Parking at US and IOA

[rudoe91]

I'm hoping someone may have some parking 'tips' since we're not planning on staying at an onsite hotel. I've seen that's there valet (how much?) or regular. Are there any close business lots that you can walk from? For example, at Sea World we found that you can park at the nearby Sheraton and walk across the street and parking lot. There's also an office complex parking lot across from one of the employee lots.

Also, can you leave and return later in the day? We'll have to leave to go get the DH after he gets off work.

Thanks-

 

[Tank]

I have a parking question also, so if u don't mind i'll add it to this thread. I have a rooftop carrier for my minivan, will I have any problem getting it in the parking garage. I'm guessing about 7' 6" to the top

 

[NotAmused]

Yes, you can leave and return later in the day as long as you keep your receipt or whatever they give you to prove you already paid for parking. And for the park, just keep your ticket and get a handstamp.

There are lots of hotels and stores around the area. I always see people walking to UO from them, but be warned that it is a long walk and you have to cross some busy roads. Heck, it's a fairly long walk just from the parking garage to the actual theme parks. But, lots of people do walk to the parks from their hotels.


I'm not sure of the price of parking since we get free parking with our APs.



Also, Tank, I believe your Minivan will be fine with the clearance in the parking garage. I've seen plenty of minivans with carriers inside there and even several pick-up trucks with huge wheels. I was just there yesterday and I believe the sign said the limit was somewhere between 9 feet and 11 feet. I can't remember the exact height.

 

[ksdave]

If memory serves, the parking just went up to $11 per day a while back. Valet is somewhere around $17 or $18 per day. The difference in the walk between valet and regular is not too significant, unless you are physically challenged.
I would not try to walk from businesses close to the park (i.e., Major Blvd. etc.) as most have very specific signs about customers only and they do tow. The walk from the hotels, etc. on Universal Blvd. is long and entails walking over I-4.
The walk from the garages to the parks is helped by several moving walkways. I prefer the garages over the old days of trams (hated those things). It can be a good warm-up to the parks and gives new folks a chance to see Citywalk.

 

[CivilTwilight]

The hike across the road from the hotels or businesses I don't think is a good idea at all. AS someone else mentioned, those are not roads you should be crossing on foot. Also, the walk from the parking garage into the parks is definitely a huge hike as it is, I don't think saving $11 is worth all of that in my opinion. And yes, parking did go up to $11/vehicle. I think that is a little insane myself, but hey, I guess people have to park!

 

[phamton]

Honestly, I would rather have my car in a covered and secured parking lot rather than left at a shopping center or restaurant. Is is worth saving $11? You'll be walking for 15-30 minutes and crossing major roads with lots of traffic and using an insecure parking lot. Your car could be towed if you are spotted parking at an establishment that you are not shopping at or eating at. Most of those places do have signs saying for customers only. Your car would be left unattended for hours while you are at the park and could be vandilized.

Personally, I'd pay the $11 to park at Universal. Your car is safer and you won't be walking at night across major roads just to get back to your car.

 

[t-and-a]

Honestly, I would rather have my car in a covered and secured parking lot rather than left at a shopping center or restaurant. Is is worth saving $11? You'll be walking for 15-30 minutes and crossing major roads with lots of traffic and using an insecure parking lot. Your car could be towed if you are spotted parking at an establishment that you are not shopping at or eating at. Most of those places do have signs saying for customers only. Your car would be left unattended for hours while you are at the park and could be vandilized.

Personally, I'd pay the $11 to park at Universal. Your car is safer and you won't be walking at night across major roads just to get back to your car.

I agree 100%.

If you are going for several days, you might consider purchasing a Preferred Annual Pass. As a Preferred Annual Pass holder, you would get FREE parking, as well as a lot of GREAT discounts in the parks and in CityWalk.

 

[Sillyminny40]

We have been to UNiv/IofA many times and it is fine just to park and take the regular $11 parking. If you have a special needs person, that may be diff. We found it well organized and easy to follow.

 

[robvia]

Clearance of the garage is 10' 2" as seen in this pic.
http://www.nogodforme.com/images/DSC02808.jpg

Parking across the street in the TGIFridays lot can be done, just that it adds 10 minutes to the walk. I wouldn't suggest people do it with little kids, but if you're adults and want to save money, then go for it.

Offsite Hotels

 

[kantonburg]

I agree 100%.

If you are going for several days, you might consider purchasing a Preferred Annual Pass. As a Preferred Annual Pass holder, you would get FREE parking, as well as a lot of GREAT discounts in the parks and in CityWalk.

I just saw that your first visit to the park doesn't include free parking with an annual pass. Why not?

 

[phamton]

It isn't included on the first visit because you don't have the actual annual pass. It has to be processed at the park. Once it is processed, the AP expiration date is set on the pass from one year from that date. You could carry around an AP voucher for years and not process it. It isn't valid until it is processed.

 

[kantonburg]

oh ok

I guess that makes sense.