Michael Turner
Immediate guidance: Use a compact clear bag (suggested maximum 12″ x 12″ x 6″) or a small sling/waist pouch to speed entry. All personal bags are subject to inspection at the security checkpoint; large suitcases, rolling luggage and oversized duffels are typically refused at the gate.
Prohibited items: Firearms and other weapons, fireworks, drones, items classified as explosives, illegal drugs and anything that could endanger guests are not permitted on property. Professional video/audio equipment usually requires a permit from park operations; selfie sticks and unapproved tripods are commonly restricted.
Security procedure and timing: Expect metal detectors and visual bag searches. To reduce queue time, remove loose coins, empty outer pockets of bulky items and keep small electronics and medication in an easy-access compartment. Peak-entry windows (park opening and late afternoon) have longer screening lines–allow an extra 20–40 minutes during those periods.
Food, medical items and special needs: Pack prescription medications in original containers and carry supporting documentation when relevant. Small amounts of snack-sized, non-perishable food for allergies or dietary restrictions are usually tolerated but will be inspected. For larger medical supplies or special equipment, contact guest services ahead of arrival for confirmation.
On-site storage and alternatives: Short-term oversized-item storage may be limited or unavailable on the lot; consider leaving bulky bags in a locked vehicle, at hotel luggage services, or using compact alternatives. Label essentials and keep tickets/wristbands accessible to speed re-entry after any off-site drop-off.
Policy for personal daypacks at the Los Angeles movie-theme park
Use a small daypack – all bags are subject to security inspection at park entrances and certain attractions require temporary stowage of loose items prior to boarding.
Security screening & prohibited items
Expect: metal-detector screening and manual bag checks. Commonly banned categories include firearms, knives, explosives, illegal drugs, large coolers, outside alcohol, drones, hoverboards, large tripods and glass containers. Keep prescription medications and infant supplies accessible and clearly labeled; carry documentation for medical items when applicable.
Storage options and ride rules
On-ride storage: many high-intensity attractions provide temporary lockers at the queue; longer-term rentable lockers are typically available near the main gate or lot. Soft-sided packs stow more easily; use zippered compartments or lanyards for phones and wallets. Strollers have designated parking but are not an approved substitute for luggage storage.
Packing checklist: compact soft-sided bag; zipped pockets for valuables; clear pouch for prescriptions; spare payment method; compact sunscreen and a refillable bottle (subject to inspection); leave oversized gear at vehicle or lodging.
Bag policy: permitted sizes and types
Recommendation: Guests should use a clear bag or a small daypack no larger than 16 x 12 x 6 inches (≈40 x 30 x 15 cm) for fastest entry; larger items may face extra screening or need to remain in the vehicle.
Allowed types
Permitted items include clear totes, small soft-sided packs, shoulder purses, crossbody bags, diaper bags, camera cases, sling bags and drawstring sacks. Wheeled suitcases and large travel trunks are not permitted past the main gate; for off-site travel with wheels, consider options shown at best luggage for traveling around italy backpac on wheels.
Size limits, inspections and ride rules
All bags are subject to security inspection. Loose articles often must be stored in ride-side lockers for specific attractions; small soft-sided packs typically fit under ride restraints when secured. Commonly prohibited items: large coolers, glass containers, alcoholic beverages, weapons, drones, professional camera rigs and oversized tripods. Carry a compact collapsible umbrella for sun or rain: best buy flashh umbrella. For vehicle cleaning before or after the visit, consider this option: best pressure washer for detailing business.
Prohibited items in bags at park entry
Leave firearms, knives of any length, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and illegal controlled substances offsite; possession leads to denied entry, confiscation, and potential arrest.
Items frequently barred at the security checkpoint include hazardous, bulky, or filming-grade gear that pose safety or operational risks. Medical supplies and prescribed medications are allowed when accompanied by proper documentation; declare these at the gate for inspection.
| Category | Specific examples | Notes / typical outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Weapons & related | Handguns, rifles, tasers, BB guns, pepper spray, brass knuckles | Zero tolerance; items are confiscated and law enforcement may be notified. |
| Sharp objects | Pocket knives, large folding knives, box cutters, swords | Any blade is disallowed; expect denial of entry and confiscation. |
| Explosives & incendiaries | Fireworks, flares, gunpowder, explosives, sparklers | Immediate removal and police response; criminal charges possible. |
| Controlled substances | Illegal drugs, cannabis products where not permitted, drug paraphernalia | Confiscation and involvement of law enforcement. |
| Alcohol & glass | Open alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, large kegs | Alcoholic items removed; closed single-serving alcohol usually not permitted. |
| Large containers | Full-size coolers, large ice chests, commercial food coolers | Most parks prohibit large coolers; small sealed containers for baby food/medicine are acceptable. |
| Professional recording gear | Tripods, monopods, boom mics, DSLR rigs without permit, professional video cameras | Professional equipment often requires prior approval or permit; unauthorized gear may be refused entry. |
| Remote devices & aerials | Drones, remote-controlled aircraft, laser pointers | Prohibited due to safety and privacy; items will be confiscated. |
| Personal mobility & recreational devices | Hoverboards, electric scooters, skateboards, bicycles | Often restricted for safety; storage options should be arranged offsite. |
| Animal restrictions | Pets and non-service animals | Only certified service animals allowed; documentation may be required. |
| Miscellaneous hazardous items | Gasoline cans, chemical solvents, large umbrellas with pointed tips, working power tools | Prohibited due to fire and injury risk; remove these items before approaching security. |
When in doubt, leave questionable items in a locked vehicle or at lodging. Carry prescriptions in original packaging and have medical device paperwork ready for presentation at security checkpoints.
Gate security screening: procedures for carried packs
Recommendation: place small electronics, loose items, and zipped pouches into one tray and have pockets emptied before reaching the X‑ray conveyor to speed entry.
Procedure: guests line up, staff issue plastic trays, and soft-sided packs are placed on the belt for X‑ray inspection while guests walk through a metal detector arch. If the arch flags, a handheld wand scan follows. Station attendants may ask to unzip compartments so contents are visible on the monitor; larger or oddly shaped items may receive manual inspection off the belt.
If an alarm activates during the X‑ray review, attendants will remove the tray or pack for a secondary check behind the security counter. Staff conduct a visual inspection first; if additional verification is required, items are handled with disposable gloves and inspected one compartment at a time. Any item requiring clarification will prompt staff to request the guest’s assistance in opening pockets or powering on electronic devices.
To minimize delays, use transparent pouches for toiletry liquids, keep power banks and camera batteries near the tray edge, and avoid multiple loose coin purses or wrapped bundles. Guests needing medical supplies should present prescription labels or written medical notes upfront to the attendant to avoid repeated handling.
Accessibility and logistics: a separate lane or personal‑search option is typically available for those with mobility devices, service animals, or privacy needs; ask the uniformed officer at the front of the queue. Peak processing times occur at opening and late afternoon re‑entry periods, so expect longer waits then and plan arrival accordingly.
Size and packing tips to pass through security without delays
Choose a slim daypack or sling with a single main compartment and a quick-access front pocket; a low-profile carry that does not bulge speeds visual inspection and reduces requests for a full search.
Keep liquids and lotions in one clear resealable pouch so staff can confirm contents without unpacking; place that pouch in an outer pocket for immediate visibility.
Group electronics (phone, camera, power bank) together in an easily reachable compartment and power devices off; consolidated electronics cut handling time when removal is requested.
Place dense or rigid items (metal water bottles, souvenirs) flat against the base and surround them with soft clothing to avoid uneven shapes that prompt manual checks.
Store medications in original containers with visible labels and keep a separate, labeled pouch for daily doses; carry a prescription note or photo of the prescription on the phone for quick verification.
Keep tickets, ID and payment methods in a front zip pocket or slim travel wallet for immediate access; avoid deep internal pockets that require full opening.
Shorten and secure loose straps with Velcro wraps or elastic bands; tucked straps prevent snagging and reduce the chance a bag must be removed and laid open.
Pack snacks and non-liquid food in transparent resealable bags and remove trash and empty bottles before arrival to minimize manual bag checks.
Swap larger carriers for a compact sling or waist pack when possible, and arrive 30–45 minutes early during peak hours to allow additional time for any required inspections.
On-site storage and locker options for oversized rucksacks
Leave oversized rucksacks at Guest Relations (main entrance plaza) or use rentable lockers positioned near the entry plaza to avoid ride restrictions and gate delays.
Typical locker dimensions and rental ranges: small – 12 × 12 × 17 in (30 × 30 × 43 cm); medium – 12 × 18 × 22 in (30 × 46 × 56 cm); large – 16 × 20 × 30 in (41 × 51 × 76 cm). Daily rental fees commonly run between $8 and $20 depending on size and whether the unit accepts cards or coins; some locations offer hourly rates for short stays.
Guest Relations left-luggage service accepts items too large for standard lockers; acceptance is discretionary. Expect an item logged with a claim ticket, photo ID required at drop-off and pick-up, and a signed receipt. Overnight storage availability varies by location; plan retrieval before closing or confirm extended-hold options at the desk.
Security and liability: stored items are tagged and monitored, but liability for valuables is typically limited. Remove passports, large sums of cash, prescription medication and irreplaceable electronics before checking items. Lockable luggage, tamper-evident seals and a clearly written name tag speed processing and reduce dispute risk.
If the largest on-site locker is too small, alternative options include hotel concierge storage and third-party luggage services (examples: Bounce, LuggageHero, Vertoe) located in the surrounding entertainment/dining district or near transit hubs; typical third-party pricing ranges from ~$5–15 per day depending on proximity and insurance level.
Operational tips: arrive early to avoid locker queues at peak opening, measure packed items beforehand against published locker dimensions, keep the claim ticket on a secure lanyard, and verify opening hours of the storage location – most operate only during park hours and may close 30–60 minutes before overall exit time.
Rules for carrying food, drinks, medications, and electronics in bags
Keep medications accessible in labeled original containers with prescription details and a brief physician note for injectable or refrigerated drugs.
- Food and snacks
- Commercially sealed single-serve items (snack bars, chips, fruit cups) speed inspection; place them in a clear resealable bag.
- Homemade meals and picnic-style coolers are frequently refused–use small insulated pouches for medical or infant needs only.
- Glass containers are discouraged; use plastic or metal containers to avoid disposal at entry.
- Declare baby formula, breast milk and sterilized water at security; reasonable quantities for infant feeding are accepted.
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Sealed bottled water and single-serving beverages generally pass screening faster than loose liquids.
- Empty reusable bottles are useful: refill stations are available at many locations–carry them empty for faster gate checks.
- Large coolers and alcohol are typically not permitted; plan for small personal containers when necessary for medical reasons.
- Medications and medical supplies
- Keep a daily supply + contingency dose on person; store extras in an easily reachable pocket.
- Insulin, syringes, EpiPens, inhalers and other emergency items are allowed but must be declared during inspection.
- Temperature-sensitive meds: use a small soft-sided cooler with frozen gel packs; expect staff to inspect pack temperature and contents.
- Carry a printed medication list with generic names, dosages and emergency contact information.
- Electronics and power
- Smartphones, tablets and compact cameras are allowed; attach a wrist/neck strap or use a secure zip pocket to prevent drops on rides.
- Selfie sticks, tripods, camera stabilizers and professional rigs are commonly prohibited; leave large mounts at home or in a locker.
- Power banks (portable chargers) must be carried in the main compartment for inspection; tape exposed terminals or keep in original packaging if possible.
- Spare lithium batteries should be stored in protective sleeves or taped terminals to prevent short-circuits.
- Drones, remote-controlled devices and laser pointers are not permitted; plan alternative ways to capture footage.
- Packing and inspection strategy
- Place medications and any declared liquids in an outer pocket for immediate access at security.
- Use one clear resealable bag for small snacks and another for chargers/cables to allow quick visual checks.
- Label any medical refrigeration packs and keep physician documentation together with the medication.
- If planning water rides, store fragile electronics in waterproof pouches or rent a ride locker for valuables before queueing.
- If an item is flagged, remove it promptly and present documentation; delays are reduced when staff can clearly see contents.
When in doubt about a specific device, medication type or unusual food item, contact park guest services ahead of visit to confirm acceptance and any required documentation.
FAQ:
Can I bring a backpack into Universal Studios Hollywood?
Yes. Guests are allowed to bring backpacks, but all bags are inspected at park entry. Any items that appear dangerous or are listed on the park’s prohibited items list will be refused. To avoid delays, pack only what you need for the day and be prepared for a quick bag check at security.
Are there specific size limits or rules for backpacks?
There is no single published dimension limit posted on the park’s main pages, but very large luggage and commercial gear may be denied. Small to medium daypacks and soft-sided bags are routinely permitted. If you plan to bring a bulky pack, consider leaving it in your car or using an off-site storage option, since oversized bags can slow entry and may not be allowed on certain rides.
What items in a backpack are not allowed inside the park?
Weapons, explosives, illegal substances, open containers of alcohol and similar hazardous items are prohibited. Certain sharp tools, drones, large coolers and professional camera rigs are commonly restricted as well. Food for babies and medically necessary supplies are generally allowed, but those items may be inspected. The safest approach is to review Universal Studios Hollywood’s official prohibited items list before you travel so you don’t pack anything that could be confiscated or cause refusal of entry.
I need to carry medication and a small cooler for baby food. How should I pack these in a backpack for Universal Studios Hollywood?
Pack medications in original packaging or with clear labeling, and keep them accessible so security officers can inspect them quickly. A doctor’s note or prescription label can help if you use injectable meds or controlled prescriptions. For baby food and milk, bring only what you need for the day; sealed commercial containers are easiest to pass through security. If you bring an insulated bag or small cooler inside your backpack, make sure it is compact and does not contain ice packs that might be considered a hazard. At entry, inform the security staff that you have medication or baby supplies—this speeds the process and reduces the chance of any misunderstanding.
