You Might Be Surprised by These 10 Items You Are Forbidden to Bring to Universal Orlando

All theme parks have their own sets of rules and policies. It may be hard to keep track of all of these different restrictions, especially if you are visiting multiple theme parks during your vacation.

We’re going to take a look at Universal Orlando’s policies and specifically focus on the items that are forbidden from the park. While some may seem obvious, others may surprise you! Don’t be caught off guard when you get to the parks. Follow along with us to see what items are not permitted and which ones are ok to bring along with you.

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1. Absolutely NO Weapons

Of course, you are not permitted to bring weapons to Universal Orlando. This includes, but is not limited to, explosives, firearms, and bladed-weapons. Beyond that, you are also not allowed to bring items into the parks that look like weapons, whether that be through shape or general appearance. This rule also applies to those wearing costumes.

Universal specifically makes mention of wands. Wands are of course permitted at Universal Orlando. It’s common to see Guests dressed in robes and “casting spells” with their wands. While these wands are available for purchase at Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and the new Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe, you can also bring your own wand from home. This includes hand-crafted wands. If you bring a wand into the parks that’s handmade, you must make sure that it has rounded, not sharp ends and cannot be used to harm others.

2. You Can't Bring Your Own Food & Drinks

Unfortunately, outside food and beverages are not permitted. This may be one thing that throws Guests off, especially if they’re splitting a trip between Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, where outside food and beverages are permitted. We would hate for you to head to the parks with a day's worth of food, snacks, and drinks that you will not be allowed to bring in with you. We also want our readers to be prepared by knowing that they’re going to need to budget dining into their Universal Orlando day.

While outside food and beverages are not permitted in general, there are a few exceptions.

Guests are allowed to bring bottled water into the parks with them (up to 2 liters per Guest). This is a great way to save money and stay hydrated. You can refill your water bottles at multiple locations throughout the parks. Drinking fountains are available outside of most of the restrooms. However, I recommend heading to one of the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines! Here, you can refill your bottle with some ice as well as relatively cooler water for free.

There are also select food items that are permitted into the parks. This includes things such as baby food, baby formula, food that’s required for medical purposes, and food that is necessary for special dietary needs.

Keep in mind that glass is not allowed in the parks, so none of these food and beverage items can be stored in glass containers or glass bottles. You will also not be able to store your items in large coolers. You can, however, bring a small, soft-sided cooler that’s no bigger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep.

3. No Outside Alcohol is Permitted

Even though outside beverages are not permitted in general, it is specifically noted in Universal Orlando’s policies that alcohol and any drinks containing alcohol are forbidden. This is most likely one of the less-surprising rules, since outside alcoholic beverages aren’t permitted at most locations.

That being said, while you can’t bring your own alcohol, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase and enjoy alcoholic beverages at Universal Orlando. There are many full-service restaurants and quick-service restaurants that serve alcohol at all three theme parks, Volcano Bay, and the Universal Orlando Resort hotels.

4. Mary Jane Can't Come

Marijuana in any form is not permitted on property. This includes marijuana that is intended to be smoked, as well as other items containing marijuana. Cannabis-infused products such as edibles, topical lotions and balms, THC patches, are all forbidden.

5. ALL Illegal Substances are Banned

In addition to marijuana, all other illegal substances are also banned from Universal Orlando. Illegal substances include street drugs such as heroin, cocaine, meth, hallucinogens, and ecstasy. Prescription drugs are also illegal if you do not have a valid prescription for them.

6. No Powered Devices

Power driven and radio frequency-controlled devices are also banned from the parks. These items can cause disturbances as well as safety concerns. The only devices that are permitted are ones that are being utilized as a mobility device.

7. Some Bags Are Allowed, Others are Not

Bags, backpacks, and purses are all allowed at Universal Orlando. This is extremely beneficial for those wanting to carry around necessities such as extra clothes, shoes, rain gear, sun protection, water bottles, and merchandise. While bags are allowed, it is important to note that there are multiple rides at Universal Orlando that don’t allow loose items or bags to be brought onto the rides. At these rides, however, there are Single-use lockers that are available to use, free of charge. 

At Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, the size of the free, single-use Standard lockers are 14” x 5.5” x 16.9”. Large lockers are also available for an additional fee that measure 12” x 13” x 16.9”. At Universal Epic Universe, the free, single-use Standard lockers are 11.8” x 11” x 13”.

While standard bags are allowed in the parks, bags with wheels and suitcases are not permitted. If you’re visiting the parks on your arrival or departure day, you will need to store your luggage at your hotel.

8. Don't Pull Up a Chair

We understand that walking around theme parks and being on your feet all day can be extremely exhausting. It’s important, and sometimes necessary, to take a seat, let your body rest, and recharge before you continue your day.

A folding chair may seem like an ideal solution. You could use it to bypass standing in long lines and use it to rest anywhere throughout the park. When exhaustion hits, you’d be prepared. Unfortunately, this idea is unrealistic and also not allowed.

If everyone brought their own folding chair into the parks, it would cause a mass amount of unnecessary congestion. This would not only create longer waits in some instances, it would also create safety hazards. While there are plenty of places around the park where you can stop to rest, there are also other ways that you can make the day less exhausting for yourself.

How to Get More Rest

One thing you can do is avoid long lines by purchasing a Universal Express Pass. When using an Express Pass, you can lower the amount of time that you’re on your feet while waiting for rides and attractions. Universal Express Passes are an additional cost to your standard admission ticket. However, you can get a Universal Express Unlimited pass for free by staying on property at select Signature Collection hotels.

Beyond Express Passes, if you have trouble standing or walking for long periods of time, you may also want to consider using a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Both of these items are available for rent right on property. Wheelchairs are $15 per day, ECVs are $75 per day, and Canopy ECVs are $95 per day.

9. No Pets Allowed

If your furry friend is traveling with you on vacation, please note that they won’t be able to visit the Universal Orlando parks with you. The only animals that are allowed in the parks are those that are, by definition, a trained Service Animal. To clarify, according to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), a Service Animal is a dog or miniature horse that is trained to perform tasks to do work for individuals with a disability.

If a Service Animal is accompanying you in the parks, they must be properly harnessed, leashed, or tethered. However, if these restraints prevent the animal from doing its job, or the disabled individual is unable to use them, the animal is allowed to roam free. In this case, the animal must be able to remain controlled by other methods such as voice commands or signals.

10. Don't Wear These Clothing Items

When it comes to clothing, there are a few items that are not allowed, as well as guidelines that need to be followed. Firstly, no clothing will be permitted into the parks if it possesses the possibility of causing a disturbance, has offensive wording on it, inappropriate imagery, or is unacceptable for a family-friendly environment. Guests are also not allowed to wear clothing that may give the false impression that they are a Universal employee or emergency personnel.

In regard to costumes, there are a few guidelines that you should be aware of. Costume masks, veils, and long trains are not permitted. Costumes cannot surpass the measurement of 28” wide x 80” high. Even if your costume is in compliance with these rules, there are certain attractions that you may not be allowed to wear your costume on due to safety concerns.

Please be aware that some costumes may be subject to secondary x-ray screening before Guests are permitted to enter the park.

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