What to Bring to Universal Studios Orlando

What to Bring to Universal Studios Orlando

What to Bring to Universal Studios Orlando

This article is your complete guide and checklist on what to bring to Universal Orlando! Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a seasoned theme park pro, knowing exactly what to pack can make or break your day. From essentials that keep you cool and comfortable like fans, ponchos, and water bottles in the Florida heat, to helpful items that save time and money in the parks, we’ve got you covered.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando be sure to check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!

 Universal Crowd Calendar

What to Bring to Universal Orlando Resort?

For a single day at any Universal Orlando park, pack your park tickets or confirmation number, a photo ID, a credit or debit card, your phone with a portable charger, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable broken-in shoes, a small bag or backpack, and a few snacks. Add rain gear from roughly June through September, when Florida’s daily afternoon thunderstorms are practically scheduled programming. That’s the 90% answer. Below, we break down the other 10% that actually makes or breaks a trip.

What to Bring to the Universal Orlando Parks

• Park tickets or online confirmation number
• Photo ID and a credit/debit card
• Phone and phone charger cable
• Portable phone charger (a real one — most people underestimate how fast a phone battery drains running the Universal app, taking photos, and using mobile food ordering all day)
• Comfortable, already-broken-in shoes
• Small backpack or crossbody bag (see bag-size rules below before you buy one)
• Refillable water bottle
• Waterproof phone pouch or a simple zip-top bag
• Hand sanitizer
• Lanyard for holding tickets and hotel room keys

Pro tip: If you visited before and still have a Coke Freestyle cup, bring it — it typically qualifies for a discounted refill price at Freestyle machines throughout the parks.

Comfort & Weather Items

• Poncho or lightweight raincoat
• Sunscreen (reef-safe if you’re also doing Volcano Bay)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Cooling towel
• Small battery-powered handheld fan
• Extra socks (your feet will thank you by 3 p.m.)
• Band-aids for blisters and small cuts
• Over-the-counter medications: pain relievers, antihistamines, anti-nausea/motion sickness tablets
• A small medication organizer if you’re taking anything on a schedule

Pro tip: Orlando’s summer heat index regularly climbs into triple digits by early afternoon. Plan a midday break — pool, hotel room, or an air-conditioned indoor show — rather than trying to power through.

For Kids & Families

• Baby food or formula, if applicable
• Diapers and wipes
• A full change of clothes per child (water rides happen even when you didn’t plan on one)
• Small quiet activities for stroller naps or dining waits
• A written note with a meeting point in case anyone gets separated — a low-tech backup even with phones in hand

What to Bring to Epic Universe?

Epic Universe is now open and packing for it looks a little different from the legacy parks — mostly because so much of what you’ll want there is interactive, and there’s noticeably less natural shade across the park’s five lands.

• Cooling towel and a UV umbrella. Celestial Park and the surrounding lands are gorgeous but open, and shade is limited between attractions.
• Power-Up Band, if you plan to play in Super Nintendo World. This RFID silicone wristband links to the Universal Orlando app and lets you punch question-mark blocks, collect coins and keys, and compete in mini-games throughout the land. <cite index=”3-1″>It’s an RFID silicone slap bracelet that links directly to your Universal Orlando Resort app via Universal Play, and it lets you punch bricks and question mark blocks, uncover secret items, and compete in challenges.</cite> Standard bands run around $45 plus tax, with character-specific designs and passholder discounts available, and there’s now even a limited-edition gold anniversary version sold at the Super Nintendo World store at CityWalk.
• Interactive wand, if you already own one from Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, or a prior trip — it works throughout Ministry of Magic in Epic Universe’s Wizarding World, so there’s no need to buy a second one just for this park.
• Comfortable shoes over stylish ones. Epic Universe’s layout is larger and more spread out than the legacy parks, and you’ll walk more between lands than you might expect on a map.

What is Not Allowed in the Universal Orlando Parks?

• Glassware or glass containers
• Open containers or drinks containing alcohol
• Hard-sided coolers
• Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep
• Picnic lunches; any food that requires heating or refrigeration; folding chairs
• Any type of explosive, weapon, or item that can be used as a weapon or has the appearance of a weapon is prohibited
• Alcohol
• Marijuana, or any item containing Cannabis or related paraphernalia
• Illegal items or substances
• Clothing likely to create a danger, incite a disturbance, or display offensive language or content
• Clothing or accessories that represent someone as emergency personnel or that may create a false impression of employment by Universal
• Power-driven devices such as Segways (unless utilized as an ADA mobility device), Hoverboards, Drones, or any other radio frequency-controlled device
• Selfie sticks are permitted at Universal’s discretion but must be properly secured and not in use on any rides or attraction
• Any other items Universal personnel deem to be inappropriate, disruptive, or harmful

What NOT to Bring (and What to Skip Buying at Home)

Half of packing smart is knowing what to leave behind. A few things we’d genuinely skip:

• Don’t overbuy ponchos. One per person is plenty; Universal sells them in-park if a surprise storm rolls through and you didn’t pack one.
• Skip bringing a full-size umbrella. They’re awkward on rides, take up locker space, and aren’t allowed on most attractions anyway. A packable poncho does the same job for less hassle.
• Leave rolling suitcases and hard-sided coolers at the hotel. They’re not permitted in the parks at all, so there’s no upside to hauling them from your room.
• Don’t pack a giant camera bag unless you’re a serious hobbyist. Your phone camera is genuinely good enough for 95% of what you’ll want to capture, and it means one less thing to carry through security and rides.
• Skip buying a second interactive wand or Power-Up Band if you already own one — they’re reusable across visits and parks.

Related Post: What is the Cheapest Way to Go to Universal Studios

Things to Pack For a Universal Orlando Hotel

Another important thing to consider is what do you need for Universal Orlando hotel? Universal hotel guests will want to take everything on our packing list above, plus some additional necessities. Some of the more popular items to pack for Universal Hotels would be toiletries, personal items, chargers, makeup, and anything that you would want to bring from home for your hotel room.

What to Bring to Universal Orlando Hotel?

• Hotel reservation number
• Chargers for cell phones/laptops
• Snacks and easy-to-make food
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Aloe gel
• Hair products
• Deodorant
• Floss
• Toothpaste/toothbrush
• Lotions
• Lip balm
• Manicuring tools (clippers, polish)
• Q-tips
• Alcohol wipes
• Tampons/pads
• Hand sanitizer
• Make-up and make-up tools
• Extra suitcase for merchandise
• Activities for kids

Related Post: Is Staying at a Universal Orlando Hotel Worth it?

What to Pack for Volcano Bay

To enjoy Volcano Bay, we recommend starting with a couple of high-SPF sunscreens – you’re going to need it! Throw in a waterproof phone case and don’t forget your swimsuit, a stylish yet comfy pair of flip-flops, and a quick-dry towel for those rapid transitions between rides. You can also toss in a sun hat or a cool cap, and last but not least, a pair of water-resistant sunglasses to keep you looking sharp while you navigate the waters. With these in your arsenal, you’re all set to conquer Volcano Bay!

Volcano Bay Water Park Packing List

• High SPF Sunscreen
• Bathing Suit
• Water Shoes or Flip-Flops
• Quick-Dry Towel
• Waterproof Phone Case
• Sunglasses
• Hat or Cap
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Snacks
• Portable Charger
• Waterproof Pouch or Dry Bag
• Change of Clothes
• Lightweight Backpack or Tote Bag
• Lip Balm with SPF
• First Aid Supplies
• Identification and Park Tickets
• Beach Cover-Up or Sarong

Pro tip: Rent a locker near the entrance rather than trying to carry a bag around the water park all day — most of what you actually need fits in a small dry bag clipped to you, and it’s a lot more comfortable in and out of the water.

Related Post: Ultimate Walt Disney World Packing Guide

What to Bring to Universal Studios Orlando FAQ

Q: What do I need to bring to Universal Studios?

A: For a day at Universal Studios, pack your tickets, a photo ID, a credit/debit card, your phone with a portable charger, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable clothing and shoes, a lightweight backpack, and snacks. Don’t forget any personal medications you may need, as well as rain gear just in case, especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season.

Q: Can you wear a backpack on rides at Universal?

A: Yes, you can bring a backpack to Universal Studios, but you’ll need to store it in the free lockers provided at the more intense rides and attractions. Smaller, less intense rides may allow you to bring your backpack on board.

Q: What should I pack for a day at Universal?

A: For a day at Universal Studios, pack light and bring essentials such as sunscreen, water bottle, comfortable shoes, poncho or umbrella, portable phone charger, sunglasses, hat, small snacks, and any necessary medications. Use a small backpack or cross-body bag for easy access and storage during rides.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits that can help save you up to three hours in the parks!