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What can and cannot take to Universal Orlando parks

Juliana OctaviniBy Juliana Octavini
Published 8/7/2026Updated 8/14/2026
 What can and cannot take to Universal Orlando parks

What can you get at Universal Orlando? This is one of the most common doubts among those planning to get to know the parks of the complex for the first time.

So to help you organize the backpack and avoid problems in the entrance, I have gathered in this guide the updated rules on food, beverages, backpacks, medicines, baby carts, electronic equipment and prohibited objects.

The information below follows Universal's official policies and will help you prepare your backpack in the right way to enjoy the day without unforeseen circumstances.

Public passes through the Universal Orlando Resorts portal in Florida
Photo: Personal archive (Juliana Octavini)

What can you take in Universal Orlando parks

Check out below all you can take to Universal Orlando (Island of Adventure, Universal Studios and Epic Universe) parks.

Can you take the backpack to Universal?

Universal allows you to enter with backpacks, bags and children's backpacks, provided they are not too large.

Before entering the parks, all visitors pass the security inspection. Therefore, the responsible team will check all their belongings before they enter the park.

A compact backpack is usually the best option for transporting water, snacks, documents, loaders, raincoats and other essential items during the ride.

So I highly recommend you carry a backpack of up to 20L, as This brand of Escrodoi Besides having many compartments - which allows you to carry food, coats, raincoats, etc -, it is waterproof, which is excellent to stop walking in the parks, especially in rainy days.

 Person carries backpack in Universal Park in Orlando
Photo by Scott Webb

Can I bring food to Universal?

Yeah, but there are some important differences with Disney.

Universal allows food intended for:

  • persons with food restrictions;
  • medical needs;
  • Child feeding.

Small snacks, fruits, cereal bars as well as food needed for special diets usually do not present problems during inspection.

If you have any specific need, try to transport food in an organized manner and in small quantities for your own consumption.

Can you bring water and other drinks?

You can enter with water bottles, squeezes and other non-alcoholic beverages intended for personal consumption.

So a good tip is to take a reusable bottle to replenish it throughout the day, saving money and reducing disposable plastic consumption.

Free water at Universal

As at Disney, several Universal restaurants provide a glass of water free of charge upon request.

Just ask for one complementary cup of water in a Quick Service restaurant.

However, there are also water fountains distributed throughout the complex for those who prefer to refuel their own bottle.

Can I bring a thermos?

You can take thermal bottles as long as they're not glass.

They are an excellent option to keep the water cold for much of the day, especially in summer, when temperatures in Orlando are usually over 35°C.

I always take my Stanley's thermal bottle And I never had any problems.

Can I take Power Bank?

Yes, you can go in with power banks, and I recommend that you take them too much.

That's because you'll have to use Universal's official app throughout your day in the park, whether to consult maps, queued waiting times, attractions schedules, and other important information. And this app usually eats a lot of your battery throughout the day.

So keeping your phone charged makes all the difference.

I usually use a 20,000 mAh Power Bank, which offers autonomy enough to spend the whole day in parks without concern.

Can I bring some medicine?

Yes. Personal medicines, including controlled medicines, insulin, inhalers and other medical items, can be taken normally.

If any medicine needs to remain refrigerated, use a suitable thermal bag.

Whenever possible, keep the medicines identified and take the prescription during international trips.

Can I bring a camera?

Cell phones, cameras, camcorders, GoPro and action cameras are allowed.

However, equipment that may compromise the safety of visitors or interfere with the experience of other guests cannot be used.

Can I take the cooler?

Yes. Small coolers intended for the transport of food and medicines are generally allowed, provided they meet Universal rules and are compatible with personal use.

To keep the food refrigerated, use reusable ice packs.

Can I bring a stroller?

Yes, baby strollers are allowed in Universal Orlando.

However, they must respect the dimensions established by the complex and cannot be of the type stroller wagon, which remains forbidden.

Those who prefer can also rent carts directly inside the parks.

 Mother carries child in baby carriage in Universal Orlando park
Photo by Altaf Shah

What can't you take to Universal Orlando?

Some objects are prohibited for security reasons.

Among them are:

  • firearms;
  • ammunition;
  • knives and sharps;
  • explosives;
  • fireworks;
  • drones;
  • alcohol;
  • illegal substances;
  • glassware (except medicines and infant food where applicable);
  • Selfie sticks;
  • large tripods;
  • Extensible sticks;
  • equipment that could cause risk to visitors.

In addition, Universal may prevent the entry of any object considered dangerous or inappropriate.

Products I really take for a day in Universal Parks

After several trips to Orlando, I realized that some items make quite a difference to make the best of the day in the parks.

These are the ones I usually take with me:

  • Power Bank
  • Thermal bottle
  • Compact backpack
  • Raincoat
  • Cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun Protector
  • Portable fan
  • Moistened tissues

They all help a lot to cope with the heat, save money and, in addition, make the ride much more comfortable.

Conclusion

Knowing exactly what you can and cannot take to Universal Orlando avoids disturbances right at the entrance to the parks and helps you enjoy every moment of the trip better.

Before leaving the hotel, check if your backpack contains only allowed items and prioritize taking the essentials to spend a comfortable day, especially during the warmer months.

And if your trip also includes Disney parks, be sure to check out our full guide with all the updated rules on the items allowed and prohibited in Disney World parks.

📌 Disney: prohibited and allowed items in parks

Frequently Asked Questions about what to take in Universal Orlando parks

Can I take a backpack to Universal?

Yeah, as long as it's intended for personal use and usually passes through security inspection.

Can I bring food?

Yes, especially special diet foods, medical needs as well as infant feeding.

Can I get some water?

Water bottles and scéezes are allowed.

Can I take Power Bank?

Yes. It is even one of the most recommended items for those who want to use the official Universal app a lot.

Can I bring some medicine?

Personal use medicines can be transported normally.

Can I bring professional camera?

Cameras and camcorders are allowed.

Can I bring drone?

Use and entry of drones are prohibited.

Can I take the cooler?

Yes, provided it is small and intended for the transport of food or medicines.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions about What can and cannot take to Universal Orlando parks

Can I take a backpack to Universal?

Yeah, as long as it's intended for personal use and usually passes through security inspection.

Can I bring food?

Yes, especially special diet foods, medical needs as well as infant feeding.

Can I get some water?

Water bottles and scéezes are allowed.

Can I take Power Bank?

Yes. It is even one of the most recommended items for those who want to use the official Universal app a lot.

Can I bring some medicine?

Personal use medicines can be transported normally.

Can I bring professional camera?

Cameras and camcorders are allowed.

Can I bring drone?

Use and entry of drones are prohibited.

Can I take the cooler?

Yes, provided it is small and intended for the transport of food or medicines.