Last Updated: Saturday, April 12, 2026
Universal CityWalk isn’t just a walkway between the parks anymore. Universal Orlando has spent the last year quietly turning CityWalk into a destination of its own, and 2026 is when most of those changes actually land. Here’s everything new coming to Universal CityWalk in 2026 and beyond, based on Universal’s official announcements.
What’s New at Universal CityWalk in 2026?
Universal CityWalk is getting three major new experiences in 2026 and 2027: the Universal Legacy Store returns in late April 2026, Five Guys opens summer 2026 in the former Burger King Whopper Bar location, and Luke Combs’ Category 10 entertainment venue opens in 2027. Universal confirmed all three in a press release on April 10, 2026.
These aren’t small upgrades. The Legacy Store is taking over the entire Epic Universe Preview Center space, Five Guys is replacing a major fast-food location, and Luke Combs’ Category 10 is a 33,000 square-foot multi-story complex planned for a brand-new waterfront location.
The Universal Legacy Store Returns in Late April 2026
The Universal Legacy Store is returning to CityWalk in late April 2026, taking over the space currently occupied by the Epic Universe Preview Center, which closes on Sunday, April 13, 2026. The Legacy Store originally closed in January 2024 after less than three years of operation.
The store is a retro-themed merchandise shop featuring nods to classic Universal attractions and films, including E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Back to the Future, and the Universal Monsters. It also features exclusive photo opportunities tied to those properties.
This is the second time the Legacy Store has opened at CityWalk. Its first run drew steady foot traffic from fans looking for merchandise tied to Universal’s pre-2000s library of films, which isn’t heavily represented in the current parks.
Five Guys Replacing Burger King Whopper Bar in Summer 2026
Five Guys is opening at Universal CityWalk in summer 2026, taking over the Burger King Whopper Bar location. The Whopper Bar closes on Monday, April 21, 2026, ending its long run at the resort.
Five Guys will bring its made-to-order burgers and fries to CityWalk. Universal has not yet confirmed the exact opening date or whether the new location will include any CityWalk-exclusive items.
Luke Combs’ Category 10 Coming in 2027
Luke Combs’ Category 10, a partnership between Universal and Opry Entertainment Group, is moving to a new waterfront location at CityWalk in 2027. The venue is expected to be approximately 33,000 square feet across multiple stories.
Category 10 will feature live performances, themed dining spaces, and a variety of cocktails and spirit offerings inspired by Combs’ musical heritage. If you’re familiar with Nashville’s honky-tonk scene, this is Universal’s version of that on CityWalk’s waterfront.
What Closed at Universal CityWalk in 2026?
Two locations are closing at Universal CityWalk to make room for the new experiences in 2026: the Epic Universe Preview Center closes on April 13, and the Burger King Whopper Bar closes on April 21.
The Epic Universe Preview Center was a temporary space Universal used to promote the new theme park before it opened on May 22, 2025. With Epic Universe now open for nearly a full year, the Preview Center has served its purpose, and Universal is reclaiming the space for the returning Legacy Store.
Key Dates to Know
- Sunday, April 13, 2026: Epic Universe Preview Center closes
- Monday, April 21, 2026: Burger King Whopper Bar closes
- Late April 2026: Universal Legacy Store reopens
- Summer 2026: Five Guys opens
- 2027: Luke Combs’ Category 10 opens at new waterfront location
Is Universal CityWalk Worth Visiting in 2026?
Universal CityWalk is open to the public with no park admission required, making it one of the most accessible spots to experience Universal Orlando Resort. It’s especially popular with guests staying at Universal hotels or visiting multiple parks, since it connects the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure entrances.
With the Legacy Store return, Five Guys, and Category 10 in the pipeline, CityWalk is becoming more of a standalone destination. It’s no longer just the walkway you pass through on the way to the parks. For Universal hotel guests, that matters more than ever since CityWalk is walkable from most on-site properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Universal CityWalk free?
Yes. Universal CityWalk is open to the public with no admission required. Parking fees apply at the Universal Orlando parking garage unless you’re an annual passholder or staying at a Universal hotel.
When does the Universal Legacy Store reopen?
The Universal Legacy Store reopens in late April 2026 at Universal CityWalk. The exact reopening date has not been confirmed by Universal, but it will take over the space currently occupied by the Epic Universe Preview Center, which closes on April 13, 2026.
What is replacing Burger King Whopper Bar at CityWalk?
Five Guys is replacing the Burger King Whopper Bar at Universal CityWalk. Burger King closes on April 21, 2026, and Five Guys will open in summer 2026 in the same location, bringing its made-to-order burgers and fries to the resort.
What is Luke Combs’ Category 10 at Universal CityWalk?
Luke Combs’ Category 10 is a 33,000 square-foot multi-story entertainment complex opening at Universal CityWalk in 2027. It’s a partnership between Universal and Opry Entertainment Group and will feature live performances, themed dining, and cocktails inspired by Combs’ musical heritage.
Does Universal CityWalk connect to the parks?
Yes. Universal CityWalk serves as the main entrance walkway to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Epic Universe has its own separate entrance about three miles away and is not connected to CityWalk directly.
Related Articles
- Three New Experiences Coming to Universal CityWalk in 2026
- Luke Combs’ Category 10 Bar and Live Music Venue Coming to Universal CityWalk
- Epic Universe Complete Guide
- All Universal Orlando Coverage
Source: Universal Orlando Resort
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