What to pack for Universal Studios Orlando

If you are heading to Universal Studios, you will want to make the most out of your day. We are sharing what to pack for Universal Studios Orlando, so you can enjoy your day to the max!

Best bag for Universal Studios

The first thing you will need for your Universal Studios Orlando trip is a good bag. There are a few different options for this but not all bags are suitable for a day at a theme park. Here are the best types of bags for a Universal Studios trip:

• Backpack: The best choice; backpacks can hold lots of items but also allow you to have your hands free and distribute the weight of bags on both shoulders. Plus, you can get lots of fun designs at affordable prices too. The cons, however, backpacks can be a bit bulky which make it difficult when finding a place for them on certain rides. But Universal does have lots of lockers across the park, both free and paid, to use. 

• Shoulder bag: The shoulder bag offers more safety and ease than the backpack; you can grab things out quickly; ideal if you want to take a quick photograph or pay for something but is also in your eyesight, meaning pickpocketing (although uncommon in the park) is more avoidable with a shoulder bag. However, they do not hold as much and we always find they can be uncomfortable after a long day. 

• Fanny Pack: If you are looking to take the bare essentials, a fanny pack is where it’s at. You can even get away with wearing this on most of the rides and will have a lot less worry about losing personal items. However, these obviously don’t fit much in them so you may end up having to carry around a water bottle as well. 

Essentials – Universal Studios packing list

Now let’s look at those important items you should bring on your trip Universal Studios

Comfortable shoes – A must in the theme parks. Invest in a pair of comfortable trainers and make sure you wear them before your day at the park; there is nothing worse than blistered feet from brand new shoes.

When choosing trainers, my rule is; if I wouldn’t wear them to go running then I shouldn’t wear them to the parks. I also bring some Foot Glide on vacation with me if I know I am going to have multiple long days.

Water Bottle – It is essential that you stay hydrated during your day at the theme park, especially when temperatures are higher than you maybe use to. Water in the parks cost $3 and let’s face it, you aren’t going to be buying a load of $3 water bottles. Instead, bring in your own water bottle and refill throughout the day; we love the hydro flasks that keep your water cold for hours. 

Portable Power Bank – With wait times and photo ops paired with the mega long days you experience at theme parks, a portable power bank is a must. You can get small power banks these days too so pick one up, charge it up and pop it in your bag before your day out. 

Poncho – With the water rides at both Universal Studios and Island of Adventures as well as the rainstorms you can experience throughout the year in Orlando, it is no wonder that the parks sell ponchos for up to $20.

Pick up a pack of ponchos online before your visit and throw a few in your bag to avoid getting too wet. We love the ponchos that are tiny and are attached to a keychain – we use these.

Snacks – We talk more about this below, but you are permitted to bring snacks into the park. Anything that needs refrigerating should be avoided but snacks like cereal bars, nuts and crisps go a long way when you need a pick me up as you explore the parks. Target and Walmart have lots of snack options so big something up before your Day at Universal Studios. 

Sunscreen – Universal Studios Orlando and Hollywood can both get very hot. Bring along sunscreen or sun lotion during your trip to Universal, try to stick to the shaded areas as much as possible and keep reapplying the sunscreen. Travel bottles are available online in bulk so avoid overspending in the local stores in Orlando. 

Pain Killers – It is a great idea to bring along some pain killers for your trip to the parks. With the rides whipping you back and forth, the bustling crowd and so much going on, the last thing you want is a headache. We always bring a small pack of headache tablets just in case and the head strips are great for young children.

Cash – You can pay by card at the parks but there are some situations, for example at drink or ice cream stands, that accept cash only. Bring your card and a bit of cash to avoid having to use ATM’s in the park.

Hand wipes or hand sanitizer – More and more essential these days, make sure you bring along some hand sanitiser (we love the little Bath and Body Work keyrings) or hand wipes to keep your hands clean. Remember to wash your hands before eating anything but we choose to wash our hands then use hand sanitiser as well. 

Extra optional items for Universal Studios

Above are the essentials but you may want to consider a few more items, depending on the type of traveller or theme park goer you are. 

Sunglasses – Many people dislike taking these to parks; l where do you put them on the rides? However, we hate squinting all day so sun glasses are a must for our packing list. We always bring an inexpensive pair and store them in a cloth bag when on the rides. If you are a backpack with multiple sections, you could place sunglasses in section with no other items to avoid any breakages. 

Lip Balm – Chapped lips in the harsh sun is just infuriating. Get yourself a tiny lip balm and slip it into your bag or pocket, to keep your lips safe during the long day out. 

Hat – If you know you are going to be at theme parks all day, then a hat is a great idea. This will help block some of the sun from your eyes but will also ensure you avoid sunstroke; no-one wants to be sick after a day at Universal Studios, especially in the middle of your holiday. 

Water Mist Fan – These are popular items, especially when you are visiting Universal with young children. This water mist fan cools you down and helps you feel less hot and sticky. 

Cooling Towel – Another non-essential item that is loved by families. These towels cool you down quickly once wet and can help with those that suffer from heat exhaustion easily. They do not work as well when the humidity is high but are still appreciated during a long day at the parks. 

A change of clothes – This is recommended if you are visiting Universal Studios with children. There are wet rides so you could also bring swimwear but a change of clothes is a great option either way, getting fresh new clothes on during the day can make a high difference to a child’s ability to keep on going through the parks. 

Pre-bought souvenirs – We all love Harry Potter but the souvenirs in the parks are EXPENSIVE! Save some money by picking items online before your trip rather than in the parks. 

Deodorant – No matter what the weather, you will likely work up a sweat in both Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando. It maybe a good idea to carry along a small deodorant to freshen up, especially if you intend on spending the whole day at the park. 

Motion sickness medicine – Not everyone will need these but if you are prone to feeling motion sick then make sure you bring some

Universal Studios Packing List tips