Packing List for the Ultimate Park Day in Universal Orlando

A trip to Universal Orlando is an epic adventure from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the thrills of Jurassic Park; there is something for everyone.

When packing for a day at Universal Orlando, less is more. Many thrill rides require all personal belongings to be stored in Attraction Lockers.

Save time and money using this packing list for the ultimate park day. A well-planned trip to Universal Orlando is the perfect way to make sure that your vacation is one to remember.

Pro Planning Tip: We recommend using Jessica Lieb with ET Family Travel to book your Universal vacation!

Free Packing List

What to Pack for Universal Orlando

A Belt Bag

Wearing a belt bag or fanny pack allows you to comfortably carry all your park essentials without storing your stuff in a locker.

Many of the rides at Universal Orlando require guests to store their bags in lockers during the rides. However, several allow you to keep a belt bag on during the ride.

A Small Backpack

If a belt bag is too small bring a small, lightweight bag. Smaller bags can still fit inside the free attraction lockers (14 in x 5.5 in x 16.9 in). Oversized bags must be stored in the larger lockers, which costs money.

Lockers are available at the entrance of the following attractions:

Universal Studios Florida

• Revenge of the Mummy
• MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

• The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Stroller

A stroller is a must if you have small children. Your little ones will tire quickly with all the walking required in the parks.

If you are flying and don’t want the hassle of bringing your stroller, you can rent one from Kingdom Strollers.

Waterproof Phone Case

Several water rides at Islands of Adventure will get you completely drenched. Protect your phone with a waterproof phone case. You may also prefer to keep your phone in a waterproof case at Volcano Bay. (note: cameras and phones are not allowed on the water slides)

Rain Ponchos

Florida, during spring and summer, will likely include an afternoon thunderstorm. Bring ponchos from home to avoid purchasing an overpriced poncho in the parks. Typically, the rain showers will clear in a few minutes, and you can continue to enjoy your day.

Rain ponchos can also keep your clothes dry on the water rides.

Sunscreen

Florida is going to be hot and sunny most days. Use high-quality sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. An easy-to-apply sunscreen with a high SPF to provide as much protection from the sun as possible.

Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from the bright Florida sun with sunglasses. Consider glasses straps to avoid losing your sunglasses and prevent them from flying off during rides.

Portable Charger

Your phone battery must be charged when navigating the parks with the Universal Orlando app, taking photos, and communicating with your group. Pack a portable charger for a full day in the park, which can drain your phone.

Reusable Water Bottle

Bring a reusable water bottle into the parks to prevent dehydration. Walking around in the hot sun and not keeping yourself hydrated is a recipe for disaster.

Bring a refillable water bottle, not only to keep you hydrated but also to save you money. *Using a carabiner, you can attach this water bottle to your belt bag.

Water fountains are near most restrooms, and many food service locations offer free ice-cold cups of water.

Personal Items

Remember your essentials: credit cards, cell phone, hotel room key, medications, express pass, and park ticket.

First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit is ideal to keep in your bag. Quickly treat minor scrapes with bandaids or keep pain relievers, motion sickness medications, or antacids on hand.

Card Holding Lanyard

If you purchase a Universal Express pass, a card-holding lanyard is an easy way to keep your pass accessible.

A waterproof lanyard also protects your tickets on water rides.

Cooling Towel

Stay cool during the summer when the heat and humidity are worst in Florida with a cooling towel. Soak, wring out, and wear the towel around your neck to stay cool for hours.

Portable Fan

A hand-held fan or neck fan makes it easy to cool off during the hot summer days. Don’t forget to bring a stroller fan to help your little ones stay cool.

Snacks

Universal Orlando allows guests to bring snacks into the parks. Food inside the park can get expensive, so packing a few snacks or even a small meal can save you money and time.

Anti-Chafe Balm

The humid Florida weather can result in chafed skin, potentially ruining your trip. Both men and women are susceptible to chafing. Use an anti-chafe balm to prevent uncomfortably rashes.

Hat

There’s a reason they call it the Sunshine State! Pack a hat to protect your head and face from the sun.

What to Bring to Volcano Bay

A day at Volcano Bay means relaxing in the sunshine and exciting water rides. Knowing what to pack for a day at Volcano Bay can help you experience ultimate relaxation.

Towel

Volcano Bay does not provide guests with towels, so you must bring your own. You can bring fun beach towels or pay to rent towels from the water park.

Cooler

Volcano Bay allows guests to bring a small soft-sided cooler into the water park with snacks or bottled water.

A Change of Clothes

Volcano Bay has lockers you can rent for the day to store personal items like a change of clothes.

What Not to Bring to Universal Orlando

• Suitcases and bags with wheels
• Alcoholic beverages
• Picnic lunches
• Food items that require heating or refrigeration
• Glass containers
• Hard-sided coolers
• Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep
• Folding chairs
• Clothing with offensive language or content
• Clothing that represents someone as an emergency personnel
• Weapons of any kind

Check Universal Orlando Resort Policy and Restrictions before you pack for your trip.