups with live entertainment at certain times of the year. Other live entertainment is available throughout CityWalk with dining area.

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 lovers can do is sing along to a live backup band on CityWalk’s Rising Star Stage. You can also sing from your seat during dueling piano sessions at Pat O’Brien’s. Live music is also available at Bob Marley–A Tribute to Liberty and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. All this entertainment is included with food and beverage purchases.

Free local live music is also available on Friday and Saturday nights on the patio of Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, the largest Hard Rock Cafe in the world, but you will have to pay to see the likes of Luis Fonsi and Larry the Cable Guy perform indoors at Hard Rock Live. Orlando.

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

Other attractions include movie viewing 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 Tuesdays with Cinemark Movie Rewards discount. Mini golf prices start at $19.99 for children ages 3 to 9 and $21.99 for guests 10 and older. Discounts are available to military service members, seniors, AAA members and Universal Orlando Annual Passholders. Escape rooms start at $39.99 per person, for all ages.

What does Universal Orlando Resort include?

Universal Orlando Resorts offers guests staying at its hotels a variety of benefits, including up to one hour early entry to select parks, certain pool jumping privileges, complimentary resort transportation and free delivery of in-park purchases to hotels. Royal Pacific, Hard Rock and Portofino Bay guests also receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited passes, which can significantly reduce wait times on rides.

However, you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy on-site attractions like pop-up entertainment and Galaxy Bowl bowling at Universal’s retro-inspired Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Bowling starts at $18.50 per person, including shoe rental, and requires reservations.

On Saturday nights, Loews Royal Pacific hosts a full luau with live hula performances, fire dancing, music and a Polynesian-inspired buffet. Wantilan Luau tickets start at $45 for children ages 3 to 9 and $99 for guests ages 10 and older, including tip and parking.

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

Unforgettable dining experiences available year-round include Bar 17 Bistro, Universal Aventura’s rooftop bar with sweeping views of Orlando, and Mama Della’s Ristorante at Loews Portofino Bay, where roaming musicians serenade guests and take song requests.

Are Universal Orlando hotels worth it? I found out for you

Is there free parking at Universal Orlando?

Yes, on non-Halloween horror nights, self-parking in the main parking garage at CityWalk is free after 6 p.m., although subject to change.

Visitors going to Universal Cinemark matinees from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. can park for free with the purchase of two movie tickets. You have to pay for parking in front but you will get your money back.

Guests dining at most full-service restaurants at Universal hotels can park at the hotels free of charge for a limited time.

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