★TABLE OF CONTENTS ★
- 00:34 Introduction
- 01:06 News
- 05:19 Hotel deals for May
- 07:40 10 things I love about CityWalk
- 24:17 Pre trip itinerary
- 28:09 Closing
🔥 TOPICS IN THIS VIDEO 🔥
- Let Fear Consume You – Halloween Horror Nights 2026
- News
- Hotel deals for May
- 10 Things I love about CityWalk
- Pre trip trip report
Show Length: 29:27
🔴 *** Follow Along ***
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News
Universal Express Now
Universal Express Pass Now is a new, a la carte, single-use line-skipping service that allows guests to pay for one-time access to the Express queue for a specific attraction
Unlike the standard or unlimited Express Passes that cover multiple rides for a full day, this offering is designed as a more budget-friendly, “pay-per-ride” option for guests who only have a few must-do attractions.
Passes typically cost between $19.99 and $25 per person for a single ride. It is exclusively available for purchase via the Universal Orlando Resort App on the day of the visit. You must be physically located inside the park where the attraction is located to purchase the pass. In other words, you can’t be at Universal Studios and buy one for an attraction at Islands.
The service is offered sporadically based on park capacity and current wait times. Availability “comes and goes,” and new return times may drop in the app as often as every 15 minutes. Once purchased, you are assigned a specific return time window to use the Express queue. These times cannot be modified, and if you miss the window, the pass is forfeited without a refund. However, if the ride experiences a temporary closure during your window, the access is usually extended through the end of the day.
Universal Express Pass Now serves as a middle-ground option for guests who find the standard Express Pass (starting at approximately $120) or the Unlimited Express Pass (averaging around $200) too expensive. It is functions similar to Disney’s Lightning Lane Single Pass, with the major differences being that Universal’s version cannot be booked in advance and features much more limited, unpredictable inventory.
A lot of people won’t like this, but this option definitely has a place, particularly for distant travelers, occasional visitors and solo travelers. As long as Universal manages the offering responsibly, as in, without too much greed, this really shouldn’t have much impact. And what I mean about that specifically is that they don’t oversell, they need to account for this distribution along with their sale of the more expensive express pass offerings.
Bar 41 on the Pier
Walls up around Poseidon’s Fury
Photo validation update
Recently the official Universal Orlando webpage for photo validation has been updated with the additional text: “Effortless Entry to Your Favorite Epic Universe Worlds. There’s nothing like stepping into the worlds of Universal Epic Universe. To keep your passage easy, you can use Photo Validation for Effortless Entry whenever Virtual Line return times are being used.”
This is leading to much gossip mostly surrounding 2 possibilities. The first being the idea of opening up Celestial Park in the evenings to guests without day tickets. The second rumor is perhaps this is ahead of allowing annual passes. The idea being with the additional guest capacity this could be a manner to control the crowd flow. Either way, pretty exciting.
I noticed this item from Blog_Mickey on X
Very small HHN update
Hotel Deals for May
Friday May 1 for the weekend
Tuesday May 5th
Friday May 8th, Mothers day weekend. If you take your mom to Universal for mothers day you get bonus points AND get to spend your weekend at universal. Double win!
Tuesday May 12th
Friday May 15
Tuesday May 19th
Tuesday May 26
Friday May 28
10 things i love about CityWalk
This isn’t intended to be a list of my favorite restaurants or shops. More of a list of things that make CityWalk stand out in some manner or another.
Universal Studios Store
I know this sounds like a ridiculous choice to start with, but it has everything to do with logistics and nothing to do with merchandise. The shortest distance between 2 places is a straight line. If you are arriving at the Universal Orlando resort by car or bus, you need to walk from the main security hub outside of the parking garages to Universal Studios. Maybe it’s the crowds, maybe its rain or maybe its heat that is causing a not so welcoming arrival. Welcome to the first shortcut of the day. Rather than walking around this enormous building, why not walk right through it. Especially on arrival when almost nobody is actually shopping yet. It will protect you from the sun and rain and you can also enjoy some air conditioning along your way. You’d be surprised by the time savings here if you have never tried it.
Additionally, it is actually a great store, very large, and the biggest collection of the majority of all available merchandise at the resort. Great opportunity to not carry that souvenir around all day if you can just pick it up on the way out.
Voodoo Doughnut
Before we start, I will just have to tell you, its worth the wait. Is this the best donut I have ever had? Absolutely not, but they have some absolutely crazy choices and they are very good. Reasonably priced for a captive audience, and great to take back to the resort with you so you can enjoy a snack or even breakfast the next day.
Upon arrival, there is a good chance you will see a long line, it is managed pretty well tucked behind in the hallway area between NBC Grill and the Voodoo store. It moves quicker than you would expect, but if you decide you can’t do or justify the wait, they do have mobile ordering available where pickup is just across the walkway.
The first thing you will notice as you approach is the huge donut throne. A photo opportunity sounds ridiculous, but you’ll want your own photo when you see it.
Going inside is “loud, energetic, and indulgent” atmosphere that matches the surrounding CityWalk vibe. The interior features a bright pink color scheme consistent with the brand’s iconic boxes and a prominent smell of fresh doughnuts wafting from the back kitchen where they are prepared daily. The shop contains cases filled with colorful doughnut creations to engage customers but more importantly lets you pick your donut while you are waiting your turn. They have some excellent merch and a lot to take in while you are inside the store to help make that waiting experience more pleasant.
Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company
Hart & Huntington Tattoo at Universal Orlando CityWalk is one of the resort’s most distinctive shops. A full‑service, professional tattoo studio operating right in the middle of a theme park. It’s both a functioning tattoo parlor and a bit of an attraction in its own right, with a reputation for high‑end artistry, spotless cleanliness, and a unique atmosphere fueled by the energy of CityWalk. It was founded by Carey Hart who was a freestyle motocross legend. I didn’t pick this because I think you need to go there or anything like that. I picked it just because its so unique. To my knowledge it’s the only operating tattoo shop in a major theme park complex. In the Mid 2000’s there was a reality show called Inked, which featured Corey’s original shop in Las Vegas and the drama of day to day operations. Even if you aren’t interested in getting a tattoo, you might want to browse their merch. If you are wondering, yes, I do actually have a tattoo from there and it honestly didn’t cost any more than any other high end chain tattoo franchise.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
Not picking this one because of the food, but rather the entire place is an attraction unto itself. The facade, the queue, the menu preshow and the entrees. All while being followed up by a meet and greet. Like every other attraction, it ends at the gift shop.
The exterior is designed as a Victorian‑era steampunk factory, blending: Brickwork, Iron girders, Oversized smokestacks, Brass and copper accents and Industrial gears and pipes. It feels like Willy Wonka meets Jules Verne, but with a more grounded, mechanical realism. It provides a lot of kinetic energy to the CityWalk waterfront with its spinning gears and smoke billowing from the stacks.
Upon entry, you’ll find a large glass dessert counter filled with milkshakes, sundaes, and pastries. Pipes, gauges, and pressure dials lining the walls with rotating gears and mechanical elements that look like they’re powering the chocolate production. The palette is of bronze, copper, and dark wood. The main dining rooms are spread across multiple rooms and levels, each with its own vibe. High ceilings, dark wood beams, brass chandeliers, exposed pipes and ducts with large windows letting in warm light. It feels like a grand, old‑world factory repurposed into a restaurant.
Upstairs, the theming becomes more whimsical and scientific with large mechanical devices and “experiments” displayed behind glass. Some of the balcony seating overlooks the main floor and you’ll see metal catwalks and railings. You get the sense you’re in a research mezzanine above the factory floor. This level reinforces the story of Penelope Toothsome as an inventor and chocolatier.
You will probably happen upon the inventor herself, Penelope Toothsome as she often welcomes visiting guests to her factory. Penelope is an eccentric Victorian inventor often accompanied by Jacques, her witty, steam‑powered robot companion.
If you have never been here before, by all means eat here and enjoy the experience. The menu is huge, like Cheesecake Factory huge, and also includes some all day brunch offerings. But it’s the chocolate twist that makes this place special. Almost everything here has a touch of chocolate to it. The milkshakes are enormous and ridiculous in the best ways, but I am usually here for the chocolate stout. It is amazing. Definitely suggest making reservations if you want to eat here as it tends to always be very busy and a long wait.
Universal Studios Globe
The spinning, misting, Universal Studios globe is not just a photo opportunity, its going to become a core memory. My first glance of the globe on each visit is that same moment where I know I am on a vacation and so much fun is ahead of me today. It’s iconic, recognizable and I never get sick of seeing it. If you don’t love the Universal Globe, you hate fun.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
Understanding it is actually a small chain restaurant, I still think it deserves a spot on this list just because it has such an unusual menu. Cowfish isn’t just offering sushi and burgers, it also offers a fusion of both. This is a superb entry level opportunity for someone who was sushi-curious since you can get sushi like non fish items. Yes, I am struggling to describe this place because that’s how different it is.
the standouts include: Burgushi rolls (burger‑inspired sushi creations), specialty sushi rolls, Crab rangoon dip, and tuna nachos. They also feature hand‑dipped milkshakes, including adult “spiked” versions. The milkshakes here are also ridiculous.
I think most people agree their burgers are exceptional, and they have some very wild options as well. Its worth running down the current line up just so you can understand how different this place is.
The C.B.C.L.T.
Cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, white Cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, Cowfish sauce, brioche bun – $25
The Texas Longhorn
Cheddar cheese, onion strings, jalapeño bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, brioche bun- $25
The Rise & Swine
Cheddar cheese, grilled black forest ham, sunny-side up egg*, applewood smoked bacon, grilled onions, Cowfish sauce, onion roll – $26
The Cowfish Has Officially Left The Building
half-pound beef burger*, creamy peanut butter, fried bananas, applewood smoked bacon, brioche bun – $25 (Make it a Double Hunka Love, full-pound beef burger for +6)
Tokyo Heatwave
Beyond Burger®, vegan pepper jack cheese, jalapeño-roasted vegan aioli, arugula, sliced tomatoes, avocado, sliced red onions (VG)- $24
The Fritos® Pie Burger
house-made chili, bacon, Cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, Fritos® corn chips, brioche bun – $23
The Jalapeño Popper Show-Stopper
jalapeño-infused cream cheese, jalapeño bacon, fried jalapeños, jalapeño citrus aioli, lettuce, tomato, fresh sliced jalapeños, brioche bun – $25
Don’t worry you can also get a standard burger as well for those with picky family and friends.
Probably worth going over the Burgushi as well, its just not something you can get anywhere else. Burgushi is a fusion of burgers and sushi.
Specialty Bento Box
combo meal featuring both burger and sushi, mini-burger with American cheese, pickles, chopped red onion, sweet potato fries, Thai cucumbers, edamame, choice of a 4 piece specialty roll (Mark’s*, Firecracker*, or The Boss*) or 3 pieces of mixed nigiri (tuna*, salmon* and shrimp) – $26
The All-American Bacon Double Cheeseburgooshi
seasoned premium Black Angus beef, yellow Cheddar cheese, white Cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon wrapped in soy paper and potato strings, flash fried, dill pickle, red onion, Roma tomato, house-made Cowfish sauce, ketchup, mustard – $26
Buffalo Chicken Burgushi
shredded Buffalo chicken, jalapeño cream cheese, coated with panko, flash fried, applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese – $25
They also have one of my favorite cocktails on property, Buffalos and Bacon – Buffalo Trace® bourbon, Heering® cherry liqueur, Angostura® bitters, Fee Brothers® orange bitters, honey, candied bacon $19.00
Another bonus to Cowfish, is unlike most of the other full service restaurants in CityWalk, they are open for lunch.
Lone Palm Airport
There is nothing like a laid‑back, open‑air tiki bar and that is exactly what the Lone Palm Airport bar is. It serves as an outdoor extension of Margaritaville, but with its own identity: breezy, casual, and built around one unforgettable centerpiece, Jimmy Buffett’s real-life seaplane, the Hemisphere Dancer. Parked right beside the bar is the actual Grumman Albatross seaplane Buffett flew during his 1990s travels. It gives the bar a sense of lived‑in adventure and storytelling.
In reality, this is just an outdoor version of Margaritaville, the menu is available here along with the cocktails and specialty beverages. If the weather calls for an outdoor retreat under a thatched roof, this might be more desirable. This bar is pretty popular so don’t assume a group will have an easy time pulling a chair up. While walking by, I have been known to be persuaded to stop when I see an empty chair. Also a great meetup spot if someone is running late.
Legacy store
What I love about this store is it specializes in the old intellectual properties rather than today’s favorite flavors. If you have ever shopped inside the Film Vault at Universal Studios you have a pretty good idea of what this is all about but now think bigger and better. I always stop in here when its open because I love to browse all things Jaws, Back to the Future, ET and legacy monsters. They have a lot here you will not find anywhere else, or at least they always had. Additionally, they have some great displays and props inside as well. Not quite at the tribute store level, but still worth spending some time convincing yourself you don’t need that thing, that thing you obviously do need.
NBC Sports Grill & Brew
I remember the days of going to the ESPN zone at the Boardwalk on Walt Disney World property. The good o’l days? Nah, these days are way better actually. Because now we have the NBC Sports Grill & Brew.
I am a sports fan. I am also a fan of bar food. While the food is just what you expect out of bar food, its pretty damn good bar food and I like that. They have so many tv’s and also so many taps. I don’t know exactly how many taps they have, but it’s a lot and with canned beers its definitely over 100. They have a lot of craft beer offerings along with your o’l reliable American staples, and naturally a bit of a focus on local breweries which is great for us out of towners who want to try some new brews.
The bartenders are great and attentive, and happy to change a TV to your team of choice when they are playing. I don’t have to miss my teams when I vacation and honestly I have a lot of fun hanging out here as well. Over the years have met some great people and even some who were cheering on the opposing team. I typically can get a bar seat but as long as it’s a busy night, they have an upstairs bar as well. Worth mentioning, they have every channel I have ever needed, including our local NESN station (new England sports network) where our Bruins and Sox games primarily live. I bet they have your channels as well.
They have some decent entrees and really good appetizers as well. Definitely known for that giant pretzel served with mustard and beer cheese but honestly you can’t go wrong here in your choices. The nachos are another crowd favorite and the portion on those nachos is huge. Definitely share worthy.
Never miss a game on vacation again my friend. I never do.
The Pharos lighthouse
While the globe is my signal for vacation beginning, the Pharos Lighthouse is my icon to remind me of my favorite ride attractions. The lighthouse serves as the visual “welcome beacon” for the entire park. I may have to start to rethink the best attractions part with Epic Universe open but for now, this is what I think about when I see her.
The structure is a 130‑foot-tall, landlocked lighthouse that marks the entrance to Islands of Adventure. It stands in the Port of Entry area, the park’s themed gateway land. One of the most perfect lands ever built, in my opinion.
The design is inspired by the Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The original Pharos was built around 350 B.C. and it collapsed during an earthquake in the 14th century. Universal is paying homage through its shape, stonework, and towering profile and it gives the entrance a sense of adventure and exploration.
It is a functioning lighthouse in that each night, it sends out a bright rotating beam that sweeps across CityWalk, symbolically guiding guests to and from the park.
Summary
And just like that, that makes 10. I hope you enjoyed hearing my list, I know I had fun putting it together. But before we wrap things up this week, I mentioned at the top I am either on vacation or just getting back as you are listening to this, so let me just give you the brief setup of this brief but incredible itinerary I have going here.
Trip Itinerary
Overview
Last show I talked about Solo traveling, and what makes it so great, and here I am now practicing what I preach. My wife wasn’t able to get the time off, so I just thought I’d get a refresh, a short trip to get away, clear my head from all of the daily stress of my job and responsibilities. I did this in February as well and I can’t describe it, but it makes such a big difference. It’s a 2 night trip, no relaxation involved. Definitely a sprint not a marathon, but its exactly what I need.
Where I’m staying and why
Last trip I stuck only to the legacy parks and stayed at Aventura, a really good budget option for that north campus. This time, I splurged a little and got myself an Epic ticket and as a result picked Stella Nova. Figured it was a smart location and value choice since my one full day would be in the southern campus.
Itinerary or things I am hoping to make a priority
Arriving pretty early so going to check in and regardless of if my room is ready or not figured id just jump a bus over to CityWalk and spend that first day enjoying everything over that side.
Figured I’d start out at Studios first. Maybe an early focus on shows, Bourne and the Horror Makeup Show. Definitely will need some Blues Brothers for sure. I absolutely have to check out the new Lombard’s wharf bar out back. That is a great location, a few years back they used to have sort of a hidden bar back there during HHN that nobody but the real die hards new about and it was just such a nice and easy experience to get real drinks.
Somewhere around 3:30ish, I’d probably start to make my way over to Islands. Take advantage of my express pass after 4:00pm perk with my premium annual pass. Priorities on Velocicoaster and Hagrid’s, and then pretty much everything else up until 6pm or so, just because I want to get back over to Studios for CineSational. I know I’ve mentioned before how hard that is for me to see because of the times of year I tend to visit, so definitely don’t want to miss it, as long as its going on.
Islands closes at 7pm, so don’t think I’ll try to rush over there for one more thing. I imagine I originally wanted to go to Pat O’s to visit the speak easy but reality caught up with me and I remembered its typically only open Thursday through Saturday. The good news for me, just and another case of practice what I preach, both the Bruins and Celtics should be having playoff games that night, so that means NBC Grill is a must do.
Back to Stella Nova for a good night sleep, because I want to rope drop Epic and stay there until closing. I just want to do everything I can there, and hopefully that means some repeats as well. Not thinking any big meal so I can maybe try and snack and appetizer my way to a lot more things. Not much planning on my Epic day, just really want to just keep experiencing all of it, we shall see how that plays out, especially now that I’m visiting it as the rain season begins. I’m a little early, I could get lucky here.
I can definitely see myself heading up to Bar Helios at closing even though that complicates my return to Stella Nova. I definitely see a short Uber drive rather than a bus to CityWalk and switch in my future.
I have a late afternoon flight so I may get to hit up some highlights the next day back at the north campus. Whatever I’m in the mood for.
Podcast content and being comfortable enough to cover
This will be my 3rd visit to Epic universe, and I have been hesitant to cover much of Epic so far in this podcast because I want to really understand the topic before I start preaching to other people if you know what I mean. I think the third time will be the charm, but if I still don’t feel competent, no worries, I am going multiple times for HHN this year. Anyway, now you know why the Epic conversations have stayed light.