Overview
It’s a lot more fun to talk about the attractions, but for first-time visitors, it is just as important to familiarize yourself with the logistics of actually getting into Universal Orlando Resort. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your arrival at Universal in our comprehensive guide to parking, drop-off, and the transportation hub.
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Driving to Universal
If you’re driving to Universal CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay, don’t forget to plug this address into your GPS: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
BUT—if you’re visiting Epic Universe, you’ll need to head to a completely separate parking area dedicated to the new park. That address is: 1001 Epic Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Once you’re on Universal property, be sure to follow posted signs closely, as traffic patterns and routes may shift based on construction, crowd flow, or event days.
Universal Epic Universe Parking
This section details parking at Universal’s newest theme park, Epic Universe. If you are attempting to visit any of the other theme parks, read on to the next section.
The parking lot for Epic Universe is a flat parking lot with five different sections, with row numbers:
- Explorer: 101 – 107
- Monster: 201 – 211
- Viking: 301 – 311
- Dragon: 401 – 410
- Hero: 501 – 511
As you are in for a long and exciting day, be sure to take a picture of your section when you’re headed into the park so you don’t have to worry about remembering your parking spot at the end of the day. Guests using the parking lot, drop-off location, or bus stop will all lead to the security checkpoint and front entrance to the park.
Parking Prices Breakdown:
- Regular Parking: $32
- RV/Bus Parking: $42
- Prime Parking: $60
- Free Parking available for all guests after 6 p.m.
Accessible parking
If you need accessible parking, let the attendant at the toll plaza know when you pay. They may ask you to turn on your hazard lights and will direct you to the appropriate lane. Accessible parking is located in the Explorer section of the parking lot.
Security checks
As mentioned earlier, all guests will go through security screening just before entering the park. This includes walking through a scanner and having bags either inspected or x-rayed. To help make the process smooth and quick, be sure to review Universal’s list of restricted items and conditions of entry ahead of time, and leave any prohibited items at home.
Universal’s parking complex and transportation hub
Universal Orlando has a giant parking and transportation structure consisting of two enormous multi-story parking lots and a centralized transportation hub that allows you to access CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.
Each parking section in the garage is named for a different Universal character, so you’ll want to remember your character, level, and row number. For example, if you’re parked in “Cat in the Hat 457,” you’ll find your car in that section, on the fourth level, in row 57. Be sure to take a picture of your section when you’re headed into the parks – you will embark on many adventures before returning to your car at the end of the day!
Once parked or dropped off, escalators and moving walkways deliver you into the transportation hub, where you will find security checkpoints, restrooms, vending machines, souvenirs, and a food and beverage kiosk. After security, another series of moving walkways brings you into CityWalk, and from there you can access the destination of your choice. It may take five to eight minutes to walk from your car to the central transportation hub, and another 15 minutes to get from the hub to the entrance of either theme park.
The only exception to this is the transportation to Volcano Bay, which we will discuss in detail further down.
Parking Prices Breakdown:
- Prime Parking: $50 – $60
- Prime Upgrade: $18 – $28
- Regular Parking: $32
- RV/Bus Parking: $42
- Free Parking available for all guests after 6 p.m.
Accessible parking
If you require accessible parking, tell the attendant at the toll plaza when you pay for parking, who may then ask you to turn on your hazard lights and direct you to the correct lane. Accessible parking is typically on level three – the same level as the moving walkways – and, if needed, wheelchairs can be rented at the transportation hub.
Security checks
Security bag check and metal detectors are located in the transportation hub, not at the entrances to Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, allowing Universal to increase the span of its secure areas – which, in turn, keeps all of us safe. All guests must pass through a scanner and have their bags inspected or x-rayed before entering CityWalk, but if you are coming from a Universal hotel, you will pass through a security screening either along the pedestrian walkways to CityWalk or before you board the water taxi. Be sure to review Universal’s list of restricted items and conditions of entry and leave any prohibited items at home.
Parking at Universal’s hotels
Universal Orlando’s hotels have their own dedicated parking lots, so if you are staying at one of them, you will want to drive directly to it. It’s important to note that the resorts charge a nightly parking rate that is separate from the Universal parking superstructure, so be sure to factor this into your budget when planning.
Once you’re parked at your hotel, it will be easy to hop on the bus and/or water taxi to the parks, CityWalk, and Volcano Bay.
Car trouble?
If you have any car trouble in the parking garages, Universal recommends that you lift your hood and notify the nearest parking attendant. For this or any other issues, you can also pick up one of the security phones located on each level (and note that Universal offers free battery jumps to get you rolling again).
Parking options and pricing
Once you arrive, you have three options for parking your vehicle:
Self-parking
Self-parking is $32 per vehicle, giving you a spot in one of the parking garages. If you arrive after 6:00 pm, parking is free, except on Halloween Horror Nights and other select event nights.
Please note that parking for recreational vehicles and buses is $42.
Prime parking
Prime Parking runs between $50 and $60, and if you’re headed to Universal CityWalk, this option typically places you on one of the lower levels of the parking garages. But here’s the kicker: what really matters is how far down your row is from the escalators, not the level you’re parked on. If you arrive early in the morning, Prime can give you a fantastic spot close to the action. However, if you show up later in the day, you might find yourself paying extra to park a few feet ahead of the general crowd, or sometimes even farther away.
At Epic Universe, Prime Parking stands out for a major reason: it’s the only covered parking option available (Covered spots can be found in the Viking and Monsters section, though not every space in those rows is shaded). That’s a big win on sunny Florida days when you want to avoid returning to a sizzling-hot car. While it doesn’t dramatically reduce your walk to the entrance, it does get you a bit closer than standard parking, and the shade alone may be worth the upgrade.
Guests who rent a car from Avis or Budget at Orlando International Airport can get a complimentary upgrade to Prime parking by requesting a voucher from the car rental desk upon arrival at the airport. You may need to show both your voucher and your car rental receipt at the Universal toll plaza to receive your free upgrade.
(Please note that Prime parking can go up during the busiest times of the year.)
Valet parking
Valet parking is available, but it is limited. That means it could fill up quickly, especially during peak times. If you’re unsure whether it’s an option when you arrive, don’t hesitate to ask an attendant.
At Universal CityWalk, the Valet area is completely separate from the main garages. As you drive onto Universal property, keep an eye out for Valet-specific signs to avoid any last-minute confusion. While it does come at a premium price, Valet gets you much closer to the entrance, cutting down your walk and potentially saving time. There’s a dedicated security checkpoint for Valet guests, too. And don’t forget: it’s customary to tip your valet a few dollars when you pick up your car. Just be aware that during busy exit times, like park closing, you may have a bit of a wait for your vehicle.
Heading to Epic Universe? Valet is also available there, with a setup similar to CityWalk. The Valet section is separate from the main parking area, so follow the signs carefully. Unlike CityWalk, however, all guests (Valet or not) go through the same security checkpoint located just before the main entrance.
How much you will pay for Valet depends on how long you park:
- Two hours or less – $32
- Over two hours (before 6:00 pm) – $65 – $75
- Over two hours (after 6:00 pm) – $40 – $75
Electric Vehicle Parking
Electric vehicle parking is available at Universal Orlando Resort. While the charging stations are free to use, they are located within the Valet lot at Universal CityWalk, which requires a parking fee. Please inform the Valet attendants upon arrival that you need EV parking.
At Epic Universe, EV parking is available in the covered section of row Viking 301.
Bike Parking
Bike parking for the CityWalk garage is available near the King Kong parking area. Bicycles must be secured within a designated rack using a lock. Please note that this is for daily parking only—bikes left for more than 24 hours will be removed. At Epic Universe, bike parking is conveniently located near the entrance and exit of the bus drop-off area.
What if I have an annual pass?
Annual passholders receive parking discounts, depending on the type of pass: Premier passholders get free Valet or Prime parking. Preferred passholders get free Self Parking or can Valet for 50% off. Power and Seasonal passes do not include any parking discounts.
Passholders should note that these discounts are only valid at the Universal Orlando parking garages and the Epic Universe parking lot, not the resort hotels. In addition, you won’t be able to use your discount on event nights such as Mardi Gras concert nights, the Fourth of July, Halloween Horror Nights, and New Year’s Eve.
(For more on annual passes, please see our complete insider’s guide to annual passes.)
I am just going to CityWalk. Do I still have to pay for parking?
Unless you arrive after 6:00 pm, or are going to see a daytime movie, then you will have to pay for parking. Because there is only one parking complex for Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk, you must pay to enter the garages, regardless of your destination.
If you are going to a matinee show at Universal Cinemark, the theater offers free self-parking for matinee movie showings with the purchase of two or more movie tickets. It’s important to note that you will still have to pay up front when entering the parking garage and then get reimbursed by showing your movie tickets and parking receipt to the Universal Cinemark box office.
And although several once did, CityWalk restaurants no longer offer parking validation.
I just need to stop at Universal for a few minutes – do I still have to pay for parking?
Because parking is a flat rate, it’s the same price regardless of whether you are parking for 10 minutes or 10 hours. Even if you decide on Valet parking, there is still a charge of $32 if you’re parking for less than two hours.
However, you can avoid a parking fee by having someone drop you off at the parking complex – something we’ll discuss a little further down this page. If you are dropped off, you can run into CityWalk to do what you need to do and then meet your driver back at the drop-off area when you’re done. Keep in mind that the driver will need to leave the drop-off area and circle around until you are ready to be picked up, so make sure you can call to let them know when you’re ready for pick-up.
Do parking prices go down in the evening?
The good news here is that parking is free after 6:00 pm throughout most of the year, but you must be aware that prices will not be reduced on special event nights, such as Halloween Horror Nights or Mardi Gras Concert nights – always check before you set out for the parks.
If I leave Universal and come back the same day, do I have to pay for parking again?
You only have to pay once per day, even if you leave the parking garage; all you need to do is show your same-day receipt at the toll plaza upon your return.
Can I park at Universal hotels instead?
While there is parking available at Universal Resort hotels, it is intended for hotel guests and is not free. Universal Resort hotels charge varying rates for overnight guests and day guests that are not any more cost-effective than parking in the official theme park spots, and you will find yourself even further from the action. The price for day guests to park at Helios Grand Hotel is especially steep, as any stop over 30 minutes will cost you $125 plus tax. Furthermore, the businesses outside and around Universal Orlando Resort actively tow, so it’s not worth the risk of a major towing fine to try to avoid the Universal parking fees.
Guest drop-off and ride share
Drop-off Location for CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, and Islands of Adventure
If you are being dropped off by a friend or ride-share company, you will be brought to the fifth floor of the north parking garage (in the Jurassic Park section). There is a dedicated lane for this, and no parking fee will be charged to the driver. From there, you will walk over to the main transportation hub, where the security checkpoint is set up.
If you are being dropped off by a taxi or bus (including Universal’s own on-site transportation), you will be brought to a large drop-off area right beside the transportation hub. From there, you will take an escalator (or elevator) up to the security checkpoint. This area is located outside of the parking garage toll booths, so those drivers won’t have to pay for parking, either. This is also the same spot where you can catch a cab back to your hotel at the end of the day.
Drop-off Location for Epic Universe
The ride-share and guest drop-off area is located near the Viking section of the parking lot, though it’s important to note that it’s a separate, designated area. There are two zones for both drop-off and pick-up: the Red Zone and the Blue Zone, so be sure to confirm which zone you’re in when coordinating with your driver or a friend picking you up.
For drop-offs, the process is especially efficient—vehicles bypass the main toll plaza via a direct access road that leads straight to the designated drop-off area.
If you are arriving by taxi or bus (including Universal’s own on-site transportation), you’ll be dropped off at a large designated area near the park’s main entrance. This same location is used for pickups at the end of the day.
Getting to Volcano Bay
Even though Volcano Bay is on the other side of the resort, guests who are driving into Universal will still park in the CityWalk parking garages. As you approach the toll plaza, keep an eye out for signs to the dedicated Volcano Bay parking area on the first level of the garage. After you park, follow the crowd and even more signs for the complimentary shuttle over to the water park. Visitors staying at a Universal Resort hotel can catch a bus directly from their hotel to Volcano Bay – there’s no need to first go to CityWalk or the transportation hub.
Located here are all the services you’ll need: a ticket counter, will-call kiosks, Guest Services, security, and, of course, the buses themselves. The ride to Volcano bay is only about five minutes long, and then you’ll be able to splash, eat, and relax your day away.
Universal Orlando’s transportation hub photo gallery
Below, we’ve included a photo gallery of the transportation hub area so you can get a better look at things before you arrive.
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