Two projects are rapidly reshaping separate areas of Universal CityWalk Orlando, with a new bar and restaurant on the horizon and faster bus access for resort guests.
Luke Combs’ Category 10 Construction
A new update from aerial photographer bioreconstruct offers one of the clearest looks yet at the future home of Luke Combs’ Category 10, which is being constructed along the CityWalk waterfront.
Most of the existing outdoor structures within the construction zone have now been removed, leaving a broad expanse of exposed soil, broken concrete, and construction debris between Margaritaville and Bigfire. Excavators and other heavy equipment are stationed throughout the site as crews continue clearing the area.
The former waterfront bar and surrounding guest areas are no longer recognizable. Portions of the old pavement have been demolished, while strips of concrete remain along the side closest to the active CityWalk promenade. Bundles of removed pipes, metal pieces, and other materials have been collected around the perimeter.
Black construction walls surround the site, separating the active project from guests walking between Bigfire, Margaritaville, and the waterfront. Several palm trees remain immediately alongside the work zone.
The photos also show that the pavement and landscaping formerly extending toward the lagoon have been largely stripped away. Temporary erosion-control barriers line the water’s edge while crews prepare the property for more substantial construction.
Category 10 is scheduled to open in late 2027. The three-story, approximately 33,000-square-foot restaurant, bar, and live entertainment venue will be inspired by Combs’ music and personal interests. Its name references his hit song “Hurricane.”
The Orlando venue will be the third Category 10 location, following the flagship Nashville establishment and a Las Vegas location scheduled to debut in 2026. Plans call for waterfront views, live music, food, drinks, and several distinct entertainment spaces.
Earlier work included the removal of several merchandise kiosks and the Riverfront bar. The latest aerial views indicate that demolition has now expanded across nearly the entire future development site.
New CityWalk Bus Depot Entry Lane
Elsewhere at Universal Orlando Resort, construction continues on a new roadway leading into the CityWalk bus depot.
The new aerial view shows a long, narrow lane being built between Universal Boulevard and the existing perimeter of the active bus depot. Much of the curb has been installed, clearly defining the route of the future roadway as it curves toward the depot.
The route appears designed to create a more direct or dedicated approach for buses entering the CityWalk depot. Once complete, the reconfigured roadway could help separate and streamline bus movements from other traffic approaching the parking garages and resort transportation facilities.
The work also fits into Universal’s broader focus on transportation infrastructure. Earlier this year, the Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District voted to begin contract negotiations with The Boring Company for a potential future transit project, though that remains in the feasibility stage and is separate from this visible CityWalk roadway work.
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