When most people think of Universal Orlando, they picture thrilling rides, blockbuster attractions, and magical adventures. But tucked just outside all the adrenaline is a more laid-back experience: mini golf. In this post, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about the resort’s quirky and colorful mini golf at Universal CityWalk and why they’re worth a stop on your Universal trip.
Universal’s CityWalk Orlando mini golf is a great non-park family fun activity. We enjoyed the fun themed mini-golf courses and ambiance at Hollywood Drive-In Golf during our Universal Orlando vacation.
My family loves finding unique miniature golf courses when we travel. It’s a fun (and sometimes competitive) way to spend an evening or afternoon.
Whether you’re winding down after a day in the parks or looking for something different to do with friends or family, mini golf at Universal Orlando delivers big on creativity, challenge, and charm.
Hollywood Drive-In: Universal Citywalk Mini-Golf
Hollywood Drive-In is located at the Universal Orlando CityWalk entertainment complex. It is easy to get to and is close to the main security hub and parking lot. If you are staying at a Universal resort take the shuttle bus to CityWalk. If you are visiting from off-site you will arrive the same way as resort guests.
There are two 18 hole mini-golf courses and they can be purchased as a double feature or single experience.
1950’s Sci-Fi: The Invaders from Planet Putt is alien themed and has little green men and space special effect.
Horror Flick: The Haunting of Ghostly Greens is a family friendly spooky course featuring a haunted house, giant spider and special effects.
Both courses are family friendly and fun.
Cost
Single Feature (18 Holes)
- Before 6:00pm
- $22.99 (ages 10+)
- $20.99 (ages 3-9)
- After 6:00pm
- $25.99 (ages 10+)
- $23.99 (ages 3-9)
For Double Feature (36 Holes) add $19.99 to the 10+ price and $17.99 to the 3-9 price.
Hours
Hollywood Drive-In is open 7 days a week from 9:00am to Midnight.
7 Tips for Mini Golf at Universal CityWalk
Timing is Everything
If you want to have the place to yourselves- arrive early. We played early in the morning and it was low crowds. When all the crowds are headed to the park that is the best time to go.
Consider playing during a non-park day of your vacation. If you plan to visit after a day at the parks be prepared for larger crowds. It is still manageable but busier.
You also want to avoid the peak sun. During our visit in August we couldn’t golf during the afternoon due to the heat. There are very few shaded spots along the course.
Purchase the Two Course Package to Save Some Money
We purchase the two courses and saved a few dollars. Your ticket doesn’t expire so if you want to use one course on one visit and the next a different visit you can.
We are annual passholders and visit a few times a year so we purchased the two courses but did one in August and one in February. Make sure you keep your receipt somewhere you will remember, like a suitcase or wallet you travel with. You can also book online for 10% off.
Take Your Time
There are two courses at Hollywood Drive In Golf: Haunted and Sci-Fi. They are both fun and have entertaining holes. You can look at both courses from above as you enter CityWalk.
If you visit during a non-busy time, go slow and enjoy it. Take a lot of pictures and read all the fun signs and riddles. Also be sure to check out all the interactive elements throughout the course.
Everyone Doesn’t Have to Golf to Walk the Course
This may not work for all families but typically my husband and I don’t play. We will help the kids and walk the course but we don’t play.
It saves us money, although some places have a non-golfer fee, and it allows us to focus on the kids. Plus 5 people golfing came take a lot of time and when it is busy it is a better option for us.
Stay Hydrated
If you are golfing during the day be sure to bring a water bottle. The course offers little shade. Always stay hydrated and drink water as you play. Plan on visiting early in the day or late in the evening to avoid the high temps and direct sun.
Play the Riddle Scavenger Hunt
At the start of the game the attendant will ask if you would like to do the scavenger hunt. It is a free add on to mini-golf. We played and it was a fun game that has you answering riddles depending on the hole you are at. At the end you turn in your paper for a prize.
Keep Score…Or Don’t
There are times when we keep score and times when we don’t. If it gets a bit too competitive we like to play for fun and forget the scoring, especially when the kids were small. If we do play for score we like to let the winner pick the next ride or attraction at the parks.
Mini golf at Universal is a great way to enjoy all of the fun at Universal Orlando. Spend the morning at CityWalk with mini-golf and Voodoo Doughnut for a family fun morning or grab lunch at a CityWalk restaurant.
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Leah has been planning and writing about Universal trips since 2016. She loves finding the best places to eat and stay during her visits to the park. Leah enjoys the little details that make visiting the parks so immersive and special, and sharing that with her readers.
