Universal Orlando Resort has a lot of BIG projects in the works right now, including a new Jurassic World roller coaster coming to Islands of Adventure, a new Jason Bourne stunt show coming next year to Universal Studios Florida next year, and of course Universal's Epic Universe, now officially projected to open in 2023. However, earlier this week two changes were announced for Universal Orlando Resort that don't exactly have fans super-excited... 

Your Uber ride from Universal just got $4 more expensive

It was announced earlier this week that Uber has added a $4 surcharge specifically for guest pickups at Universal Orlando Resort. This new fee is part of a deal between Universal and Uber, and according to the companies, this extra cost is being implemented to help pay for new signs  and extra staff at the Uber drop-off location 

Long term, this new surcharge will also go towards creating a special waiting area on the top floor of the Universal parking garage for riders as well. Interestingly, the $4 extra fee  is only for pick-ups from Universal Orlando Resort, and will not apply to drop-offs. In addition pick-ups from hotels on Universal property are not subject to the fee.

Lyft, Uber's biggest ride-share competitor in the area (which also serves Universal), said in a statement that they are not adding a surcharge at this time, so guests who want to avoid this fee, can simply use a different service. 

This fee may come as something of a shock to Universal park-goers, but it it likely a way for Universal to recover some lost parking fee revenue from guests who would rather ride-share into the resort than pay the $26 parking fee. However, with this new charge, plus Uber's standard fees, it may once again be less expensive to park in the parking garage for guests who have that option, rather than pay for a more expensive Uber.