It's been a minute since I did a monthly Q&A and I sure did miss it. Let's jump back in!
(Better late than never, right?)
"What are your options to get to and from the park if you aren't staying in one of the hotels on the grounds?"
This is a great question and something I haven't discussed before. If you're staying off-site, your transportation options are taking a taxi, an Uber or Lyft, self parking in the deck, and in some cases taking a bus or shuttle.
If you choose to self park you have a few options. During the regular season, self parking in the deck will cost between $32 and $60 per day* depending on your vehicle type and the choice between regular or prime parking, which provides more optimal spots to beat the crowds when exiting. The cost of valet parking varies between $32 and $70* depending on the time of day and time of year. Regular parking is free after 6pm daily and after midnight on Halloween Horror Nights. Annual passholders get discounts on parking, including free prime and valet parking for Premier level UOAPs and 50% off valet and discounted prime parking for Preferred level UOAPs (subject to change based on current park events).
Some hotels in the area provide shuttles to and from Universal Orlando Resort. Please contact your hotel directly to learn if they offer this service.
*Pricing is accurate as of the publishing date of this post. For the most up to date information, check with Universal Orlando here.
"I have friends and family that can't ride, so they do a lot of sightseeing and shopping in the parks. How is the shopping at Universal and where are the best areas to shop in?"
Sightseeing in the parks is really one of my favorite things to do at the parks when I have some free time that I don't have anything planned for. I know it wasn't asked, but some of my favorite spots for sightseeing in the parks are Hollywood Boulevard and Springfield USA in USF, and Hogsmeade and Marvel Superhero Island at IOA.
The shopping at the parks is great! While many of the stores will have items that are the same as other stores in the parks, some have items that you will only find in those shops. Examples of this are the All Hallows Eve Boutique, the Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe, and the Dino Store at IOA. I would recommend at least walking in the door of each store if you want to shop. Even if you don't find anything you get free AC! Each on site hotel also has a store and these feature standard Universal merchandise and merchandise specific to each hotel.
The widest variety of shopping used to be at Universal's CityWalk. Some shops recently closed to make room for renovations, such as the Quiet Flight Surf Shop and the Universal Legacy Store. I would still suggest making a stop here on the way out of the parks and going by the huge Universal Studios store. If you saw something that caught your eye that you forgot about, the chances are high that you can find it at this CityWalk store!
"How is the park set up to accommodate those with disabilities?"
All queues at the parks are wheelchair accessible**, and all stage shows have designated wheelchair seating. Many attractions are able to accommodate wheelchairs. Some allow for the transfer to and from the wheelchair to the ride and back, but team members are not allowed to assist with this transfer for safety reasons. Riders must be able to transfer on their own or with the assistance of someone within their party.
As a theme park can be quite loud and overwhelming at times, a quiet room is available for use at Universal Studios Florida at Guest Services located at the front of the park.
For more in depth accessibility information for Universal Orlando Resort, including information on the attractions assistant pass, visit the official page here.
**This does not include the use of ECVs. Accessibility with an ECV varies based on the attraction. Those using ECVs may be asked to transfer to a manual wheelchair.
How was this Q&A? Want more information or want to ask a new question? Leave a comment or contact me through the contact submission form or my social media!
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