Category Archives: Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk celebrates 30 years: Opened in 1993 and continues to entertain guests as an exciting, dynamic, open-air destination.

Universal CityWalk, Southern California’s Iconic Urban Destination that Redefined and Reimagined Today’s Vibrant Open-Air Shopping, Dining and Entertainment Experience, Celebrates 30 Years Highlights Include a Nostalgic Multi-Media Celebratory Moment Filled with Music and Colorful Laser Presentation at 5 Towers, Plus Limited Time Menu Specials at Select Dining Establishments and Retro Marquee Merchandise.

Universal City, CA, August 10, 2023 — Thirty years ago, Universal Studios collaborated with visionary architect Jon Jerde to mastermind the quintessential urban California street, set amid a theme park and a working production movie and television studio, and sandwiched between towering palm trees and asphalt.  The result became globally known as Universal CityWalk Hollywood, a dynamic, open-air destination that redefined and reimagined contemporary shopping, dining and entertainment in Southern California.

When CityWalk debuted in 1993, it was hailed as revolutionary; a prototypical urban entertainment complex that boosted the city’s rhythm through a foundation built on immersive experiences.  It was conceived as a multi-sensory experience designed to spectacularly stimulate the senses and evoke a whimsical environment reflective of Los Angeles’ eclectic landscape.  Its conceptual architectural design paid homage to the City of Angels through a myriad of innovative, eye-catching, three-dimensional sculptures and vibrant neon signs that embodied the essence of Los Angeles and the city’s diverse cultural fabric.

Thirty years later, this lively entertainment enclave continues to resonate as a pop cultural mecca with a track record that proves reinvention is the catalyst to remaining current, hip and fresh.

As part of this milestone celebration, CityWalk has created a special moment in time with a video presentation that captures its 30-year evolution, from the construction of the landmark destination to modern day and accompanied by a colorful laser projection and atmospheric smoke effects designed to emphasize key moments within the nostalgic multi-media overview. These moments can be experienced multiple times throughout the evening on the big screen at 5 Towers until August 31, 2023.

A specially crafted menu with limited-time offerings of tasty fare and beverages has also been carefully curated and is available at the following locations through August 31. Guests must be 21+ and have a valid photo ID to purchase alcoholic beverages.

  • The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen: Rocket Pop Milkshake from The Dessert Foundry. This decadent treat includes vanilla ice cream, Bomb Pop® popsicle, buttercream frosting, blue raspberry and strawberry syrup, red/white/blue sprinkles and whipped topping
  • VIVO Italian Kitchen: Tre Carne Calzone, featuring Crescenza cheese, mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, prosciutto, grana Padano and marinara
  • NBC Sports Grill & Bar: Bases Loaded Cheeseburger, featuring a triple stacked patty, American cheese, caramelized onions, 1000 island, tomato and butter lettuce on a toasted brioche
  • Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville®:
    • Orange Cream Breeze – tequila, condensed milk, orange juice, orange Curacao
    • Blue Lagoon – tequila, pineapple juice, blue Curacao
    • Key Lime Pie Margarita – tequila, condensed milk, lime juice, triple sec
  • Antojitos Cocina Mexicana:
    • Pineapple Mezcal Mule  mezcal, pineapple juice and puree, simple syrup, lime juice, ginger beer
    • Cucumber Aloe Tequila Mule – tequila, aloe liquor, simple syrup, lime juice, ginger beer
    • Jamaica Honey Mule – bourbon, Jamaica honey, simple syrup, lime juice, ginger beer
    • Spicy Tamarind Mule – spicy tamarind vodka, tamarind puree, simple syrup, lime juice, ginger beer
  • Voodoo Doughnut®: Golden Ring Doughnut, a glazed old-fashioned doughnut with a lemon jelly ring and a drizzle of vanilla frosting

The Universal Studio Store on CityWalk joins in the celebration by featuring a selection of fun retrospective merchandise. Discounts on select items are available at this location.

With CityWalk’s proximity to Universal Studios’ production lot and adjacency to the theme park, whose rides and attractions are inspired by today’s most compelling movie and television properties, it’s no surprise that Universal CityWalk Hollywood has consistently been the epicenter for film buffs and fans seeking an environment that matches the excitement of their favorite blockbuster movie.

As part of if its bold revitalization that started with a major expansion in 2000, CityWalk has continuously elevated the movie-going experience. First, with the debut of its IMAX theatre, then followed by the multi-million dollar renovation of its 18-screen Universal Cinema, an AMC® Theater and Director’s Lounge cocktail venue, to create an exceptional experience featuring the most technologically advanced sight and sound achievements. 

In recent years, CityWalk has also expanded its culinary offerings, serving up locals and visitors alike with an array of 30 unique dining options, from full-service sit down to quick serve restaurants. Highlights include Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville; VIVO Italian Kitchen;Antojitos Cocina Mexicana; NBC Sports Grill & Bar; Chick Chick Chicken and most recently, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.

With seasoned executive chefs at the helm, these establishments helped to underscore CityWalk’s continuous investment in creating exceptional dining opportunities for guests.

The arrival of Voodoo Doughnut brought a new twist to Universal CityWalk as the only location in the Golden State to offer these decadent sweet treats from Portland, Oregon’s pastry chef masters. High demand for these luscious doughnuts, packaged in signature pink boxes, continue to permeate the destination and are immediately recognizable when carried in the arms of guests as they walk along CityWalk.

Other dining options include Buca di Beppo, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Firehouse Subs, Johnny Rockets and Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs as well as sweet treat and beverage venues, such as Ben & Jerry’s, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Mini Monster, Cinnabon, Jamba Juice and Popcornopolis, to name a few.

Eclectic shopping runs the gamut and includes such popular locations as Billabong, Francesa’s, Hot Topic, Dodger’s Clubhouse Store, The Raider Image, Nectar Bath Treats, Sephora, Shoe Palace, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ Store, the recently opened Karma & Luck and UNIVERS pop culture store, as well as Things From Another World—the only retailer original to CityWalk when the destination opened in 1993.

CityWalk is an ever-evolving destination that has continually kept its pulse on the here and now without ever losing sight of the future. As it invites guest to stroll down memory lane in celebration of the past 30 years, CityWalk is focused on its bright future…so stayed tuned!

Valet Parking with validation is conveniently available to guests visiting Universal CityWalk’s full-service restaurants, which also includes The Dessert Foundry, part of The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.  Costs vary based on time spent at CityWalk, from $10 when visiting for up to 2.5 hours and $15 when visiting for 2.5-3.5 hours. The cost increases after 3.5 hours.  Additionally, movie-goers can enjoy $5 move parking at Universal Cinema with the purchase of General Parking and a movie ticket; restrictions apply.

More information about Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s social channels InstagramTwitterThreads and Facebook.

Acclaimed Filmmaker Steven Spielberg, Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal, Jordan Peele, Will Packer and Jason Blum, Help Universal CityWalk Inaugurate its All-New State-of-the-Art Universal Cinema

Celebratory Event Invites Movie-Goers to “See Movies Where Movies are Made” as Universal CityWalk Officiates the Grand Opening of Its Multi-Million Dollar Cinema Renovation

Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal, and Acclaimed Filmmaker Steven Spielberg, along with Jordan Peele, Will Packer and Jason Blum, Help Universal CityWalk Inaugurate its All-New State-of-the-Art Universal Cinema

Universal City, Cali. – Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal; Academy®, Emmy, Golden Globe and BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg; Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jordan Peele (Get Out); Emmy Award-nominated filmmaker Will Packer (Straight Outta Compton); Academy Award®-nominated and Emmy Award-winning producer Jason Blum (Get Out); and Karen Irwin, President & COO, Universal Studios Hollywood, celebrated the grand opening of Universal CityWalk’s multi-million dollar AMC Theatre renovation to create an all-new state-of-the-art Universal Cinema

With its proximity to the Universal Studios’ production lot and filming locations for many blockbuster movies, these award-winning filmmakers helped call “action” and shine a spotlight on the Universal Cinema as the place to “see movies where movies are made.”

“The new Universal Cinema is a spectacular place to enjoy blockbuster films and we’re thrilled to have such acclaimed filmmakers join us to commemorate the occasion,” said Karen Irwin, President & COO, Universal Studios Hollywood. “As The Entertainment Capital of L.A., we’ve entertained guests for generations, taking them behind-the-scenes of movie-making and placing them in the heart of the action with our incredible attractions, so it’s only fitting that we create the ultimate movie-going experience giving fans access to a movie theatre where they watch films in Hollywood screening rooms the same way filmmakers do.”

Universal Cinema’s top-to-bottom makeover coincides with Universal Studios Hollywood’s ambitious epic transformation to reimagine the world-class entertainment destination.

For film buffs, Universal CityWalk has long been the epicenter for fans seeking an environment that matches the excitement of their favorite blockbuster movies. Delivering modern, high-tech elegance and chic sophistication, the renovation of the split-level movie theatre offers a stylish and inviting place that captures the spirt of the glamourous movie studio—complete with screening room quality theatres and ultra-plush reclining seats.

The Director’s Lounge Cocktail Bar—an all-new upscale and stylish second-level retreat, flanked by the upper level theatres—adds a charismatic new dimension to the space for casual pre- and post- movie-going fun.  Beverages served at the lounge can also be taken into the second level theatres.

Each redesigned theatre has been fully upgraded with the most technologically advanced sight and sound achievements. The Universal Cinema represents the first multiplex in the United States to incorporate Christie laser projection, Christie Vive audio sound system and Dolby ATMOS with recliner seating to deliver maximum-impact movie presentations in 18 auditoriums. The installation of new state-of-the art screens, perforated to enable 360 degree audio, complement the overall enhancements.

The recent upgrade to the IMAX theatre features IMAX’s next-generation 4K laser projection and 12-channel sound systems designed to enhance the entire movie-going experience and provide an audience with sharper, brighter, clearer and more vivid digital images than ever.

A departure from traditional movie concession stands, the completely redesigned AMC Marketplace offers movie-goers a contemporary grab-n-go, self-service experience, featuring a delectable new take on concession favorites, including specialty popcorn, gourmet foods, real fruit smoothies, café style coffees and a Coca-Cola Freestyle self-service touch screen soda fountain featuring 165 different Coca-Cola drink products. 

A box office and guest services concierge is now located inside the venue, with convenient automated box office kiosks situated adjacent to the venue by the “5 Towers” outdoor concert stage. Additionally, movie-goers can enjoy $5 Movie General Parking with the purchase of a movie ticket. 

Since 1993, CityWalk has boosted the city’s rhythm through a foundation built on providing memorable entertainment experiences.  With a series of dramatic enhancements currently underway from the introduction of new dining experiences such as the recently opened Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Voodoo Doughnut, and LudoBird, shopping experiences and visually aesthetic design features, CityWalk continues to resonate as one of L.A.’s most influential lifestyle centers.

More information on CityWalk is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com. Regular updates can also be found on CityWalk’s Twitter @CityWalkLA, Facebook-Universal CityWalk Hollywood and Instagram @CityWalkLA.

Universal Studios Hollywood™ is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Recent additions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter TM” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and Flight of the Hippogriff™, Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor rollercoaster, as well the all-new “The Walking Dead” daytime attraction.  Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons RideTM”. The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s flagship attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television studio where they can also experience such authentic and immersive thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.”  The destination also features the Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, including the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue.