Is the side trip to City Walk worth it?

[JDietz40]

We love Margaritaville but have never been to the Orlando one. We will be staying at the Poly in January and was looking for opinions as to if a side trip to City Walk and Margaritaville would be worth the trip. I know this is one of those "your mileage may vary" situations but since we rarely stray of WDW property during our stays I thought some of you would have opinions or suggestions.

Thanks in advance for all of your help.





John

 

[swilshire]

Not to me, it wouldn't. We always just walk right through. The restaurants look expensive and crowded.

Sheila

 

[snowbunny]

I would not make a trip to Citywalk unless going to Universal as well. If you go to Margaritaville (I have) be prepared for a very long wait most nights.

 

[Upatnoon]

We love Margaritaville but have never been to the Orlando one. We will be staying at the Poly in January and was looking for opinions as to if a side trip to City Walk and Margaritaville would be worth the trip. I know this is one of those "your mileage may vary" situations but since we rarely stray of WDW property during our stays I thought some of you would have opinions or suggestions.

Thanks in advance for all of your help.





John

If you want to go, It's an easy drive over there. Parking is free after 6 p.m.

I would not pay to rent a car or take a cab just for that.

 

[DCTooTall]

Actually, Parking is no longer free after 6. I don't think that's been the case for a couple years now. (I remember it was free after 6 in June 2008, but it had changed when I was down in November 2009.).

Yup... Taken from the Universal website:

Daily parking fees per vehicle:

* Regular Parking $15.00
($3.00 between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.*)
* Preferred Parking $20.00
* RV/Bus Parking $20.00
* Valet $15.00 (under 2hrs)
* Valet $25.00 (over 2hrs)
* Valet Red Carpet $35.00




Now...as for is the side trip worth it..... honestly it really depends on what you are into, and what you might think of doing if you didn't go. Margarritaville by itself is ok, but I don't know if I'd say it was worth the trip (and parking) for just the one place....especcially since it is very popular and can be a bit difficult to get in without a long wait.

But.... they also have a nice theater at Citywalk, and several other nice clubs/bars/restaurants, so if you are doing it as more of an evening adventure, It may be a bit easier to say GO FOR IT!

You also didn't mention who "We" is. Since Disney closed PI, Citywalk is the de facto location for nightlife for us tourists. (I'm sure the local's have their own haunts/areas they like, but since I'm not familiar with them, Citywalk wins). There is a lot you can do at Citywalk if you enjoy some after-park type entertainment. If however there are kids in your group, that may not be an option for you.

 

[dioxide45]

We make the side trip on every visit to Orlando. Though we are always offsite near SeaWorld. We always go to the Hard Rock and then Bice at Portofino. We have been to Margaritaville, it is good. I would recommend making the trip if you have your own car.

After 6:00 pm parking is only $3. As soon as Disney announced the demise of the clubs at Pleasure Island, Universal announced the $3 parking. No more competition from the free parking at Disney.

 

[jeff968]

we always have fun at Citywalk. they usually have a free band to enjoy listening to. The shops are fun. Margaritaville once, it was just "okay". We prefer the italian place or Bubba gump.

 

[JDietz40]

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts. I think we will most likely stick around WDW. We will have a car but I don't know if we will want to take the time away from WDW. I can always wait until spring when the Margaritaville opens on Navy Pier here in Chicago. We already have a Bubba Gumps there and a most of the other "specialty Chains" ie. Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock, around here already.