What to Pack for Your Universal Orlando Resort Vacation When Flying in 2022

---

Traveling for a vacation can be overwhelming. You don't want to forget something, so often times your overpacking or forgetting something important you may not have thought about.

In this post I've put together my  best tips for packing and flying to Universal Orlando.

---

Tips for Traveling to Universal Orlando Resort

---

Check the Weather for Dates During your Universal Vacation

This seems intuitive, but you’d be surprised how many people think they won't need rain gear when in Orlando!

Double Check How Days + Nights Your Trip is

This will help you decide the number of necessary outfits. 

Make a Packing list Early and Review it At Least 1X

• Purchase travel sized containers or toiletries if you plan on bringing your own.

• Even if you’re flying with a checked bag and are allowed more liquids, do you really need that 16oz bottle of shampoo? NOPE.

Choose the Right Suitcase

For carry-ons, you’re generally accepted at/under max linear dimensions of 155cm/45in.  For checked bags, you’re generally safe under 158cm/62in max linear dimensions. However, be sure to check the specific airline you’re flying with prior to packing.

---

Pack The Essentials First

​Gather your most important items first. This includes all travel documents such as your passport, ID/driver’s license, boarding passes, hotel reservations, etc.

This also includes anything you’ll seriously regret forgetting and can’t purchase while traveling: wallet, credit cards, camera, cell phone, etc.

Lay Everything Out

• Laying all of your items out allows you to plan your park bound outfits and account for your days/nights away. 

• When everything’s laid out, you can clearly see how much you’re bringing and spot missing items easier. This also includes shoes, accessories, toiletries, etc.

• Lastly, don’t forget to lay out your plane/travel day outfit and consider it with your other pieces.

Pick Simple Mix-and-Match Pieces to Prevent Overpacking

• In general, choose simple tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched to make multiple outfits.

• Did you know that just 3 bottoms (pants, shorts, skirt, etc.), 4 tops (tee, tank, etc.), and 2 outer layers (sweatshirt jacket, or cardigan) can make up to 24 different outfits??

PUT STUFF BACK

• Chances are you could stand to put a few things back in the closet in order to pack more efficiently.

Pack Liquids in Secure Bags

• Toiletries that can leak will leak. These should be placed in a plastic zippered bag or another secure bag of your choosing. 

• Follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on baggage.

Utilize shoe space when you can

• Rolled up socks, belts, gloves, and other small items can easily fit into shoes (as long as they’re relatively clean and not smelly!). 

Prevent dirty shoes from soiling clothes

• Pack them in a separate space or utilize plastic bags/shower caps to cover the bottoms and prevent dirtying the rest of your clothing. 

• Toss a dryer sheet into your suitcase to keep things smelling fresh.

Pack a Change of Clothes in Your Carry-on

• By packing a change of clothes and undergarments in your carry on, you’re covered for at least a day if your baggage gets delayed or lost.

• ALSO--If you have to wait to check into your hotel, you can head to the park while the concierge/ AirBnB keeps your luggage!

Keep Expensive/Irreplaceable Items on you OR at Home

• Do not trust them to be safe when placed in checked baggage; if your suitcase is lost, delayed, or stolen, you’re out of luck.

• For me, I leave my wedding bands at home, and wear silicone bands while at Universal Orlando.

---

Before Leaving the House

In this section, here awesome steps you might forget to take when you’re in a hurry to leave for Universal Orlando 

Remember to:

• Download your travel resources (Universal Orlando app, Uber, Lyft, etc.)

• Notify credit card companies of upcoming travel (Especially if this is an international trip)

• Set an email auto-responder if necessary

• Take out the garbage

• Check washing machine for wet clothes

• Check dishwasher for dirty dishes

• Turn off all lights and electronics

• Set lighting timers

• Water the plants

• Drip taps (in cold climates where pipes could freeze)

• Close/lock all doors and windows; pull all curtains

• Set alarm system

For Longer Trips, Don’t Forget to:

• Empty the refrigerator/pantry of perishable food

• Unplug electronics

• Put a hold on your mail

• Consider having a friend check on your house from time to time