Disney and Universal Parking Orlando: prices, tips and how it works (2026)

In this updated guide you will find out everything about Disney and Universal Orlando parking: not only how much it costs, but also when parking is free, how Park Hopper works, where the preferred spots are, how not to lose your car and also what apps help you locate your vehicle.

Visiting Disney or Universal is the dream of many people but parking in Orlando parks can be a real challenge when we think about logistics!

When they told me that the parking lot there was huge and that the chance of you losing your car was great, I didn't believe it. I thought it was an exaggeration, even visiting the parks for the first time.

Whether it's Disney or Universal, knowing how parking lots work can no doubt make a difference in your day. So I decided to share with you all the information about the parking lot in the two gigantic complexes so you don't waste hours and hours looking for your vehicle after a whole day of park.

Disney and Universal Parking: a summary of what you need to know

PARKING IN DISNEY PARKS

Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios

Each Disney park has its own parking and All of them are paid.

Disney offers two fare options for those who will park in their parks: standard and preferred (preferred parking).

Standard parking is the cheapest option. You will park your vehicle in a designated area and you can take free trains that will take you to the entrance of the park.

Only in Magic KingdomYou'll have to park in the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) And then you'll need to catch one train He's gonna leave you in a box. From there you will have to choose to reach the park by Monorail (monorail linking some hotels to Epcot and Magic Kingdom) or even Ferryboat (boat)

It is worth remembering that so much the Monorail as the Ferryboat are free, okay?

However, for those who want more convenience, preferential parking is a great choice. Therefore, for an additional cost, you park closer to the entrance, saving time and effort when arriving and leaving the park.

How much is Disney Park parking?

Below are parking rates in 2026 (updated August 2026):

Default ($35 per day): intended for both motorcycles as well as for ride vehicles.

Preferential (from $50 to $60 a day): for cars and motorcycles

Large vehicles ($40 per day): for buses, limousines, motorhomes, trailers as well as vans.

Rates are only valid for a park day, that is, even if you visit other parks of the complex in other days, you will have to pay for the parking again, okay?

However, if you want to move from one park to the other on the same day, just present the payment voucher and you can park in another park on the same day.

Remembering that if you are a guest of a Disney hotel, parking in the parks is included in the amount of your daily stay.

All Disney parks have spaces reserved for electric vehicles and for people with special needs. Also, there are loading stations for electric cars.

Disney Park parking lots are well organized and divided to facilitate the location of your car at the end of the day. Thus, cada parking area is named with Disney characters, as well as having specific numbers that help identify the exact section where the vehicle was parked. For example, in Magic Kingdom, you can find areas with names like Simba, Peter Pan, or Aladdin, followed by numbers for each row. That helps a lot when it comes back, since the parking lot is huge!

Free shipping at Disney

As I said above, Disney still offers a free transport and very efficient for you to be able to travel between the parks of the complex and the resorts.

Monorail: The monorail connects three main areas: the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), the Magic Kingdom, as well as three Disney resorts (Polynesian Village, Contemporary and Grand Floridian). There's also a line linking the TTC to Epcot. Therefore, it is a quick and practical option, especially for those staying in one of the connected resorts.

Ferry Boat: The ferry boat transports between Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) and Magic Kingdom. It offers a quiet and panoramic journey through Lake Seven Seas, being an alternative to the monorail, by way of passage.

Disney Bus: There are free buses that circulate among all Disney resorts, the four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom), the water parks and Disney Springs (shopping and entertainment area). Thus, it is one of the most accessible and comprehensive options to get around the complex.

Boats (Friendship Boats and others): In addition to the ferry, smaller boats connect Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios to several hotels in the BoardWalk area, such as Disney's Yacht & Beach Club and Disney's BoardWalk Inn. These boats are also known as "Friendship Boats" and offer a scenic journey between these locations. Without a doubt, a nice option for those who want a different ride.

Skyliner: Disney Skyliner is a suspended gondola system that connects Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios with some Disney resorts such as Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century Resort, Art of Animation Resort and Riviera Resort. Provides incredible views of the complex during the journey. Undoubtedly, it is worth a try at least once during your visit!

Disney Springs

It is worth noting that There is no direct transport between Disney theme parks and Disney Springs. Disney's free shuttle is offered only between Disney Springs and Disney complex hotels.

So if you're in a theme park and want to go to Disney Springs using Disney's free shipping, you'll usually need to make a connection to one of the Disney hotels.

In this way, if you wish to use Disney's free transportation between the parks and Disney Springs, schedule your travel in advance and always refer to the current rules to avoid unforeseen events during the trip.

And speaking of Disney Springs, here the parking is free at any time of day. There are several garages and areas available for visitors (which are divided by names Orange, Lime Grapefruit). In addition, there are electronic signals that indicate how many vacancies are available at each level of garages, facilitating the search for a parking place.

However, valet service (parking with valet) is paid and varies according to the schedule, turning around US$ 20 to US$ 25 per vehicle.

Since June 2026, it is no longer allowed to use free buses and boats leaving Disney Springs for Disney hotels only as a way to access the complex transport system.

Now visitors need to prove a valid accommodation or booking (such as restaurant or activity) in a Disney hotel before boarding these means of transport.

This change was implemented to prevent visitors from using Disney Springs' free parking as an alternative to the parks' paid parking and to prioritize the transportation of hotel guests and customers.

PARKING IN THE UNIVERSAL PARKS

Unlike Disney, which owns a parking lot for each of its parks, Universal offers a unique parking lot both for its two theme parks – Universal Studios and Island of Adventure – and for CityWalk.

That is, after parking their vehicle in a large covered garage, visitors follow long walkways until they reach the entrance to CityWalk, which gives access to the parks.

Universal offers three types of tariffs: standard, preferred (preferred parking) and first class (Prime First Parking).

As with Disney, standard parking is the basic option. After parking, you walk to the elevators and escalators that will take you to CityWalk, from where you can access Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay parks.

For those who want convenience, parking preferential (preferred parking) guarantees a position closer to CityWalk, shortening the distance to the parks.

In addition to the standard and preferred options, Universal also offers an option "Prime First Parking", which guarantees exclusive vacancies and even closer to access to parks.

How much is Universal Orlando parking?

The following are the rates for 2026 (updated August 2026):

Standard parking: $35 a day.

Preferential Parking: from $50 to $60 per day (cars and motorcycles depending on the period of the year).

Buses, trailers and motorhomes: $45 a day.

Universal parking also has exclusive spaces for disabled people and charging stations for electric vehicles, all located in areas of easy access.

As in Disney parks, Universal is also well structured and divided into thematic areas to facilitate the location of the car by visitors. The sections are named after famous film and character themes, such as Jurassic Park, E.T., King Kong, Jaws and Spider-Man. Each of these areas has numbers that match the queues, which helps when it comes to finding the vehicle at the end of the day.

As at Disney, Universal offers escalators and treadmills to facilitate access to park entrance.

💡 Important: Universal parking values Orlando are seasonal and may vary according to the date of the visit, holidays, high season as well as special events. Before the trip, always check the updated prices on Universal's official website.

CityWalk

If you decide to visit Universal CityWalk only (without access to the parks), Parking is free after 18 h, except for special event days (such as Halloween Horror Nights).

Pre-Paid Parking: novelty in Universal Orlando parking

What is Universal's Pre-Paid Parking?

A very interesting novelty of Universal Orlando is the Pre-Paid Parking, which allows you to buy in advance regular internet parking.

Thus, when purchasing parking before the date of the visit, the visitor receives a $3 discount in relation to the amount paid directly in the toll square. This benefit is valid both for the complex formed by Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay and CityWalk as well as for the Epic Universe.

In addition to the economy, the entry process is usually faster, since it is enough to present the proof of purchase in the access to the parking lot.

Important: the discount is valid only for regular parking purchased in advance for a specific date. Therefore, the benefit does not apply to Prime Parking or Universal hotel parking.

Epic Universe Parking

If you plan to visit the Epic UniverseIt's important to know that the park has its own parking, totally independent of the other parks of the Universal Orlando Resort.

Unlike Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk, which share a large parking garage located in the same complex, the Epic Universe was built in another Orlando area, approximately 6 km distance from the original Universal complex.

For that reason, it is not possible to park in the garage of Universal Studios and walk or use the same parking to visit the Epic Universe. Each complex has its own parking lot and its own entrance.

Epic Universe parking follows a similar operation to the other Universal parks, offering parking spaces for cars, motorcycles, large vehicles, people with disabilities and preferential parking (Prime Parking), upon availability.

How much is Epic Universe parking?

Values usually follow Universal Orlando's pricing policy and may change throughout the year, especially during high season periods. Therefore, it is worth you taking a look at Universal's official website to consult the values during your visit.

The following arrangements are generally available:

• Regular Parking;
• Prime Parking (preferential parking), located closest to the entrance of the park;
• Accessible seats, intended for disabled visitors;
• Parking for motorcycles.

Epic Universe parking values (2026)

Is Prime Parking worth it?

For those travelling with young children, the elderly, people with reduced mobility or who want to save time on arrival and leaving the park, the Prime Parking It could be an excellent option.

Those wishing to arrive at the opening of the park usually manage to park relatively close to the entrance using regular parking.

Important tip

As Epic Universe is located in a separate complex, plan your trip in advance, especially if you are staying in hotels near the traditional Universal or Disney parks.

Using a navigation application, such as Google Maps or Waze, helps avoid delays and ensures that you proceed directly to the correct parking.

Are you going to visit the Epic Universe for the first time? Be sure to check ours too. Complete Epic Universe Guide, where I gathered information on all attractions (including minimum height required), theme areas, restaurants (ah, are more than 100 options of sweets just in this park!), planning tips, park map and more to make the most of your visit.

Is it worth paying for preferential parking?

The answer depends heavily on the profile of your trip.

O Preferential parking (Prime Parking or Preferred Parking depending on the park) offers places located closer to the entrance, reducing walking time to the access gates.

It's worth it if you:

• is traveling with small children or stroller;
• monitors the elderly or persons with reduced mobility;
• wants to visit only one park for a few hours;
• wants to save time on arrival and exit;
• intends to return quickly to the car during the day.

Maybe it doesn't make up for you:

• wants to save to the fullest;
• usually arrive immediately at the opening of the parks, when the parking is still relatively empty;
• You don't mind walking a few more minutes.

In most cases, regular parking perfectly meets the needs of visitors. Thus, Prime Parking is usually more interesting for those who prioritize comfort and practicality.

How to Save With Parking in Orlando Parks

While parking represents an extra cost during the journey, some strategies may help reduce this expense.

1. Use the Park Hopper system at Disney

By paying for parking in a Disney Park, you can visit another Disney Park on the same day without paying a new fare. Simply present the proof or use your MagicBand/entry card, according to current rules.

2. Enjoy Disney Springs free parking

If your intention is just to stroll, shop or dinner, Disney Springs offers free parking in garages and outdoor areas.

3. Use hotel transport

Many Disney and Universal hotels offer free transportation to the parks, thus completely eliminating the cost with parking.

4. Share the car

If you are traveling in a group or with another family, sharing a vehicle helps you share both the cost of rent and parking.

5. Buy parking in advance at Universal Orlando

Universal now offers the Pre-Paid Parking, allowing you to buy regular parking online before visiting and save a few dollars. Without a doubt, an option that is already worth saving right at the beginning.

OTHER TIPS EXTRA FOR YOU TO APPROVE BETTER PARK STATION

1. Get here early: Both at Disney and Universal, parks start filling up early in the morning. The sooner you arrive, the easier it will be to park near the entrance.

2. Remember where you parked: Park parking lots are huge. So take a picture of the area and the number of your spot so you don't get lost at the end of the day.

In addition, both Disney and Universal offer in their apps an area where you can save exactly the location you parked. It's worth using! Check out below the step by step I did explaining how the apps in each park work:

Application My Disney Experience

Universal Orlando Resort App

3. Use the internal transports of resorts: If you are staying in the complex hotels, enjoy the advantages of free transportation and thus avoid the stress of driving from one park to another.

4. Consider the cost-benefit of the preferred: Whether you are traveling with young or old children, or simply want to save time, preferential parking may be worth it, especially on the days of greatest movement.

Now that you know all about parking in Orlando theme parks, it's time to enjoy your trip! Stay tuned for price and schedule updates, as they may vary during the year, especially on high season dates.

I recommend accessing the official Disney and Universal websites to check the respective values on the dates of your visit. So I'll leave their link below:

Official Disney website

Official Universal website

And, of course, keep following the Orlando Journey for more tips from Orlando theme parks!

Updated August 06, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions about Disney and Universal Orlando parking lots