Walk from parking lots to USF/IOA

[micheluvscorgis]

Going to stay at Floridays from 6/3 - 6/7, and we're spending 2.5 days at Universal and one at SW. We have two boys, ages 5 & 7 (almost 6 & 8).

Wondering about the walk from the parking structure to the entrance? Is it really 9 minutes (I think I read that somewhere)?

What about if you pay VIP parking? Does that shorten the walk substantially?

DH and I are very active and fit (as are our boys). That said, the boys are too old for a stroller, but also at that stage where a cranky walk back to the car after a day at the parks could be disastrous! Just trying to do some preventative planning!

Thanks!

 

[hermionesnape]

Going to stay at Floridays from 6/3 - 6/7, and we're spending 2.5 days at Universal and one at SW. We have two boys, ages 5 & 7 (almost 6 & 8).

Wondering about the walk from the parking structure to the entrance? Is it really 9 minutes (I think I read that somewhere)?

What about if you pay VIP parking? Does that shorten the walk substantially?

DH and I are very active and fit (as are our boys). That said, the boys are too old for a stroller, but also at that stage where a cranky walk back to the car after a day at the parks could be disastrous! Just trying to do some preventative planning!

Thanks!

I have never parked but I have been dropped of by shuttle. If your staying at a local hotel they almost all have free shuttle service to the Orlando parks.

From the shuttle area its about a 5 minute leisurely walk with people movers.

 

[Metro West]

Going to stay at Floridays from 6/3 - 6/7, and we're spending 2.5 days at Universal and one at SW. We have two boys, ages 5 & 7 (almost 6 & 8).

Wondering about the walk from the parking structure to the entrance? Is it really 9 minutes (I think I read that somewhere)?

What about if you pay VIP parking? Does that shorten the walk substantially?

DH and I are very active and fit (as are our boys). That said, the boys are too old for a stroller, but also at that stage where a cranky walk back to the car after a day at the parks could be disastrous! Just trying to do some preventative planning!

Thanks!

The walk from the garage isn't that bad. There are moving sidewalks all the way to the entrance of CityWalk so just hop on those to save some steps. Preferred parking isn't really worth it since you aren't any closer to the parks. You park on level 3 which is the level with the moving sidewalks so there would not be an escalator or elevator to worry about. Valet is nice since you would walk up the steps from the drop off area and you're right there at CityWalk. Valet can get expensive though and if you leave when the parks close, you'll probably end up waiting a fair amount of time to get the car.

 

[Bluer101]

When we used to stay offsite the walk is not bad at all. Our DS at that time was younger than yours and did the walk with no problems. We even used to return to the car to put on our water clothes then return to towel up and change, then head back to the parks.

 

[coastgirl]

I would say it's tedious. But honestly, less so than getting to MK or Epcot from the TTC--less walking at Disney there but also less "control"--you are waiting for the trolley and the monorail. At Universal at least you set your own pace. That said, at the end of the day my kids find it a drag (me too, truth be told), they were 10 and 8 on our first visit. And if I recall correctly, most of the walk at Universal is shaded.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

It is a very long walk from the parking garage to the park entrances.

Getting there first thing in the morning when you are rested and excited for the day, the walk is not bad. Once you get out of the parking structure there are moving walkways to ease the long walk. But once you get off the moving walkways you still have to walk through City Walk.

I do find it very exhausting if I spend too long in the park during the day when it is time to go I dread that long haul back to the car.

I have always wondered how would they get an ambulance to someone who went down in the parks.

 

[Metro West]

I have always wondered how would they get an ambulance to someone who went down in the parks.

There are plenty of back entrance gates in case something happens that requires an ambulance.

 

[Herbie]

After years of going to disney, I was very pleasently surprised with the parking garage set up. I think the walk is very easy, and far less annoying than using the trams.

 

[patster734]

Guests have to pass through Citywalk between the parking garages and the parks. There are many relaxing places to sit in Citywalk for the weary traveller leaving the parks.

 

[Dizisfun]

I have always wondered how would they get an ambulance to someone who went down in the parks.[/QUOTE]

They use employee entrance for this. Employees have a separate entrance and parking. Easy access through the back access road.

 

[Jacie]

The last time we went, I was so jolly with a spring in my step walking to the parks.
On the way back, after a long tiring day, the walk felt like forever.

This time, DH and I have considered parking somewhere and cabbing it to US, just to avoid that parking structure (We don't mind paying, but the walk at the end of the day feels like forever.) I'd rather deal with trams, honestly!

Our hotel has a shuttle, but it's very limited (Drops you off at 7, picks up up at 9. No flexibility.) So we've been exploring other options.

 

[damo]

The last time we went, I was so jolly with a spring in my step walking to the parks.
On the way back, after a long tiring day, the walk felt like forever.

This time, DH and I have considered parking somewhere and cabbing it to US, just to avoid that parking structure (We don't mind paying, but the walk at the end of the day feels like forever.) I'd rather deal with trams, honestly!

Our hotel has a shuttle, but it's very limited (Drops you off at 7, picks up up at 9. No flexibility.) So we've been exploring other options.

The taxis and shuttles pick you up right before the parking structure, so your walk is not much different.

 

[Jacie]

The taxis and shuttles pick you up right before the parking structure, so your walk is not much different.

My husband swore the drop off was right near the gates.
That's what I get for listening to him.
He always used an employee parking pass when he used to go so he probably has no idea about civilian aspects lol.

 

[patster734]

My husband swore the drop off was right near the gates.
That's what I get for listening to him.
He always used an employee parking pass when he used to go so he probably has no idea about civilian aspects lol.

There is a drop-off/pick-up zone between US and Hard Rock, but I believe that's reserved for the onsite hotel buses.

 

[damo]

There is a drop-off/pick-up zone between US and Hard Rock, but I believe that's reserved for the onsite hotel buses.

Yup, that is just for the bus that goes between the three onsite hotels. Here's the link to see exactly where the offsite shuttles drop you. https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Univ...00+Universal+Boulevard,+Orlando,+FL,+USA&z=19