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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; in fact, we’re annual pass holders! 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 am going to 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’ll definitely need a rental car if you’re flying into Orlando. I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. I use Discount USA Car Rental whenever I need to rent a car, whether I fly into MCO, SFB, or even Tampa. They have the best prices, and you don’t have to pay until you pick it up!

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.

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

Any type of explosive, weapon, or 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 an 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.

best bags for Universal

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. In fact, many rides do not allow bags at all, except fanny packs, which we will discuss later. If you’re used to Disney policies, this can be a big change!

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?

Yes, 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!

Choosing me as your Universal Travel Agent ensures that you’ll have the most exceptional and worry-free experience on your journey to Universal Theme Parks. With a wealth of knowledge and insights, I can provide you with invaluable guidance, helping you know exactly what to expect during your visit.

Universal Travel Agent

Note my belt bag by Jujube which is sadly not available anymore.

As a Universal annual passholder AND certified Travel Agent, I have firsthand experience with the parks, rides, dining options, and more, enabling me to offer tailored recommendations and insider tips that can significantly enhance your trip. Contact me for more information.

The best bags for Universal Orlando

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 bag for Universal Studios. Why? Because most rides allow you to ride with a fanny pack as long as it has 3 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 on the ride. Noth 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.

best bags for Universal

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 know you’ll have to 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 Orlando 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!

More Universal Travel Tips

Where to stay at Universal

The best place to stay at Universal is in a Universal Resort!

Checking current pricing for all Universal Resorts here: