Why you might splurge for $75 valet parking at Universal Orlando
FastPass, Express Pass, Lightning Lane, private cut-the-line VIP tours, special access hours and more -- there's no shortage of ways that theme park visitors can spend extra to make their days that much easier ... and more enjoyable.
After all, nobody likes to spend their vacation days just waiting in lines, and theme parks aren't shy about providing upgraded service and shorter waits to those willing to pay the price.
But this pay-more, get-more philosophy isn't just limited to shorter lines inside the theme parks. You can pay extra for VIP parking, too.
At Universal Orlando, that's actually a valet parking option that rings in at a whopping $75 for one car, for one day.
So yes, you can indeed pull up, drop the keys and dash off to be the first inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or on Velocicoaster or whatever your thrill-seeking heart desires as long as you've got the extra cash to shell out before your day even starts.
My thrifty dad would be embarrassed that I'm even talking about a $75 parking spot, let alone that I've actually tried it (twice). But if you're curious to know just how much better your Universal Orlando theme park day can get when you start (and end) it with valet parking, this story's for you.
Parking options at Univeral Orlando
There are several types of parking at Universal Orlando with not only regular parking ($27) but also prime parking ($60 for a better spot in the garage) and valet parking ($75). And because things are rarely simple anymore, there's also free self-parking after 6 p.m. and a free upgrade to prime parking (with the purchase of a regular spot) with an Avis or Budget car rental from the Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Valet parking is also included in the price of both the private and the group VIP Universal Orlando tours.
Regular and prime parking options are located in the parking garages but valet parking is separate from the rest and is not located in the garages. Instead, you follow signs specifically for VIP parking. It opens one hour before early park admission hours.
Related: How much time do you really save with Universal Orlando Express Pass?
What do you get for $75 Universal Orlando parking?
Pulling up to a theme park and just handing over the keys for someone else to deal with parking while you get right to the fun is pretty great by itself. But while being just a four-minute walk from the car to the gates of Univeral's Islands of Adventure was awesome, that's not even the best part of the valet parking experience.
After handing over your car to the valet, the valet parking area of Universal Orlando has its own security entrance.
Both times I've used this entrance, there's been no wait to get through security. That means not only are you just a couple of minutes from the park entrance but the security line is a non-issue, too.
At the end of your park day, the valet offers you water and pulls your cooled-off car around so you can zip right away to your hotel or next adventure.
Related: 16 Universal Orlando secrets to know before your next trip
Is it worth it?
Valet parking at Universal Orlando is $75, so for most people and in most situations, that's simply too much to pay to park a car for a single day — particularly when there are other more inexpensive options.
However, if you're not on a strict budget and want everything to be as seamless as possible, it's a pretty great option — particularly if you were already contemplating prime parking.
If you fall into the group that will take all the buy-up opportunities available while at Universal Orlando, then maybe you're in a VIP tour that includes valet parking already.
And in that case, enjoy: It sure beats the long walks and hot, sunny parking lots you'll find down the road at Disney.
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