Universal Orlando Feature

CityWalk. With an attitude that's distinctly non-Disney, Universal has created nightlife for adults who want to party. The epicenter here is CityWalk, a 30-acre entertainment and retail complex at the hub of promenades that lead to both Universal parks.

This open and airy gathering place includes an over-the-top discotheque, a theater for the fabulous and extremely popular Blue Man Group, and a huge hall where karaoke's king. There's a New Orleans bar, a Jamaican reggae lounge, a casual Key West hangout and, as of 2012, Hollywood Drive-In Golf, a pair of 1950s sci-fi movie-themed miniature golf courses. On weeknights you find families and conventioneers; weekends a decidedly younger crowd parties until the wee hours.

Clubs have individual cover charges, but it's far more economical to pay for the whole kit and much of the caboodle. Choose a Party Pass (a one-price-all-clubs admission) for $11.99; a Party Pass-and-a-Movie for $15.98 (plus tax); a Movie-and-a-Meal for $21.95; or a Party Pass-and-a-Meal for $21.

At AMC Universal Cineplex, with its 20 screens (including IMAX), there's certain to be something you like—including nightly midnight movies. Meals (tax and gratuity included) are served at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, the Hard Rock Cafe, NASCAR Sports Grille, and others. And as if these deals weren't sweet enough, after 6 pm the $15 parking fee drops to $5. However, it's a long haul from the garage to CityWalk—if you prefer, simply call a cab. They run at all hours. 407/224-2692; 407/363-8000 Universal main line. www.citywalkorlando.com.

Top CityWalk Nightspots

With the wide range of nightlife you'll find at Universal, you may get the feeling that you're vacationing in New York, not Orlando. CityWalk's stores open by midmorning, and its restaurants come to life between lunchtime and late afternoon. Eateries that double as nightclubs (e.g., Pat O'Brien's or the Red Coconut Club) start charging a cover before dusk and apply age restrictions (usually 21) at around 9 pm. For details on a particular establishment, check with Guest Services.

Bars and Clubs

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. Buffett tunes fill the air at the restaurant here and at the Volcano, Land Shark, and 12 Volt bars. Inside there's a miniature Pan Am Clipper suspended from the ceiling, music videos projected onto sails, limbo and hula-hoop contests, a huge margarita blender that erupts "when the volcano blows," and live music nightly—everything that Parrotheads need to roost. Across the promenade, another full-size seaplane (emblazoned with 'Jimmy Buffett, Captain') is the setting for the Lone Palm Airport, a nice outdoor waterfront bar. 6000 Universal Studios Plaza, #704, CityWalk, Universal Orlando, FL, 32819. 407/224-2692. www.margaritavilleorlando.com. $7 after 10 pm. Daily 11:30 am-2 am.

Bob Marley—A Tribute to Freedom. Modeled after the King of Reggae's home in Kingston, Jamaica (even down to the A/C window units), this club is like a museum. It contains more than 100 photographs and paintings showing pivotal moments in Marley's life. Though the place does serve meals, most patrons are at the cozy bar or by the patio, where they can be jammin' to a (loud) live band that plays nightly. For a nice souvenir, pose by the wonderful Marley statue outside the club. Legendary Thursdays feature drink specials for everyone, and Sunday is ladies' night from 9 pm until closing. CityWalk, Universal Orlando, FL, 32819. 407/224-2692. $7 after 9 pm. Daily 4 pm-2 am.

the groove. In this cavernous hall images flicker rapidly on several screens, and the lights, music, and mayhem appeal to a mostly under-30 crowd. Prepare for lots of fog, swirling lights, and sweaty bodies. The '70s-style Green Room is filled with beanbag chairs and everything you threw out when Duran Duran hit the charts. The Blue Room is sci-fi Jetson-y, and the Red Room is hot and romantic in a bordello sort of way. The music is equally diverse: Top 40, hip-hop, R&B, techno and the occasional live band. 6000 Universal Blvd., CityWalk, Universal Orlando, FL, 32819. 407/224-2692. $7. Daily 9 pm-2 am.

Latin Quarter. Although this is largely a Brazilian steak house, after 10 pm on Thursday through Saturday it transforms into a hot club with a DJ spinning Latin and reggae tunes. A cool design, based on Aztec, Incan, and Mayan architecture—there's even an Andes mountain range, complete with waterfalls—surrounds the dance floor. If you can get your hips working overtime, pick a rumba from 1 to 10 and swivel (or tango or merengue or salsa...) 6000 Universal Blvd., CityWalk, Universal Orlando, FL, 32819. 407/224-2692. $7; price may vary for certain performances. Mon.-Thurs. 5 pm-2 am, Fri. and Sat. noon-2 am.

Pat O'Brien's. An exact reproduction of the legendary New Orleans original, this comes complete with flaming fountain and dueling pianists who are playing for highly entertained regulars and visitors—even on weekday afternoons. Outside, the cozy and welcoming Patio Bar has a wealth of tables and chairs, allowing you to do nothing but enjoy the outdoors and your potent, rum-based Hurricanes in the Orlando version of the Big Easy. 6000 Universal Blvd., CityWalk, Universal Orlando, FL, 32819. 407/224-2692. www.patobriens.com. $7 after 9 pm. Patio Bar daily 4 pm-2 am; piano bar daily 5 pm-2 am.

Red Coconut Club. Paying tribute to kitsch design of the 1950s, the interior here is part Vegas lounge, part Cuban club, and part Polynesian tiki bar. There's a full bar, signature martinis, an extensive wine list, and VIP bottle service. Hang out in the lounge, on the balcony, or at the bar. On a budget? Take advantage of the daily happy hours and gourmet appetizer menu. A DJ (Sun.-Wed.) or live music (Thur.-Sat) pushes the energy with tunes ranging from Sinatra to rock. Thursday is ladies' night. 6000 Universal Blvd., CityWalk, Universal Orlando, FL, 32819. 407/224-2425. $7 after 9 pm. Sun.-Wed. 8 pm-2 am, Thurs.-Sat. 6 pm-2 am.

CityWalk's Rising Star. Here you and other hopeful (and hopeless) singers can really let loose. Instead of singing to recorded music, you're accompanied by a band complete with backup singers—in front of a live audience. Backup singers are on hand every night, while the live band plugs in Tuesday through Saturday. 6000 Universal Blvd., #717, CityWalk, Universal Orlando, FL, 32819. 407/224-2425. $7, no charge to sing. Nightly 8 pm-2 am.

Shows

AMC Universal Cineplex. Why spend your time watching a movie when you're on vacation? Who cares? It's your vacation. At the AMC Universal Cineplex, there are 20 screens and 5,000 seats in a bi-level theater that provides an escape from the crowds, and, in summer, the Florida heat. In addition to "meal deals" that include admission to a show, there are nightly midnight movies. Extra fees apply for IMAX and 3-D showings. CityWalk, Universal Orlando, FL, 32819. 407/354-3374 box office.

Blue Man Group. At their own venue, the Sharp-Aquos Theatre, the Blue Men continue to pound out new music, sketches, and audience interaction that is nothing like you've ever seen. Attempting to understand the apps on a GiPad (a gigantic iPad), they may appear clueless and perplexed about cutting-edge technology, which for them can be as basic as a can of paint. But they're always excited when they can drum out rhythms on lengths of PVC pipes and throw a rave party finale for all in attendance. Three levels of admission (Poncho, Tier 1, and Tier 2) hint at how messy things can get when the Blue Men cut loose. If you have the time and a little extra in your vacation budget, this is a must. CityWalk, Orlando, FL, 32819. 407/258-3626. Adults $69 advance purchase, $84 at box office; children 9 and under from $29. Daily showtimes vary; call for schedule.

Hard Rock Cafe. The Hard Rock Cafe here is the largest on earth, which means you can see plenty of memorabilia, including such Beatles rarities as John Lennon's famous New York City T-shirt, Paul's original lyrics for "Let It Be," and the doors from London's Abbey Road studios plus hundreds of other fascinating collectibles. And the food's great, too. For savvy locals and many surprised guests, the main attraction is found next door in the Hard Rock Live concert hall. Frequent performances featuring comedians, solo acts, and internationally recognized bands make it a popular venue and one of the most active places at Universal. A few drawbacks: The seats are hard and two-thirds don't face the stage; if you arrive at the door carrying a large purse or bags, you'll be turned away, and it's about a quarter-mile walk back to the parking garage. CityWalk, Universal Orlando, FL, 32819. www.hardrocklive.com. Cover prices vary. Daily from 11 am, with varying closing times, generally around midnight.

Top Resort Bars

After a manic day in the theme parks, or perhaps a brush with hyperactive CityWalk, you may need some quiet. There are several lounges within Universal's resort hotels, each themed and each a sanctuary where you can relax with a soothing libation.

Royal Pacific Resort. Jake's American Bar has a South Pacific look (it's themed as the retreat of an island-hopping airline pilot), English and Asian entrées, cocktails, a full liquor bar, and live background music. The Orchid Court Lounge and Sushi Bar is resplendent with orchids, hand-carved Balinese furniture, and South Seas martinis and drinks.

Portofino Bay. At the dockside Thirsty Fish bar, sunsets are accompanied by wine and live jazz. Bar American specializes in martinis and other cocktails, and grappa.

Hard Rock Hotel. The Beach Club is a pool-beach bar and grill where you can sip a tropical drink or cold beer. The evening's certainly more upscale at the Velvet Lounge, a hip retreat that's home to the monthly Velvet Sessions rock-and-roll cocktail party.