What is the Universal Orlando Backpack Policy? | Explained

by Theme Park Center July 18, 2022

Every theme park has its own rules of what you can or can't bring, and it can get a little overwhelming trying figure it out while also trying to plan your vacation.

In this page, we cover exactly what you can and can't bring into Universal Orlando.

Can You Bring a Backpack to Universal Orlando?

Visitors are allowed to bring backpacks into the park, however you just cannot bring them on the rides due to safety concerns.

bring a backpack to universal orlando

You'll also be able to rent a locker and conveniently store your backpack and valuables while you ride the rides or navigate through the park.

If your backpack gets heavy after a long day of walking, or if you just need to put your bag away in order to ride a ride, free lockers are available for rides at Universal.

Bags Not Allowed at the Park

However, there are two type of bags that are not allowed into the park.

Suitcases
Bags With Wheels

Inspection Entering the Park

Visitors should be aware that all guests, bags, packages and other items are subject to inspection, including metal detection or other screening measures before entering the park.

Why Bring a Backpack to Universal?

A backpack is very popular for guests to bring into Universal Orlando, as they can bring and store essential items, and access them within seconds.

Some of the common items visitors bring to the park include:

A Portable Charger

Some visitors make the mistake of bringing their regular chargers to the park, and then when their phone battery is low, they begin looking for outlets.

Unfortunately they quickly find out that empty outlets are hard to find.

Portable chargers are one of the best investments that any visitor can make.

They can charge their phone from anywhere, and continue on with their theme park experience, versus having to sit in one spot while their phone charges (if they are able to find an empty outlet).

My favorite charger without a doubt is the 36800mAh, Power Bank portable charger.

Portable Charger For Disney World

It's charges fast, seemingly lasts forever, and isn't too blocky, as it is around the size of iPhone 13. It can also be used for Samsung Galaxy phones.

Water Bottles

Most visitors bring their own water bottles into the park due to being able to easily refill their water bottles throughout the day, by using the water stations around the park.

Our favorite is the XACIOA 32 oz water bottle as it is:

100% leakproof
Doesn't have the chemical smell most water bottles come with,
And there are motivational messages on the side to track your progress and to remind you to stay hydrated

Additionally, it's cost-effective as you won't have to purchase a water bottle at the park.

Ziploc Bags

Ziploc bags are one of the most underrated items at theme parks.

If there's any chance that your valuables could be wet, whether from the rain or a water ride, you can quickly place your belongings safely in a ziplock bag.

Additionally, it's just nice to have for any snacks.

Snacks

Many of us are so focused on following our itinerary during our visit to our favorite Universal parks, that the next thing we know, hours have passed, many miles have walked and we still haven't eaten.

Being able to pull out our favorite snacks from our backpack in seconds, to hold us over until we are able to get a meal is priceless.

Extra Clothes

Whether you're sweaty from walking around the park all day, or you've gotten soaked from a water ride, having an extra set of clothes is one of the best preventative measures that you can take.

Poncho

The reason that a poncho is better than an umbrella at a theme park is that it's very lightweight and can fit virtually anywhere when it is folded up.

This unisex, lightweight reusable poncho has worked wonders over the years at dozens of theme parks.

If you bring an umbrella, it's bulkier and you may need to store it in lockers throughout your day, and you might not even use it in the event that it doesn't rain.

Sunscreen

Protecting your skin from the UV rays is extremely important, and it's even more important in Florida.

Speaking from experience, forgetting sunscreen and being sun burnt the day after is no way to spend a vacation.

If you're like us and have sensitive skin, the EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen is a lifesaver.

The best part about this is that you can use it long after you visit the theme park for any outdoor activity, more than anything on this list, it's an investment.

This sunscreen also has a SPF of 46.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer comes in handy before/after rides, before/after meals, and in general throughout the day.

Baby Wipes

If you're traveling with kiddos, baby wipes are essential for any type of clean up.

The Best Backpack to Bring to Universal

The best backpack to bring should be:

Lightweight
Have plenty of pockets where it can fit both large and small items
Have comfortable shoulder straps
Outside pockets to keep your water bottle

The best backpack that has all of these features is the LowePro Tahoe BP 150.

It even has a clip in the front zipper pocket to latch your keys to as well as pockets on each side that will fit your phone and a standard 16.9 Oz water bottle.

This makes it a seamless transition when you take your backpack off and slide it into one of the free lockers for the ride.

Although this backpack is originally made to safely hold cameras, it doesn't mean that you need a camera to use this backpack.

In fact, a lot of days we go to Universal without cameras, and it still works perfectly, as the design of the backpack makes everything easily accessible and easy to use