Theme Park Packing Guide: Essential Items You’ll Want to Bring for a Day at Universal Orlando Resort

Written By Megan Hamilton
 Wondering what to pack in your theme park backpack? From ponchos, sunscreen, refillable water bottles and more, I've created a master list of all the items you'll need to survive a day at Universal Orlando Resort. 
I'll also share my best tips for packing your Universal park bag.

Avoid the temptation to carry everything on the list below. You'll need to give extra thought to what, and how much you want to lug around Universal all day.

Less is more when choosing your theme park essentials for Universal..

What to Bring for a Day at Universal Orlando

  1. Credentials

    • PARK TICKETS,Annual Pass, on-site hotel key.
    • You’ll need your ID if you plan to purchase alcoholic beverages!

  2. Lanyard

    •  Note your onsite hotel room key is how you’ll use the lockers. 
    • Wearing a lanyard around your neck is an easy way to keep up with it

Battery Packs + Camera

  • Camera, cell phone, charging cord, and other electronic devices

Snack(s) 

  • Pack snacks that won’t melt easily. Think along the lines of pretzels, granola bars, nuts, or crackers. 
  • This will help keep your food spending in the parks low!


Waterproof plastic cases with attached cord

  • If planning to do a lot of water rides 
  • Visiting during rainy season

​
SPF Chapstick 

  • Protect your lips from prolonged sun exposure

Cooling Towel 

  • Life-saver for surviving the Florida heat

Extra Park Outfit

  • In case you get caught in an unexpected rain storm
  • Prone to sweating 
  • Want extra park photos

Fan/Water Mister 

  • Hand-held fans with cooling misters are very popular on hot days 
  • Consider a rechargeable fan so you don’t have to worry about batteries

Travel Size First Aid Kit + Meds 

  • OTC pain reliever
  • Band-aides 
  • If prone to Motion Sickness- Dramamine, etc.

Anti-Chafing thigh stick

Gum + Mints

  • Not sold in the parks!

Hand Sanitizer

Light Pullerover 

  •  If you’re sensitive to changes in temperature after sweating all day, having a light cardigan to put on can make the freezing indoor queues and chilly evenings more enjoyable.

Reusable Snack Bags + Silverware

  • Great for saving leftovers bought inside the park to snack on later in the day. You’ll also save money by bringing your own snacks into the park

Poncho + Umbrella + Jacket

  • No matter what the forecast says, just pack one of the above
  • You can find disposable ponchos in for way less than they charge in the Parks. 
  • Ponchos are great for use on water rides 
  • Added protection for your stroller

Extra Socks 

  • If you or your kids anticipate doing a lot of water rides, having an extra pair of dry socks will save your feet.
  • Rainy days

Sunglasses 

Sunscreen 

  • RE-APPLY!

Travel Size Tissues

Wet Wipes 

  • Great for using before meals, wiping down tables, spills, etc.

Interactive Wand + Wand Holder

Reusable Water

  • It’s critical to stay hydrated in the Florida heat. 
  • Don’t waste $4.00-$5.00 on bottled water. 
  • Dinning locations will also give you free ice water if you ask for it

Universal Orlando Backpack Tips

  • If you're used to packing for Disney, it’s not the same for Universal. Disney allows backpacks to be brought onto rides, whereas most rides at Universal Orlando do not.

  • If you're going solo, I’d add some sort of identification info to your bag 

    • If you misplace your bag, there’s a better chance of it being turned in to guests services.

    • If you take RX medications, having those written down in the rare event you needed help could be a game changer.

  • Carry one larger backpack, rather than draping yourself with several smaller bags. 
    • it’s easier to keep track of one.

  • Consider using a fanny pack to avoid the lockers, and having to pay for a large locker should your backpack not fit.

Best Tips When Packing

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes that are already broken in

    • You’re going to be walking- a LOT!

    • On average guests visiting Universal will walk over 10 miles a day! 

  • Extra items will feel like heavy weights by the end of a long day. Cut down on weight by coordinating everyone’s items so there’s less redundancy.
  • Light acrylic fleece sweatshirts will feel warm when damp, while cotton gets uncomfortable.
  • You won’t need your full wallet, only the essentials
    •  ID,, tickets, room key, med card if needed.

  • If you're using a fanny pack, bring a collapsible, leakproof reusable water bottle

  • After your first day in the parks, note what you used, didn't really use, or wish you had brought and plan accordingly.

My Favorite Backpack Brands to use at Universal Orlando:

  • Vera Bradley's Campus Backpack

    • Pliable and has a built in wand holder!

    • Tons of organization inside

  • Jujube's BRB backpack

    • Their bags are machine washable

    • Pliable and water resistant 

    • The BRB style comes with a travel diaper changing pad
    • Tons or organization inside
Megan Hamilton
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