Universal Orlando Resort Transportation - Universal Orlando for Military

The Big Overview Page for Universal Orlando Resort Transportation

This is your one stop shop for Transportation Information and Discounts for Universal Orlando Resort and the surrounding Orlando Area.

On this page you’ll find both information and links plus lots more for you to read about Universal Orlando Transportation.

Getting to the Universal Orlando Resort

This Overview Page is all about getting to and getting around the Universal Orlando Resort. The options available to you will vary based upon where you are staying, whether it’s at a Universal Resort Hotel, or other accommodations. We’ll cover them all.

Driving

Many people elect to drive their privately-owned vehicle (POV) or a rental to the Universal Orlando Resort. There are pluses and minuses to doing so.

Some of the pluses are:

The freedom of your own transportation.
The ability to drive to other local area attractions.
Not having to obtain transportation from the airport.
Being able to make trips for groceries and supplies.
The ability to dine off property.
Bringing more stuff.
Potentially cheaper than flying.
Avoiding waits for Universal’s Shuttle

Some of the minuses are:

Potentially adding extra days to your vacation.
Parking costs at resort hotels and theme parks.

The Cost of Parking Your POV

Parking Fees – Depending on where you stay, you may be required to pay some amount for overnight parking fees. And you might have to pay to park to visit the theme parks.

See the section below on Parking for Universal’s rates.

Amtrak Auto Train

Amtrak’s Auto Train provides service between Lorton, Virginia (just south of Washington DC) and Sanford, Florida, about 45 minutes north of the Universal Orlando Resort. If getting to Lorton is convenient it will save you 800 miles of driving. You can relax, dine, and sleep on the trip south while your car rides along.

You’ll arrive mid-day at Lorton to check in and board. You’ll arrive in Sanford about 9:30 am the next day. You’ll wait an hour or so to get your car and then you can hit the road (I-4 West) for the hour plus drive to WDW.

Universal Orlando Resort Transportation Overview — Orlando International Airport

Flying

Flying is of course a great option, and just like driving there are pluses and minuses to flying to Orlando.

Some of the pluses are:

Potentially shortening the days required for your vacation.
No parking costs at resort hotels and theme parks.

Some of the minuses are:

The need to pay for transport to off-property locations
Having to obtain transportation from the airport.
Bringing less stuff.
Potentially more expensive than driving.
Waits for Universal’s Shuttle

Deciding to Drive or Fly

Make sure that when you are comparing the cost of flying to driving, that you include all of the associated costs of each.

For Driving – Hotel(s) enroute, gas, and food costs enroute as well as all tolls and parking fees at Universal and or your local Hotel.

For Flying – Airfare, baggage fees, airport parking or shuttle fees, and meals enroute. Plus, any costs for getting to and around Universal if any.

Orlando International Airport Information

You’ll be arriving at Orlando International Airport for you Universal Orlando Resort vacation. I have a guide to give you a great overview of the airport.

Your Guide to Orlando International Airport

Orlando International Airport’s USO Welcome Center (external link to Military Disney Tips)

Universal Orlando Resort Airport Transportation

Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle is a service that Universal provides exclusively to those staying in Disney Owned Hotels. Those staying at the Universal Orlando Resort may purchase transportation from the Orlando International Airport to their Universal Hotel via Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle bus service as part of their room package. I’ve used this service and love it!

You can set this service up when making your resort reservation through Universal or your Travel Agent.

Be aware that Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle service is only available from the Orlando International Airport (MCO). There is another airport, which identifies itself as the “Orlando Sanford International Airport” (SFB) but it is not in Orlando, it is well to the north in the town of Sanford, a good hour drive from Universal. The Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle does not service Sanford.

The SuperStar Shuttle is $39 per person ($29 children ages 3-9), roundtrip, or $23 ($18 children) one way. You can’t beat the price!

Universal Orlando Resort Transportation — SuperStar Shuttle

Non-Universal Orlando Resort Guests

Non-Universal Resort guests are on their own for securing transportation from and to the Orlando International Airport to their resort.

Your options are:

Mears Transport Service
Taxi
Limo Service
Bus Service
Rent a Car
Uber/Lyft

Taxi – Taxis at the airport are about $75 each way for Walt Disney World.

Limo Service – There are numerous limo services available to take you to WDW. Prices start near $100 one-way. Many will make a food stop for room supplies.

Bus Service – A company called Mears Transport runs regular buses vans and limos from the airport to all Orlando locations. They are about $80-100 per person one-way. Note: Mears runs the SuperStar Shuttle for Universal at a much lower cost to the guest!!!

Car Rental – All the national chains rent cars at the Orlando International Airport. You might be able to find a good military rate. I’m a USAA member and they have discounts negotiated with all the major car rental companies.

It is very important to know that lines to rent cars at the Orlando Airport can be HUGE!!! With lines at times stretching a long way through the ground floor of the airport. This applies to all companies.

Uber – Free ride up to $15 by signing up via this link for Uber (or use the promo code steveb14703ue if the link doesn’t work). This promo is for your first ride only, any value not used expires so this is not good for a quick hop across WDW property, but it is perfect for a ride from Orlando International to Universal.

Lyft – $5 credit towards your first ride when you sign up for Lyft using this link. This promo is for your first ride only.

Getting Around Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort’s Size

The entire Universal Orlando Resort area west of I-4 (which contains 2 theme parks,1 water park 7 resorts, an entertainment area and parking) is a relatively small, compact area.

Universal’s size is more akin to Disneyland in California versus the large, sprawling Walt Disney World in Orlando for those who are familiar. The Universal Orlando area west of I-4 is about the size of Walt Disney World’s Epcot plus it’s parking lot.

This smaller size makes getting around quite easy, whether by Water Taxi, Bus, or walking.

How Big is Universal Studios? (external Link)

Main Campus vs Off Campus

For transportation discussions I divide the Universal Orlando Resort into the Main Campus and Off Campus. This term is my own and not Universal’s.

The Main Campus is composed of the two Theme Parks, the five Hotels, and Universal CityWalk that are serviced by Universal’s Water Taxi System.

There are currently two areas that I consider Off-Campus (there will be three in the future), those being: The area containing the Cabana Bay Beach Resort and the Volcano Bay Water Park, which is separated from the Main Campus by an Orlando city street. And the area containing the Endless Summer Resorts, which is separated from the Main Campus by a major highway and the two Endless Summer Resorts are separated from each other by and Orlando street.

Transportation Options

Walking – Walking is an option everywhere on the Main Campus. There are convenient walking paths located between all destinations. Guests staying at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort will need to cross an Orlando city street to get on the Universal Main Campus. Guests staying at the Endless Summer Resorts could walk, but it’s not recommended as it is close to a mile walk, crossing a major highway and multiple on/off ramps and city streets.

Universal Orlando’s Water Taxi System – Free Water Taxi transportation is available between the Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Lowes Royal Pacific Resort, Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort, and the Universal CityWalk Dock which is located between the two theme parks.The Adventura Hotel has no Water Taxi Dock, but it is located just steps from the Sapphire Falls and so I consider it part of the main campus.

Bus transportation – Free Bus Transportation is available from all of Universal’s Hotels to the Universal CityWalk’s Bus Depot where you can walk to the parks or transfer to buses bound for all other Universal Orlando destinations.

Mobility – Strollers and Scooters

Strollers

Stroller options for your vacation are:

Bring Your Own
Rent one “In Park” from Universal
Rent one for your trip from a local supplier

Universal’s Strollers for rent are made from rigid plastic and they don’t recline. They do offer a canopy for sun protection and seat belts. Note: these plastic strollers really heat up in the afternoon Florida sun!

Note infants and children under age 2 don’t do well in Universal’s strollers, they just aren’t designed for them.

A Stroller rented from Universal is expensive at $15.00 per day to rent a “single” stroller and $25.00 per day to rent a “double” stroller.

Strollers require a $50 refundable deposit.

Rentals are per day so keep your receipt if you are going to leave the park where you first rented for your return or to use in another park.

Stroller Rental Locations:

In Islands of Adventure on the left-hand side after entering the park.
In Universal Studios Florida on the left-hand side after entering the park.

Universal’s strollers are only for use inside in the two theme parks and Volcano Bay water park. they can not be take out, which means you have to carry your child to and from the park and everywhere else on vacation, or they’ll have to walk.

A better option than Universal’s strollers is to rent one from a local rental company.

There are many companies in the Orlando area that rent modern, clean, well-maintained strollers for the length of your vacation. These companies will deliver the stroller to your resort and pick it up when you are finished with it for much less than Universal charges, plus you’ll have use of the stroller 24/7.

A 10% Military Discount is available for readers of this site from Amusement Park Rentals on stroller rentals. Just go to the Amusement Park Rental’s site and use the 10MILITARY discount code at checkout.

Wheelchairs and Scooters (ECVs)

Wheelchairs

Universal Orlando Resort offers wheelchairs for rental, on a first-come, first-serve basis for a daily fee.

Guests must be 18 years of age in order to rent a wheelchair and a photo id is required.
Daily rental at the theme parks is $12 per day.

If park hopping, guests cannot remove rental wheelchairs from the park. Present your receipt for rental at the next park and you will receive a new stroller.

Note: Complimentary wheelchairs are available at the parking garage of Universal Orlando Resort for those guest who may need assistance from their car to the wheelchair rental location in the garage rotunda, but are very limited in their availability.

Wheelchair Rental Locations:

In the Parking Security Rotunda
In Islands of Adventure on the left-hand side after entering the park.
In Universal Studios Florida on the left-hand side after entering the park.

Scooters

Universal rents scooters (ECVs) and wheelchairs in the theme parks and just wheelchairs at Volcano Bay, on a first-come, first-serve basis for a daily fee. The issues with these rentals are the same as above for strollers, they are expensive and are only for use in the park. Also, they only have a limited quantity of scooters and they may run out.

Due to the limited quantity of scooters at each theme park, it is not uncommon for scooters to be unavailable by noon on a busy day. Keep this in mind when planning your vacation. Universal Orlando Resort encourages guests to reserve an scooter at least one week prior to their visit by contacting guests services at 407-224-4233.

Scooter Rental Locations:

In Islands of Adventure on the left-hand side after entering the park.
In Universal Studios Florida on the left-hand side after entering the park.

For those who are unable to make the long walk to the theme parks from the parking security rotunda it is recommended to rent a wheelchair at the rotunda to use on the way to the parks, then exchange it for a scooter for the price difference.

Guests must be 18 years of age in order to rent a Scooter
Photo id is required in order to rent a Scooter.
Daily rental at the theme parks is $50 plus refundable deposit.

If park hopping, guests cannot remove rental Scooters from the park. Present your receipt for rental at the next park and you will receive a new scooter.

Scooter rental fees are $50 per day with an additional $20 deposit in the theme parks and a $100 deposit at Disney Springs.

Rentals are good all day at multiple parks. When visiting more than one park in a single day, after the first rental simply present your rental receipt at another park to obtain a replacement.

A better option than Universal’s scooters is to rent one from a local rental company.

There are many companies in the Orlando area that rent clean, well maintained scooters for the length of your vacation. These companies will deliver the scooter to your resort and pick it up when you are finished with it for much less than Disney charges, plus you’ll have it 24/7.

A 10% Military Discount is available for readers of this site from Amusement Park Rentals on scooter rentals. Just go to the Amusement Park Rental’s site and use the 10MILITARY discount code at checkout.

Check out these Military Discount Savings Negotiated for You by Universal Orlando for Military:

Military Discounts On Disney World Stroller Rentals

Military Discounts on Disney World Scooter Rentals

Rental Cars

All the national chains rent cars at the Orlando International Airport. You might be able to find a good military rate. I’m a USAA member and they have discounts negotiated with all the major car rental companies.

All Universal Orlando Resorts have an Avis Rent a Car desk located in or off the lobby!

Parking

Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Guests:

Universal charges a fee for Resort parking per night based upon the hotel category:

Self-Parking Overnight Prices:

Premier Hotels: Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel or Portofino Bay – $28 per night
Preferred Hotel: Sapphire Falls – $26 per night
Prime Value Hotels: Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Aventura Hotel – $18 per night
Value Hotels: Endless Summer Hotels – $15 per night

Valet parking is available at Preferred and Premier level hotels for $XX

Day Guest Self Parking

0-5 minutes: Complimentary
5 minutes – 30 minutes: $10 plus tax, per vehicle
30 minutes or more: $45 plus tax per day, per vehicle

Universal Orlando Resort Off-Property Guests:

Universal Orlando charges to park in it’s main parking garages which is where you will park to visit the theme parks, CityWalk, and Volcano Bay.

Garage address for GPS:

6000 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819

When exiting the parking structures you will process through a security checkpoint with metal detectors prior to getting to any guest areas.

Daily Parking Rates:

Prime Parking: $60
Prime Upgrade: $33
Regular Parking: $27 per day for car or motorcycle
RV/Bus Parking: $32 per day
Valet parking at Universal Orlando is $27 for the first two hours, and $75 for over two hours prior to 6 p.m. $27/$40 after 6 p.m.

Most types of annual passholders (but not Freedom Passholders) receive complimentary standard parking, and can upgrade to Prime Parking by paying the difference. Certain higher levels of annual passholders receive complimentary Prime Parking. Also, be aware the pricing for preferred parking can go up in busier seasons like spring break, the winter holidays, and much of summer.

Valet and Prime Parking are located on the same level as security. Valet parking is the shortest possible walk, followed by Prime Parking. Regular Parking is further out or on different levels requiring escalator or elevator usage which might not be directly on a straight route to security.

Volcano Bay guests will park in the section of the garage near where the bus to the water park departs.

Free Parking Options

Free Regular Parking for matinee movie showings from 11am – 6pm with purchase of two or more Universal Cinemark matinee tickets. (Regular Parking fee must be paid in full and then will be reimbursed upon presentation of parking receipt. Restrictions apply.)
Free self-parking after 6pm for all guests. (Not valid during Halloween Horror Nights. Additional restrictions may apply and are subject to change without notice.)

Electric vehicle charging stations are available for Universal theme parks, Volcano Bay, and the Universal Orlando resort hotels. For the theme parks, CityWalk, and Volcano Bay, you will need to pay for valet parking in order to access the charging stations. At the Universal Orlando hotels, there are a limited number of charging stations at each hotel. There is no fee to charge.

Universal Security

All guests that arrive at Universal Orlando to visit the parks or CityWalk via vehicle (bus, car, shuttle, ride-hire, etc.) will process through Universal Orlando Resort Security in the Main Rotunda. Be aware that this is a lot of people and the lines can be long at times!

Part of the line from the parking structure to the Security Rotunda

There are two main groups of people that use the Main Security Rotunda, those from the parking structure and those arriving via Universal’s Bus Stop (Universal Bus from the off-Campus Universal Hotels, taxi, ride-hire, hotel shuttle, etc.)

In the pic above this line waiting to enter security is coming from the parking lot and it shows about half of the line!

The escalators up from the Universal Bus Stop are right by the Security Rotunda. However when arriving via Universal Bus I have at times been directed to walk back towards the parking structure and get in that line versus just walking up to security. On other trips this did not happen.

My recommendation is that if possible Use Universal’s Water Taxi or walk from those Hotels where it is possible!

See my Universal Security Overview.

Getting from Universal Orlando Resort to the Other Theme Parks

You might want to make one of the many other Orlando Area Theme Parks or Attractions part of your Universal Orlando Resort vacation.