Are you planning a trip to Universal Orlando resort and wondering what you should wear? Whether you are most excited about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal, or Islands of Adventure, being prepared for long days in the parks is essential!
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What do you wear to Universal Studios?
1. Comfortable shoes
The most essential piece of packing for Universal Studios Orlando (and Hollywood) is comfortable shoes! This is not the time to try out brand new shoes and high heels. By the end of the day, you will have walked many miles and comfort is key.
My personal favorite comfortable walking shoes for Florida theme parks are Keen sandals, Adidas sneakers, and Teva sandals. If you prefer flip flops, be sure to purchase some with arch support for a lot of walking! Birkenstock makes a great option.
2. Tank tops and shorts
If you are visiting Orlando during the spring, summer, or early fall, you will want lightweight comfortable clothes for the hot sun. Pack some breathable tank tops, short sleeved shirts, and shorts to stay cool! The good news is they will pack up easily and take up little room in your suitcase!
3. Long-sleeved shirts and cardigans
If you are traveling during the winter months, you may want to consider packing some shirts with long sleeves shirts and cardigans. Though the temps may rise during the day, early mornings and evenings might get cool. You will want to be prepared.
4. Light jacket
Again, if you are traveling in the winter months, throw a light jacket in your bag. You may want it during the winter months!
5. Water bottles
I always throw a refillable water bottle into our carry-on for travel. My favorite is stainless steel to keep my water nice and cold! Stay hydrated in the Orlando sun. I like the one below because it easily fits into the side pocket of my backpack and purse. You can easily refill them at water fountains throughout the park. Just ask team members if you need help finding them.
6. Fanny pack
I know, a fanny pack?! Yes, a fanny pack is a great thing to have at the Universal parks. Many rides make you use store items in a locker but most allow you keep the fanny pack on your body. It’s the perfect spot for your park tickets, Universal hotel room key, photo ID, credit cards and cell phone.
Remember, your hotel key may also serve as your Express Pass if you are staying in a Premier hotel. Premier hotels include Loews Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay. I also throw in some gum and candy for small children to keep them happy!
7. Portable power bank
I know you don’t wear a power bank, but make sure to pack a portable charger. The Universal app is amazing and will keep you posted on wait times, restaurants and park maps. You will want to keep it going with a portable charger because it will drain your battery!
8. Pack of Ponchos
It is always a good idea to throw a pack of ponchos in your suitcase. Orlando is known to have afternoon showers any time of the month, but especially during hurricane season. Rainy weather can happen and you want to be prepared with a rain poncho. You can often find them inexpensively at the Dollar Store or you can order them from Amazon.
You can also throw a small umbrella into your bag. Just be sure it will fit into a small backpack that you want to take into the parks. Rainy weather will not shut down the parks, so keep going in a poncho! They also come in handy for water rides like Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls.
9. Sun Hat or Ball Cap
The best way to protect your face from the hot sun in Orlando is using a sun hat or ball cap, especially during the summer months.
10. Sunglasses
Again, remember to protect those eyes with good sunglasses. It may be your most important item! You may not want to bring your most expensive pair, however. Be sure to take them off during any roller coaster ride. Rides like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will require you to leave everything in a locker, including sunglasses and hats. The last thing you want to happen is to have them flying off during one of those crazy plunges!
11. Swimsuit and Cover Up
If you plan to visit the pool outside your hotel room or visit the fantastic water parks like Volcano Bay, be sure to pack your bathing suit, cover up, and flip flops. There are plenty of water activities to enjoy throughout your Orlando trip!
12. A Small Park Bag
If you opt against the fanny bag, you may still want to pack a small bag for the park. Just like at the Disney parks, it is nice to have a little place to store your water bottle, lip balm, sunscreen, etc.
13. Sunscreen
Remember to pack sunscreen! Even if it is not 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the Orlando sun can be brutal. Protect your skin while you are having a great time on your favorite ride or wandering around Jurassic Park or Diagon Alley.
Be sure to slather it on before your day begins. It’s one of the first things we do in the morning. Also, consider putting more back on while you check out wait times in the afternoon. It’s a great way to prevent sun damage while waiting in long lines, any time of year!
14. Change of Clothes
Be sure to throw a change of clothes in your park bag, if you plan to get wet or if you are traveling with small children. If you plan to spend an entire day at the park, you may be sweaty or wet on the water rides and want to change to feel more comfortable. Of course, you may especially want a change of clothes in the water parks.
15. Extra Snacks
If you want to save some money and prevent meltdowns, consider throwing your own snacks in your bag. You can grab some granola bars for an easy breakfast on the drive into the parks and candy or gum to have while you wait in line. You can also pick up some individual snacks like Goldfish, pretzels or almonds to keep your energy up while you are having a great time in the parks.
16. Small cooler
If you have special dietary needs or need medication for medical purposes, you can bring a small cooler into Universal (and Disney world). Cooler bags or a small cooler is allowed in the parks, so think through what you might want to pack to keep your family healthy and comfortable. Soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep are allowed in the parks.
17. Motion sickness medicine
Universal is home to lots of rides with moving screens. If you are prone to motion sickness, it’s a great idea to consider packing motion sickness medicine or ginger candy to help ease any nausea. You want to have a good time all day long!
Does Universal Orlando have a dress code?
Universal dress code policy is fairly lenient. The only requirements are not to dress as a Universal employee or emergency personnel. You are also asked to not wear anything with offensive language or anything that would cause danger to other guests.
Costumes are only allowed at certain times of the year. No costumes covering the face are allowed.
What should I wear to Harry Potter world?
If you are planning to spend a lot of time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, be sure to throw in some Harry clothes! I have found several great tshirts on Amazon like the one below with a Harry theme. You will see plenty of people wearing capes and hats. Just be sure to consider your comfort level in the Orlando heat!
Can I bring sandwiches to Universal Studios? Can I bring snacks?
Yes, you can bring snacks into Universal Studios. It will save you time and money! Our favorites are Goldfish, protein bars, pretzels and apples. Be sure to avoid anything that may melt in the sun, like chocolate.
Are fanny packs allowed on rides at Universal Studios?
Fanny packs make a great thing to take into the Universal parks. Backpacks must be stored in lockers for many rides and some may even require a paid locker to store them, depending on the size. Most rides will allow you to keep your fanny pack on during the ride, except for the most intense rides like Hulk and Velocicoaster. Here is one of my favorites.
I hope this post on a Universal Studios packing list helps you as you prepare for your next trip to this fantastic park. Be sure to sign up below for my family packing list and keep reading for more ideas on travel with your family.
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