Universal City Walk in Orlando for Free

By Published On: May 15th, 2021

Universal City Walk – An Affordable Day Trip

[fusion_dropcap boxed="yes" boxed_radius="0" class="fusion-content-tb-dropcap"]P[/fusion_dropcap]ublished on 05/15/21: [This day trip has zero entrance fee] The sheer number of unique areas & activities around the Tampa Bay area is incredible. Believe this is where I’m supposed to use the #LiveWhereYouVacation hashtag. However, even in paradise, some days we need a change of scenery. This is why early-on I started a series called #LovingStPeteDayTrips , featuring activities within a 2 hr drive.

I’d be okay focusing on strictly on unique/obscure adventures, however we have a 6 year old. What’s on his mind? Hint: Less than 2 hrs away lies the equivalent of what Clark Griswold drove his family across the country to see. Yes, Disney. This isn’t really about Mickey Mouse nor Marty Moose though…

As a huge college football fan (this page will self-destruct in the Fall), I believe iron sharpens iron. Competing against great opponents makes you better. This applies in the business world as well, with Walley World pushing other Orlando attractions to become bigger & better to win you over. With Orlando so close, us locals reap the benefits of this competition. In comes Universal CityWalk with the tagline “Epicenter of Awesome”, an entertainment complex that’s worked hard for inclusion on your itinerary.

CityWalk is connected to Universal Studios Florida, even sharing the same parking garage. The key to making this trip ‘free’ is to arrive after 6pm, otherwise there’s a $28 parking fee. On our recent trip, we left St. Pete around 4pm and were parking near 6pm.

Hot Dog Hall of Fame and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

Colt loves hot dogs, so we immediately visited the Hot Dog Hall of Fame. Outdoor dining with a ball park theme and more hot dog ‘styles’ than I knew existed. We then headed to The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen for desert. While they serve full meals (make reservations), you can also simply walk up to order deserts & milkshakes. We’re talking ie “Chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce, marshmallow cream, graham crackers, jumbo marshmallow s’more” or “Vanilla ice cream, Red Velvet cupcake, raspberry sauce, sprinkles, whipped cream & cherry”. Just 2 of the 20+ deserts…

With all the lights, restaurants & shopping, we felt like we were walking around a sliver of the Vegas strip. There’s Hollywood Drive-In Golf, karaoke, Voodoo Doughnut, Margaritaville, Orlando, Bob Marley’s Tribute to Freedom, a sushi & sake bar, and so much more. Plus complimentary water taxi’s between the hotels, so of course use the opportunity to hop on board for a tour! #MakeFerrisBuellerYourSpiritAnimal

We thoroughly enjoyed our ‘free’ time at CityWalk and will return!

Google Reviews: 74,817 with a 4.7/5 Average

Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL

Phone: 407-363-8000

You’ll receive up to $10K at closing when you use my LovingStPete Team to buy or sell a property! I’m a St Petersburg Realtor, with over 25K people following my LovingStPete Guide on social media! My past includes developing a vacation rental advertising business that I ran for more than a decade, then sold to HomeAway/VRBO. I’d love to help you buy or sell a property, simply contact me.

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Written by : St Petersburg Realtor, Mike Braswell

Mike Braswell is a Tampa Bay Realtor, serving St Petersburg, Clearwater, all nearby beaches and more. Mike and his 6 year old son started LovingStPete in October of 2020 after a difficult year took its toll on local businesses. After being cooped up for portions of 2020 (lockdown) they decided to get out and explore, helping spread the good word about the local area he loves so much. Often even doing gift card giveaways to support local. LovingStPete is now followed by over 27 thousand people on social media! The majority of posts are informative on fun parks, activities, day trips, great restaurants, and in general provide a comprehensive tour of the area! His 6 year old son generally helps him gather the info, providing his wife some 'child-free' time in the process! A win-win, with his son being exposed to many great events and activities in the process.

Soon after receiving his bachelors in Management Information Systems, Mike developed and then operated a vacation rental advertising business for 10+ years as CEO/Owner. The business was eventually acquired by HomeAway/VRBO.

When not spending time with his beautiful wife and energetic son, Mike enjoys boating and is also an avid tennis player. An interesting fact about Mike is that he grew up on an avocado farm with over 15 varieties, some of which you can find in our local Publix/Winn Dixie as his dad still farms the same farm at 87 years old!

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