Parking at Universal Orlando Resort.  Yeah parking can be a drag and very confusing if you are driving into Orlando Florida to visit Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure or Volcano Bay.  There are so many options and real real big parking garages to content with. So, how much is parking at Universal Studios?  Don’t worry I have your back and have all the options listed out for your Universal Vacay.

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.  Or if you are staying at a Universal Orlando Resort On-Site Hotel then I just park at the hotel and use the Free Universal Resort Transportation to get around.  The resort area is very easy to navigate if you are staying at one of the on-site hotels.  Plus you get great extras when you stay onsite, but lets 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 is the same Parking Garage as General Parking.  The entrance is just off of Universal Blvd.

Advantages:  You drive up, hop out and they give you a receipt, and you are on your way to a VIP parking security area that also gets you on your way quicker than parking in general parking.

Disadvantages: The most costly option.

Prime Parking

A step up from General Parking, but not Valet..

Advantages:  Prime Parking at Universal is still in the main parking garage.  But your parking location will be closer to CityWalk, which is the main entrance area for Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  You could save up to 10-15 mins walking in and back out at night.

Disadvantages: The price of Prime Parking is more than double of general 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 actually park for free at Universal Orlando Resort.  The catch is you have to arrive after 6 PM.  Universal does this so people can go to CityWalk in the evening.  Disney Springs also 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.  This event is on select night usually starting in late August – Halloween.  During these types of special events the after 6 PM free parking may not be offered.

How to find your car at Universal

The parking garage at Universal is large.  I mean really large, over 10,000 parking spots.  I would recommend taking a photo of the parking spot and character location.  When you return to your car tired, late at night, and in the dark, a quick look at your phone will help wondering countless levels of parking garages.

Universal uses movie characters to identify the section you are parking in.  So just take a quick selfie with the character sign and you will thank me later.

Universal Orlando Resort Parking FAQ

What are Universals Parking Hours?

Universal opens early, 6 AM and then it closes 1 hours after CityWalk closes, this is normally at 2 AM.

Which Universal Studios Parking is Better?

It really depends on what you want to spend.  Either do General Parking and be aware you are going to have to walk and walk.  Or pay extra for Valet.  Prime Parking I would skip.  Another option if you are staying off property and just going to Universal for the day is Uber or Lyft and avoid paying for parking all together.

If you stay at an in-site Universal Orlando Resort property then you can use the Free Universal transportation (buses, boats, or walk) and everything is pretty close for walking from your resort to the parks.  Except for Surfside and Dockside hotels which are located across I-4, and not a great walking option, but there are free Universal buses to these two value resorts.

What time does Universal Studios Parking Open?

The parking garage opens at 6 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 to park your RV.  You can not park and stay overnight at Universal.

Car I charge my EV at Universals 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.

Where is Handicapped Parking at Universal?

Universal has handicapped parking areas with loads of room around the vehicles.  When you stop at the Booth to enter the Universal parking garage let them know you have an 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.

How much is parking at Universal Studios?

• General Parking – $27
• Prime Upgrade – $32
• Prime Parking – $60
• Valet Parking Less than 2 hours – $27
  • More than 2 hours (before 6pm) $75
  • More than 2 hours (after 6pm) – $40
• RV/Bus Parking – $32 

Universal Orlando Resort Self Parking

The Universal On-Site Resorts have self parking for you when you are staying at the resort.  The parking per day cost varies based on the level of the Universal resort.  You will use your room key to enter and exit the resort parking garage.

We often drive to Universal and stay onsite at one of the Universal Resorts.  Basically 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 go get some snacks for your room without paying the resort markup of food and drinks.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Parking Fees