Breaking down parking options and prices at Universal Orlando

Most types of annual passholders receive complimentary standard parking, and can upgrade to Prime Parking by paying the difference. Certain higher levels of annual passholders receive complimentary Prime Parking. Also, be aware the pricing for preferred parking can go up in busier seasons like spring break, the winter holidays, and much of summer.

There are two wings at the Universal Orlando parking complex. Each wing has three main sections with multiple levels of parking. One wing has Jurassic Park, King Kong, and Jaws as its sections (in order of proximity to the security check hub), and the other with Spider-Man, Cat in the Hat, and E.T.

Prime Parking generally puts you in the middle section of either wing, and on the third floor. This is the key benefit; the third floor is the same level as the security hub so you save time by not having to go up or down any levels to get to the theme park or CityWalk.

Valet parking is actually a better value than Prime parking, if you have no means of earning any discount on Prime Parking. Valet parking at Universal Orlando is $27 for the first two hours, and $75 for over two hours. When you valet park your vehicle, you will be the closest you can get to the security hub, and thus have the shortest possible walk.

For Volcano Bay, you’ll generally be directed to park in the wing with Spider-Man, Cat in the Hat, and E.T. Bus transportation to Volcano Bay is located at the back of the Cat in the Hat section, on the bottom level. If you can access any floor of the Cat in the Hat section, this is ideal. And contrary to normal parking procedures, you’ll want to park as close to the middle of the row as possible, unless you need access to an elevator. Parking near the middle of the row will put you close to stairwells in the middle of the parking garage which will lead you down to the bottom floor. There at the back of the parking garage is the bus terminal to Volcano Bay.

Electric vehicle charging stations are available for Universal theme parks, Volcano Bay, and the Universal Orlando resort hotels. A select number of stations are available for Tesla vehicles and for other electric vehicle types. For the theme parks, CityWalk, and Volcano Bay, you will need to pay for valet parking in order to access the charging stations; there is no additional fee to charge. For the Universal Orlando hotels, there is a select number of charging stations at each hotel. Here, too, there is no additional charge.

The parking gates usually open about one hour before the published park opening time. If you are entitled to free parking, you’ll need to present your ticket media or other credentials. A team member will scan this media and will need to see photo identification. If you need to pay for parking, it will save you time to have your form of payment out before pulling up to the window.

If you’ve rented your car from Avis or Budget car rentals at the Orlando International Airport you can receive a complimentary upgrade to Prime Parking. Make sure to ask for full documentation when you pick up your rental car, as proof is required. Payment for regular parking is required, and then you’ll receive Prime Parking.

If you see a matinee movie at Universal Cinemark theater (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.) Standard Self Parking is free, via reimbursement. You need to show your parking receipt at the box office when paying for your movie tickets and you will be reimbursed for parking. As a reminder, parking is free after 6 p.m. (except during Halloween Horror Nights).

To learn more about parking at Universal Orlando Resort, visit UniversalOrlando.com.