Parking

[jemrock]

Hey all,

After coming across a particular hefty parking charge in the UK recently it made me realise I actually don't know how parking works in Orlando outside of the parks!

Is it like the UK where it's a mix of free and pay and display if you want to park on the street? Can I use an app or is it cash? Are restrictions generally quite clear to understand?

Last time we visited everywhere we went happened to have free parking lots so it didn't come up but this time we'll need to go to the courthouse (though I think that has a carpark) and I'm also keen to try some more offsite restaurants (like the Melting Pot, Kekes etc).

It sounds so basic but if someone could just talk me through how it works and any pitfalls I'd be really grateful!

Thanks!

[400ixl]

It is very much like the UK, some places will be free parking, others charge. Far more free though, as lets face it many Americans and walking, well ...

One of the biggest differences can be where places off self park and valet parking. Personally I stick to self parking as I could not be bothered in dealing with (an unlikely) incident where something happens with a hire car and you have handed the keys to someone else.

As here many of the parking places that charge take cards or use apps, some do still only take cash.

Other things to remember is never park facing in the direction of oncoming traffic and they like you to park nose in rather than reverse in.

On a good note, they tend to have their parking slots at an angle which makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle for the driver.

In all, its not really different to here. Key an eye out for signs as you find here for parking restrictions and you will be fine.

[mick]

Just to add a bit more - as at last November anyway

Parking at the malls such as Florida Mall and Mall at Millennia is free. They have introduced paid areas at the two Premium Outlets (I-Drive and Vineland) but these are near the entrances and can easily be avoided simply by driving a bit further in. Been to them both half a dozen times since charges introduced and never paid.

Parking at Disney Springs is still free as is kerbside parking in Celebration - but as 400ixl says make sure you park in the direction of travel.

I'd guess that the vast majority (if not all) of restaurants in the main tourist areas of I-Drive and 192 have ample free parking.

Mick

[soraia]

Originally Posted by 400ixl

Other things to remember is never park facing in the direction of oncoming traffic and they like you to park nose in rather than reverse in.

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Oh really? I never heard that before, thanks for flagging.

Do you know why that is?

[mick]

Originally Posted by soraia

Oh really? I never heard that before, thanks for flagging.

Do you know why that is?

See more...

400ixl is not on line at the minute but I'm sure he won't mind me answering.

The vast majority of USA cars only have the registration tag on the back so it means that walking up a line in Walmart for instance you can see all the plates in both rows. Not sure they would enforce it in a supermarket but that's the reason.

Collecting state plates is something we do over there - as in spot them and not unscrew them from cars.

Mick

[Dr.JumbaJookiba]

I have the MyPark app on my phone, great for when the Outlets are busy and the paid spaces near the doors are empty. You just open the app, search for a space, and the barrier drops for you. Couple or three dollars and you don't have to fight to park. Best back up plan ever and at really busy times you can reserve a space before you leave the hotel.

[DonnaD]

There are very few places that you need to worry about paying to park other than at theme parks and some of the larger hotels. The only ones I can think of other than the optional sections at the outlets are the multi stories at the Pointe on I Drive and in downtown Orlando.
Pretty sure the Osceola Court House has free parking. Even the city center hospitals here have free parking.

Citywalk shares garages with Universal parks but is usually free after 6:30 except when during Hollywood Horror nights.

In general parking is far easier and cheaper here than in the UK.

[tiggers friend]

If you are travelling to the Gulf Coast a number of the car parks there are chargeable, but all the ones I've used have been credit card enabled (many take cash).

The most confusing (for me anyway) was at Englewood Beach where you needed to enter the bay number you were parked in, increment a counter to the time you wanted (in half hour increments) and then pay.

[jemrock]

Thanks everyone for the replies! Really helpful and much appreciated - hopefully we'll be allowed in to be able to put it into practice!

[soraia]

Originally Posted by mick

400ixl is not on line at the minute but I'm sure he won't mind me answering.

The vast majority of USA cars only have the registration tag on the back so it means that walking up a line in Walmart for instance you can see all the plates in both rows. Not sure they would enforce it in a supermarket but that's the reason.

Collecting state plates is something we do over there - as in spot them and not unscrew them from cars.

Mick

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Thanks Mick - you learn something new everyday