06/08/08

World-Class Entertainment in a World-Class Vennue

by SFTripper

I am a very regular guest at this establishment. The staff are extraordinarily courteous, always a smile or a wave--and not just from the bartenders. The security, the box office, the bar backs, the ushers (when appropriate) are all terrific!

They book top notch entertainment. I've seen everyone from KoRn to Tom Jones in this venue, and have never been disappointed by the talent. The in-house production (sound and lighting) are world-class and the facility is acoustically brilliant. (For those who really care, there are a few "sweet spots" and they are NOT near the soundboard! Walk around a bit, look at the curve of the walls, and you'll figure them out.)

The bathrooms are spotless and attended, drink prices are on par with this sort of venue, and the snack bar (pizza, burgers, hot dogs, pretzels, etc.) is usually open, although they do sometimes run out of food, so order early. Unfortunately the menu from the Hard Rock restaurant isn't available in the live music venue--even in a limited capacity.) In general the facility is very, very clean--it's by far the cleanest live music facility in Central Florida, and one of the top five cleanest that I've been in out of the hundreds I've visited all over North America.

The only major disadvantage to this facility it's location. Because it's on the Universal Studios property, it is a very, very long walk from the parking deck to the venue. It can be up to about a mile depending on where you can find a parking space. Also if you want to arrive before 6:00 pm so you can have dinner someplace before the show, you've got to pay $12 to park. Same thing with seeing a show on an evening that Universal is running a special event. Unfortunately the security and attraction folks employed by Universal aren't nearly as congenial as those at Hard Rock Live. (Location and it's associated pluses and minuses is where the competing House of Blues has it hands down over Hard Rock Live.)

• Pros: Fabulous acoustics, terrific staff, super clean!
• Cons: Long walk to the parking lot and sometimes you have to pay to park--Rude Universal Studios Staff before you get into Hard Rock Live

Rock and roll in an acoustically sound and classy setting.

by Contributor

The Scene
The facility boasts stadium seating, 10-feet-high video walls and 124 ear-numbing speakers. Those same speakers provide hi-fidelity sound, not just overwhelming volume. The sheer size of the facility may feel a bit intimidating at first, but the well-trained staff will efficiently direct you to your destination. Just about all seats in the venue's three-level, opera house-style layout provide a panoramic stage view. The first two levels are for general admission ticket holders, the third is the plush VIP section (with luxurious faux-leather seats).

The Draw
Don't miss the infamous "Lennon" room, located just behind the VIP area. The room, decorated with tastefully matched white furniture that belonged to the late Beatle (along with walls of memorabilia), feels quite removed from the music events taking place a few hundred feet away.

02/06/03

best place in town

by aliceflower538

its the coolest place ever! i would go again and again the place is great all around. and so is the staff. cant be beat

08/11/02

national souvenir hotspot

by AinsworthW

Great place to take the whole family. Souvenirs, great food and music to boot!

08/08/02

Hard Rock Fun

by miamisunshine

This is an excellent venue were every seat is truly a good one. The additional plus to this location is that there is great nightlife in the same areaYou can chose from eateries to nightclubs. A+

• Pros: inexpensive, nightlife
• Cons: longwalk

08/01/02

Great Fun!

by Beezer

Hard Rock Live is awesome. The support staff is excellent - always smiling and they look like they enjoy their job!

• Pros: Support Staff