Backpack Policy at Universal Studios Hollywood: What’s Allowed?
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Yes, you can bring a backpack into Universal Studios Hollywood. Every bag is subject to security screening, which includes a metal detector walk-through and a manual inspection. The park permits soft-sided insulated bags up to 8.5 inches wide by 6 inches high by 6 inches deep. Larger coolers are prohibited. For thrill rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, you must store your backpack in a free, ride-specific locker.
That 8.5x6x6 inch rule is the line between a bag you can carry and one you can’t. It’s printed on their official policy page, and security uses it at the gate. Most standard daypacks fit, but a bulky hiking pack or a large insulated lunchbox will not.
What follows: the exact size limits, the list of rides that force you into a locker, what you can and cannot pack, and how to avoid the most common bag-related delays at the turnstile.
Key Takeaways
- All bags undergo security screening with metal detectors and manual inspection.
- Soft-sided insulated bags cannot exceed 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep.
- Outside food is generally prohibited, but exceptions exist for medical needs, baby formula, and special diets.
- Four major attractions require you to store all bags in free, on-site lockers: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World – The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride, and Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.
- Prohibited items include clothing impersonating park staff or emergency personnel, weapons, and any item deemed unsafe.
What Size Backpack Can You Bring?
Universal Studios Hollywood publishes its bag dimensions for a reason. The 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep limit applies specifically to soft-sided insulated bags, which covers most small coolers and lunch bags. This rule exists to keep aisles clear, ensure ride safety, and speed up security screening.
A standard school backpack or a compact daypack typically measures within these limits. Think of a bag meant to hold a laptop, a water bottle, and a jacket. If your pack is designed for a multi-day hike, with a large internal frame and external straps, it will likely exceed the depth or height. Security will measure it.
The maximum dimensions for a permitted soft-sided insulated bag are 8.5 inches in width, 6 inches in height, and 6 inches in depth. Larger soft-sided coolers are not allowed inside the park.
The policy manages volume by allowing only bags that fit under a ride seat or in a standard locker to keep the park moving.One that doesn’t creates a bottleneck.
Skip the hiking pack. Opt for a simple, soft-sided daypack without a rigid frame. If you need to carry medical supplies or baby formula, those items are exempt from the food policy but your bag still must pass the size check.
The Security Screening Process
You will pass through a metal detector. Every guest does. Your backpack will then be opened and visually inspected by a security team member. This is a non-negotiable step for entry.
The process is similar to airport security but faster. Have your bag unzipped and ready. Remove any large metal objects like portable battery packs or water bottles and place them in the bin provided. The goal is to move the line, not debate what’s inside.
Common mistake: Packing prohibited items at the bottom of your bag. Security will find them, you’ll be asked to discard them or return them to your car, and you’ve just wasted your spot in line.
Prohibited items extend beyond the obvious. Clothing that could be mistaken for a Universal team member or emergency services personnel is banned. So are any items deemed unsafe, including certain types of tripods or selfie sticks. Assume common sense applies.
The inspection is visual, not tactile. They are looking for weapons, glass containers, and alcohol. They are also verifying that any food present falls under the permitted exceptions. If you have medical or dietary food, have it easily accessible to explain.
What Can You Bring In Your Backpack?
Outside food and drink are generally not permitted. The park wants you to buy their meals and snacks. There are three explicit exceptions: food for medical purposes, medically-indicated nutritional supplements, and baby food or formula. Special dietary needs food is also allowed.
You can bring one sealed bottle of water per person, up to 2 liters in size. It must be unopened at the gate. This is a hydration and safety rule, open containers are a spill and contamination risk.
Dry ice is permitted, but only if contained within a soft-sided insulated bag that meets the 8.5x6x6 size limit. This is a niche allowance for keeping specific medications or specialty dietary items cold.
For everything else, pack light. Essentials include: * Sunscreen (non-aerosol) * Portable phone charger * Poncho or light jacket * Sunglasses and a hat * Any required medications
A small first-aid kit with bandaids and blister pads is wise. So are wet wipes. Both fit the “personal care” umbrella and are rarely questioned.
Don’t pack a picnic. Sandwiches, fruit, and snacks will be confiscated unless you have a documented medical need. The policy is clear and uniformly enforced.
The Mandatory Locker System for Rides
Universal Studios Hollywood operates a free locker system for its most intense attractions. This safety requirement prevents loose articles from becoming projectiles.
The four rides with mandatory lockers are: 1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ 2. Jurassic World – The Ride 3. Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride 4. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
For Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, the requirement is doubly strict. You must pass through a secondary metal detector, and all loose articles are prohibited from the queue, not merely stored there.
| Attraction | Locker Mandate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ | Required | Free, timed lockers located at the ride entrance. |
| Jurassic World – The Ride | Required | Lockers are adjacent to the queue. |
| Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride | Required | Small, free lockers are available before boarding. |
| Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift | Required + Metal Detector | No loose articles permitted in queue; lockers available. |
The lockers are small. They are designed for a standard daypack, a purse, or a fanny pack. You scan your park ticket or annual pass to secure a locker, and you use the same ticket to retrieve your items later. The rental period is limited to your ride time plus a short buffer.
If your bag doesn’t fit, you must use a larger, paid locker located in the park’s central areas. This costs extra and adds a walk to your ride experience. Choosing a bag that fits the free lockers saves money and time.
Where this goes sideways: Trying to sneak a bag onto a ride with a locker mandate. Team members will stop you at the loading platform and send you back, forfeiting your place in line. It’s faster to just use the locker.
Backpack Alternatives and Pro Tips
A backpack isn’t your only option. For many visitors, a crossbody sling bag or a fanny pack is superior. These often fit into ride vehicles with you, bypassing the locker requirement on some less intense attractions.
The ideal bag is soft, has minimal external protrusions, and lays flat. A Loungefly mini-backpack is a popular choice because its rigid structure is still within size limits. Avoid versions with large front pockets that add depth.
Here is a comparison of bag types and their trade-offs:
| Bag Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Daypack | High capacity, comfortable for all-day carry. | May require locker use on all major rides. | Families carrying for multiple people. |
| Crossbody Sling | Often fits under seat on milder rides, keeps items secure. | Limited capacity, can become uncomfortable. | Solo visitors or adults traveling light. |
| Fanny Pack | Fits on most rides, hands-free, very quick at security. | Very small capacity, not ideal for water bottles. | Those who only need phone, wallet, keys. |
| Soft-Sided Cooler (within size limit) | Keeps medication or formula cold. | Rigid shape may not fit in ride lockers. | Guests with specific medical or dietary needs. |
If you do bring a backpack, attach a carabiner to the zipper pulls. It’s a simple, one-second lock that deters pickpockets in crowded queues. Also, pack a foldable tote bag. If you buy merchandise, you can transfer your essentials to the smaller bag for rides and stash your backpack in a paid locker, avoiding multiple trips.
Your choice directly impacts your day. A oversized backpack means paid lockers and more hassle. A slim daypack or alternative bag means more time on rides, less time managing stuff.
Policies for Guests with Special Needs
The park makes accommodations for guests with disabilities, and these extend to bag policies. Service animals are permitted but must remain under control at all times. Their relief area is outside the main gates, so plan accordingly.
Guests who require oxygen tanks are allowed to bring them. You should notify guest relations upon arrival for guidance on navigating certain attractions.
A specific edge case involves mobility devices. Segways are prohibited unless they are being used as an ADA-approved mobility device. If you require one, have your documentation accessible.
For guests with cognitive needs or who require a supervising companion, bag checks can be stressful. You can request a quieter screening area. Speak to a team member at the security checkpoint before you enter the line.
All these exceptions are designed for safety and access. The core rules, bag screening, size limits on coolers, ride locker mandates, still apply. The park’s Rider’s Guide details each attraction’s access requirements if you need to plan ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a hydration backpack?
Yes, but it must be empty when you pass through security. You can fill it at water fountains inside the park. The bladder itself must be transparent or translucent for inspection.
Are there any rides where I can keep my backpack with me?
Yes, on milder attractions like the Studio Tour, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, you can typically keep your bag at your feet. Always look for signage or ask a team member.
What happens if my backpack is too big?
Security will turn you away at the entrance. You have two options: return it to your car, or rent a locker in the parking garage or at the CityWalk entrance to store it for the day. There is no bag check at the main gate.
Can I bring a plastic water bottle?
Yes, a sealed water bottle up to 2 liters is permitted. Once inside, you can refill it. Other drinks like soda or juice are not allowed unless for medical purposes.
Does Universal Hollywood have a clear bag policy?
No. Unlike some sports stadiums, Universal Studios Hollywood does not require clear bags. Any bag meeting the size and security requirements is acceptable.
Before You Go
You can bring a backpack into Universal Studios Hollywood, but you’ll manage it all day. The 8.5x6x6 cooler rule is your hard size limit. The four major thrill rides will force you into a free locker, pack a bag that fits them.
Security screening is mandatory, so pack smart and avoid prohibited items. If you have special medical or dietary needs, have those items ready for inspection. Choose a soft, streamlined daypack or consider a hands-free alternative like a sling bag.
Your backpack choice changes your park experience. A smaller, compliant bag means less time in lines and more time on rides. That’s the goal.
