CityWalk Hollywood and CityWalk Orlando have some common tenants, but their respective architectural styles are quite different. Where CityWalk Hollywood incorporates a classic modern blend of Hollywood, CityWalk Orlando is almost entirely modern in appearance.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
CityWalk is separate from Universal Studios Hollywood although it does serve as an entrance from the parking lot to Universal Studios.[2] Inspiration came from the Horton Plaza according to Jon Jerde, the architecture of CityWalk Hollywood tries to capture the architecture found all over Los Angeles.[3]
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a three-block entertainment, dining, shopping promenade. It has more than 30 eateries, a 19-screen movie theater featuring IMAX, 7 night spots, indoor skydiving and more than 30 stores.
History
Designed by Jon Jerde, CityWalk opened in May 1993 adjacent to the Cineplex Odeon cinema (operated by AMC Theatres since 2006). A $1 billion, 93,000 sq ft (8,600 m2) expansion opened in 2000. Planning done by Jerde Associates. Street performers (magicians and musicians) are a common sight.
CityWalk's central plaza is topped by a 170-foot radial trellis designed and built by Pearce Structures[4] (who also constructed Biosphere 2). The courtyard features a leaping fountain, created by WET. A huge television monitor brought in by Panasonic, is located above the multiplex, showing upcoming Universal movie releases, music videos, and NBCUniversal promotions stands next to the giant guitar towering over the Hard Rock Cafe.
In January 2010, the music video for Justin Bieber's song "Baby" was recorded here.
5 Towers
"5 Towers" is an interactive outdoor concert venue on Universal CityWalk, featuring a technologically advanced staging system. The stage is equipped with thousands of LED fixtures, motion capture sensors, five soaring 42-foot light tower sculptures, a massive video monitor, and a state-of-the-art audio system.
The new staging system serves as the structural artistic centerpiece for CityWalk. It features live music.
Hard Rock Cafe Orlando – This is the second Hard Rock Café built on Universal property. The first café was built near the Psycho house, Bates Motel, E.T. Adventure, and Fievel's Playland. Although the first café was considered to be one of the largest in the chain, the company closed down the restaurant to reopen in an even bigger facility and alongside Hard Rock Live in the CityWalk section. The old Hard Rock Café building was demolished in October 2011.[5]
Universal Cinemark at CityWalk, previously operated by Loews Theatres until January 26, 2006, when AMC Theatres merged the Loews Theatres chain, and previously operated by AMC until 2018.
Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf – A miniature golf course harkening back to 1950s era drive-in movies. The facility has two different and intricately themed courses: "The Haunting of Ghostly Greens" and "Invaders from Planet Putt-Putt". Opened in March 2012.
Universal Legacy Store (now replaced by Universal Epic Universe Preview Center as a new exhibition)
Exhibition
Universal Epic Universe Preview Center
Incident
On April 22, 2011, a 33-year-old man from Winter Haven, Florida, was found unconscious in front of the Universal Cineplex 20 theater after being tased by an off-duty police officer due to disorderly conduct. The man was taken to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and later died.[6][7]
Universal CityWalk Osaka
The Universal CityWalk Osaka opened to public on March 31, 2001 as part of the Universal Studios Japan.
The Universal CityWalk Beijing opened to public on September 2, 2021[9] as part of the Universal Beijing Resort's first phase with no entrance fee.[10]
^Hayes, Dade; Bing, Jonathan (2004). Open Wide: How Hollywood Box Office Became a National Obsession. Miramax Books. pp. 315–7. ISBN 1401352006.
^SMITH, DOUG (1993-05-25). "Celebrating L.A. Icons : Universal CityWalk Is for Real--Almost". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
^NELSON, JIM (2000-04-24). "The Real Mastermind Behind CityWalk". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
^"Peter Jon Pearce site – Building Systems Developments – other projects".
^Kleinhenz, Marc N. (2020-06-07). "The long and surprising history of Hard Rock Café at Universal Studios Florida". Orlando Informer. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
^"Fla. man dies after police Taser him at Universal Studios complex". USATODAY.COM.