Credit: UniversalUniversal Studios Hollywood has always presented unique logistical challenges compared to its Orlando counterpart.
While Universal Orlando sprawls across hundreds of acres with multiple theme parks, water parks, and resort hotels, Universal Studios Hollywood occupies a compact footprint carved into the Hollywood Hills. The park’s vertical geography means parking structures stack multiple levels, with guests navigating elevators, escalators, and pedestrian bridges to reach CityWalk and the theme park entrance. This compact design creates efficiency in some ways but also means that any changes to parking access patterns immediately impact thousands of daily visitors. Understanding how to navigate Universal Studios Hollywood’s parking system has always required more attention than simply pulling into a lot and walking to the gates. The multi-level structures, varying access points, and different parking tiers create a system that can confuse first-time visitors and even challenge seasoned annual passholders when modifications occur.
Starting Monday, February 9, 2026, Universal Studios Hollywood is implementing significant changes to the Jurassic Parking structure that will fundamentally alter how guests access CityWalk and the theme park from Levels 1 and 2. These modifications close multiple access points, redirect foot traffic, and require guests parked on lower levels to adjust their navigation strategies. For anyone visiting Universal Studios Hollywood in the coming weeks or months, understanding these changes before arrival will save time, reduce frustration, and ensure smoother park entry.
From Reddit: Major changes to Jurassic parking at @UniStudios starting Monday! pic.twitter.com/HmQgJsAqpT
— Theme Park Wizard (@ParkWizar1) February 7, 2026
What’s Changing at Jurassic Parking Structure
The Jurassic Parking structure, one of Universal Studios Hollywood’s primary parking facilities, is undergoing access modifications that close several key pathways guests have relied on for years. These changes affect Levels 1 and 2 specifically, while Level 3 maintains its current access configuration.
At Jurassic Parking Level 1, CityWalk access will be completely closed. Guests parked on this level cannot use the previous direct route to CityWalk and must find alternative paths. Additionally, elevators inside the garage at Level 1 will be closed, eliminating that vertical transportation option. The escalators and stairs connecting Level 1 to Level 2 will also close, preventing guests from moving between these two levels using those pathways.
Jurassic Parking Level 2 faces similar restrictions. CityWalk access from Level 2 will close, matching the Level 1 changes. However, Level 2 elevators inside the garage will remain operational, providing some vertical transportation capability. The escalators and stairs between Levels 2 and 3 will stay open, allowing guests to move upward to Level 3 for CityWalk access.
The pattern emerging from these changes indicates Universal is directing guests parked on lower Jurassic Parking levels to use Level 3 as the primary CityWalk access point. Guests on Level 1 will need to find alternative routes to reach upper levels, while Level 2 guests can use the open escalators and stairs to reach Level 3.
Understanding Universal Studios Hollywood Parking Tiers
Universal Studios Hollywood operates three distinct parking tiers, each offering different proximity to CityWalk and the theme park entrance at varying price points. General Parking typically places guests in structures like Jurassic, E.T., or Curious George, requiring approximately 5 to 15 minutes of walking to reach the park. This tier represents the most affordable option but demands the most time and effort to navigate.
Preferred Parking reduces walking time significantly, usually placing guests in the Woody Woodpecker outside lot near CityWalk and the park entrance or the Frankenstein garage. This option typically requires only 1 to 5 minutes of walking. The actual Preferred Parking location can change daily based on attendance and operational needs, so guests can ask parking attendants upon payment where Preferred Parking is located that specific day.
Front Gate Parking provides the ultimate convenience, positioning vehicles near theme park security and the iconic Universal globe. This premium tier minimizes walking and gets guests into the park faster than any other option.
Current parking prices as of February 2026 reflect these tier differences. General Parking before 5 p.m. costs $40, dropping to $10 after 5 p.m. except during Halloween Horror Nights. Preferred Parking before 5 p.m. starts at $60, with after 5 p.m. pricing at $20 except during Halloween Horror Nights. Front Gate Parking starts at $75. All prices remain subject to change without notice.
How These Changes Impact Guest Experience
The Jurassic Parking modifications create several practical implications for guests. Those who previously relied on direct CityWalk access from Levels 1 or 2 must now adjust their routes, potentially adding walking time and requiring navigation through unfamiliar pathways. First-time visitors who researched older navigation strategies may find their planned routes no longer function, creating confusion upon arrival.
The closure of Level 1 elevators and the stairs and escalators between Levels 1 and 2 means guests parked on Level 1 face the most significant impact. Without direct upward movement options to Level 2, these guests need alternative vertical transportation or must exit the structure and re-enter at different levels to reach Level 3 for CityWalk access.
Level 2 guests have a somewhat clearer path. With escalators and stairs to Level 3 remaining open and Level 2 elevators operational, these guests can move upward to Level 3 and access CityWalk from there. The journey requires more steps than previous direct access but remains relatively straightforward.
Guests with mobility challenges, families with strollers, or those carrying significant belongings face additional considerations. The closure of certain elevators and the requirement to navigate to Level 3 for access may create accessibility challenges that weren’t present under the previous configuration.
Strategic Parking Decisions for Upcoming Visits
Given these changes, guests visiting Universal Studios Hollywood should consider parking tier choices more carefully. General Parking savings of $20-$35 compared to Preferred Parking may feel less valuable when combined with the additional navigation complexity created by Jurassic Parking modifications. The time saved by choosing Preferred Parking, which typically places guests in more convenient locations like Woody Woodpecker or Frankenstein garage, could offset the higher cost for guests who value convenience and simplified arrival experiences.
Front Gate Parking, while expensive at $75, eliminates virtually all parking-related navigation challenges. For guests visiting during busy periods, those with limited mobility, families with young children, or anyone who simply wants to minimize stress and maximize park time, the premium cost might justify the convenience.
Guests committed to General Parking should arrive with patience and flexibility, understanding that navigation may require extra time and potentially some trial and error to identify the best routes from their specific parking location. Allowing extra time for parking and CityWalk navigation prevents feeling rushed or stressed before even entering the theme park.
What Guests Should Know Before Monday
Universal Studios Hollywood hasn’t issued comprehensive official communications about these Jurassic Parking changes, with information primarily circulating through social media and online forums. This limited advance notice means many guests arriving Monday or in subsequent days may encounter these changes without prior knowledge.
The modifications appear designed to redirect guest flow rather than temporarily close areas for maintenance, suggesting these changes represent a longer-term operational adjustment rather than a short-term inconvenience. Whether Universal plans to renovate the closed areas, repurpose them for different uses, or simply manage guest flow more efficiently remains unclear.
Guests should approach Universal Studios Hollywood parking with awareness that configurations, access points, and navigation routes can change with limited notice. What worked during a previous visit may not reflect current operations, making it important to pay attention to parking attendant directions and posted signage upon arrival.
Planning Your Universal Studios Hollywood Visit
For guests with upcoming Universal Studios Hollywood reservations, these parking changes represent just one element of trip planning but can significantly impact the start and end of park days. Consider upgrading to Preferred or Front Gate Parking if budget allows and convenience matters to your group. If sticking with General Parking, build extra time into your arrival schedule to account for potentially longer walks and navigation adjustments.
Families with small children, elderly visitors, or guests with mobility limitations should seriously weigh the benefits of upgraded parking tiers against the cost savings of General Parking. The additional walking and navigation complexity created by Jurassic Parking changes may create more frustration than the cost savings justify.
Look, these parking changes are happening whether we like them or not, and Universal didn’t exactly give everyone tons of advance warning. If you’re visiting this week or anytime soon, don’t assume the parking setup works the way it did on your last trip or the way some outdated blog post describes it. Pay attention when parking attendants give directions, actually read the signs instead of just following muscle memory, and give yourself extra time to figure out the new routes. And honestly? If you can swing the extra cost for Preferred Parking, it might be worth it just to avoid the hassle of navigating these changes while you’re trying to start your vacation. Your morning stress level will thank you, and you’ll actually get into the park ready to have fun instead of already annoyed before you’ve even reached the gates.