For fans of the Universal Orlando Resort, it has been a crazy few years. The world changed in June 2010, when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Islands of Adventure. In the following years we saw new rides like Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Transformers: The Ride, Kang and Kodos Twirl N Hurl, reanimated Adventures of Spiderman, a new nightly fireworks show, a new daily parade, Springfield USA and numerous refurbishments inside the parks.
The gateway to the parks, known as CityWalk, hasn’t been idle either with the Hollywood Mini Golf added last year. But even more construction is ramping up, with rumors left and right about new venues coming to CityWalk. Here at MiceChat, we have been sharing the little bits and pieces of we have heard, we are now thrilled to official share with you the future of CityWalk at the Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Unveils CityWalk Expansion with 8 New Venues in 2014
In 2014, the Universal Orlando Resort is experiencing another incredible expansion. In Spring 2014 guests will get to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley with incredible new shops, restaurants, facades and two rides that are going to yet again set the bar for theme parks around the world.
Now Universal Orlando is unveiling it’s plans to drastically reshape CityWalk as part of this new bold strategy. Let us take you through the CityWalk expansion:
Now Open – Red Oven Pizza Bakery
Fresh Artisan Pizza made fresh at Universal CityWalk’s fist ever Neopolitan-style pizza bakery. With incredible fresh ingredients, and a stone-lined oven, you will find yourself loving every bite.
For regular readers of the Orlando ParkHopper, the Red Oven Pizza Bakery is something that we have extensively covered through the construction to completion with a full review of this delightful new menu. Since the review we have been back half a dozen times to sample the entire menu, the quality, value and style that has been executed with the Red Oven Pizza Bakery is an example of Universal selecting venues which best serve its guests.
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
Replacing what was Latin Quarter is a brand new concept that takes the guests on a journey through the cantinas, street carts and markets of Mexico for unique Tapas style Mexican Food. The facade, while classic baroque Mexican architecture, will feature a colorful rainbow tie dye paint job. This is a fresh new look for CityWalk, and a Tapas restaurant should be a great fit for CityWalk.
Hot Dog Hall Of Fame
Occupying what was once the Galaxy Bar across from Latin Quarter, the area will be turned into a vibrant new plaza with a large awning, jumbo-tron screen, bleacher seating and gazebo all while you eat some of the most iconic hotdog creations from our nation’s most famous ball parks. So get ready to enjoy a Chicago Dog, a perfectly charred Boston Brat, a monster LA dog and more.
The CowFish
Sushi Buger Fusion. That is right, this restaurant from North Caronlina is taking Burgers and Sushi, and creating a fusion that is unlike anything you have ever tasted. Taking normal burger ingredients and putting them in Sushi rolls, then taking normal Sushi ingredients and putting them into Burgers, this venue will occupy the space above where Pastamore is, and will have a large balcony built so that guests can enjoy the night air, and listen to the bands play music at CityWalk during the summer. Who else is curious enough to try burger-sushi?
A New Modern Italian Kitchen Concept
Pastamore will soon be “no-more” as it will be replaced by a new Italian Kitchen Concept that is yet to be named, but will have a show kitchen, where you will be able to watch the Kitchen team make your pasta from scratch.
Bread Box
Where Cigarz currently stands, will soon be a new Deli Sandwich concept called Bread Box, where you will be transported back to your childhood kitchen, where fresh vegetables, quality meats, fresh bread and simple preparation transform a sandwich into something more. This is a very welcome addition to CityWalk that has needed a Grab and Go sandwich place.
Menchies
Where TCBY currently is, Menchies (a build your own Frozen Yogurt chain) will be moving in with an updated look and concept for guests to enjoy.
Starbucks
Relocating from the 2nd floor at CityWalk, Starbucks is moving downstairs directly under the bridge to a more convenient location for guests entering and exiting the parks. With a beautiful industrial style design, this location looks to out do the previous location on the 2nd floor.
Coldstone Creamery
Between Starbucks and the Red Oven Pizza Bakery will be a Coldstone Creamery, which mixes in candies and treats to create unique ice-cream flavors while you wait. It will be a hard choice between Coldstone or Menchies when it comes time for desert.
Universal Studio Store Facade
The Universal Studios Store facade will get a complete facelift as the store is revamped and redesigned to be more modern and fit the new style for CityWalk. The new facade better fits the area, and will look beautiful at night.
With all this concept art and with everything we have shared, there is a tremendous amount to look forward to at the Universal Orlando Resort in 2014.
While the press event focused mainly on CityWalk, there was a video shown that focused on the Harry Potter expansions coming to the resort in 2014. Sadly, not too much was divulged.
For more Universal Orlando and Universal Park news, check out the Unofficial Universal Orlando Podcast with your hosts Lee, Tracey, Darren and Hunter as they discuss all of the news, rumors, and information about the Universal Studio Parks from around the world!
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