Parking at the Universal parks--I just can't figure out the maps!

[coastgirl]

So maybe it doesn't matter very much, but I like to get the lay of the land before I try to navigate in a new place, if possible. I cannot for the life of me figure out the parking at UO. The map on the Universal site is all cartoon-y and I can't find parking on it. Google maps/satellite/street view is even more confusing because the labels don't seem to match at all with the Universal map. Help?

Any tips for parking there, while I'm at it? Have heard that preferred parking isn't worth it. When should we arrive onsite to park if we hope to be there for rope drop? And if we come later in the day, I'm guessing we may be able to find "holes" left by departing guests?

Oh--will our AAA card get us a discount on parking? I've been advised to show it any chance I get in the park.

 

[damo]

The parking is all in the garages, so the overhead maps are hard to make out. I don't believe there are any parking discounts. Go to googlemaps and you can see the two large parking garages.

Those large gray structures on the right are the garages.

 

[DLB-GOUROCK]

If you are travelling up I Drive as you approach “Wet ‘n’ Wild” move into the left land and turn left at the traffic lights. This takes you onto Universal Boulevard. Go straight on at the next set of lights and as you pass over I4 move into the right hand lane. You will see the signs for Universal Car Parks by now.
Watch as you approach as a new lane merges on your right but both the lane you are in and the merge lane will exit to the right into the car park entrance lanes. As you continue on the road turns to the right and you are in the entrance plaza where the pay booths are.

You can also get to Universal by travelling north on I4, although the signs will say east because I4 is considered as an east west road across Florida. Take exit 75A and as you come up the off ramp keep to the left.
At the traffic lights turn left and move over to the right hand lane. You should now watch for the merge lane joining from the right as you now are at the same place as detailed above.

Have a great time in Universal / IOA.

David

 

[Metro West]

Oh--will our AAA card get us a discount on parking? I've been advised to show it any chance I get in the park.

No discounts on parking.

 

[coastgirl]

Too bad on the discounts, but thanks for all the good information! I feel less "adrift" now!

 

[Lou Holtz]

You should buy one AP to get free parking and in park discounts on food and merch.

 

[Metro West]

Too bad on the discounts, but thanks for all the good information! I feel less "adrift" now!

Just make sure you show your AAA card inside both parks and at CityWalk...you can get discounts there on food and merchandise.

 

[mareed]

If I can add another parking question... Do they take credit cards for the parking fee? We just don't carry cash these days on vacation at all, and I need to know whether to bring enough for parking.

 

[phamton]

Yes, they do take credit cards for parking.

And if we come later in the day, I'm guessing we may be able to find "holes" left by departing guests?

No, you will be directed to whatever area they are parking in at the time. There will be no problem parking even later in the day. The parking garages are huge and never get completely full. There are orange cones and usually parking attendants directing you also. You won't be able to go into other areas to look for spots.