CityWalk Hollywood and CityWalk Orlando do have some common tenants, but their respective architectural styles are quite different. Where CityWalk Hollywood incorporates a classic modern blend of Hollywood, CityWalk Orlando is almost entirely modern in appearance.
The Universal CityWalk Hollywood opened in May 1993 adjacent to the isolated Cineplex Odeon cinema. A $1 billion, 93,000 sq ft. expansion opened in 2000.
CityWalk's central plaza is topped by a large steel-web canopy with a leaping fountain below, created by WET. A huge television monitor brought in by Panasonic, is located above the multiplex, showing upcoming Universal movie releases, music videos, and NBC Universal promotions stands next to the giant guitar towering over the Hard Rock Cafe.
Street performers (mimes, magicians, musicians) are a common sight. At Christmas time, there's even a parade, carolers, and an outdoor ice skating rink near the theaters.
The Universal Citywalk in Orlando opened in 1999 as one component of the expansion that transformed Universal Studios Florida into today's Universal Orlando Resort. It was built over the former Universal Studios parking lot and entrance. Guests arriving at the resort park in one of two multi-story parking structures, then travel via covered moving sidewalks over Universal Boulevard into CityWalk. From there, guests can proceed into either of the theme parks, Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure.
Hard Rock Cafe Orlando--this is the second Hard Rock Cafe built on Universal property. The first cafe was built near the Psycho house, E.T. Adventure, and Fievel's Playground. Although the first cafe was considered to be one of the largest in the chain, the company closed down the restaurant to reopen in an even bigger facility and alongside Hard Rock Live in the CityWalk section. The Old Hard Rock Cafe building stands unoccupied near the Hard Rock Hotel.
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