Let me share some insider tips to snag free parking at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk! Whether it’s passholder perks or clever tricks, I’ve got you covered to help you save a little cash and make the most of your visit.
Parking at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk can feel like a small adventure of its own, especially with the rising costs. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a seasoned passholder or just visiting for the day, here are some of my favorite tips to help you park for free (or close to it) and make the most of your visit.
The Go-To Free Parking Tip: After 6 PM
Here’s the big one: Universal Orlando offers free parking in the CityWalk parking deck after 6 PM most nights. That’s perfect if you’re planning an evening of fun, grabbing dinner, or catching a movie.
Now, if you’re visiting during Halloween Horror Nights, the timeline shifts a bit. Free self-parking on event nights starts after midnight—yes, you read that right. It’s a late-night perk, but worth keeping in mind if you’re there for the scares.
Heads up: Overnight parking in the garage isn’t allowed, so be sure to move your car before the clock strikes midnight (or turn into an ogre, your call).
Free Parking with Movie Ticket at Universal Cinemark
And speaking of movies, you can also snag free regular parking if you see a matinee at Universal Cinemark! Just buy two or more tickets for a show between 11 AM and 6 PM, and they’ll reimburse your parking when you present your receipt.
Passholder Perks: Free Self-Parking
If you’re a Preferred or Premier Annual Passholder, free self-parking is one of the sweetest benefits. But there’s a catch: this perk kicks in only after you’ve activated your pass by entering one of the parks (Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure).
For your first visit, you’ll still need to pay for parking if you’re arriving before 6 PM. After that, it’s smooth sailing! If you’re looking to skip that first-day fee, come in the evening to activate your pass or grab a ride to the park with a friend or rideshare service.
Premier Passholders: Valet Parking FTW
This one’s for the Premier Passholders: once your pass is activated, you get free valet parking! It’s a bit of a VIP treat and a huge time-saver, but heads up—it’s first-come, first-served, and spaces can fill up.
So, if valet is on your must-do list, aim to arrive early. Valet Parking does have limited space, so you might no always be able to take advantage of this perk.
Maximizing Free Parking Benefits
If you have a Preferred and Premier Annual Pass and don’t want to pay for the first day of parking, consider going after 6pm on your first visit to activate your pass. Or alternatively you can get dropped off at CityWalk for Universal Studios, either by family or ride sharing, and enter the park to activate your annual pass. This way all of your parking is free!
Alternatives to Parking at CityWalk
If you’re not a Universal Orlando passholder or just want to explore other options, ridesharing or public transit can be a great way to skip the parking hassle altogether. On your first day, especially, it can be worth it to Uber/Lyft in and save the parking fee until your pass perks kick in.
Some nearby off-site hotels offer free parking for their guests along with shuttles to the parks. If you’re staying at one, it’s worth checking out whether they have a shuttle schedule that works with your plans. Just be cautious about parking at random businesses in the area—towing is common, and no one wants to deal with that on a vacation.
On-Site Hotels: No Free Parking, But Plenty of Perks
While Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels are amazing (we love them for the early park entry and quick access to the parks), they don’t offer free parking. The fees vary by hotel, so it’s best to call ahead to confirm rates.
Plan Ahead and Save Big on Parking at Universal Orlando
If you’re strategic, you can make the most of your Universal Orlando visit without letting parking costs eat into your butterbeer budget. Use free parking after 6 PM, take advantage of passholder perks, or opt for ridesharing and hotel shuttles when it makes sense.
I’d love to hear if these tips work for you! Let me know how your trip goes—and hey, if you discover another awesome parking hack, share it with me!
Just a heads-up—some restrictions might apply, and these perks can change without warning, so it’s always good to double-check before you go!
