Universal Knights 2012

Many of you will be attending the 2012 Universal Knights at Islands of Adventure this year. Students with Universal Knights tickets can enter the park at 4 p.m., but the park is exclusive to people with Universal Knights tickets from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. That is when those of you who are of age can partake in the alcohol the park will be serving.

Unfortunately I will not be attending this year’s Universal Knights, but I did last year and I happened to be 21. I had a great time. I remember beer only being served in designated areas of the park. Last year once you purchased a beer, you had to drink it in a designated area and couldn’t leave that area until the drink was finished. You weren’t able to freely walk around the park with a beer.

I remember the beers being sold for around $5. The price is obviously going to be steep at a theme park and that was for a Bud Light and beers of that caliber. I was actually surprised one place sold Shock Top for the same price. I wasn’t expecting that.

If you don’t feel like drinking in the park there are several other places nearby to eat, drink and have fun in at CityWalk. Last year I spent some time at the Lone Palm Airport, which is the outdoor lounge and tiki bar for Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. I remember ordering a 16 oz. Pabst Blue Ribbon that was pretty cheap for the location. I think it was $4. Margaritaville also has three other bars in the main dining area.

I’ve also been to Pat O’Brien’s several times with my family. It is a reproduction of the Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans. Their signature drink is the hurricane, which is a fruit punch style drink mixed with rum and served on the rocks. It’s pretty good. Pat O’Brien’s also has a dueling piano bar (which takes requests) and has an outside courtyard. I’ve always have fun when I went. There is a $7 plus tax cover after 9 p.m. and you have to be 21-years-old to get in after that time.

Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom is also located on CityWalk. I’ve heard it is a really cool place to go, whether you’re a reggae lover or not. Apparently Universal worked with Rita Marley and the Bob Marley Foundation to create a Replica of Bob Marley’s house on 56 Road in Kingston, Jamaica. They serve Jamaican cuisine and open at 4 p.m. on Sundays. There is a $7 cover to enter the bar after 9 p.m. and once again, you 21 to get in after that time.

There’s also a walk-up Fat Tuesday counter next to the groove Dance Club that serves their famous frozen drinks. I’ve been to a Fat Tuesday before and the frozen concoctions never disappoint. The counter opens at 4 p.m.

There are also a few other places to go to, but they open at later times so it depends on what time you plan on entering the park.

Rising Star is a karaoke bar that opens at 8 p.m. I’ve heard it is pretty fun. There is a full bar and a $7 cover. There is no charge to sing. 

The Red Coconut Club also opens at 8 p.m. The website says there are different bars spread around inside and appetizers and finger foods are available. There is a $7 cover after 9 p.m. The groove is more of a dance club. It opens at 9 p.m. and has a $7 cover. You have to be 21-years-old to get in. The attire to get into The Red Coconut Club and the groove is casual-chic, meaning no hats or tank tops. The website doesn’t say anything about shorts, but if you plan on going to any of these places, I recommend wearing pants just in case.

Wherever you plan on going, you are going to have to pay a pretty penny for even the lowest quality beers or drinks so be prepared. Make sure you drink responsibly and enjoy yourself. Don’t get into any trouble.