Michael Turner
Short answer: Bring a compact crossbody or soft-sided daypack; large wheeled luggage will be refused at entry and slows down the screening process.
All personal bags undergo inspection at the main gate; security checks include visual examination and occasional handheld wand screening. Prohibited items list typically covers firearms, knives, fireworks, large coolers, glass containers, drones and professional camera rigs with detachable lenses. Small medical supplies and baby food must be declared at entry for quick clearance.
Move through entry faster by using a clear tote or a small single-strap pack, keeping essentials (phone, wallet, keys, medications) in easy-to-access pockets, and placing liquids into transparent resealable bags. Leave oversized items in your vehicle or use Guest Services luggage storage; for ride-specific rules, use on-site stow bins or lockers located near certain attractions.
Check the park’s official guest policies before arrival for the latest restrictions and operating hours; on peak days expect longer screening times–arrive 45–60 minutes before your ticketed time and plan accordingly to minimize time spent at baggage lines and locker retrievals.
Daypack recommendations for the LA-area movie theme park
Bring a compact daypack and leave large rucksacks in your car or hotel; all carry items will undergo security screening at the entrance. Use a small crossbody or sling with zip pockets for valuables, and pack only essentials to speed up security lines.
Prohibited items at park entry commonly include firearms, knives, pepper spray, fireworks, drones, large coolers, folding chairs, and glass containers. Pack medications and baby supplies in original containers and carry a doctor’s note or prescription when applicable; medical supplies receive individual attention at guest services.
On-ride handling and storage
Many rides require loose items to be stowed off-ride. Locker rentals or temporary storage options exist at select attractions; availability, size and fees vary by location. For water rides and fast-motion experiences, move phones and wallets into interior zip pockets or use a tether; small waterproof pouches work well for electronics.
Practical packing checklist
Carry a compact refillable water bottle (empty at security if requested), sunscreen, portable charger, minimal cash/cards, photocopy of ID, and a clear resealable bag for liquids. If planning photography with tripods or large camera rigs, plan to leave gear in secured storage or the vehicle, since bulky camera equipment often gets restricted.
If unsure about a specific item, ask the security officer at the main gate or visit Guest Services before entry for a definitive ruling.
Official daypack policy and maximum dimensions
Recommendation: bring a compact soft-sided daypack no larger than 18 × 14 × 8 inches (45 × 35 × 20 cm); items exceeding these dimensions are frequently restricted at attraction entrances and must be placed in on-site storage.
Official security rule: all bags are subject to visual and physical inspection at entry. Large suitcases, overnight luggage, commercial coolers, and cases that obstruct movement are not permitted inside the grounds. Any personal pack that cannot be safely stowed at a ride or that presents a safety concern may be refused entry at that ride and redirected to paid lockers or to your vehicle.
On-site storage: rental lockers are available at the main entrance and at several ride locations for items too large to carry on attractions. Typical locker size options cover small (fits phone/wallet), medium (standard daypack), and large (bulky items) with single-use or full-day pricing; payment methods usually include credit/debit cards and cash at certain locations. Lockers are first-come, first-served during peak attendance.
Practical tips: measure your pack before arrival; use a waist pack or slim crossbody for phones, cards and keys to avoid locker fees; leave bulky items in your car or hotel when possible; label any stored item with your name and keep locker receipts until retrieval. Verify current dimension limits and locker availability on the park’s official website prior to your visit.
Which items inside packs are prohibited and how security inspects bags
Do not pack any of the following items; discovery at entry will lead to confiscation, disposal, or return-to-vehicle: knives and other sharp implements (pocket knives, box cutters, multitools, machetes, swords), firearms and realistic replicas (including BB/airsoft guns) and any ammunition, explosives or pyrotechnics (fireworks, sparklers, smoke devices), chemical agents (pepper spray, mace, tear gas), glass bottles and glass food jars, open or sealed alcoholic beverages, illegal narcotics and THC/CBD products, compressed gas canisters (butane, propane), drones and remote-controlled aircraft, tripods/monopods/selfie sticks and professional camera rigs that obstruct crowds, large coolers and picnic-style containers, folding chairs and oversized umbrellas, chains and restraint devices, laser pointers and tasers, power tools and fuel containers.
Permitted medical and child-care items
Prescription medications and medical devices should remain in original containers with matching prescription label and supporting documentation; injectable meds benefit from a physician note. Insulin, EpiPens, CPAP machines and hearing aids permitted but subject to inspection. Infant formula, breast milk and baby food may be carried but must be declared for screening; store these items in an accessible outer pocket to speed inspection.
Security inspection process and practical packing tips
Entry screening typically combines walkthrough metal detectors, handheld wands and X-ray conveyors for carry items; when X-ray not used, manual bag searches occur. Staff will request opening compartments, removal of laptops and tablets, and extraction of liquids for separate inspection. Random secondary checks happen without notice; discovery of prohibited items commonly results in instructions to return item to vehicle or surrender item for disposal; confiscated items might not be returned. For faster processing, place medications and documents in a designated outer pocket or clear pouch, consolidate small electronics in one section, separate liquids into a single clear bag, empty pockets before approaching the line and arrive 30–45 minutes early during busy periods.
How to pack your backpack for rides, shows, and bag-check requirements
Keep valuables on your person: phone, wallet, keys and ticket/ID in a front zip pocket or slim money belt for instant access and minimal handling during line entry.
Ride-ready packing
Use a compact sling or wear smaller items on the body for high-intensity attractions; stow loose objects in internal zippered compartments to reduce risk of ejection. Place heavy items at the bottom to improve stability; soft items such as a folded hoodie act as shock padding for electronics. Helmet-like headwear or professional camera rigs belong in a locker off-site.
Electronics: keep phone in a padded sleeve, external battery in a separate zip bag, one short charging cable coiled and fastened. Use a small clear pouch for spare batteries and SD cards so security visual checks finish faster.
Show, weather and bag-check prep
For stage shows and outdoor sets, carry a thin poncho or a compact umbrella that fits a side pocket–example: best little pretty umbrella. Store wet or soiled items in a waterproof sack to protect clothing and electronics.
If bag-check is requested, unzip outer pockets and unlock clips before arrival to speed inspection. Photograph bag contents and keep a digital inventory for quick claims if something goes missing. Leave bulky power tools and heavy maintenance gear at home; items such as a best battery operated pressure washer are unsuitable for a daypack and create delays at security.
Final quick checklist: top pocket – ticket/ID/phone; easy-access pouch – cash/cards/meds with prescriptions; main compartment – padded electronics sleeve, lightweight rain layer, sunscreen; liquids in a clear zip bag; exterior loop or tag with name and phone; cable tie for locker use if zippers need temporary security.
On-site storage options, locker locations, costs, and third-party services
Rent a locker at the main gate if you need hands-free access for several hours; small day-use units usually cost less than carrying luggage through the park complex.
- Main entrance plaza: locker bank located near Guest Services and ticketing kiosks, convenient for drop-off before entering.
- Upper lot: locker cluster by the Studio Tour boarding area and near major family attractions, suitable for quick-access items.
- Lower lot: lockers positioned close to thrill-ride entrances for storing larger items that cannot go on certain rides.
Typical locker dimensions and price guide (prices approximate, USD):
- Small – internal ~12″ × 10″ × 16″; cost about $6–$9 per day.
- Medium – internal ~18″ × 14″ × 20″; cost about $8–$12 per day.
- Large – suitcase-sized, internal ~24″ × 16″ × 24″; cost about $12–$18 per day.
- Payment methods: most kiosks accept major credit/debit cards; some locations accept cash via on-site machines.
- Access window: lockers function during park operating hours; final retrieval must occur before gates close.
- Lost-access help: visit Guest Services at the front entrance with photo ID and locker receipt for staff-assisted opening.
Third-party options and practical tips
- Off-site short-term storage providers (Bounce, LuggageHero, Vertoe) operate near the park complex and local transit stops; typical rates run $5–$10 per item for a full day, with hourly plans from about $1–$5.
- Hotel storage: most nearby hotels store luggage for registered guests at no charge; request this when booking if arrival or departure times conflict with park hours.
- Pickup/drop logistics: third-party lockers often list exact pickup points on their booking page; pre-book to guarantee space on busy weekends or special-event dates.
- Insurance and ID: choose a provider that includes insurance coverage and requires ID verification; keep booking confirmation and item photos for claims.
Security and packing recommendations for stored items
- Remove valuables (wallets, passports, cameras) from stored luggage when possible; photograph contents and keep receipts for high-value items.
- Use TSA-style combination locks for off-site storage or long-term rentals; do not rely on simple cable locks for unattended equipment.
- Label stored bags with a removable tag that includes your phone number and reservation code to speed recovery if misplaced.
For a durable main travel bag, consider brands with strong zippers and reinforced corners; see best luggage brands in europe for recommendations before your visit.
