How long from parking to get to front gate at Universal?

[ruthies12]

We are staying in our RV at Fort Wilderness and will be driving our car from our campsite to Universal, which google maps says is 17 minutes without traffic. If I wanted to be at the gate at a 9 am opening, what time should I leave the campground do you think? I'm looking for any estimates on how long it takes to find a parking spot, walk through security, all the way through to the front gates. We have never been before to the dark side and have planned two days, one to start at US and one to start at IOA.

Also does anyone know if there are handicap parking spots in the garages? I don't mind paying for valet but since we have to unload a scooter and a stroller it isn't a quick hop out of the car for us so I'm not sure if that is an option, I'd hate to be holding up the line for others.

TIA!

 

[mississippi goofy]

We are staying in our RV at Fort Wilderness and will be driving our car from our campsite to Universal, which google maps says is 17 minutes without traffic. If I wanted to be at the gate at a 9 am opening, what time should I leave the campground do you think? I'm looking for any estimates on how long it takes to find a parking spot, walk through security, all the way through to the front gates. We have never been before to the dark side and have planned two days, one to start at US and one to start at IOA.

Also does anyone know if there are handicap parking spots in the garages? I don't mind paying for valet but since we have to unload a scooter and a stroller it isn't a quick hop out of the car for us so I'm not sure if that is an option, I'd hate to be holding up the line for others.

TIA!

 

[mississippi goofy]

I always leave Disney at 8 am, figure about 30 minutes to the hc garage, you will be directed to follow the blue line to hc parking. Always worked for me as I'm in no hurry.

 

[2Gma]

When we went in May the stated opening time was 9am at US but they started letting us in around 8:30. At IOA the stated opening was 9am but they let us in to where the ropes were early and had rope drop at 8:50 (I assume not earlier because of early entry for Universal resort guests). We stayed close to Disney and it took about 20 minutes driving, 5-7 minutes to pay & park (its a ramp) and then another 10-15 minutes to walk through security and to each park.

 

[sticker231]

It is about 20-25 from paying for parking until you reach the front gate of a park. No transportation, you either have to walk or take "power walkers" from you car to bag check, then again to City Walk. After you go through City Walk, you have to walk to either park's entrance.

 

[RMulieri]

I agree with PP..Once you park it is still a bit of a hike from the garages to park gates and it is either walk it or motorized walkways and you also have to go thru bag check which takes a bit. They also open the parks on average anywhere 10-30 mins prior to posted opening( usually about 15 mins though ).If you want to be one of the first people in the parks at opening, give yourself extra time

 

[ashley0139]

Is there a way to drop someone off closer and then go park the car? My mom isn't great at walking long distances, and a day at Universal will be as much as she can handle, never mind the walking to/from the car. Is there a way for her to not have to do the extra walking?

 

[sticker231]

There is nowhere near the front of the parks to drop off, you still have to go through City Walk. Maybe at the taxi area might be a little less walking. There are "power walkers" that you can stand on and be transported, but there is still walking between them.

 

[Lynne G]

If I can remember, there is a guest drop off location near where the taxi and bus go. I think I remember seeing signs for where to do so, but you can always ask a cast member where to go when you near the parking garages. Valet is expensive, but maybe the way to go with your Mom, Ashley.

To the OP, yes, there is definitely handicap parking on the first level of the garages. Just let the cast member know you will be parking in a handicap spot, and you will be directed where to park. I think I saw signs for handicap parking too. I know there are elevators to help get you to the level of the parks from the parking garages.

 

[RMulieri]

The taxi drop off area is your best bet and that is still a hike from the gates of the park.There is nowhere near the park entrance to drop off .There are motorized walkways though

 

[Bluer101]

If you were more familiar with the area there is a old drop off right beside Universal Studios but not IOA. It used to be the original hotel shuttle bus drop off.

 

[ashley0139]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[kelleybean]

Is there a way to drop someone off closer and then go park the car? My mom isn't great at walking long distances, and a day at Universal will be as much as she can handle, never mind the walking to/from the car. Is there a way for her to not have to do the extra walking?

Pretty sure valet is a little closer (never used it so I'm not 100% positive). There is also a wheelchair rental just outside security that's very easy to miss so if you are renting a wheelchair you don't have to go all the way to the parks before renting. I've also seen courtesy wheelchairs in the handicapped section of the garage but don't know how reliable they are there or whether you can take them all the way to the gates. It is quite a hike from the garage to the front gates, never mind all the walking in the parks.