At both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, there is just one parking garage that serves both Universal CityWalk as well as the the theme parks.
Parking fees at each garage can be really expensive, especially if you want to visit just for a meal or to go shopping.
In this guide, we show you how to get free parking at Universal CityWalk at both the Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood locations.
How to Get Free Parking at Universal CityWalk Orlando
The parking fee at Universal CityWalk Orlando starts at $30 for regular self-parking.
The Universal Orlando Resort parking garage is located at:
6000 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819
The Geocode which you can put into your GPS navigation system for directions is:
Latitude: 28.47399
Longitude: -81.46228
Arrive After 6 PM
If you are going to Universal CityWalk Orlando just for dinner reservations, shopping or entertainment, arrive after 6 p.m. to get free self-parking most nights.
During Halloween Horror Nights events at Universal Studios in September and October, you will not be able to park for free after 6 p.m. During these special event nights, you can park for free after midnight.
We arranged to meet out-of-town guests at Universal CityWalk one time without realizing it was a Halloween Horror Nights event. We were shocked and surprised to arrive after 6 p.m. and still be charged $30 to park just to go in to pay nearly $100 to eat. Trust me, we tried to talk to the gate agent to get out of the parking fee and it didn’t work! It is a lesson that was painful to learn but I won’t forget it again!
If you arrive just a few minutes before 6 p.m., don’t go to the parking attendant booth because you will still have to pay!
Just move over the to side and wait until it is 6 p.m. This strategy should only be used if you are a few minutes early. Do not arrive 30 minutes beforehand and park on the side of the entrance lanes.
See a Movie at Cinemark
If you want to see a movie at Universal CityWalk Orlando, you can get free parking. Here are the details:
- You will need to pay the regular parking fee before parking.
- Only regular parking is part of this program. (Valet, RV/Bus and Prime Parking are excluded)
- Purchase two or more Universal Cinemark matinee tickets for movie showings from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Or redeem pre-purchased matinee movie tickets. Both tickets must be purchased on the same receipt.
- Show both your parking receipt and movie tickets at the Universal Cinemark box office.
- Then, you will be reimbursed the parking fee after presenting the receipt.
- You can only get free parking on the date of purchase and redemption of parking fee and movie tickets.
- Reimbursement not valid during separate, specifically ticketed events like Halloween Horror Nights.
Use an Annual Pass
If you have a Universal Annual Pass (UOAP), you can get free parking at any time of the day for any reason, whether you are going to the theme parks or just going to CityWalk Orlando to shop or eat.
Only one person in the vehicle needs the annual pass. So if you are traveling with a local friend that has a pass, they can use theirs if they are in your vehicle.
Not every type of Universal Orlando Annual Pass gets free parking in the garage, though. Be sure you choose one of these annual passes for free parking benefits:
- Premiere Annual Pass
- Preferred Annual Pass
You cannot get free parking with the Power Annual Pass or a Seasonal Annual Pass. However, you can save 50% off the cost of self-parking with the Power Annual Pass.
Helpful Tip: Even if you are only visiting for a week, the benefits of an annual pass can make the cost worth it. Consider the cost of theme park tickets, parking fees, and discounts on food and merchandise to see if an annual pass makes sense for you. Keep in mind that only one person needs the annual pass to get the free parking, discounts, etc.
How to Get Free Parking at Universal CityWalk Hollywood
The general parking fee at Universal CityWalk Hollywood in California starts at $10 after 5 p.m., and $30 before 5 p.m.
Unlike Universal Studios Orlando, there are fewer options for free parking at Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
In Hollywood, there is a $5 parking fee with the purchase of a movie ticket. Discounted nightly parking rates apply at CityWalk, with no option for free parking. However, you can receive discounted valet parking with validation from a CityWalk full-service restaurant.
The Universal Studios Hollywood parking garage is located at:
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
Use an Annual Pass
An annual pass is the easiest way to get free general parking at Universal CityWalk Hollywood. Not all annual passes have this benefit, though.
For free parking, you will need one of these passes:
- Platinum Annual Pass
- Gold Annual Pass
The Silver Annual Pass and California Neighbor Pass do not have free parking benefits.
Helpful Tip: Only one person in the vehicle needs the annual pass. So if you are traveling with a local friend that has a pass, they can use theirs if they are in your vehicle.
VIP Experience
If you book a VIP Experience ticket, complete with a guided tour, snacks, a gourmet meal and unlimited express access, then you will receive complimentary valet parking.
The VIP Experience costs A LOT more than a standard day ticket, so while you are getting free parking, it is part of that increased cost!