Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios Orlando opened on June 7, 1990. It was comprised solely of Universal Studios Florida. Since then, it has grown to include Islands of Adventure and CityWalk, both of which opened in 1999.

The resort is home to three hotel chains: Loews Royal Pacific Hotel, The Hard Rock Hotel and and the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.

Universal City Walk

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CityWalk is universal's nightlife hotspot. Here, you will find casual and fine dining, dancing, shopping, and live music.

In CityWalk, you will find a wide range of dining possibilities. They have everything from casual restaurants to get a quick bite to eat in to fine dining restaurants for amore sophisticated meal. Some of the restaurants here are NASCAR sports Grille, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom, Hard Rock Café, Emeril's Restaurant Orlando , Pat O'Brien's, NBA City, Latin Quarter and Pastamore.

CityWalk is home to the new show Blue Man Group, as well as other entertainment complexes. CityWalk's rising star is a karaoke club where you can take center stage, and The Red Coconut Club is Orlando's newest nightclub and ultra lounge. Check out the groove which is home to the best in the 70s/80s dance hits and alternative rock. Pat O'Brien's and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville also offer live entertainment daily.

If shopping is more your speed, CityWalk offers many stores and boutiques. Shops here include Cigarz at CityWalk, The Endangered Species Store , Fossil , Fresh Produce , Hart and Huntington Tattoo Co., The Island Clothing Store, Quiet Flight eight Surf stop and the Universal Studios Store.

Halloween Horror Nights

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Halloween Horror Nights began at Universal Orlando in 1991. Originally, the event was called "Fright Nights", and changed the following year to Halloween Horror Nights. The event typically takes place through the month of October, showcasing many frightenly fun attractions and shows. For more information on one of the world's most popular and scary Halloween events visit the Halloween Horror Nights section.

Upcoming Events

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Halloween Horror Nights 18 at Universal Studios ~ September – November 2008
Universal Orlando presents one of the world's most elaborate Halloween celebrations with Halloween Horror Nights 18. Universal's "scream team" researches the human psyche and its deepest fears so that Halloween Horror Nights' guests can confront their most terrifying nightmares. There are specially designed haunted houses, inescapable scare zones, and hundreds of street performers. This fright-fest invades Universal Orlando on select nights throughout the month of October.

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort ~ December 7, 2007 – January 1, 2008
Celebrate the holidays at Universal Orlando as the resorts two theme parks, on-site hotels, and CityWalk transform into a seasonal spectacular featuring special holiday-themed entertainment, decorations, food, and much more!

New Year's Eve at Universal CityWalk ~ December 31, 2007
CityWalk, a 30-acre entertainment complex with themed restaurants, nightclubs and shops, will host one of Orlando's hottest New Year's Eve parties. The evening will feature live performances by national acts, an expansive gourmet buffet, a champagne toast and live entertainment at its nightclubs, including the groove, an electrifying dance club, CityJazz, a hip jazz venue, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, and others.

Universal Orlando Resort Trivia

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• The resort was originally named Universal Studios escape.