What to Bring to USH | Universal Studios Hollywood Packing List

Posted on July 11, 2025

A family of four is joyfully interacting on a red carpet in front of an entrance with the words Universal Studios. The adults and children are sharing a moment of excitement. The background features decorative street lamps, palm trees, and a clear blue sky, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Gearing up for that Universal adventure? Universal Studios Hollywood has LOTS of exciting things prepared for every Universal fan this year. We don't even need to exaggerate, because we know you all can't wait to experience all the fun stuff that Universal has to offer. If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, do it now because some of the park's most popular events are about to begin this season. You might want to skip the crazy crowds and the expensive passes, right?

So, let's start with the basics. Walking around the park's themed lands takes a lot of work, but not that much if you have your essentials with you. To help you prepare for a terrific theme park experience, we are sharing with you this guide for the things you need to bring on your trip to Universal. Don't worry, you won't need a full suitcase for these items. We will just cover the essentials to bring to the parks, so you won't need to spend more money purchasing them. Let's start now, shall we?

Things to expect on your Universal Studios Hollywood trip.

A visit to Universal Studios Hollywood promises an exciting combination of thrilling rides, immersive themed worlds, and a captivating studio tour. Get ready to wander through the backlot of a genuine movie studio, encounter legendary attractions such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Jurassic World, and engage in interactive experiences in areas like Super Nintendo World. Don’t miss the Studio Tour, which offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at movie sets and the magic of special effects.

Mega Movie Summer is also happening at Universal Studios Hollywood now. Celebrate the legacy of your favorite movies with lots of character meet-and-greets, awe-inspiring figures, special themed zones, and even limited-time food and beverage items at Universal CityWalk.

Important things to bring to Universal Studios Hollywood in 2025.

Wondering what to pack for Universal Studios? Get your notepads ready for this super helpful and easy-to-follow guide to all the things you can bring with you to Universal Parks. Keep reading.

Personal items

Mobile phone

Don't forget your mobile phone for your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. It will help you capture fun moments, check ride wait times, and get show schedules. The Universal Studios app provides updates and maps, enhancing your experience. Packing your phone will make your day even better!

Comfortable shoes and clothing

In case you don't know yet, every Universal trip involves a lot of walking. Bringing comfortable shoes to Universal Studios Hollywood is important because you'll be walking a lot throughout the park. Comfortable footwear can prevent sore feet and make your visit more enjoyable.

Wearing comfortable clothing at Universal Studios Hollywood is also important for enjoying your visit. You'll be walking a lot and spending a full day at the park, so breathable clothes and comfy shoes make it easier to move around and enjoy the attractions.

Wallet (cash and cards)

Bringing a wallet and extra cash to Universal is important because it allows for flexibility in spending on snacks, souvenirs, and unexpected expenses throughout the park.

Keys

Remember to take your car and house keys to Universal, as they are needed for your property and transport. Losing them can be very stressful. You don't want your Universal adventure ruined by forgotten keys, do you?

Umbrella

It’s a good idea to take an umbrella with you to Universal. California weather can be super unpredictable, with lots of afternoon rain, and that summer sun can be really strong, too. An umbrella can save you from getting soaked and also give you a break from the heat.

Hat

Bringing a hat to Universal Studios is essential for sun safety, particularly in the shade-limited attraction lines, helping to prevent sunburn and ensure a better experience. However, some rides may require you to remove or adjust your hat, so be prepared.

Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses at Universal Studios protects your eyes from the bright California sun during long outdoor days. They also reduce glare, making your visit more enjoyable.

Sunscreen

Be sure to apply sunscreen when visiting Universal Studios! It shields you from harmful UV rays and aids in avoiding sunburn, making your day more enjoyable. Prolonged outdoor exposure means sunscreen is essential to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and future wrinkles.

Hand sanitizer

Having hand sanitizer at Universal Parks helps maintain cleanliness in crowded spaces by reducing germs after touching common surfaces and providing a quick cleaning option when there is no soap available.

Portable charger / battery pack

If you're heading to Universal Parks, don't forget to bring a portable power bank. It’s super helpful for keeping your phone charged so you can use your tickets, get around easily, and stay in touch with your group. Outlets within the parks may not be readily available or accessible for guest use, making a power bank a convenient and reliable alternative.

Handheld fan / rechargeable fan

A handheld fan at Universal parks can enhance your comfort on hot, humid days by providing a cooling breeze and improving air circulation, making waits and walks more pleasant.

Theme park essentials

A group of people enjoy a tour on an open-air tram with Universal Studios printed on the side. The tram moves through a street with colorful buildings and striped awnings, capturing the charm of a lively movie set. The diverse group of passengers, along with the driver, are seated comfortably as they observe the surroundings, embraced by the vibrant and immersive experience. The scene represents entertainment and adventure, ideal for visitors seeking fun and exploration.

Park Tickets and ID

While ID isn't always required at Universal theme parks, it's useful for convenience and verification. Tickets allow entry, but having an ID can simplify the process for California residents and specific passholders.

Fanny pack / small backpack

It's essential to bring a fanny pack or small backpack to Universal Parks. This way, guests can have their essentials while following the bag policy, which restricts large bags on rides. It enhances enjoyment and reduces locker usage.

Reusable water bottle

A reusable water bottle is essential for visiting Universal Parks. It allows you to stay hydrated, save money, and minimize plastic waste. Bottled water at park restaurants can be quite pricey! You can easily refill it at multiple stations, and some dining venues offer complimentary water.

Snacks

You might want to bring snacks to Universal Studios Hollywood to save money and time, while also providing convenient energy boosts throughout the day. While there are dining options within the park, they can be expensive, and the lines can be long, especially during peak times. Snacks can help curb hunger during long waits for rides and prevent you from getting "hangry".

Lanyard

It would be practical to bring a lanyard to Universal Studios Hollywood to easily manage your park ticket, Universal Express Pass, and locker access, especially for rides that need lockers. Lanyards help you keep these items accessible and avoid rummaging through bags or pockets.

We also made a packing guide for our Florida friends. Check out this Universal Orlando Packing list for a fuss-free Universal Orlando vacation.

Tips in creating your Universal Studios Hollywood packing list:

Make your trip to Universal Studios smooth and stress-free with these tips.

Be mindful of the prohibited items at the park.

One sure way to have a fuss-free Universal adventure is to check the park's guide to things that guests can bring. For example, the park has special considerations for guests when it comes to food items. Some guests may need to bring outside food required for medical purposes. The same rule applies to those with special dietary needs.

While outside food and drink are typically not allowed, make sure to have supporting documents to prove that you or your companions should be exempt from the policy.

Track the weather for the day of your visit.

Depending on the season, California can be hot during the day and cold at night. Either way, it's important that you track the weather before you visit the park, so you can prepare an accurate packing list. When there's no chance of rain, you can just skip the poncho and bring a small umbrella just in case.

For acceptable and recommended clothing, just make sure to check out the guidelines for clothing that Universal Parks allow. Wearing clothing or accessories that Universal views as inappropriate might cause delays and other inconveniences as well.

Know your tickets and perks.

Creating your own packing guide is a lot easier if you know your ticket and its perks. If you have an Express Pass, you might not need to bring everything on the list. Since wait times are quicker, you can just chill and pack your essentials without compromising your experience. Your day at Universal Studios will be more enjoyable with a lightweight bag and lots of fun things to explore.

Visit Universal Studios Hollywood for awesome adventures!

A joyful group of friends is seen at Universal Studios Hollywood. One person is giving a piggyback ride to another while a third person laughs beside them. They stand near a fountain with the iconic Universal Studios Hollywood sign in the background, surrounded by greenery and clear skies. The image captures a moment of fun and excitement, emphasizing the thrilling experiences available at the theme park.

Universal Studios Hollywood offers fun and super exciting experiences for everyone. From kid-friendly zones to family-approved rides and attractions, Universal's iconic style of themed entertainment continues to deliver unforgettable moments.

Make your Universal Studios Hollywood escapade more convenient with this reliable packing guide. And of course, grab those Universal Studios Hollywood tickets for the hottest deals for you and your loved ones. See you at Universal Parks, FunExplorers!