CityWalk Orlando Updates & Changes General Thread

[GAcoaster]

I heard today from a friend with connections at Universal that supposedly the retail tenant contractors on CityWalk (with one exception for some reason) were told by Universal that they are having their leases terminated and Universal will be taking over the operations of their stores (buying out their inventories in some cases and closing others).

It was something that, when I heard it thought it makes sense on some levels. Universal could then control the product mix and make adjustments to the space allocated based on demand. They could also change over more of the space to other uses (more food options, etc.). They also then keep more profit from the operations like they've been doing as they changed over restaurants from contractors to in house operated.

Has anyone else heard this or can anyone confirm?

 

[Teebin]

Is margaritaville the exception? Too, I cannot imagine they are tossing out the upstairs fast food joints. Universal was never able to make that location work.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Is margaritaville the exception? Too, I cannot imagine they are tossing out the upstairs fast food joints. Universal was never able to make that location work.

They run Margaritaville is my understanding.

Besides the fast food locations I've heard UOR is planning to remove any non-UOR owned locations and even some UOR ones. I am surprised its retail first and not something like the Groove or Bubba Gumps.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

In a question, is the Element store considered to be owned by Universal, prior to the hearing of this?

I'm very intrigued into this, as it could give them more possibilities of new retail and dining experiences that could be unique to Universal Orlando.

 

[quinnmac000]

As long as they aren't getting rid of the tattoo shop before I go next time, I'm fine with this.

 

[ThemeParks4Life]

They run Margaritaville is my understanding.

Besides the fast food locations I've heard UOR is planning to remove any non-UOR owned locations and even some UOR ones. I am surprised its retail first and not something like the Groove or Bubba Gumps.

Do they own Hard Rock?

 

[GAcoaster]

My understanding is that it's just the retail shops (PIQ, Quiet Flight, Element, Fossil, etc.). Basically it sounds like the ground floor retail in that whole section which is a big space when all put together. Ripe for redevelopment. That's where the Universal Store SHOULD be so it has enough space to offer a full array of park souvenirs. Kind of a "World of Universal" shop...

 

[IzzyB]

As long as they keep my short cut I am fine with this. I never shop at any of those stores anyways.

 

[GAcoaster]

I think that's why they'd do it, no one really shops in those stores.

 

[JoeCamel]

I think that's why they'd do it, no one really shops in those stores.

I almost bought a new pair of Reefs there but I couldn't stomach the $60 price tag when I knew what I could pay online. Had to get something so I went to wallyworld.

 

[GadgetGuru]

About time. Retail at CityWalk is awful. You have the horribly generic stores selling trash and then the kiosks selling tourist junk. Personally, I don't think City Walk needs much retail besides the Universal store. This isn't Disney Springs after all. But, I'd love Universal to prove me wrong.

 

[anihilnation]

Could something Nintendo related ever come to Citywalk?

 

[graspthesun]

It doesn't make sense for a takeover to happen at a store like Element or Fossil. Those types of retail establishments don't franchise. For national brands like that, I'd expect a closure if the lease terminations are true.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

Could something Nintendo related ever come to Citywalk?

I'd think that this would make sense. Will they? we'll see, but it would make sense for the resort.

 

[ChrisFL]

Kinda ironic that Disney is going the opposite route with Disney Springs, opening tons of non-Disney stores.

 

[Nick]

Kinda ironic that Disney is going the opposite route with Disney Springs, opening tons of non-Disney stores.

The amount of money they charge for rent is stupid high though. Disney Springs will easily be in the green before too long.

 

[Teebin]

As long as they keep my short cut I am fine with this. I never shop at any of those stores anyways.

Is that the Tommy Bahama shortcut?

(and if you knew the tangent I went on after posting this, you would roll your eyes more than normal)

 

[JoeCamel]

Kinda ironic that Disney is going the opposite route with Disney Springs, opening tons of non-Disney stores.

Disney became a landlord a long time ago with DVC and the Branded stores in Epcot and Magic Kingdom, they love collecting rent.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Kinda ironic that Disney is going the opposite route with Disney Springs, opening tons of non-Disney stores.

A lot of their additions are owned by them, surprisingly. Plus they did build the whole freaking thing out so I don't blame them wanting to chill and lets some other places take over.

The amount of money they charge for rent is stupid high though. Disney Springs will easily be in the green before too long.

My worry with Springz is the long term viability of the stores operating. I worry we'll reach another West Side situation of atrophy and we'll end up with a BBB, make your own light saber, and some of the unique food locations ending up severing burgers and character meals.

 

[captainmoch]

Can we get a Nintendo FL store like the New York one pretty pretty please?