Our favorite city (well, excluding CityWalk) just got a whole lot more convenient. Last year, downtown Orlando announced a free parking initiative that’s continuing into the new year. The Park DTO program was first launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage traffic and consumers downtown. The popular freebie was relaunched in 2023 and has helped Orlando’s recent growth with over 30 new local businesses opening downtown last year.
Lake Eola
Drivers can get free two-hour parking at all parking spaces downtown – both metered and non-metered – 24 hours a day, every day of the week. The move is to encourage both visitors and locals to support local businesses, make downtown more accessible, and explore everything the city has to offer.
Free parking isn’t new – our favorite spots like Disney Springs have free parking 24/7, and Universal CityWalk offers free parking after 6PM – but notable spots in downtown Orlando specifically charge high parking rates. The Dr Phillips Center, which we frequent for shows and concerts, charges a whopping $40 for premium parking. Downtown Orlando’s free parking initiative makes places we love more accessible to drivers.
Winter Park
To get free parking, you’ll need to download the ParkMobile app from the app store, then you’ll enter the code “ParkDTO” to activate the offer and input your parking space number. Only 12 free codes were given out per account last year, but this year it’s been upgraded to 16 free codes! Certain restaurants also offer complimentary valet with this offer – visit downtownorlando.com/parkdto for more info. This offer lasts until December 31st, 2026, or until the allocated funding is expended. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog to hear if it’ll stay for 2027!
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