The best bags for Universal Studios

So, you’re here looking for the best bags for Universal Studios. You’re in luck! We love Universal Orlando, and we’re annual pass holders! As a mom, I’ve tried a lot of different bags and can confidently share what I believe are the best bags for Universal Orlando.

In the search for the best bags for Universal Studios, I will share a few different types of bags. If you’re traveling solo or with adults, you may not need the same type of bag as a mom with several young children. Regardless of who you’ll visit the parks with, this list will help you find the best bags for Universal Studios for you.

Do I need to rent a car in Orlando?

You might want a rental car if you’re flying into Orlando. I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They have the best prices, and you don’t have to pay until you pick it up! Cancelation is always free and their customer service is fantastic.

Can you take backpacks to Universal Studios?

Yes, you can bring backpacks to Universal Orlando. All visitors must pass through metal detection before experiencing CityWalk or the theme parks. If you stay in a Premier hotel (Premier Resorts include Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, and Loews Royal Pacific.), you will go through metal detection right before entering CityWalk on the Garden Walk or just before entering the Water Taxis.

Things that are not allowed at Universal Orlando (per the Universal Orlando website):

• Any type of explosive, weapon, item that can be used as a weapon or has the appearance of a weapon.
• Alcohol.
• Marijuana, or any item containing Cannabis or related paraphernalia.
• Illegal items or substances.
• Clothing or accessories that represent someone as emergency personnel or that may create a false impression of employment by Universal.
• Power driven devices such as Segways, Hoverboards, Drones or any other radio frequency controlled device.
• Any other items Universal personnel deem to be inappropriate, disruptive or harmful.

Please note that you can bring snacks, water, baby food, formula, etc. However, you are not allowed to bring hard coolers or glass bottles.

One of my favorite Loungefly bags of all time, my Patronus bag! P.S. It has a matching wallet!

Can you take bags on rides at Universal?

Unlike Disney, Universal Orlando does not allow large bags on most rides. Many rides do not allow bags at all, except fanny packs which we will discuss later. This can be a big change if you’re used to Disney policies!

Fortunately, Universal does offer free lockers at all rides, but keep in mind that these lockers only hold smaller bags and backpacks.

Does Universal Studios have free lockers?

Universal has free lockers at all rides that require you to stow away your bags. However, and this is a big deal, the free lockers only hold a small bag or backpack like a Loungefly.

If you have a large backpack, you’ll have to pay for a locker at the ride, pay for a day locker, or leave the bags with a non-rider.

How much do lockers cost at Universal Orlando?

At the front of each park (Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios), you will find lockers that you can rent for the entire day. You can come back and open as many times as you’d like. The large lockers (12 in. x 13 in. x 16.9 in.) start at $12 per day, while the family size (12 in. x 16.25 in. x 16.9 in.) start at $15.

Most attractions offer free lockers, but they will only fit up to a small backpack (like a Loungefly.) Larger lockers will cost $2 initially. The larger ride lockers will start to charge an additional $3 per extra 30 minutes, up to a $20 maximum.

If you want to avoid locker chargers, consider bringing multiple smaller bags and splitting them between your party members.

Planning a Universal Vacation? I’ll be your Travel Agent!

Not only am I a top Universal travel agent, but I’m also a Florida resident and Universal Annual Passholder. If you’re overwhelmed planning a Universal vacation, contact me! I’d love to help you.

The best bags for Universal Studios

Now, the best bag to use at Universal Orlando will depend on you, but I’ll share some popular options, and you can choose your favorite!

The best fanny packs for Universal Orlando

Fanny packs, or “hip bags,” are the ultimate best bags for Universal Studios. Why? Because most rides allow you to ride with a fanny pack as long as it has three prongs. The Lululemon belt bag is always a good choice!

The exceptions are The Velicocoaster, The Incredible Hulk, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. All other rides—including Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure—allow you to wear a fanny pack. My daughter and I take advantage of this and often wear belt bags around the park.

The best small backpacks for Universal Orlando

My personal choice for the best bag for Universal Studios is a small backpack. I have kids, but they are older and don’t require things like diapers so I can carry a smaller bag.

You can find this Luna Lovegood Loungefly here.

The best backpacks for Universal Studios

If you want to fit your backpack in a free locker, you’ll need a small backpack like a Loungefly. Fortunately, there are literally hundreds of Loungefly bags with themes from the parks, such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Marvel, and more.

If you want to bring a larger bag, you can certainly do that. Just keep in mind that you must use a paid locker or leave the bag with a non-rider.

What are the best bags for Universal Studios?

I hope this list of the best bags for Universal Studios helped you find a great bag for your next theme park vacation. Do you have a bag that you love that we didn’t mention? Make sure to tell me about it in the comments!

Planning a Universal vacation? Don’t miss Star Wars Land vs. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Marriott Cypress Harbour Villas Review near Universal and Disney.

More Universal Travel Tips

If you liked this list of the best bags for Universal, I bet you’ll love even more Universal Orlando tips and tricks!

• How to Eat at Universal on a Budget
• 7 things to buy at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Worst rides for motion sickness at Universal
• NEW Vegan food at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• The best lanyards for Universal Studios
• 15 Amazing Volcano Bay Tips and Volcano Bay Hacks

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

Contact me if you’re planning a Disney or Universal vacation and want to work with a travel agent!

Did you enjoy this post? I would love it if you would pin it for later! Or, make sure to share it with your friends on social media if they are looking for things to do in Florida with kids.