Parks and CityWalk layout? Are they within walking distance?

[disney4us2002]

We're planning to spend 2 days at Univ/IoA but want to try three restaurants: Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe, and Emeril's. If we're in either US or IoA, is it far to walk to CityWalk to hit either of the first two for lunch? We're sort of set on dinner at Emeril's. We're going the week before Christmas so I'm sure there will be pretty big crowds and spending a lot of time out of the parks for lunch may not be a good idea. Would it be worthwhile to go to Margaritaville for drinks before Emeril's for dinner? Do the parks ever close for admittance similar to Disney's? We are staying at Disney so won't have any special perks at USF, but we will have a car to get around if necessary rather than walking.

 

[CEO]

Citywalk connect both parks to the parking garages so, sure, you can walk out of a park and be just a few steps away from the Citywalk restaurants. Hard Rock is actually between the two parks. Margaritavilla is just past the IOA exit-entrance.

And, no, the parks may be quite busy the week before Christmas but they won't close. Capacity is really only a threat on New Year's Eve -- and maybe 4th of July.

But a late lunch might actually be a GOOD thing to get away from the crowds. Just grab a Universal Express pass for the ride you want to do after lunch before you head on out and you will be one step ahead of the game.

 

[antmaril]

All within easy walking distance of each other. Drinks at Magaritaville and dinner at Emeril's would be fine - they are practically next door to each other.

 

[robvia]

Here's the happy hour info from last year.

Nascar Cafe - draft specials
Domestic draft (2.50) Import draft (3.50) all the time.

Buffett Margaritas 2 for 1
Miller Light 2 for 1
Well Drinks 2 for 1
Above specials from 12:00pm to 4:59pm.

So yes, your idea to get a few happy hour drinks at Margaritivle will work up to 5pm if you're eating an early dinner at Emeril's.

Since you won't have FOTL, get to the park early. The parking garage opens at 8am, and people are in line at 07:45am. Be first to the gate, take a lap around the park, then come out for lunch as the crowd arrives around 11am. If you're at the IOA gate first, you can easily take a lap in 3 hours. Then you'd eat lunch, and head over to USF to see some shows or go on the less popular attractions. At 3pm, happy starts at most bars in the park, and you can walk to Margaritivle and continue there.

 

[highlander447]

In march there was no Nascar happy hour I would recomend where possible u make reservations for eating as they all get pretty busy

 

[suzysezso]

Another suggestion-
Do NOT wait until you get to the park to make your Emeril Reservations or you are guaranteed to be disapointed. The waiting list can get months long, and tho many will say you can get in because so many people make and then do not keep reservations, I would not count on it as they take that into account when they book.
I would call as early as right now to find out directly from them the best way to secure a table on the day and time you desire!
Hope this helps-