Universal Studios Florida Bag Policy: Know Before You Go

For those who love theme parks, the allure behind movie making, and adventure, Florida can be the perfect holiday destination. Flying into Orlando International Airport means you've got multiple world-class theme parks to choose from, all within a short drive. One of the most popular with tourists is Universal Studios Florida - Universal Orlando Resort. The grounds are so huge you can even stay on-site in one of the many resorts and hotels.

Opened in 1990, Universal Studios has been thrilling visitors for decades now. It is packed full of exciting rides, experiences, attractions, shows, and more. For example, if you're a fan of Harry Potter, then you simply must visit Universal Islands of Adventure. To keep things exciting, new features are always being added.

Perhaps the most exciting expansion to date is the opening of Universal Epic Universe, which opens in 2025. The expansion features five new worlds for visitors to explore, which are Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park. The expansion alone is giving people a reason to plan a trip!

If you're anxious to get to Universal Studios and start enjoying yourself, you may be planning to go straight from the airport. But be advised there are strict policies and rules, including a bag policy. This means your luggage and other oversized belongings are going to need to be stored in advance. That's where we come in extremely handy, but before we get to that - let's discuss the bag policy at Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Studios Bag Policy

There all guests need to follow the same rules when entering Universal CityWalk, or the amusement parks. Each person who enters the grounds will need to go through metal detectors for safety and security reasons. All approved bags will also need to go through X-ray screening. Some bags may require additional inspection and screening.

Guests can bring most bags, backpacks, purses, and personal items with them. Prohibited items include suitcases and bags with wheels. Guests can't bring hard-sided coolers into the theme park, but they can bring soft-sided coolers in with them. Soft coolers cannot exceed 8.5" x 6" x 6" in size.

Also allowed in the theme park is a water bottle, medically indicated nutritional supplements for special dietary needs, baby formula, and baby food. Glass containers aren't allowed.

Universal Studios transportation

Figuring out how to get to Universal Studios is a breeze. The park is located just off I-4 and Florida’s Turnpike. Here are some of the best ways to travel:

Driving

Driving is relatively easy using the major roads close to the park, and there is lots of parking available, although be prepared to pay a hefty sum for the privilege. Parking by the front gate costs $70, preferred parking before 5 pm costs $50, and general parking before 5 pm costs $30. There are discounted rates if you arrive after 5 pm. If you’re feeling fancy, valet parking is also an option.

Public transportation

Universal Studios public transportation is also widely available if you decide to forego the car. Mears Transportation Group and SuperShuttle provide shuttle service, and it’s easy to book online. One-way fares are generally around $20 ($32 round-trip) from the airport to Universal Studios.

You can take a combination of trains and buses as well - although that will take at least an hour from central Orlando. Take the train from Orlando Station to Lynx Central Station and then the #38 bus to Universal Blvd and Hollywood Way.

Taxi and rideshare

Both taxis and rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available to get you to Universal Studios. Rideshare drop-off and pickup occur on the fifth floor of the parking structure in the Jurassic Park area.

Universal Studios camera policy

The Universal Studios camera policy is fairly simple. As long as you are not taking photos or videos for commercial use and are not causing inconvenience to other guests, you can take as many videos and photos as you want.

Bounce Will Take Care of Your Luggage So You Can Focus on Fun

So what happens if you have just arrived at Universal Orlando Resort and your hotel room isn't ready yet, or you aren't planning to check in right away? What do you do with your luggage and heavy bags? Rely on us to provide you with affordable and convenient temporary luggage storage in Orlando.

You can book a reservation before you arrive using our app. Just pick the most convenient location for you. All our bookings include $10,000 protection and we offer a 24-hour flat rate fee which customers appreciate. We get that you want to move around freely in the parks without your heavy bags, backpacks, and luggage weighing you down, so call on us to help!

Additional Rules and Policies at Universal Studios

There are some additional rules, policies, and tips for those heading to Universal Studios. Let's take a look.

Outside Food and Drink Policy

If you plan to bring small snacks, food, and drinks with you, be advised they won't be allowed in. Outside drinks and food are prohibited items, the only permitted item is bottled water no bigger than two liters. You cannot bring food of any kind into the park.

The good news is that the parks have a massive selection of restaurants, fast food, snacks, and more. You certainly won't go hungry here.

Getting to Universal Studios

Getting to Universal Studios is relatively simple. If you choose to drive, it's just off I-4 and Florida's Turnpike. Parking is available and varies in price depending on how close you are to the front gates.

Mears Transportation Group and SuperShuttle both provide shuttle service to the park entrance. Fares differ depending on where you're coming from. If you want to use public transportation from Orlando to Universal Studios, be warned it requires multiple transfers and is quite slow.

And for those who prefer rideshares or taxis, both are available. They offer pickup and dropoff on the fifth floor of the parking structure in the Jurassic Park area.

Universal Studios Camera Policy

Guests can take pictures and videos while in the park. The only rule that Universal has is that you don't interfere with others having fun.

Be an Informed Guest - Additional Rules and Tips

There are some basic rules for all Universal Studios grounds, and when entering CityWalk. These rules include:

• Only registered service animals are allowed
• All the Universal parks are smoke-free, this includes smoking e-cigarettes, vaping, and tobacco.
• A guest can't bring a folding chair in
• Bags are allowed as long as they fit within the restrictions and go through screening
• Outside alcoholic drinks are prohibited
• Only one water bottle per person is allowed
• Closed and open containers of outside food are not allowed
• You can bring selfie sticks to the amusement park, but you can't use them on rides
• You can buy tickets at the gate, but this isn't advised since Universal can fill up during peak periods
• Buying tickets in advance means you don't have to stand in line to purchase them
• Guests are strongly encouraged not to bring bags, this way you don't risk lost items

Experience the Attractions at Universal Studios Orlando

Securing tickets to visit Universal Studios Orlando is a bucket-list item for many. The sheer volume of rides and attractions is enough to keep you entertained for days. With special features like early park admission, Halloween Horror Nights, the new lands being opened in 2025, and the constant infusion of new and exciting features, one visit probably won't be enough.

While it may not seem like a big deal to bring bags into the parks, the fact is that they may not be permitted upon entry. Additionally, they will slow you down and may even prevent you from going on as many rides as you hoped. Leaving your bags with us while you visit Universal Studios means you can have a fabulous time without worrying about your bags.