How will Bedford's CityWalk compare to the entertainment districts at Orlando's biggest resorts? We examine the competition and the opportunities.
Entertainment districts are big business in the theme park world. Universal CityWalk Orlando and Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) draw millions of visitors annually — many of whom never set foot inside a theme park. These free-to-access dining, shopping, and nightlife complexes have become destinations in their own right. Universal Studios Bedford will launch with its own CityWalk, and understanding how it compares to its Orlando counterparts reveals what UK visitors can expect.
Universal CityWalk Orlando opened in 1999 and has been expanded and refreshed several times since. The current complex includes over 30 dining venues, a 20-screen AMC cinema, a mini-golf course, Blue Man Group theatre, Hard Rock Live concert venue, and dozens of shops. The atmosphere is vibrant and eclectic — neon signs, themed facades, and street performers create a sensory-rich environment that buzzes with energy from morning to well past midnight.
Dining highlights include the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (a steampunk chocolate factory), Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, Antojitos Authentic Mexican, Bigfire (wood-fired American cuisine), and NBC Sports Grill & Brew. The variety ensures that every taste is catered for, from quick-service pizza to sit-down steakhouse dining. Many restaurants feature open kitchens, themed interiors, and entertainment elements that make dining an event rather than just a meal.
Disney Springs is Disney's answer to CityWalk, though it takes a different approach. Redesigned and expanded in 2015, Disney Springs is divided into four themed neighbourhoods — The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace, and West Side — each with a distinct architectural style and atmosphere. The complex is more spread out than CityWalk, with a waterfront setting, tree-lined walkways, and a generally more relaxed ambiance.
Dining at Disney Springs is arguably more upscale, with celebrity chef restaurants including Morimoto Asia (by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto), The BOATHOUSE (upscale waterfront dining), and Wine Bar George (by Master Sommelier George Miliotes). The retail offering includes high-street brands alongside Disney-specific shops, giving it a broader commercial appeal than CityWalk's more theme-park-focused retail.
The fundamental difference is atmosphere. CityWalk is loud, colourful, and unapologetically fun — it feels like a party. Disney Springs is elegant, curated, and polished — it feels like an upscale outdoor mall. Neither approach is inherently superior; they serve different moods and demographics. CityWalk attracts a younger, more energetic crowd, while Disney Springs draws families and couples seeking a more relaxed evening out.
Bedford's CityWalk will need to balance Universal's brand identity with British cultural expectations. The neon-drenched, American-style exuberance of Orlando's CityWalk may need to be tempered for a UK audience that tends to prefer slightly more understated environments. However, the core concept — diverse dining, entertainment, and shopping in a themed, free-to-access setting — translates perfectly.
Bedford has the advantage of designing from scratch with decades of learning from both CityWalk and Disney Springs. The layout can incorporate the best elements of both: CityWalk's energy and variety combined with Disney Springs' architectural sophistication and waterfront-style green spaces. A covered or partially enclosed section would address the UK's less predictable climate, ensuring year-round comfort.
Bedford CityWalk should aim for a dining portfolio that matches Disney Springs' quality while retaining CityWalk's diversity and themed approach. A mix of Universal-branded restaurants (Toothsome, Cowfish, or new concepts), British restaurant brands, local independent operators, and international cuisines would create a dining scene that appeals to both park visitors and local residents seeking a night out.
A live music venue comparable to Hard Rock Live would give Bedford a concert destination, potentially attracting touring artists and generating significant ticket revenue. A comedy club, late-night bars, and a premium cinema would round out the evening entertainment offering, ensuring that CityWalk remains busy long after the theme park gates close.
One area where Bedford CityWalk can differentiate itself from both Orlando comparisons is in serving the local community. Orlando's entertainment districts are primarily tourist-focused. Bedford's CityWalk will exist within a real community, and integrating local businesses, hosting community events, and offering local resident pricing on dining and entertainment would build goodwill and ensure consistent foot traffic year-round.
Bedford CityWalk will not be a copy of Orlando or a response to Disney Springs. It will be its own entity — a British interpretation of Universal's entertainment district concept, tailored to UK tastes and climate, and designed to be the social heart of the entire resort.
Share
staff
