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- Georgina D'Angelo
What to Bring to Universal Studios Hollywood: 9 Essentials & Fun Extras
Updated: Feb 1
You can’t visit Los Angeles without spending a day at Universal Studios Hollywood. This beloved amusement park brings movies to life and is perfect for movie lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Located in Hollywood, enjoy thrill rides, movie sets, a studio tour, and live shows at Universal. Hop on classic rides like Revenge of the Mummy or explore the new Super Nintendo World. There is something for everyone here; you don't want to miss it.
Make sure you’re prepared for your visit, especially if it’s your first time at this movie-themed, thrill-focused amusement park. Here is what to bring to Universal Studios Hollywood to ensure you stay comfortable and have the most fun possible!
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9 Essentials: What to Bring to Universal Studios Hollywood
1. Small Backpack
The most important thing to bring with you to Universal is a small backpack or day bag. This is what you will carry all of your essentials in as well as any souvenirs you might purchase during your visit.
If you’re a Potter Head, you’ll definitely want to go souvenir shopping at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And all you Mario fans will find goodies to take home at Super Nintendo World.
A small backpack is the easiest bag to carry. You don’t want to take a large backpack as some rides require you to store your bag in free lockers which aren’t very big, and you don’t want to lug around a big, heavy backpack all day.
2. Water Bottle
The second most important thing you can bring to Universal Studios is a water bottle. Yes, you are allowed to bring a reusable water bottle into the park. My recommendation is an insulated 32 oz bottle that will keep your water nice and cool all day.
You don’t want to have to buy a plastic water bottle every time you’re thirsty because nothing is cheap at Universal Studios. You’ll end up paying a fortune for water if you don’t bring your own.
There are several water bottle refill stations and water fountains spread throughout the park. Stay hydrated while you’re running around the park all day and refill your bottle when necessary.
3. Sunblock
Do not forget sunblock! You might think you won’t need it, but learn from my mistake. There is hardly any shade in Universal Studios Hollywood, especially in the attraction lines, and getting sunburned will make for a bummer of a day.
You don’t want to get sunburned and then feel sick and uncomfortable on all the super fun rides. Pack a travel bottle of sunblock and reapply when necessary.
4. Hat
Along with sunblock keep your head out of the sun and your eyes covered with a hat of your liking. My go-to is a baseball cap as they’re easy to throw in your backpack when on a ride. Check out some themed hats below.
Remember to take your hat off when you go on a ride, especially the coasters. You don’t want to lose your favorite hat on Revenge of the Mummy. But having a hat will be a lifesaver when you’re outside all day.
READ NEXT: What to Do in LA For a Weekend
5. Sunglasses
Throw a pair of sunglasses in your bag before you head to the park. You’re in Los Angeles, California, it’s almost always sunny, especially if you’re visiting in the summer.
Be kind to your eyes and wear sunglasses. These will come in handy when walking through different areas of the park as well as when you’re waiting in an attraction line outdoors (which many of them are).
Again, these are super easy to throw in your backpack when you get on a ride, but they will come in handy when spending the day in the California sunshine.
6. Snacks
There is plenty of food to enjoy at Universal Studios Hollywood, and I recommend trying as much as you want. But remember nothing is cheap here. It’s fun to grab lunch and/or dinner in the park, but having snacks to keep you going throughout the day is a must.
Some lines are very long meaning you can be standing for more than an hour waiting your turn to ride. Having a snack will a) make the time go faster, b) decrease your chances of becoming hangry while waiting, and c) are just nice to have. Who doesn’t want snacks?
Pack some protein bars or trail mix to snack on when you need a little pick-me-up but you don’t want to lose your chance to ride your favorite rides by waiting in a food line.
7. Poncho or Rain Jacket
There’s a possibility of getting wet at multiple attractions in Universal Studios Hollywood. If you’re sitting at the front of Jurassic World, which is the best seat, there’s a good chance you’ll get soaked.
Or if you want to experience Water World in the most authentic way, sit at the front in the green-colored seats. You’ll probably get drenched here. But a good way to still participate in these attractions if you don’t want to get your clothes wet is to pack a poncho.
Grab a compact poncho or even a rain jacket to bring with you, and throw it on when you’re about to participate in a water attraction.
What to Wear to Universal Studios Hollywood
8. Comfortable Shoes
There’s a lot of walking involved when it comes to spending a day at Universal Studios Hollywood. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes will make a huge difference. You don’t want to get blisters, etc., and not be able to enjoy your visit.
Allbirds are the best all-around shoes if you’re in the market. They have everything from sneakers to tennis shoes, for kids to adults. Plus, they’re machine washable, come in so many colors, and are high quality so they’ll last you a long time. Bring them on your next adventure too!
9. Sun Protection in the Summer
Remember I mentioned how sunny it gets in California? If you’re planning your Universal Studios trip in the summer, you will definitely want to bring some kind of sun protection with you.
This can be a sun shirt you wear all day, a jacket, or a cardigan to throw over your shoulders to avoid getting a bad sunburn. While LA is known for its amazing weather, you can still easily get burned in the sun.
Other Clothes
Depending on the season you visit, I recommend wearing comfortable, possibly athletic, clothes to visit Universal Studios Hollywood. You’ll be walking around all day, getting up and down from different rides, and be outside for most of the time.
Wear pants or joggers and bring a warm jacket if you go in the fall or winter. You can wear shorts and tank tops in the summer, or my favorite athletic dress, but don’t forget to cover your shoulders or wear plenty of sunblock to avoid sunburn.
READ NEXT: What to Wear in Los Angeles
Fun Extras to Bring to Universal Studios Hollywood
These items are not essential to bring with you, but they’re fun for fans and why not be a little extra? You’re visiting a Los Angeles classic! You can purchase these goodies ahead of time to wear or bring to Universal Studios Hollywood. Click on an image to check the price.
Shirts
Other
What to Bring to Universal Studios Hollywood: FAQ
Can you bring food into Universal Studios Hollywood?
Yes, you can bring food into the theme park. There are size restrictions on cooler bags, so don’t try to bring a three-course meal. But you can easily bring sandwiches, snacks, and water with you.
This is a good way to save money when visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. Entry tickets alone are very expensive, and once in the park, everything costs a pretty penny. You can save some nice bucks by bringing your own food and water bottle.
Should I bring a backpack to Universal Studios Hollywood?
The best type of bag to bring to Universal Studios Hollywood is a small backpack. It’s easy to carry and it fits all the essentials you’ll need for the day.
If you have multiple people in your party to share the carrying with, another option is a waist pack. This won’t fit a water bottle, but it can easily fit a travel bottle of sunblock, sunglasses, etc.
Can you bring bags on rides at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Most rides allow you to bring your bag with you at Universal Studios Hollywood. Some will have a pouch for you to put your bag in by your feet. On others, you can simply put your bag between your legs.
There are a few rides that prohibit bags, mostly larger bags like backpacks. These rides have free lockers for park guests to use while on the ride. They generally have a two-hour limit, which is plenty of time for those rides that do require you to use a locker.
Can I bring a camera to Universal Studios Hollywood?
You are allowed to bring a camera with you at Universal Studios Hollywood, but you might want to rethink doing so. Most rides don’t allow you to bring loose articles like a phone or camera. As cameras are generally very expensive, it also might not be worth the risk.
A camera might have to be left in a locker or put into a backpack. If you have someone in your party who doesn’t plan on riding the rides, then you can easily leave your camera with them. Otherwise, I advise you not to bring a camera to Universal Studios Hollywood.
It takes all day to truly explore the famous LA theme park of Universal Studios Hollywood. Plan to be on your feet and in the sun a lot. Wear your most comfortable shoes and bring plenty of sunblock and other sun protection.
You now know what to bring to Universal Studios Hollywood. A small backpack is the best way to go when bringing your essentials with you to the park. Carry your bag with ease and trade off with others in your party. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle to save money and stay hydrated.
Plan a day at Universal Studios Hollywood for an authentic and exciting LA trip. It’s a must-do for everyone visiting, or living, in Los Angeles. This amusement park is popular for a reason, go see for yourself!
Where are you going next?
Plan your trip to Universal Studios Hollywood with our one-day guide. Learn how to get the most out of your day at the park.
Still exploring Los Angeles? Get the best views of the city by hiking at Griffith Observatory. Mount Hollywood trail offers incredible views; it's a very rewarding hike in LA.
Amusement park lovers, this is your sign to book a trip to Disneyworld. Enjoy the magic, hop on the best rides at Epcot, and watch your favorite Disney classics come to life.
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