If anyone passes by Universal Studios and you just want to check out the CityWalk and not the Studio, There is a Metro Station on Lankershim and 101 with free parking. You just walk across the street, hop on the free Universal Shuttle to the Park and it takes you near the front. A sign at the Metro stations says parking for Metro only. They have no idea if you use it or not. The shuttle stops running at 10:00 at night. (check times) We once turned around after hearing we had to pay $8 for parking just to check out CityWalk.

10:00 at night? You might want to check on that, it doesn't always stop running at 10... and there ARE times when MTA/Sheriff's Deputies DO patrol, especially in the evening.

CoasterMatt, Thanks for the tip. I was wondering how Security/Police will know if you rode the Subway or not? Do they follow you to your car and ask to see a Ticket Stub? Do they watch people walking back from the Universal Shuttle area? You could say you rode it earlier to Hollywood Blvd. then went to Universal afterward. You can buy a Ticket for $2.50 round trip before you hop on the Shuttle and complain you did use Metro. Do they really care that much?

What we usually do is stay at a Motel near Hollywood/Western and ride the Metro into the Park "legally" I don't know if they still do it, but Universal Orlando would let you park for free during the day to encourge people to check out CityWalk. $8 to check out Universal Hollywood is a rip off. They should think about 2hrs free parking with validation from any merchant. It might encourage more visitors.

Citywalk does offer validation on parking on weekends usually. Note: NOT for all shops. I know if you go to Howl At The Moon on weekends for parties you can get a validation for $4 on Valet Parking (usually $12) So thats no a bad deal.