I knew my husband was the one when he didn’t just tolerate my love for Jimmy Buffett, he embraced it. He danced with me to many a Jimmy Buffett song, though “Cheeseburger in Paradise” was not one of them – I'm more of a B-sides Buffett fan. During those early dating nights, we spent countless evenings at Lone Palm Airport Bar at Universal CityWalk.
This place has always been special, but now it’s even more meaningful. Jimmy Buffett’s legendary seaplane, the Hemisphere Dancer, has returned to its home at Margaritaville after a meticulous refurbishment!
Margaritaville Cafe in Orlando
The Margaritaville Café at Universal CityWalk Orlando is iconic. It's a tropical escape for nearly everyone who sets foot inside CityWalk. With tropical colors, laid-back island décor, and a soundtrack of Jimmy Buffett’s greatest hits, the café invites guests to slow down and soak up the good vibes. Inside, you’ll find the iconic Volcano Bar—complete with an erupting margarita volcano—and plenty of nods to Buffett’s life, music, and travels.
There’s also the Porch of Indecision, a relaxed outdoor patio that sets the mood before you even sit down. From giant cheeseburgers to frosty boat drinks, everything here feels like a mini vacation.
And for fans like me, it’s even more special thanks to the memories of Radio Margaritaville broadcasts hosted live on-site by JD Spradlin once upon a time. Although JD has moved down the highway to Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Orlando Resort, the memories of his Parrot Perch are still there. I am thankful to call him a longtime friend and love that he is coming back home to celebrate the return of the Hemisphere Dancer this coming weekend, July 13.
Hemisphere Dancer at Universal CityWalk
Tucked just across from the Margaritaville Café at Universal CityWalk Orlando, Lone Palm Airport Bar is more than a tropical-themed watering hole, it’s a tribute to Jimmy Buffett’s adventurous spirit.
This open-air bar's landmark is the Hemisphere Dancer, Buffett’s real-life seaplane, which he once flew across the Caribbean and around the world. Now fully restored and returned to its perch, the plane serves as both centerpiece and a conversation starter.
With bar seating and a laid-back vibe, Lone Palm is the ideal place to unwind with a drink, enjoy live music, and soak in the beachy energy without ever leaving Orlando. Its energetic location in the heart of CityWalk is perfect for Parrotheads and date nights alike.
The plane isn’t just decor—it’s a symbol of adventure, stories, and the laid-back joy that defines the Buffett lifestyle.
Lone Palm Airport Bar
There’s something undeniably romantic about this spot. The breeze off the lagoon, the sounds of laughter and live music, the view of the seaplane with your toes in the sand (or at least near it)—it all creates a vibe that’s both relaxed and electric. You feel like you’re somewhere far away, even though you’re still in the heart of Orlando.
CityWalk itself has a contagious energy, but Lone Palm is where you slow down, sip a frozen concoction, and savor the moment together.
This is one of Orlando’s most unique and heartfelt spots to celebrate love, and a love for Jimmy Buffett’s world.
And for a blast from the past, I wrote this article about details and secrets inside the Orlando Margaritaville Cafe nearly ten years ago, and it is still relevant today!
