Universal Orlando Packing List – Don’t Forget These Essentials

Whether you’re gearing up to explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, conquer the VelociCoaster in Jurassic Park, or visit the brand new Epic Universe park, packing smart is key to making the most of your Universal Orlando trip. With unpredictable weather, endless entertainment, and tons of opportunities for unforgettable moments, knowing what to bring can help you stay stress-free from start to finish.

As an annual passholder I visit the Universal Orlando parks monthly and have compiled a list of the essentials to consider on your next trip to Universal Orlando. I also recommend being familiar with Universal Orlando’s bag policy to know what you can and cannot bring into the parks.

Best Types of Bags to Bring to Universal Orlando

Park tickets & ID: Although this may seem obvious, make sure you have your ID and park tickets! One of the rookie mistakes people make when visiting Universal Orlando is losing their park ticket or forgetting their ID. We always recommend purchasing Universal Orlando tickets online ahead of your visit, because you can take advantage of discounted pricing, bundle deals, and promotional offers that aren’t available at the gate.

Portable phone charger: Many assume you don’t have to worry about your phone’s battery life while enjoying the parks. However, you’ll need to use the Universal Orlando mobile app often in order to check wait times, showtimes, and mobile order food and snacks. Especially on sunny days, I find my phone battery draining due to the increased brightness setting I need to use, in addition to using the Universal app. Therefore, a portable phone charger is an essential item in my Universal Orlando park bag!

Reusable water bottle: Not only can the weather be extremely hot and humid, but it’s important to stay hydrated, even during those couple months out of the year where it’s cooler in central Florida. You can either bring your own water bottle from home, or purchase a Universal Orlando refillable cup. In addition to water bottles, electrolytes, such as sports drinks, can also help keep you hydrated throughout the day. I personally use Liquid IV in my bottles of water which adds another layer of hydration that also tastes good!

Snacks: Although we love all the food and drinks you can purchase at Universal Orlando, I always bring a protein bar or small snack just in case I need it. Oftentimes I find myself hungry as I’m waiting in a long line, or sometimes I just want to save a bit of money by bringing my own food.

What to Wear to Stay Comfortable All Day at Universal

Comfort is key when dressing for a day at Universal Orlando, where you’ll be walking miles, standing in lines, and possibly getting soaked on water rides. Although Universal offers large family-size dryers near the lines for water rides such as Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and Jurassic Park River Adventure, they honestly aren’t the best solution to drying off. I accidentally wore jeans once on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and was never able to fully dry off, don’t make that same mistake!

To avoid discomfort, here are the top recommendations on what to wear at Universal Orlando:

Comfortable shoes: Expect to walk a lot, so wear broken-in sneakers or supportive sandals. We compiled a list of our favorite tested shoes for Disney World which are also great for trips to Universal as well. Blisters are a very easy way to put a damper on your day at Universal. Even if you don’t walk that much throughout the parks, you will definitely be on your feet waiting in line or watching a show, which puts just as much strain on your feet than walking.

Breathable clothes: Light, moisture-wicking outfits are best for the heat. Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing that helps keep you cool in the Florida heat. Think moisture-wicking shirts, athletic shorts, or airy fabrics with light colors. As much as I absolutely love Harry Potter, I am always so shocked at all the guests wearing their Harry Potter robes throughout the park in central Florida!

Hat & sunglasses: Protect yourself from that intense Florida sun with a hat and/or sunglasses. These should probably go in the park essentials section as well, because without sunglasses you will more than likely have to squint throughout the day which can be a huge inconvenience!

Rain poncho: Similarly, rainstorms often happen in central Florida, especially during the summer. Even if the weather doesn’t predict rain, I still try to remember a poncho in case of those unexpected showers. The park sells ponchos if you forget, but they are usually pretty expensive, and you can find ponchos for under $5 at Target or other convenience stores.

Change of clothes: Especially if you’re planning on experiencing the water rides or heading to Volcano Bay later, I recommend bringing a change of clothes, including socks and shoes if needed. Although you may need to pay for a locker to store these items, it will be worth it if you want to stay dry and comfortable throughout the day. Even if you aren’t going to a water ride, it might be nice to bring an extra shirt to change into if you are prone to sweating during the warmer months.

Health and Safety Items to Pack

With long hours in the sun, large crowds, and plenty of walking, it’s easy to run into minor issues like sunburn, blisters, headaches, or upset stomachs. Packing items like sunscreen, hand sanitizer, basic medications, and a small first-aid kit can help you quickly handle unexpected hiccups without having to leave the park or hunt down supplies. Staying prepared means you can focus on the excitement of the rides and attractions while keeping yourself and your group feeling good, safe, and ready to make the most of the adventure.

Here are the health and safety items I recommend on any Universal Orlando trip:

Sunscreen: I always bring a travel-size version of sunscreen to fit in my bag for any theme park day. As a Florida resident, I keep several bottles of sunscreen in my car which I usually use right before I head into the parks, and will reapply throughout the day when needed. Sunscreen is another essential item that you definitely don’t want to forget.

Hand sanitizer or wipes: Baby wipes or hand sanitizer is always a good idea especially with children who always seem to find ways to touch everything in sight, including sticky surfaces. It’s also nice to have wipes or sanitizer on hand when eating and walking around the parks simultaneously. Although the Universal parks are extremely clean, it’s also nice to have an extra wipe to use on tables or chairs you may use to enjoy a break at the parks.

Medications: Although there are First Aid stations located throughout the parks at Universal Orlando, it’s always a good idea to bring basic first aid supplies such as Tylenol, blister Band-Aids, Tums, or Dramamine for nausea. Hopefully you won’t need these, but it can come in clutch without having to find the First Aid station or run back to your hotel room. The rides at Universal can be pretty intense and have 3D elements with screens that can often cause headaches and nausea.

ChapStick or Lip Balm: I find myself needing ChapStick more often inside the parks, so it’s usually a staple in my park bag. For an even extra layer of protection, we recommend packing sunscreen lip balm which also protects against the sun’s UV rays. Anything from lip balm, clothing, hats, or moisturizer with added SPF is always a great idea to pack.

Extras to Consider for Your Universal Park Bag

The following items are probably not what I would consider essential, but could be extremely useful during a trip to Universal Orlando. Keeping your items organized can create a more stress-free experience as you won’t have to worry about losing anything of value. These less essential items that could be of use include:

Ziplock bags: When I plan on going on water rides, I usually bring a Ziplock bag for my electronics, snacks, and wallet. Bigger Ziplock bags can also be useful for wet clothes, especially if you plan on storing them in a closet with other items for the day.

Cooling towel or portable neck fan: Another item to help beat the Florida heat is a cooling towel, which can be worn on your head or around your neck to stay cool and comfortable. These are very easy to pack and I usually bring one, especially on longer days in the park. Although they can be a bit more bulky, I often see guests wearing portable neck fans as well which I have heard are extremely useful on hot and humid days.

Lanyard with ID holder: I am a huge fan of lanyards at Universal, which is where I store my ID, annual pass, and credit cards. This way, they are easily available to use and are securely fastened around my neck. Universal Orlando sells different types of lanyards as well with favorite characters from Harry Potter, Minions, and much more. I also love to display my Universal pins on my lanyard!