What to Pack for Your Universal Orlando Vacation
Packing for a Universal Orlando trip can feel like a lot. Between the weather, long park days, and all the gear you might need for the kids, it’s easy to overpack or forget something important. But with a little planning, you can strike a good balance and have everything you need without carrying around a small house.
Before we break it down, here is the official packing list from Universal!
Let’s talk about it!
Your In-Park Bag
Your “in-park” bag is what you’ll carry each day in the parks. Having a well-packed bag saves you time and money. You won’t have to track down a bandage if someone starts to blister, and you won’t be stuck buying a poncho at theme park prices during an afternoon storm.
Because of the locker situation, if you don’t have one staying back to hold the bags, you will want to keep your park bag SMALL.
In my crossbody:
Photo ID, credit cards, cash, phone, and a small external battery charger
Poncho
Small emergency kit (pain relievers, allergy meds, bandages)
Hand sanitizer and wipes
Sunglasses
Lip balm, facial mist, and blotting wipes
In a backpack (if you’re bringing one):
One water bottle per person (we freeze ours overnight so they stay cold)
Ponchos for everyone plus an extra or two for stroller covers or parade seating
Healthy snacks like pretzels or protein bars
Small towel for drying benches or cooling your neck
Extra Ziploc bags for wet clothes or leftovers
Large portable charger and wall plug
Sunscreen
First aid items (bandages, pain relief, moleskin, antibacterial cream)
Reusable straws (the paper ones in the parks don’t last long)
Glow sticks for fireworks
Light jackets, cooling towels, or portable fans depending on the season
My biggest tip: use clear cosmetic bags or Ziplocs to organize your backpack. Security checks move faster, and it’s easier to find what you need without emptying the whole bag.
What Not to Bring
Universal Orlando has specific rules about what can and cannot be brought into the parks. Firearms, knives, and weapons of any kind are prohibited. Other key policies include:
Selfie sticks: allowed at Universal’s discretion, but not on rides
Outside food: small snacks and bottled water are fine, but no glass containers, alcohol, or large coolers
Costumes: no masks, veils, or weapons (health-related face coverings are fine)
Smoking: only in designated areas
Always check Universal’s latest park policies before you visit, as rules can change.
Bag and Locker Tips
Yes, you can bring a backpack into Universal Orlando, but several rides require you to store bags in lockers. Standard-sized lockers are free during the ride’s wait time, but larger ones cost a few dollars. To save space (and money), use a smaller bag or fanny pack that fits into the free lockers.
Keep in mind that all bags are screened before you enter the parks. Suitcases and bags with wheels are not permitted.
Essentials for Your Universal Trip
Once you’ve got your in-park bag packed, make sure you have these basics covered for your overall trip:
Cell phone charger and printed copies of any reservations or tickets
Comfortable shoes and clothes
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats
Lightweight rain poncho
Refillable water bottle
Travel-size pain reliever and motion sickness medicine
Snacks
Lanyard for your park ticket or Express Pass
Stroller (if you have younger kids)
For Volcano Bay, pack towels, water shoes, and a small cooler with snacks. And if you’re staying at a Universal hotel, bring swimwear, flip-flops, and a change of clothes for a night out.
A well-packed bag makes your Universal Orlando vacation smoother and more enjoyable. The goal isn’t to carry everything “just in case,” but to have what you need to keep everyone comfortable, hydrated, and ready for fun. A little planning goes a long way toward making your park days stress-free.
