Universal Studios Orlando announced on Twitter today that parking at the resort will be free for anyone arriving after 6pm, starting today.

Parking before 6pm will still cost the regular rate of $20 per day (don’t expect to see that going any time soon). However, with free evening parking, Universal are hoping this will bring in more guests into Universal CityWalk to enjoy the restaurants and entertainment on offer.

Free parking after 6pm was previously available at Universal, however it was limited to Florida residents, as long as they had valid ID.

There’s no doubt in my mind that this move is to try and draw some of the Disney Springs crowds to Universal CityWalk. Given all the recent work at Disney Springs to add new shops and restaurants, plus all day free parking, it’s a popular option for evening entertainment. Universal must be keen to get a slice of that pie, and with two theme parks just a few minutes from the parking, they’re hoping that will work in their favor.

It’s worth noting that, as mentioned in the tweet, the after 6pm free parking will not be available on Halloween Horror Nights (HHN), not too surprising really.