Does the idea of parking at Universal Orlando Resort stress you out? Yeah, parking can be a drag and very confusing if you are driving into Orlando, Florida, to visit Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure,, or Universal Volcano Bay. There are so many options and massive parking garages to contend with. So, how much is parking at Universal Orlando Resort? Don’t worry; I have your back and all the options listed for your Universal Orlando Resort vacation. Also, we have not forgotten about the brand-new theme park, Universal Epic Universe, and its parking situation. We will cover that information towards the end of this resource.
IMPORTANT PARKING NOTE
It is essential to know that unless you are visiting Universal Epic Universe theme park, ALL Universal Guest Parking locations are in the same parking garage area near Universal CityWalk Orlando. This is the Universal CityWalk Parking Garage. You park here to visit Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and also for the water park, Volcano Bay.
There is a central security checkpoint as you walk out of the parking garage, and then moving sidewalks to Universal CityWalk Orlando. From Universal CityWalk (the shopping and dining area), you walk to either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. The park entrances are very close to each other and within walking distance of both park entrances. For Universal Volcano Bay, the water park, you will still park at the CityWalk parking garage and then take a free shuttle (bus) to Volcano Bay.
arking at the Universal Orlando (at CityWalk Garage and at Universal Epic Universe Parking Lot) Costs:
How much is parking at Universal Studios?
- General Parking – $32
- Prime Upgrade – $18 to $28
- Prime Parking – $50 to $60
- Valet Parking Less than 2 hours – $32
- More than 2 hours (before 6 pm) $75
- More than 2 hours (after 6 pm) – $40
- RV/Bus Parking – $42
- Power Annual Passholders: 50% off Regular Parking (after first visit).
- Preferred and Premier Annual Passholders: Free Regular Parking (after first visit).
- Premier Annual Passholders: Free Prime Parking
- Preferred Annual Passholders: 50% off Valet.
- Premier Annual Passholders: Free Valet.
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Universal Orlando Parking Options Demystified
You can park with me in the regular person parking for “General Parking” for the least amount per day. That’s what I usually do when I drive to Orlando, Florida. Of course, if you are staying at a Universal Orlando Resort On-Site Hotel, then you can park at the hotel and use the Free Universal Resort Transportation to get around. Parking fees do apply at the Universal Orlando Resort hotels. The resort area is straightforward to navigate if you stay at one of the on-site hotels. Also, guests get great extras when they stay onsite, but let’s get back to General Parking
General Parking
The least expensive option if you have a car and drove to Universal Orlando Resort for the day. Advantages: Least expensive option if you need to park for the day. Disadvantages: Longer walk from parking spot to Universal CityWalk area. You also might have multiple evaluators and moving side walks to get to the security check point and then to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure via CityWalk.
Valet Parking
It’s going to cost you, but Valet has its advantages.
IMPORTANT: The Valet Parking Entrance is NOT in the same Parking Garage as General Parking. It is just off Universal Blvd. Also, valet parking at Universal Epic Universe is a separate entrance from standard parking at that brand-new theme park.
Advantages: You drive up, hop out, and they give you a receipt. Then, you are on your way to a VIP parking security area, which also gets you on your way quicker than parking in the general parking.
Disadvantages: The most expensive option.
Prime Parking
A step up from General Parking, but not Valet..
Advantages: Prime Parking at Universal is still in the main parking garage. However, your parking location will be closer to CityWalk, which is the main entrance area for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. You could save up a few minutes walking in and out at night.
Disadvantages: The price of Prime Parking can be as much as $28 more than standard parking. I don’t think Prime Parking is worth it. It makes more sense to go do Valet if you want parking advantages.
How to park for FREE at Universal Studios
Yes, it’s possible to park for free at Universal Orlando Resort. The catch is that you have to arrive after 6 PM. Universal does this so people can go to CityWalk in the evening. Disney Springs offers shopping and dining, and that’s what CityWalk at Universal also offers. Disney Springs parking is always free, so Universal has to compete to get people to enjoy the dining, shopping, and entertainment at CityWalk.
Sometimes Universal has popular after-hours events like Halloween Horror Nights. These events are on select nights, usually starting in late August and running through Halloween. During these types of special events, free parking may not be offered after 6 p.m.
How to find your car at Universal
The parking garage near Universal CityWalk Orlando is large—over 10,000 parking spots. I recommend taking a photo of the parking spot and the character location. When you return to your car tired, late at night, and in the dark, a quick look at your phone will help you navigate the countless levels of parking garages.
Universal uses movie characters to identify the section you are parking in. So take a quick selfie with the character sign and you will thank me later.
Universal Orlando Resort Parking FAQ
What are Universal’s Parking Hours?
Universal opens early, at 7 AM, and then closes one hour after CityWalk closes, generally at 1 AM.
Which Universal Studios Parking is Better?
It really depends on your budget. You can either choose General Parking, but be prepared to walk quite a bit, or pay extra for Valet service. I would recommend skipping Prime Parking. Another option, if you are staying off-property and just visiting Universal for the day, is to use Uber or Lyft to avoid paying for parking altogether.
If you stay at an on-site Universal Orlando Resort property, you can use the Free Universal transportation (buses, boats, or walking), and everything is pretty close to the parks. Except for Surfside and Dockside hotels, which are located across I-4 and not a great walking option, there are free Universal buses to these two value resorts.
What time does Universal Studios Parking Open?
The parking garage opens at 7 AM.
Can I park my RV at Universal?
The short answer is yes. At the General Parking Garage, they will direct you to the area where you can park your RV. You can not park and stay overnight at Universal.
Can I charge my EV at Universal’s Parking Garage?
Yes, but the EV charging stations are only located in the Valet Parking area. You will have to pay to Valet Park and then also pay to charge your EV. In addition, those spots are limited.
Where is Handicapped Parking at Universal?
Universal has handicapped parking areas with ample space around vehicles. When you stop at the parking booth to pay to enter the Universal parking garage, let them know you have a handicap sticker, and they will direct you to the handicapped parking area. These spots do not require you to go up and down levels with a wheelchair to get to the security area.
Universal Orlando Resort Self-Parking
The Universal On-Site Resorts have self-parking available when you stay there. The parking per day cost varies based on the level of the Universal Orlando Resort hotel. You will use your room key to enter and exit the resort parking garage.
We often drive to Universal and stay at one of the Universal Resorts. We park our car and then use the free Universal transportation during our vacation. It is nice to have a car because you can drive to an off-property restaurant or get some snacks for your room without paying the resort’s markup for food and drinks.
Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Parking Fees
| Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites | $26 |
| Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites | $26 |
|
Cabana Bay Beach Resort |
$26 |
| Aventura Hotel | $30 |
| Loews Sapphire Falls | $36 |
| Loews Royal Pacific Resort | $36 |
| Hard Rock Hotel | $36 |
| Loews Portofino Bay Hotel |
$36 |
Epic Universe Hotels Parking Fees
With the opening of Universal Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort added three new hotels to its “on-site” lineup. The three new hotels are located very near Universal Epic Universe. In fact, one of these hotels is situated inside the theme park.
- Universal Stella Nova Resort $30/night
- Universal Terra Luna Resort $30/night
- Universal Helios Grand Hotel $36/night
Parking Lot at Universal Epic Universe
Universal Epic Universe is located at 1001 Epic Boulevard in Orlando, several miles away from the main (or north) campus of Universal Orlando Resort. As a result, it has its own massive parking lot, but unlike the main campus, it does not have a parking garage.
Universal Epic Universe resides about a 12 to 15 minute drive from the Universal CityWalk Olrando parking garage. However, there is complimentary shuttle bus transportation between Universal Epic Universe and Universal CityWalk Orlando.
Universal Epic Universe has two large parking lots. It also has valet, handicapped, prime, and standard parking, just like the Universal CityWalk Orlando parking garage. Depending on your arrival time, the walk from your car to the entrance of Universal Epic Universe could be a half mile or more from standard parking.
However, the parking prices are the same as at the CityWalk garage: $32. Guests should know that the parking area is not protected from the sun like most at the CityWalk garage, which could make for a hot car when you return to it.
Currently, all Universal Orlando annual passholder benefits regarding parking apply at Universal Epic Universe. However, that could change since the current annual passes do not include Universal Epic Universe.
Ready to Visit Universal Epic Universe? The talented staff at Universal Family Vacations can help you plan your next Universal Orlando Resort vacation at no cost to you. Universal Orlando pays them after your stay. You can get a free no-obligation quote today.
Universal Studios Orlando Parking | Complete Guide
1-Day Park-to-Park with Roundtrip Transfers provides guests a 1-Day Park-to-Park experience with transportation to Universal Orlando® from Disney® Area Hotels.
