Michael Turner
Recommendation: Bring a compact daypack (15–20 L) or a small crossbody; wheeled suitcases and oversized rucksacks are discouraged and may be refused at entry. All bags undergo security screening and must be opened for inspection.
Pack essentials only: phone, portable charger, wallet, sunscreen and prescription medication in original containers. Items commonly prohibited include weapons, fireworks, illegal substances, outside alcohol, commercial camera rigs, drones, full-size tripods and extensible monopods; small personal cameras and action-cam setups are usually allowed but remain subject to staff discretion.
Many attractions require hands-free riding–stow loose items in ride lockers or staff-directed holding areas when requested. A slim waist pack or secure internal pockets for keys, cards and a phone reduces locker trips and speeds movement between lots.
Verify the venue’s official bag rules the day before arrival for any temporary updates; plan to arrive 30–60 minutes earlier than scheduled entry to clear security lines. Photograph tickets and ID, keep medications accessible, and bring an empty reusable water bottle to refill at designated stations after screening.
Daypack rules at the LA film-theme park
Bring a soft-sided daypack sized around 18 x 14 x 6 inches or smaller; all bags are subject to screening at the main entrance and may be inspected again near high-speed attractions.
- Permitted items: personal electronics, light jackets, small medical supplies (with documentation if necessary), refillable water bottles, snacks for dietary requirements.
- Prohibited items: large coolers, glass containers, wagons, commercial tripods, drones, real or replica weapons, open containers of alcohol, illegal substances.
- Loose-item policy: secure phones, wallets and cameras while riding; many attractions require stowing loose articles in bins or lockers prior to boarding.
Storage options
- Pay lockers available at the main entry plaza and at selected attraction zones; sizes usually include small (phone/wallet), medium (daypack), and large (duffel). Rates depend on duration and locker size.
- On-ride storage: some high-thrill experiences provide free bins or lockers at the loading area; others require bringing items down to the exit–plan accordingly.
- Hotel/ride-side drop-off: leave large luggage at accommodations or vehicle; wheeled suitcases are inconvenient for queues and may be refused at security.
Packing checklist & organization
- Essentials: valid ID, payment method, phone, small power bank, any prescription meds with labels.
- Comfort items: sunscreen, sunglasses, compact poncho, lightweight face covering if desired.
- Organization tip: use modular pouches or inserts to separate electronics and liquids – see best luggage interiors for compact solutions that speed up security checks.
Operational tip: opt for a small crossbody or waist pouch for rapid entry and ride transfers; keep prohibited items at lodging or vehicle to avoid confiscation or denied entry.
Allowed bag sizes and how to verify park policy
Recommended maximum dimensions: 16 x 14 x 6 inches (40 x 36 x 15 cm). Soft-sided daypacks and small tote-style carriers are preferred; large suitcases, coolers and rolling luggage are typically refused at security checkpoints.
All items presented for admission are subject to inspection; items exceeding the recommended dimensions may be denied entry or required to remain off-site.
How to confirm current rules
1. Official website: Open the park’s ‘Safety & Security’ or ‘Plan Your Visit’ pages for the definitive list of permitted and prohibited items and any posted size limits.
2. Mobile app: Check the park application FAQs or search for ‘security’ to view up-to-date guidance and any temporary changes communicated via push notifications.
3. Guest Services: Contact Guest Services (phone or email) before arrival and request explicit maximum dimensions and ride-specific storage procedures.
4. Social channels and recent visitor reports: Review verified social posts and recent guest reports after major events to see how rules are being enforced on arrival days.
5. On-site verification: Carry a tape measure or use an 8.5 x 11 in sheet as a quick size check at the entrance; if uncertain, leave oversized items in a vehicle or alternate storage.
Packing recommendations
Use a compact daypack under the recommended dimensions, keep liquids in original sealed containers, avoid glass and loose sharp objects, and store valuables in interior zip pockets or on-person compartments.
| Item type | Recommended max size | Entry status / action |
|---|---|---|
| Small daypack / tote | Up to 16 x 14 x 6 in (40 x 36 x 15 cm) | Admitted |
| Medium pack / duffel | Over recommended but below bulky (approx. 17–22 in) | May be refused; store off-site or in vehicle |
| Large suitcase / cooler | Over 22 in / bulky | Not admitted; leave off-site |
| Ride-specific storage | Varies by attraction | Verify per-attraction rules or use provided lockers/storage where available |
Commonly prohibited items to remove from your bag before arrival
Remove firearms, ammunition, knives, tasers, pepper spray, and any weapon replicas from all personal bags prior to arrival.
Leave sharp tools and cutting implements at home: box cutters, multi-tools with exposed blades, large scissors, axes, and woodworking tools.
Do not bring explosives or flammable materials: fireworks, sparklers, gas cans, compressed gas cartridges, lighter fluid, or fuel canisters.
Exclude alcoholic beverages, large coolers, glass bottles, and sealed alcoholic containers; small sealed bottled water for personal use is typically acceptable but verify policy elsewhere.
Avoid bringing drones, remote-controlled aircraft, selfie sticks, monopods, tripods, and professional camera rigs without prior media authorization; deposit bulky photography gear in a vehicle or locker.
Leave hoverboards, electric scooters, skateboards, and other personal transportation devices outside; battery-powered mobility aids for guests with disabilities are handled separately with documentation.
Do not pack illegal substances or drug paraphernalia. Prescription medications are permitted when kept in original packaging with prescription labels and, for injectable meds, a physician’s note and appropriate sharps container.
Restrict large signs, flags, poles, air horns, and loud megaphones; oversized banners or obstructive placards are not allowed and may be confiscated.
Avoid transporting live animals or non-ADA-certified pets; service animals should have documentation readily available.
If unsure about any item, place it in vehicle storage, leave it at lodging, or inquire at guest services for locker options prior to entry to prevent delays at security checkpoints.
What to expect during bag checks, metal detectors and random inspections
Arrive at least 45 minutes before scheduled entry on busy days; security screening commonly adds 30–60 minutes to entrance time.
Typical sequence: stand in queue, set pack on the inspection table for a quick visual check, walk through an arch metal detector, and proceed. If the arch alarms, a staff member will use a handheld wand and perform a focused pocket check. Primary visual inspections usually take 30–90 seconds; secondary or random screenings commonly require 2–10 minutes depending on findings and crowd levels.
Speed up processing by organizing items before arrival: place loose change, keys, wallets, and phones in a single clear pouch; keep prescription medication and its label in an exterior pocket; store small electronics in an easily reachable compartment. Clear zip-top pouches and single-compartment day packs reduce handling time during checks.
Alarm causes: concentrated metal items, dense clumps of electronics, or large sealed containers. Expect targeted wand sweeps and selective bag searches when alarms occur; random inspections may escalate to full-content searches and a brief pat-down at a secondary screening area.
Medical considerations: labeled medical devices and prescribed drugs are admitted when documentation is presented. Stroller users should empty under-seat storage and be prepared to fold larger units; consider a best compact umbrella stroller for travel to simplify checks.
Staff will wear gloves and may request hands-out cooperation; refusal or evasive behavior typically results in extended screening or denied entry. Large parties should distribute essentials across several small packs to avoid bulky, dense bags that prompt deeper inspection.
Packing tips for rides: what to carry, what to store in lockers and quick-access items
Wear a small zippered crossbody or waist pouch on rides; lock anything larger or loose in ride-side rental lockers between attractions.
On-ride essentials
Keep only items that fit a pouch roughly 8 x 6 x 2 inches: smartphone in a thin waterproof sleeve, slim wallet or cardholder, necessary medication (auto-injectors or pills in a labeled blister), park ticket/wristband, and one small key on a short key leash. Use flat zip pockets rather than bulky compartments to avoid pressure from restraints; soft cases reduce movement and rattle.
Secure eyewear with a retainer strap and replace metal sunglasses clips with fabric straps to prevent scratches. For noise-intense rides, pack disposable foam earplugs in a tiny sealed bag. Avoid loose coins, pens, tripods, monopods, or loose batteries while seated.
Lockers, organization and quick-access
Store medium-to-large daypacks, jackets, tripods, full water bottles, bulky souvenirs, and spare shoes in ride lockers. Group items by frequency of need: daily-use pouch (phone, cards, meds) goes on the person; locker-only items (extra layers, camera with detachable lens, large liquids) stay stored until after the ride. Place electronics in soft-lined cases and position fragile items between clothing to absorb shocks.
Label locker contents with a short list on a card (phone, keys, jacket) and keep a waterproof mini pouch for quick-access cash and a single credit card. For minor strap or gear repairs on the go, basic repair guides such as how to repair a broken air compressor hose can provide useful techniques transferable to small fabric or tubing fixes.
FAQ:
Can I bring a backpack into Universal Studios Hollywood?
Yes. Guests may bring backpacks into the park, but all bags are subject to inspection at the security checkpoint. Keep zippers closed and be prepared to open the bag for staff. Small personal items such as water bottles, sunscreen, cameras and a light jacket are commonly carried without issue.
Are there size limits or special rules for backpacks?
Universal does screen bags and may restrict very large bags, rolling suitcases or oversized gear. To avoid delays, choose a compact daypack that sits comfortably on your back and does not obstruct walkways. If you plan to bring larger items, check the park’s official page before your visit or contact guest services for guidance.
What items are not allowed inside backpacks at the park?
Prohibited items typically include weapons and sharp objects, illegal substances, fireworks and other incendiary items, drones, large tripods, and items that could endanger guests. Open containers of alcohol and large coolers are often restricted. Some electronic or recording gear may require prior permission from the park. Also follow local laws and the park’s full prohibited-items list; if you are unsure about a specific item, ask security before you arrive.
What are my options if my backpack is too large or I want to store things while I visit?
If a bag is deemed too large, security may ask you to return it to your vehicle or to use on-site storage. The park provides rental lockers at select locations and guest relations can advise about temporary holding options. Fees, availability and locker sizes vary, so plan ahead: leave bulky luggage at your hotel or car, or reserve a smaller bag for park hours if you expect to use attractions or rides that require clearing pockets.
