Universal Studios Orlando Bag Policy EXPLAINED For 2025 – What You Can & CANNOT Bring

With bag policies becoming seemingly more strict at concerts and sporting events, many guests visiting Universal Studios Orlando often ask about their policies and overall security screening process. With Universal Orlando's announcement of their newest park, Universal Epic Universe, there has been a ton of added interest in visiting Universal Orlando. 

Guests may be surprised to find that although there are some restrictions on bag sizes and items they can take into the parks, there are also many items guests are allowed to bring into the parks to save money and help make their vacation more enjoyable.

All Universal Orlando guests are subject to a security screening through metal detectors before they enter the park. Similar to airport security screenings, all loose items and bags will go through a security scanner to prevent prohibited items from entering the parks.

As a Universal Orlando annual passholder and frequent visitor to the parks, I have become very familiar with the bag policy and security screening process. In this article I will cover all permissible bags and items guests can bring into the theme parks as well as a list of all prohibited items. By knowing the Universal Orlando bag policy and security screening process you will be sure to avoid the stress of what to pack and have a fantastic day at Universal Orlando!

Universal Orlando Bag Policy: Acceptable Items to Bring into the Parks

One of the most common questions we receive is if guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks inside Universal Orlando. According to Universal's security and restrictions website, guests are allowed to bring bottled water or soft drinks, small snacks, and other insulated bags detailed further below.

Bags, Backpacks, Purses, and Small Soft-Sided Insulated Bags

Almost all bags, backpacks, and purses are allowed into Universal Orlando. All of the bags will go through an X-ray screening process and may be flagged for additional security screenings by a team member, however, as long as no prohibited items are inside, most bags are allowed. 

As we'll go into more below, hard-sided coolers, suitcases, and any bags with wheels are not permitted inside the parks. Additionally, soft-sided insulated bags cannot exceed 8.5 inches wide by 6 inches high by six inches deep. 

Bottled Water – 2 Liters per Guest

Universal Orlando permits guests to bring in their own liquids consisting of water or soft drinks. The only restriction on bottled water is that bottles cannot exceed two liters per guest. We highly recommend bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated during a trip to Universal Orlando. Guests can also save a bit a money by bringing in their own bottles of water.

Another sustainable and less expensive option for drinks is purchasing one of Universal's refillable cups. See our guide to the cost of these Universal Orlando refillable cups and whether or not we think they are worth the price.

Small Snacks

Although Universal Orlando offers a wide variety of fun snacks for purchase throughout the parks, they understand the need for some guests to bring their own food for dietary reasons or personal preference. Therefore, Universal Orlando allows guests to bring in their own small snacks to the parks. The only restriction for small snacks is that they cannot require heating in microwaves or other sources. When I want to bring snacks from home, I usually grab a protein bar, bag of chips, or piece of fruit which are easily storable in my bag and will not be affected by the weather in central Florida.

Medically-Required Food or Nutritional Supplements

Universal Orlando also recognizes the need for guests to bring medically-required supplements, prescriptions, or food they may need throughout the day. As with all bags and items brought into the parks, they will be subject to the security screening and X-rays. However, guests should never have to worry about bringing any medical supplies or food they need with them into the parks!

Baby Food or Formula

For guests bringing babies or small children, Universal Orlando has no issue with parents or guardians bringing in baby food or formula into the parks. This is obviously not something available for purchase inside the theme parks, and therefore Universal encourages families to bring any baby food they need into the parks subject to security screenings.

Selfie Sticks 

Although selfie sticks are technically permitted at Universal Orlando, their website states they must be “properly secured” and are not permitted on any rides or attractions. This means all selfie sticks must be put inside a locker or be held by a non-rider. Selfie sticks are one of the only differences between the Universal Orlando bag policy and Disney World's policies which prohibit selfie sticks from entering the parks. 

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Universal Orlando Bag Policy: All Prohibited Items and Bag Types

Below we will cover all prohibited bag types and items guests are not allowed to bring into Universal Orlando. Although most of these items such as weapons, illegal substances, and alcohol will probably not surprise guests, there other items such as hard-sided coolers that guests cannot bring into Universal Orlando property. The following items are prohibited according to the Universal Orlando bag policy.

Alcohol and Open Containers

Guests are prohibited from bringing open containers or outside alcoholic drinks inside Universal Orlando. This policy is the same at most major theme parks and shouldn't be too surprising. For those guests looking for alcohol, there are a lot of great options throughout both of the Universal Orlando theme parks as well as Universal Orlando CityWalk.

Marijuana, Illegal Substances, or Paraphernalia

Other prohibited items that shouldn't shock guests is marijuana, items containing cannabis, illegal substances, or related paraphernalia. Not only is marijuana not legal in Florida, but it is a federally illegal product that is prohibited to be taken inside CityWalk or the Universal Orlando theme parks.

Weapons and Explosives

The Universal Orlando bag policy strictly prohibits any weapon, explosive, or item that can be used as a weapon or has the appearance of a weapon. This includes pocket knives and guns (real or fake). These items will be detected through the security screening process if any guest is trying to conceal them while entering the park.

Non-ADA Power Driven Devices

Aside from ADA mobility devices such as power scooters, Universal Orlando prohibits any power driven device. These devices include drones that could be hidden within a guest's bag, as well as segways or hoverboards. 

Offensive Clothing or Clothing Representing Medical Personnel

There are two general categories of clothing that are prohibited within Universal Orlando. The first type is any clothing that displays offensive language or content, may create danger, or incite a disturbance. Although this is one of the more subjective rules of the Universal Orlando bag policy, most adults can use their best judgment on whether their clothing is appropriate for a family friendly theme park. I would say, if you think certain clothing “may” be offensive to other guests, your best bet is to choose a different outfit.

The other type of prohibited clothing includes clothing or accessories that represents someone as an emergency worker or a Universal employee. This includes including clothing that may confuse other guests with a security officer, EMT, or other occupation likely seen throughout the parks. 

Hard-Sided Coolers and Glassware

Lastly, hard-sided coolers, glassware, and glass containers are not permitted per the Universal Orlando bag policy. If you want to bring a cooler it must be soft sided and within the required size limitations. 

Universal Orlando Bag Policy: Tips and Overall Thoughts

Overall, the Universal Orlando bag policy is straight forward and clear. If guests have any clarifying questions about prohibited items or conditions of entry, the Universal Orlando guest contact center is available Monday – Friday between 7:30 AM and 12 AM and on Saturday and Sunday between 7:30 AM and 10 PM. From my experience with the Universal Orlando guest services hotline, they are extremely helpful and will always try to work with guests to make their planning experience stress-free and enjoyable.

Some of our other general tips include:

• Pack light. If you can, limit the amount of items in your bag when you visit Universal Orlando. Although there are free lockers to use during certain rides and attractions, they are approximately 14 inches wide, 5.5 inches high, and 16.9 inches deep. If guests require a larger locker, they may need to pay to rent a larger locker to store their items.
• Leave valuables at home or in your hotel room. I always recommend leaving any expensive or sentimental jewelry, sunglasses, or purses at home for any theme park trip. Although Universal Orlando can do their best to recover lost items, it is ultimately up to the guests to replace any lost or stolen items.
• Stay up to date with the Universal Orlando bag policy and conditions of entry. The Universal Orlando bag policy may change so make sure to keep up to date within the few days leading up to your trip.

Plan Your Next Trip to Universal Orlando

For more tips and tricks to help make your Universal Orlando vacation memorable and stress-free, be sure to subscribe to our FREE newsletter! We provide useful planning information, exclusive deals, and how to find the cheapest Universal tickets anywhere. Check out our other resources on planning a trip to Universal Orlando:

• How Much Does it Cost to Visit Universal Studios Orlando?
• Universal Studios Orlando Discount Tickets 2024: Get Cheap Tickets Here!
• Best Universal Studios Florida Rides and Attractions
• Universal Orlando Guide for Adults
• Universal Orlando Christmas

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