B52’s and Foreigner on New Years Eve at City Walk

It’s becoming sort of a tradition for my wife and I to spend New Years Eve at Universal. We intend to try Pleasure Island but the entertainment always seems lacking. Anyway, this year will be no different - we’ll ring in the New Year in style at City Walk. If you haven’t been to City Walk on New Years your in for a treat. When I was younger I do not think I would have gone out of my way to see the B52’s. Maybe Foreigner but it would have been a stretch! In any event, I haven’t been let down by Universal on New Years Eve yet so I’ll trust them again - I’ll just wince a little bit when Love Shack it played. Maybe next year they’ll get Whitesnake?

Starting from the entrance to Starbucks and ending at Margaritaville, the entire area is walled off for those willing to pay $119.00 + tax for a ‘private party’.

I have to say, I’m not a fan of crowds and I hate waiting in line for a meal but the spread that is put out is worth a little wait. The salmon filets that usually are outside of Buffet’s Margaritaville are worth the trip alone. Plus, in the past 3 years we have attended, the masses of people never seem to get that large. Sure, theres a gaggle of revelers around but there is still room to walk and move.

For complete details on the event vist the official Universal City Walk site. Last year there was an option to pay an additional fee ($40.00 I think) for unlimited top-shelf drinks. I didn’t see that option online so you may want to ask when purchasing your tickets.

Tip: Getting out of Universal on New Years (and the 4th of July) is a exercise in patience. You can easily spend 60 minutes leaving the garage. If your up for it, take in a movie after the midnight fireworks when everyone is trying to leave. Although the clubs are open till 2 a.m., most people start leaving once the fireworks have concluded. You’ll have an easy walk and exit once you leave the theater.

See you there!

–

Bill

The New Nascar Cafe at Universal Studios Orlando

This past weekend my wife, daughter, and myself ate lunch at the newly remodeled Nascar Cafe on City Walk in Universal Studios Orlando. If you visited the restaurant before the conversion you will understand how much the place has changed. WOW !!! It went from busy to cozy while still maintaining a true Nascar slant - they even left the cars hanging from the ceiling on the second floor. Some improvements include booth seating downstairs (all booths have their own LCD TV with multiple channels), a full bar, and a more open floor plan up stairs. I will be writing a complete review (with pictures) for posting on GlobalResortHomes.com. Until then, I highly recommend visiting the Nascar Cafe on your next visit to Universal Studios Orlando. It’s typically the least crowded place to eat and the nachos rock!

- Bill