Opened in 1999, CityWalk, which was built over the former parking​lot for Universal Studios, was the first expansion to the now Universal Orlando Resort complex. 
Guests who are staying offsite, are at one of the non-Premier Universal Resorts or who decide to drive over to Universal Orlando, will park in one of the garages and make their way through CityWalk to get in to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. 
CityWalk is the entertainment and shopping district for Universal Orlando. With over 20 dining locations, 8 stores and 8 entertainment venues, it really can be a destination for a day, or nice to visit before or after heading into the parks!