Newbie Question: Free shuttles to USO/IOA from off-site hotels...?

[refbillyj]

Hello,

Newbie here.

Been to Orlando 3 times in the past and I will be going my 4th time on Feb. 28th - March 6th for 7 days (13 days to go!). I always went to Disney parks only (I know...shun me now) but this time I'm going to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Wet N' Wild. I already have my 3-Park Unlimited tickets. I'm very excited!

I will be staying at an off-site hotel (Orlando Grand Hotel) between downtown Orlando and USO/IOA. Unfortunately, my hotel does not offer a free shuttle to USO/IOA. I was misled as some sites stated there was a shuttle but I've confirmed that there is not.

My question is are there any free shuttles to USO/IOA from off-site hotels that I could jump on to, without having to be a hotel guest there? I know that you should be a hotel guest to use this service, but I've read online that this is rarely enforced. Has anybody else done this? Are there any hotels that offer free parking and have a free shuttle?

I am renting a car but I'm a little put off by paying $15/day for parking at the parks, when I plan on being there each of my 7 days. $15 x 7 = $105!!

Any help would be appreciated?

Thank you!

 

[ky07]

Hello,

Newbie here.

Been to Orlando 3 times in the past and I will be going my 4th time on Feb. 28th - March 6th for 7 days (13 days to go!). I always went to Disney parks only (I know...shun me now) but this time I'm going to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Wet N' Wild. I already have my 3-Park Unlimited tickets. I'm very excited!

I will be staying at an off-site hotel (Orlando Grand Hotel) between downtown Orlando and USO/IOA. Unfortunately, my hotel does not offer a free shuttle to USO/IOA. I was misled as some sites stated there was a shuttle but I've confirmed that there is not.

My question is are there any free shuttles to USO/IOA from off-site hotels that I could jump on to, without having to be a hotel guest there? I know that you should be a hotel guest to use this service, but I've read online that this is rarely enforced. Has anybody else done this? Are there any hotels that offer free parking and have a free shuttle?

I am renting a car but I'm a little put off by paying $15/day for parking at the parks, when I plan on being there each of my 7 days. $15 x 7 = $105!!

Any help would be appreciated?

Thank you!

From what I have read most hotels with the park shuttles is you have to sign up 24 hours in advance to get a seat and with you not staying at the hotel I don't see how you could just sneak onto the shuttle and if not mistaking they also give you somekinda boarding pass now

 

[Seeker615]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Maingate and we could actually walk to Universal but it was a bit scary.

That hotel had a shuttle and was free but you did need to stop and sign up ahead of time and pick a time to be dropped off. They do give you a boarding pass too.

I don't think you can just grab a shuttle...

 

[Metro West]

My question is are there any free shuttles to USO/IOA from off-site hotels that I could jump on to, without having to be a hotel guest there? I know that you should be a hotel guest to use this service, but I've read online that this is rarely enforced. Has anybody else done this? Are there any hotels that offer free parking and have a free shuttle?

By just parking at some hotel that may offer a free shuttle, you run the risk of getting towed and/or getting a ticket and believe me...you don't want to deal with that down here. You can certainly stop in any of the hotels within walking distance and ask if they can/will help you but don't expect anything...since you're not a guest of their hotel.

You might want to check the Lynx schedule to see if there is a bus route that would take you from the hotel area to the Universal area. It's pretty cheap but it might take you some time.

 

[refbillyj]

Thank you to all of you for your replies!

I think that I will bite the bullet and just pay for parking. Then I can come and go as I please, plus then I can use the parking pass over at Wet and Wild if I choose to go there that day as well.

I can't wait... Only 11 more days to go!

 

[Brian Noble]

I think that I will bite the bullet and just pay for parking.

The $14 is well worth it.

 

[macraven]

$15 + tax for parking at UO

 

[Metro West]

I think that I will bite the bullet and just pay for parking. Then I can come and go as I please, plus then I can use the parking pass over at Wet and Wild if I choose to go there that day as well.

I think you are very wise.

 

[damo]

Thank you to all of you for your replies!

I think that I will bite the bullet and just pay for parking. Then I can come and go as I please, plus then I can use the parking pass over at Wet and Wild if I choose to go there that day as well.

I can't wait... Only 11 more days to go!

Have you considered purchasing an annual pass? The preferred pass gets you free parking and costs $224. You could upgrade your ticket and save yourself some money if you are intending to visit the parks often.