Universal Orlando raises parking prices to match Disney

Universal Orlando has followed in Disney's footsteps and raised the daily parking price for cars at the resort from $12 to $14.

Walt Disney World made an identical change earlier this month. As with Disney, guests staying at Universal's on-site hotels do not have to pay the parking fee. Holders of Preferred and Premier annual passes are also eligible for free parking.

Universal Orlando has a single, sprawling multi-storey parking lot which is used for both of the resort's theme parks (Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure) and Universal CityWalk, the night-time entertainment area. Guests therefore only need to pay for parking once if visiting all three in a single day.

Higher prices apply to other categories of vehicle and for preferred parking closer to the parks, as shown below:

• Regular Parking (car / motorcycle) - $14
• Preferred Parking - $18
• RV/Bus Parking - $20
• Kennel - $15
• Valet parking (under 2hrs) - $12
• Valet parking (all day) - $22

Both Disney and Universal are experimenting with various new ways to increase margins during the economic downturn. Raising parking prices by more than 16% will help to offset declining visitors numbers and the impact of heavy discounting.