Malls to debut premium parking spots through mobile app

Marco SantanaContact ReporterOrlando Sentinel

Shoppers at three local malls will have the option of paying for premium parking spots through a Miami-built mobile application.

The app MyPark was adopted for 25 spaces at Vineland Premium Outlets last week and will debut with 29 spaces at Orlando International Premium Outlets on Thursday.

The majority of MyPark’s locations are in Florida. However, shopping centers in Puerto Rico and New Jersey have also adopted the technology.

The 4.2-million-square-foot Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., also uses the technology.

Users can reserve parking spots two hours through the app for $3, with each additional hour costing another $3, according to a release.

Company officials say parking attendants at the three locations will be trained to help any shoppers who need it.

MyPark’s entry into Orlando was pushed by the region’s tourism industry, MyPark President and CEO Luis Mayendia said.

One of the newer features in the app is an option for restaurants to validate their customers’ parking directly within it, according to the release.

The Florida Mall spaces will be near Forever 21, the dining pavilion and Macy’s.

Orlando Vineland spaces will be near Nike, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic and American Eagle Outfitters.

Meanwhile, the Orlando International Premium Outlets spaces are near Victoria’s Secret, Oakley Vault, Aeropostale and Neiman Marcus Last Call.

Got a news tip? msantana@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5256; Twitter, @marcosantana