
Debating what to pack for Universal Studios? Universal Orlando resort and the theme parks of Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay is such a great time, but you want to be prepared with a great packing list to get you off on the right foot. Read all the way to end and download my free printable to take on your next trip to Universal! Let’s break it into categories:
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What should I pack for my Universal Studios trip?

Necessities:
- Multiple outfits (layers, if winter months)
- socks
- pajamas
- jackets (if needed)
- sunscreen
- hats/sunglasses
- cell phone
- cell phone charger
- portable charger
- medications
- wallet/keys
- hotel and ticket confirmations
- face masks
- hand sanitizer
- bathing suit and cover up
- swim towels
- Harry Potter gear and apparel for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- comfortable shoes
For the parks:
- sunscreen/sunglasses
- lip balm
- fanny pack or small backpack
- park tickets
- refillable water bottle
- portable phone charger
- face covering
- hand sanitizer
- change of clothes (optional)
- snacks
- lanyard for tickets
- waterproof pocket for phones and wet rides
- brush/comb and hair ties
- umbrella and rain poncho (check forecast)
- motion sickness medicine
- credit cards
- park map
Extras:
- Zip plastic bags
- Memory cards for camera
- Band Aids
- Moleskin
- Laundry soap and dryer sheets (if needed)
- Extra face masks
- Directions to resort
- Harry Potter wand to explore Diagon Alley
Traveling with a Baby and Small Children

- Diapers, wipes
- Diaper bag
- Small stroller
- Small snacks
- Stroller hooks for bags
- stroller fan
- Baby sunscreen, hat
- Clothing changes
- Pack and Play (if needed), sheet
- Portable high chair (if needed)
- Bibs, burp cloths
- Baby toys
- Baby fork, spoon, plates, sippy cups
- Swimsuit, swim diapers
- Pacifiers
- Bottles (if needed)
- Baby food
- Sound machine or portable fan
What type of shoes should I pack for Universal Studios Florida?
Comfort is your first consideration for having a great time when packing for Universal Studios Florida. You will spend a lot of time on your feet in long lines and full days, and the last thing you want is uncomfortable shoes! Choose shoes that are breathable and soft on your feet. I prefer sneakers or quality sandals when in the parks. No flip-flops or sneakers that don’t support your feet. Also, this is not the time to try out brand-new shoes. Make sure you walk in the shoes before coming to the park to identify any sore spots. At the end of the day, comfort is a good idea!
The good news is that comfortable shoes can also be cute! My favorites are these tennis shoes from Brooks, these sandals from Keen, or these sandals from Teva. They will withstand the elements and keep you moving all day long!

Are backpacks allowed at Universal Studios Florida?
Small backpacks are allowed at Universal Studios, but most rides at Universal require riders to store bags in lockers. The free lockers store small items, like wallets, small purses, cell phones, and wands. You can keep items in these small lockers for the duration of the ride. If you are wearing a fanny pack or lanyard, those things can stay on your person during the ride. (Thus, I have heavily encouraged bringing a fanny pack and lanyard with you to the parks.) Be sure to keep your park ticket with you on the ride, as it is your key to opening the small lockers.
If you have a larger backpack, you will need to pay $2/locker for each ride that you need to store it. So, make sure you need all of those items in the park, as that can add up quickly!
Two roller coasters, the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Hollywood Rip Ride RockIt, do not allow any loose items, so you will go through a metal detector to make sure all loose items are out of your pockets.
There are also large and family lockers available for rent all-day storage. Currently, the large lockers cost $10 and family lockers cost $15. For more info, check out Universal Orlando’s policies here.
How should I dress for Universal Studios Florida?

Check the forecast before visiting and packing for Universal Studios Orlando. Also, consider downloading a great weather app like Accu Weather which provides a highly localized weather forecast to help you spot any arriving showers, common in Orlando. If you are traveling in the winter months, layer clothing, so you can remove outer layers throughout the day. Though Florida is typically warm, early mornings and evenings can be cool in the winter.
In spring and summer, dress as comfortably and coolly as possible! Consider that your clothing may get wet on water rides, so you may want to bring a small change of clothing in your bag. Also, perhaps pack a cooling towel if temps look especially warm.
Can I bring a reusable water bottle to Universal Studios?
Yes! Water bottles can be brought into Universal Studios. You can also receive cups of free ice water at any dining location. You can also refill your own water bottle at any of the Coke Freestyle stations throughout the parks.

Can you bring snacks to Universal Studios?
Yes, you can bring snacks to Universal Studios Orlando. Soft-sided coolers are allowed in the parks. Just remember that you will need to store the snacks and tote them throughout the park, so pack accordingly. Pack small snacks in plastic bags so you can easily dispose of trash throughout the day. You can also visit the dollar store to pick up inexpensive food storage containers for your trip. Of course, also consider any specific dietary needs you may have and pack appropriate snacks to keep yourself feeling good all day long.
Should I stay on-site at a Universal Hotel?
I would highly encourage you to look into staying on-site at a Universal hotel. There are several options from which to choose. Staying at Universal’s hotels means you can take advantage of early park admission and the amazing Universal transportation options. You can also get to Universal CityWalk easily to take advantage of the great restaurants and shopping! The value hotels include Aventura Hotel, Endless Summer: Dockside Inn or Surfside Inn, and Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is a preferred, Caribbean-inspired resort. I love the easy walking path to Universal and the boat transport option.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel are all premier hotels that offer great proximity to the parks, along with unlimited Express Pass so you can skip the lines at most of the major attractions.
I hope this list packing list for Universal Studios Orlando has helped you plan your next trip. Make sure to save and print my printable for your next Universal vacation planning!
If your Orlando travel also includes Disney World, jump over to this post to check out tips for Magic Kingdom.

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