Universal Orlando Announces Big Plans for CityWalk

Universal Orlando made big news again today announcing that the biggest expansion of CityWalk will include 8 new venues! Universal CityWalk is a 30-acre entertainment complex in between the Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios parks and some major changes are coming.

There are sure to be more announcements coming, as this mix is all food. Here’s a quick recap of the news (and all renderings came from Universal Orlando’s announcement this morning):

The Hot Dog Hall of Famehot dog hall of fame

Now this already sounds fun. They say you will strike out your hunger at the Hot Dog Hall of Fame, enjoying some of the most iconic hot dog creations from the nation’s most famous ballparks. You will be able to sit in the bleachers and enjoy a loaded Chicago dog with all the toppings, a perfectly charred Boston brat, a monster LA dog and much more. It’s true Americans love hot dogs, just imagine all the possibilities at the Hot Dog Hall of Fame.

antojitosAntojitos Authentic Mexican Food

Tapas-style dining is coming to Universal CityWalk in what looks to be the most themed expansion item in this announcement. Antojitos will use only the freshest ingredients to create “craveable,” made from scratch Mexican street fare in an “environment of unmatched authenticity” according to Universal Orlando. Atojitos will also feature lots of tequila offering a selection of more than 200 different tequilas.

The experience will hope to “take a journey through the cantinas, street carts, and markets of Mexico City” while sure to create a festive atmosphere. There’s been a lot of buzz around more Latin-themed elements coming to CityWalk and this could be it.

Italian Kitchen and Red Oven Pizza Bakery

Red Oven Pizza Bakery is already open serving up slices and has been a very nice addition. But it looks like the Italian Kitchen is also moving in and should be a very welcome upgrade to Pastamore, the current full-service Italian option already in that area.

The Cowfishcowfish

Have you ever heard of the tale of the cow and fish to create the Burgushi? Me neither, but Orlando will soon experience the cutting-edge fusion of burger and sushi. This innovative sushi burger bar will add some new options to the mix, including sushi rolls created using burger components and sandwiches created using sushi elements. When Cowfish opens at CityWalk, I’m sure a whole lot of people are going to want to try a Burgushi just to see what in the world it really is.

Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwichesbread box expansion

Universal hopes Bread Box will show guests that a combination of quality meats and vegetables, and fresh bread and simple preparation can transform a sandwich into something more. They say with a Bread Box sandwich, you’ll be transported back to your childhood kitchen or your favorite street corner deli. You’ll have to stop by and grab a sandwich to find out. Seems like this could be a quick and easy option that won’t slow visitors down too much.

Starbucksstarbucks expansion1

You can’t go anywhere and not see a Starbucks. And while one has been there, the new Starbucks at Universal CityWalk will now be located on the first-level of the complex – conveniently located right on the way in to Universal Orlando’s theme parks. With more than 18,000 stores in 62 countries, the masses want their Starbucks!

I personally would have welcomed a Dunkin Donuts, but I don’t know maybe that’s too much competition for the new super-sized Simpsons doughnut sold in the Springfield expansion of Universal Studios.

Cold Stone Creamery & Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

Some much-needed reinforcements to the Florida sunshine and heat are headed to CityWalk in the form of ice cream and frozen yogurt! Cold Stone Creamery serves up fresh ice cream, cakes, smoothies and shakes using their signature process of preparing your custom ice cream creation on a frozen granite stone. Menchie’s is frozen yogurt your way. You pick the flavors, you pick the toppings and it’s as simple as mix, weigh and pay!

coldstone expansion menchies expansion

 

 

 

 

 

The Universal Storeuniversal store expansion

It also looks like CityWalk will revamp its Universal Store, where you can take home a bit of movie magic from the Universal Studios Store. The store features Universal Studios® logo collectibles for adults and children.

 

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