Can You Bring a Backpack to Universal Studios?

In order to have a comfortable and fun day at Universal Studios, visitors are encouraged to bring essentials and valuables. A bag to securely store your snacks, money, camera, tickets, toiletries, and mobile phone to name a few are recommended. But because security can be strict, people often wonder if a backpack can be brought in.

Universal Studios allows visitors to bring backpacks as long as they are smaller than 8.5 inches and don’t have wheels. All bags will be subject to X-ray and inspection. However, you can’t bring bags along on some rides inside the park, though you can keep them in a locker.

For your safety, Universal Studios has put in place rules around what you can bring inside the park. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the world-class theme park’s bag policy.

Table of Contents

Is A Backpack Allowed In Universal Studios?
Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Backpack Allowed In Universal Studios?

Bringing a backpack to Universal Studios is recommended so that you can easily access your valuables and some essentials during your visit. Just some of the things you’ll need to place in the bag include your money, mobile phone, camera, tickets, and small snacks that don’t require heating. It’s also extremely helpful to use a backpack if you are coming with a large family, or have to look after your kids because you’ll need more items such as sun cream and water.

However, Universal Studios management has certain rules in place surrounding backpacks:

You can bring backpacks and bags along, though they will be subject to inspection and X-ray before entering the theme park.
Bags, suitcases, and backpacks that are built with wheels are not permitted inside the park.
Acceptable items inside the backpack include a maximum of 2 liters of bottled water, small snacks, special dietary food, food for medical and nutritional purposes, baby food, and soft insulated bags that are a maximum of 8.5 inches wide, 6 inches high, and 6 inches deep. Keep in mind that food shouldn’t be placed in glass containers; instead, they should be packed in soft containers as long as they are smaller than 8.5 inches in width, and 6 x 6 inches in height and depth. Fast food isn’t allowed in the parks.
Prohibited items include any firearms or weapons, alcoholic beverages, glass and open containers, marijuana, illegal substances, folding chairs, hard coolers, other coolers, clothing with language that is offensive, and bags with wheels.

When packing your backpack or day pack, here are some of the things you should consider bringing along with you:

1
Refillable water bottle: The Universal Studios theme parks can get hot and it isn’t difficult to work up a sweat. It’s also expensive to buy food and drinks. Bringing along a refillable water bottle allows you to take advantage of the several drinking fountains located inside the park to save on costs while reducing the usage of single-use plastic.
2
Toiletries: Some basic toiletries you should always have with you in the park include hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and tissue paper. The amenities in Universal Studios have come in contact with thousands of people before you, so you want to avoid
3
First aid kit: If you’re spending the entire day in a theme park, you want to come prepared even for small things, such as blisters. A first aid kit with motion sickness medicine, pain medication, waterproof bandages, and other emergency items will always come in handy and give you peace of mind.
4
Sunscreen: Exploring Universal Studios means you’ll be under the sun for most of the day. You’ll need sunscreen and other forms of sun protection to prevent sunburns.
5
Rain poncho: A compact, portable rain poncho will come in handy especially in the event of unforeseen weather changes. It will allow you to enjoy the day even if it rains, and it can also help keep your clothes dry when going on the water rides.
6
Snacks: Food can be costly, but you can bring your own snacks to save on money. They don’t permit fast food and other foods that require refrigeration and heating, though you can bring a healthy sandwich, some nuts, granola bars, or trail mix.

There are some rides where the usage of mandatory lockers is required, and you can also rent an all-day locker to stash away things you don’t need to bring with you the entire day such as swimsuits, a change of clothes, or towels. Mandatory lockers at rides are free to use though renting lockers for the day comes with a corresponding fee depending on the size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bring a backpack to Universal Studios Hollywood?

Universal Studios permits the entry of visitors with backpacks, though backpacks and any bag with wheels are prohibited. These will all have to go through the metal detector and additional inspection. Visitors can keep other non-essential items in one of the park’s lockers.

There are several all-day locker choices in Universal Studios Hollywood:

Height: 12 ¾”, Width: 11”, Length: 16 1/2” ; $8/day
Height: 16”, Width: 8”, Length: 16”; $12/day
Height: 21 1/2”, Width: 11”, Length: 16; $15/day

The locker rental prices for the day include unlimited in and out usage, though they are subject to availability.

Can you bring a backpack to Universal Studios Orlando?

Universal Studios Orlando permits the entry of backpacks, except those with wheels. All bags will have to pass through x-ray detectors and additional inspection before you are allowed entry into the park. You can also leave other belongings in one of their all-day lockers, which come in two sizes: regular, which is around 9.5” wide, 17” high, and 17” deep and $10 for the day or their family size locker which is around 12.5” wide, 17” high, and 25” deep, for $25/day.

Free short-term lockers can be used at the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Men in Black Alien Attack, and Revenge of the Mummy. In Islands of Adventure, the free short-term lockers can be found at the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Can you bring a backpack on rides at Universal Studios?

You will need to keep your backpack in a locker when you go on some rides in the theme park, especially if your backpack is large and can pose safety risks to yourself or others during the ride. There are different locker sizes to choose from, and there is the option of renting them for the day. Water rides allow you to bring your own backpack though it’s recommended to have a waterproof bag or plastic to cover it with, or else your valuables can get soaked.

What features should I look for in a backpack for Universal Studios?

When shopping for a backpack for your trip to Universal Studios, only use a day pack that can fit exactly what you need for the day. This means going as small as possible to save you from locker fees while staying comfortable. Some features you should look for include pockets on the side for holding your refillable water bottle, and pockets inside or outside to safely store snacks, your wallet, and mobile phone.

Optional features include a waterproof material to keep your valuables dry if there’s unexpected rains, though you can also bring a rain cover or plastic bag to keep it dry. Last but not least, look for padded, breathable shoulder straps so that they don’t dig into your shoulders.