Universal Studios Hollywood Bag Policy EXPLAINED – Quick Look at What You Can & Cannot Bring in 2024

Universal Studios Hollywood has become a popular Southern California theme park, especially with the addition of the new Super Nintendo World area. There are also many amazing rides, attractions, and shows guests can experience throughout the park that we highly recommend. Check out our complete guide to Universal Studios Hollywood here!

Before your trip to this amazing theme park, all guests should be aware of the Universal Studios Hollywood bag policy and security screening process. Although guests are allowed to bring in some of their own food and drinks, there are several prohibited items as well. All guests will be required to walk through metal detectors, and all backpacks, bags, and loose items will go through an X-ray screen, similar to an airport. Bags may also be subject to additional screening by Universal team members if any items are flagged as potentially dangerous.

As major theme park enthusiasts, we visit Universal Studios Hollywood frequently and have become very familiar with their bag policy. Therefore, in this article we will cover all of the park's permissible items, prohibited items, and general tips to make your next trip to Universal Studios Hollywood enjoyable and stress-free!

Universal Studios Hollywood Bag Policy: Acceptable Items to Bring into the Park

First, we will list all of the permissible items to bring into the park according to the Universal Studios Hollywood bag policy. Guests will be happy to know they are allowed to bring in most outside food and drinks which can help save money on food inside the parks. Guests needing medically-required food or baby formula are also allowed to bring in their own items in order to make their park experience enjoyable without worry. Below is a list of all items guests can bring into the park per the Universal Studios Hollywood bag policy.

Small Snacks

Although Universal Studios offers a wide variety of tasty 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, the Universal Studios Hollywood bag policy allows guests to bring in their own small snacks to the parks. The only restriction for small snacks is that they cannot require the need to be heated in a microwaves or stored in a refrigerator. 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.

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

Guests are allowed to bring in almost all types of bags, backpacks, fanny packs, and purses. 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 there aren't any prohibited items (discussed below), guests shouldn't have any problems with Universal's security screening process.

As we'll discuss more later on, hard-sided coolers, suitcases, and any bags with wheels are not permitted inside Universal Studios Hollywood. 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

The Universal Studios Hollywood bag policy permits guests to bring in their own liquids consisting of water or soft drinks. The only restriction on liquids is that they cannot contain alcohol and must be limited to two liters per guest. We highly recommend taking advantage of being able to bring in a water bottle to Universal in order to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Another sustainable and less expensive option for drinks is purchasing one of Universal's refillable Coca-Cola Freestyle cups. The cups cost $19, or $17 each when you purchase two. Guests who purchase the cups can enjoy refills throughout their day at Universal Studios and is a great deal with over 100 different drink choices.

Baby Food or Formula

For guests bringing babies or small children, Universal Studios 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 Studios Hollywood, their website states they are “permitted at Universal's discretion” and must be stowed on all rides, attractions, and the Studio Tour. Selfie sticks are one of the only differences between the Universal Studios Hollywood bag policy and Disney's bag policy which prohibit selfie sticks from entering the parks. Selfie sticks are one of the few subjective items that guests should be very careful bringing as they may be asked to discard them or remove them from the park if handled improperly. 

Medically-Required Food or Nutritional Supplements

Universal Studios Hollywood 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. Overall, the Universal Studios Hollywood bag policy makes it convenient for guests with special dietary needs. 

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Universal Studios Hollywood Bag Policy: All Prohibited Items and Bag Types

Below is a list of items listed on the Universal Studios Hollywood bad policy that are prohibited from being brought inside the park. Most of these items shouldn't be too surprising, but it's always important to be aware of any items guests need to leave at home or in their hotel room. The prohibited items according to the Universal Studios Hollywood bag policy include:

Alcohol and Open Containers

Guests are prohibited from bringing open containers or outside alcoholic drinks inside Universal Studios. 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 the park which will not be hard to find.

Marijuana, Illegal Substances, or Paraphernalia

Other prohibited items according to the Hollywood Studios bag policy includes marijuana, items containing cannabis, illegal substances, or related paraphernalia. Although marijuana may be legal in California, Universal Studios does not permit marijuana or any federally illegal substances inside the parks.

Weapons and Explosives

The Universal Studios Hollywood bag policy strictly prohibits any weapons, explosives, or items that can be used as a weapon or have 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 Studios Hollywood prohibits any power driven device. These devices include drones that could be hidden within a guest's bag, as well as larger devices such as segways or hoverboards.

Offensive Clothing or Clothing Representing Medical Personnel

There are two general categories of clothing that are prohibited within Universal Studios Hollywood. 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 Studios Hollywood 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 Studios 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 Studios Hollywood bag policy. If you want to bring a cooler it must be soft sided and within the required size limitations. This is often the most overlooked prohibited item, but can be easily fixed with proper preparation.

Universal Studios Hollywood Bag Policy: Tips and Overall Thoughts

Overall, the Universal Studios Hollywood bag policy is straight forward and clear. If guests have any clarifying questions about prohibited items or conditions of entry, the Universal Studios guest contact center is available via phone or request form.

Some of our other general tips related to the Universal Studios Hollywood bag policy include:

• Pack light. If you can, limit the amount of items in your bag when you visit Universal Studios. 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. Large locker rentals are a one time fee that range between $8 and $15 and allow guests to access them anytime throughout the day.
• 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 Studios 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 Studios Hollywood bag policy and conditions of entry. The Universal Studios Hollywood bag policy and other restrictions may change so make sure to keep up to date within the few days leading up to your trip. Guests can find Universal Studio Hollywood's bag policy and other restrictions on their website.

Plan Your Next Trip to Universal Studios Hollywood

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• Universal Studios Hollywood Crowd Calendar 2024 
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• Universal Studios Hollywood Height Requirements – Including Harry Potter Super Nintendo World
• Save Money on Disneyland Tickets
• SeaWorld San Diego Guide

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