Posted on April 16, 2025
Fancy a visit to Universal Orlando Resort? If you're wondering what to pack for your exciting getaway, this blog is perfect for you. We've created a helpful list of items that you should bring for your escapade. Of course, we want to make sure that you can make the most of this one-of-a-kind experience
Whether you're planning to stay in one of the Universal Hotels, or just exploring the theme parks and water rides, this packing guide has got you covered. Dive into this friendly packing guide to make your trip to Universal Orlando Resort truly exceptional.
This list includes the basic stuff that every Universal wanderer should pack. Let's just say, most of these items should be in your survival kit. The purpose is to make your day at Universal Orlando as convenient and comfortable as possible.
Before stuffing your backpack with other essentials, you'll want to bring the most important item on this list. For smooth and convenient park admission, make sure to have your tickets with you. PRO TIP: Skip the long lines and have the easiest access to your dream rides and attractions by securing the Universal Express Pass.
(Note that the Express Pass should be purchased separately. It is not included in your Universal Orlando Resort discount tickets from FunEx.)
Exploring the park is a lot easier if you have cash on hand. From food and souvenirs, we're pretty sure you'll be tempted to buy from the snack bars and boutiques inside the park.
Don't forget your car and house keys!
Okay. While this one seems like a no-brainer for everyone, wearing and packing comfortable clothes to Universal Orlando Resort is a must. In fact, there should be a written rule about this. Guests should be mindful of the Florida weather before heading to the park. Especially during summer, when the Florida sun isn't playing. Make your time in the parks comfortable by wearing light and breathable clothing.
You might also want to consider packing extra clothes if you wish to visit Universal CityWalk. Comfy clothes will help you have a nice shopping and nightlife experience.
Of course, if the weather is cold, you're going to need thicker clothes to keep warm. Consider packing clothes according to the season. Winter months may call for thick padded jackets, while rain ponchos are a must during the rainy season.
Take photos, check your itinerary, make payments, etc. Who can explore a Universal park without a mobile phone?
PRO TIP: Have the best photos taken by professional photographers at the parks with My Universal Photos. It's the perfect souvenir for family and friends!
Universal Orlando Resort is MASSIVE. Meaning, you will have an actual field day taking photos of popular attractions. To make sure that you won't miss all the picture-perfect moments, throw your charger inside your bag. If you feel like a fully-charged phone or tablet won't suffice, a portable charger might be a good idea.
We added "ultra" for more emphasis. A day at Universal Orlando Resort involves a lot of walking. So, comfortable shoes are a must. You'll want to spend your day at the park with happy feet, instead of blistered ones, right?
Stay protected under the harsh Florida sun by packing your trusted sunscreen. Sun protection is important in your Universal vacation because it's extremely hot during the day. We also recommend guests to bring hats (we can vouch for the wide-brimmed ones for extra protection) and sunglasses. You know, it's not that hard to stay and look cool at Universal Orlando.
Fun and adventure should always come with safety. You can pack a hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes for squeaky clean surfaces.
Apart from staying cool, staying hydrated is also a crucial part of your Universal Orlando getaway. To save money and protect Mother Earth, you should bring a refillable water bottle. There are several water fountains and free water and ice refills throughout the park. Skip the hassle and extra cost of buying bottled water by packing a refillable one.
In addition to your theme park admission tickets, we listed some items that you need when exploring Universal Orlando theme parks.
In case you're wondering, backpacks are allowed inside Universal destinations. However, large backpacks will be required to be placed in designated lockers at the park. Just bring a small backpack or a fanny pack to hold your essentials while on rides.
Want to kill time while waiting in line? Guests can bring small snacks to munch on as they wait for their turns. Bite-sized treats like granola bars and small bags of chips won't hurt.
Don't forget to rehydrate! Bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill to beat the heat at the theme parks.
Universal Islands of Adventure is one of the best spots at Universal Orlando Resort, you shouldn't miss. Bringing waterproof bags to hold your essentials as you slide and splash on the thrilling rides is a must.
If you're planning to stay at a Universal hotel, securing your key is crucial at all times. Universal Hotel guests will need their hotel room keys for Early Park Admission and Universal Express (available in select Universal Orlando Resort hotels).
Guests are allowed to bring prescription medicines for themselves or their families. In fact, the Health Services at each park can assist you if you need help storing your meds.
To make your Universal Orlando Resort vacation comfortable, packing a stroller or a wheelchair can help. The park offers stroller and wheelchair rentals for Universal's theme parks and Universal Orlando hotel guests. This is especially helpful for guests with toddlers and elderly guests with mobility problems.
Your summer day in the parks will not be complete without a visit to Volcano Bay. For the ultimate summer escapade, here are your must-pack items:
Bringing your own towel can help you feel at ease in terms of cleanliness and safety. But you can always bring your hotel towel or rent one at the park.
Don't forget to bring a cute beach bag to hold your Volcano Bay essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle, and more.
Small, soft-sided coolers can be brought inside the park for snacks and refreshments.
Prevent those nasty falls and slips by wearing water shoes. You can rock them throughout the theme park and some of the slides for a safe and chic Volcano Bay escape.
Of course, if you are staying at one of the Universal Orlando hotels, always keep your room key on hand. This will help you enjoy hassle-free access to attractions and rides, including Volcano Bay.
A Volcano Bay adventure means getting soaked and having fun under the sun. So, yup, a change of clothes is necessary. Pack some light clothing for the ultimate Volcano Bay experience.
The number of days you plan to spend at the park is important when preparing a packing list. For example, if you are planning to explore the park in one day, light packing will be enough. On the other hand, if you opt for an extended visit, we recommend adding more than the essentials.
It is also important that you consider the size of your belongings. While the standard-sized lockers are free, larger lockers for oversized items require certain fees. Checking the size of your items will help you avoid overpacking stuff that exceeds the park's standard sizing. This will save you from the hassle and additional expenses.
Once you have already figured out #1 and #2, it's time for you to list your essentials. We listed down some of the basic items that you need to survive your Universal Orlando adventure. But just to make sure, here's another list that you can refer to:
Travel documentation (printed copies are highly recommended)
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Phone
Battery pack / charging device
Extra clothes
Cash and cards
Keys
(Note that essentials will depend on your needs. Children, elderly, and guests with disabilities might need special items.)
All bags will be inspected upon entry. Be mindful of the following items to ensure smooth access to the park:
Any type of weapon or explosives (or anything that resembles a weapon or an explosive)
Alcoholic drinks
Illegal substances and items
Glass
Suitcases / wheeled bags
Large coolers
Folding chairs
Outside food items that require refrigeration
Again, Universal Orlando Resort is HUGE. So, to properly pack your things, planning an itinerary is crucial. Universal Orlando Resort has four parks inside:
Switching from park to park calls for extra clothes and other necessities. You might be surprised to know that your Universal Studios packing list can be different from other parks. By planning your itinerary, you can prepare a list of the things you should pack for each park.
PRO TIP: Download the official Universal Orlando Resort App as your ultimate lifesaver! The Universal Orlando App will help you plan and organize your getaway - from food delivery to cashless payment options.
Tickets booked, bags packed, checklist done? It's time for you to start your ultimate Universal experience. Make sure to save this Universal Orlando Resort packing list for your next Universal getaway.
Don't miss exciting discounts and the best ticket deals on your favorite attractions. Follow FunEx for affordable fun and get updated with the most helpful guides through our official blog. Let's go make your sweet Universal escapades happen!
