After nearly three months of closure and a full interior refresh, the Starbucks at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk is back open — and it’s bringing more than just a new look. The updated location is now offering mobile ordering, a feature long requested by guests looking to skip the line before heading into the parks.Credit: Universal CityWalkThe news was first shared by theme park news source ParkTwisted (@ParkTwister) on X:“Huge win! The recently remodeled Starbucks in CityWalk Orlando now offers mobile ordering.”Huge win! The recently remodeled Starbucks in CityWalk Orlando now offers mobile ordering. pic.twitter.com/MS80vnQFMr— ParkTwisted (@ParkTwister) September 28, 2025For anyone familiar with the usual morning rush at CityWalk, this is a game-changer. The ability to place an order ahead of time using the Starbucks mobile app means fewer delays and a smoother experience for early risers grabbing their caffeine fix before rope drop at Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure.The Refurbishment: A Full Interior OverhaulThe CityWalk Starbucks closed for renovations in mid-June 2025, with construction tarps going up over the windows. During this time, the nearby Universal’s Great Movie Escape Starbucks location served as the temporary alternative for guests. Now, as of September 10, 2025, the primary Starbucks at CityWalk has reopened to the public — fully redesigned.While the exterior remains largely familiar, the outdoor seating area saw subtle updates. Most notably, the former brown-toned tables and chairs have been replaced with a sleeker black and gray color scheme, giving the area a slightly more modern appearance. The signage above the door, once labeled “Starbucks Coffee,” now simply reads “Starbucks” in a more streamlined branding update.Inside, the changes are more dramatic.Interior Upgrades: Brighter, Bolder, and More ModernThe previous design leaned into a darker, industrial aesthetic, with black metal hardware, dark wood accents, and low lighting. That’s all been replaced with a lighter, more inviting color palette. Now, guests are welcomed into a space filled with pale wood, soft greens, and brighter overhead lighting that opens up the space visually.All furniture has been replaced. Tables are pale wood, and chairs now have high backs and no armrests. Bench seating is now upholstered in pale green fabric, replacing the deeper red tones from the prior layout.Perhaps the most eye-catching update is the new mural by artist Mike Willcox, who also designed Starbucks’ recent Art Deco drinkware collection. The large wall mural features an underwater scene, complete with fish, coral, waves, and a stylized green mermaid, a likely nod to the Starbucks logo. The tones are a blend of blue, tan, green, and orange, bringing a vibrant splash of life to what was once a faux-brick, chalk-style map wall.The ordering area has also received upgrades. Gone are the open metal shelves and brick façade. In their place are pale wood panels, clean white rectangular tiles, and a newly installed geometric light fixture that features orb-style bulbs suspended from chrome stems. The effect is a bright, polished space that still feels consistent with Starbucks branding — just fresher.Mobile Ordering Now Available at CityWalk StarbucksWhile the visual updates are hard to miss, the most practical upgrade is the addition of mobile ordering. Prior to the renovation, the CityWalk Starbucks did not support mobile orders — despite being one of the highest-traffic coffee spots on Universal property.Now, guests can open the Starbucks app, select the CityWalk Universal Orlando location, and place an order from anywhere nearby — whether they’re still in the parking garage, walking through security, or browsing shops before park entry.Given the congestion Starbucks typically sees during morning hours and between park-hopping, this is a highly requested and much-needed improvement. Guests can now bypass the queue entirely and head straight to the pickup counter, making it easier to get in, grab their drink, and head to the parks.A Small Win Amid Larger Starbucks NewsWhile this new feature at CityWalk is a welcome convenience, it comes during a more complex moment for the Starbucks brand overall. Just last week, Starbucks announced it would be closing approximately 1% of its North American stores by the end of its fiscal year. That number includes over 400 store closures in Q4 alone, although it is balanced by roughly 200 new store openings, resulting in a net reduction of 1.2% across the U.S. and Canada.Many of the closed locations are believed to be in California, New York, and Oregon, where operating costs — especially wages — are among the highest in the country. While Starbucks has not disclosed a full list of affected stores, unionized locations are among those reportedly impacted.In contrast, the CityWalk location’s full refurbishment and re-launch — including mobile ordering support — reflects a targeted investment in high-traffic, high-volume areas like Orlando’s theme park corridor. Universal Orlando sees tens of thousands of visitors daily, and Starbucks remains a key grab-and-go option for tourists and locals alike.A Fresh Look and a Smoother ExperienceCredit: Inside The MagicBetween its modern new look, the vibrant mural, and the long-awaited addition of mobile ordering, the revamped Starbucks in Universal CityWalk Orlando has checked a lot of boxes. It’s clear the update wasn’t just about aesthetics — it was about efficiency, flow, and delivering what guests expect from one of the busiest coffee shops on property.Whether you’re grabbing an iced latte before braving Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure or picking up a cold brew after dinner at Toothsome, you can now do it without waiting in line — and enjoy your drink in a brighter, more welcoming space.The post Universal’s Starbucks Makes New Ordering Change Amid Nation-Wide Closures appeared first on Inside the Magic.