Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
338
House of Blues
Several well-known artists have performed here, including One
Republic, Natasha Bedingfield, the Charlie Daniels Band, the Black Crowes, and others.
The barnlike building, with three tiers, may be a little difficult for those with limited
mobility to maneuver in, but there really isn't a bad seat in the house. The atmosphere is
dark and boozy, perfect for the bluesy sounds that usually raise the rafters. The dance
floor is big enough to boogie on without doing the bump with a stranger. You can dine
in the adjoining restaurant (p. 157) on baby back ribs, Louisiana crawfish, jambalaya,
New Orleans-style shrimp, and Cajun meatloaf. There's also a Sunday gospel brunch.
&
407/934-2583.
www.hob.com. Cover charges vary by event/artist. Free self-parking.
4
CITYWALK
Located between the Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida theme parks,
this nightclub, restaurant, and shopping district had its coming-out party in 1999 and
competes head-to-head with Disney's Pleasure Island. It opens daily at 11am, but the
hours of many clubs and restaurants vary, so call in advance if you're interested in a
specific venue. Most clubs stay open until 2am.
At 30 acres, CityWalk (
&
407/363-8000;
www.citywalk.com) is five times larger
than Pleasure Island. Alcohol is prominently featured here, as it's geared to an adult
crowd; younger members of the family should always be accompanied by an adult if
allowed to tag along. The nights can get pretty wild. (
Note:
Some clubs here won't allow
anyone younger than 21 inside after a certain hour—see the listings below for details.)
You can walk this district for free at night or visit individual clubs and pay an indi-
vidual cover charge. CityWalk also offers two
party passes.
A pass to all clubs costs
$11.99 plus tax. For $15 plus tax, you get a club pass and a movie at Universal Cineplex
(
&
407/354-5998
). Universal also offers free club access to those who buy select multi-
day theme-park tickets (see chapter 7, “Exploring Beyond Disney: Universal Orlando,
SeaWorld & Other Attractions”). There's also a “Meal & Movie Deal” option; for $21.95,
you can get entrance to a movie at the Cineplex and dinner at one of the CityWalk restau-
rants (select menu items apply—see
www.universalorlando.com
for complete details).
Daytime parking in the Universal Orlando garages costs $12, but after 6pm self-
parking is only $3. To get to CityWalk, take I-4 exit 74B (westbound) or 75A (east-
bound) and follow the signs to the parks.
Bob Marley—A Tribute to Freedom
This hybrid bar/restaurant has a party atmo-
sphere that will make the food more appealing as the night wears on. The clapboard
building is said to be a replica of Marley's home in Kingston. Jamaican vittles—such as
meat patties; jerk snapper; and, the brew of champions, Red Stripe beer—are served
under patio umbrellas amid portraits of the original Rastaman. If you try an Extreme
Measure, have a designated driver. Local and national reggae bands perform on a microdot
9
Tips
Chilling Out
You can grab a margarita to go and “chill” in the brightly colored wooden chairs
(think of the Adirondacks) outside Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. It's a perfect
spot to watch the crowds scurrying to and from the theme parks.
