Universal Hollywood Packing List: Don’t Overdo it
A trip to Universal is exciting. Don’t overpack to celebrate. A crowded hotel room isn’t fun for anyone. What do you actually need on your Universal Hollywood packing list?
What Do You Need On Your Universal Hollywood Packing List?
1. Clothing
2. Accessories
3. Baby Items
4. Bathroom Essentials
5. Medications and First Aid
6. Documentation
7. Payment Methods
8. Miscellaneous Items
9. Day Bag Packing
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Universal Hollywood Packing List
1. Clothing
Universal Hollywood only has one park, so you probably won’t be there for more than a couple of days. If you are visiting as part of a longer California trip, consider packing laundry pods and doing laundry during your trip. You just cut your luggage in half.
Universal Hollywood Weather
Universal Hollywood definitely wins over its Orlando counterpart in the weather department. It is less humid and has a lot less rain overall, but uncomfortable days happen. Check the weather at the time of your trip.
Averages are as follows:
Winter
Average High: Low 70s
Average Low: Low 50s
Spring
Average High: High 70s
Average Low: Mid 50s
Summer
Average High: Low 90s
Average Low: Low 60s
Fall
Average High: High 80s
Average Low: Low 60s
What Should I Pack for Universal Studios?
A. Shorts – One or two extra at most.
B. T-shirts – Same rule as the shorts.
C. Long sleeved shirts – Depending on the time of year.
D. Pajamas
E. Socks
F. Amusement park shoes
G. Sandals or flip flops
H. Bras
I. Underwear
J. Swimwear – Two per person. Hang the wet suits in the bathroom and rotate. You don’t need them in the park.
K. Pants – Depending on the time of year.
L. A jacket
M. Harry Potter gear – Only if your child insists.
What Not to Include in the Universal Packing List
A. Costumes – They are hot, bulky, and unnecessary.
B. Formal wear– There is no need to dress up to dine at Krusty Burger.
C. Workout gear – Unless you’re actually going to work out.
D. A sewing kit – You’re not going to sew things.
2. Accessories
What to Pack for Universal Studios Hollywood
A. Ponchos – For both weather and water rides.
B. Sunglasses
C. Hats
D. Hair ties – These are crucial.
E. Masks – Only if you want them.
F. Goggles – For the hotel only.
G. Harry Potter Interactive Wand – Only if you already have one for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You don’t need one at all.
What Not to Include in Your Universal Needs List
A. Umbrellas – It’s just a matter of time until your child nails someone in the eye.
B. A large selection of jewelry
C. Floaties – Unless your hotel doesn’t offer life jackets.
3. Baby Items
Babies require a lot of junk, but you don’t need to pack things you can get at the hotel. When in doubt, call ahead to double check.
What to Include in Your Universal List
A. Formula and baby food – You can bring it all into the park.
B. Bibs
C. Pacifiers
D. Sippy cups
E. Bottles
F. Diapers – Both regular and swim (but not more than you need).
G. Wipes
H. Stroller – You can also rent one at the park.
I. Car seat – You may not need this if your ground transportation provider offers it. Check first.
J. Breast pump and accessories
K. Dish soap and bottle washer
What Not to Pack
A. Pack and Play – Unless your hotel doesn’t have one, which is unlikely.
B. Baby monitor – Unless you’re in a giant room where you can’t easily hear your child.
C. High chair – Not worth it.
4. Toiletries and Bathroom Essentials
Pro Universal Hollywood packing tip: Purchase travel bottles to bring your favorite products in smaller quantities.
What Should I Pack to Go to Universal Studios?
A. Toothbrush
B. Toothpaste
C. Mouthwash
D. Floss
E. Hairbrush
G. Glasses
H. Contact solution and extra contacts
I. Face wash
J. Makeup
K. Deodorant
L. Sunscreen
M. Razors
N. Shampoo – You only need this if it is not provided by the hotel or you need a special kind. Tear free is probably not at the hotel.
O. Conditioner – Same criteria as the shampoo.
P. Body wash – If the hotel doesn’t provide it.
Q. Loofah
R. Cotton swabs
S. Tissue
T. Tweezers
W. Lotion – If the hotel doesn’t provide it.
X. Hand sanitizer – If you’re still afraid of COVID-19 when you are packing.
Y. Nail file
Z. Chapstick
What Not to Pack
A. Nail clippers – Unless you’re going on a really long trip.
B. Hair dryer – Confirm this, but it is almost definitely in the room already.
C. Anything you can get from the hotel
5. Medications and First Aid
What Should I Bring to Universal Studios Hollywood?
A. Medications
B. Medical equipment
C. Vitamins
D. Motion sickness medicine – Universal really, really loves motion simulators.
E. Pain relievers – For both adults and children.
F. Thermometer
G. BAND-AIDs
What Not to Include on Your Universal Studios Hollywood Packing List
A. Full bottles of anything
6. Important Documentation
You don’t have to print these items, but ensure you can access them on your phone.
What to Include When Packing for Universal Studios
A. Universal admission tickets
B. Airline reservation confirmations and boarding passes
C. Hotel reservation confirmations
D. Rental car and ground transportation reservation confirmations
E. Identification for all travelers
F. Priority Pass card
G. Health insurance card
H. Proof of car insurance – If applicable.
I. Touring plans
What Not to Include in Your Universal Studios Trip Packing List
A. Any unnecessary or duplicate documentation with your personal information
7. Methods of Payment for Your Packing List Universal Studios
Things You Need for Universal Hollywood
A. Credit cards
B. Cash – Use sparingly. Cash doesn’t earn travel points.
What Not to Include in Your Universal Vacation Packing List
A. A lot of cash
B. Debit card – Unless you might need to visit an ATM.
8. Miscellaneous Items for Your Packing List Universal Hollywood
What to Include in Your Packing List for Universal Studios Vacations
A. Travel entertainment – Sugar and screens, basically.
B. Snacks – For the plane and hotel room only. Do you really want to carry food around the park? If you decide to bring it, Universal allows bottled water, small snacks, and food that is required for medical purposes or special dietary needs.
D. Universal refillable cups and popcorn buckets – Only if you already have them.
E. Cell phones and chargers
F. Portable cell phone charger
G. Cooling towels – Only if it is really hot. Check the weather.
H. Autograph book – Only bring this if your child cares.
I. Lanyard – Only if you want it to carry your park tickets.
J. Noise canceling headphones – Only if your kid is freaked out by loud noises.
K. Gum – Universal doesn’t sell it.
What Not to Include in Your Universal Studios Packing List
A. Night light – Crack the bathroom door and leave the light on.
B. Hamper – An empty suitcase is a rolling laundry basket.
C. Shoe organizer – You shouldn’t have that many shoes anyway.
D. Extra towels
E. Pool toys
F. Cameras – Smart phones take pictures.
9. Day Bag Packing List for Universal Studios Hollywood
Note: Some Universal rides require to put your stuff in a locker. The small ones are free, but the big ones aren’t. Don’t go crazy with your day bag.
What to Pack in Your Bag for Universal Studios
A. Methods of payment
B. Identification
C. Theme park tickets
D. Touring plans
E. Cell phone and portable cell phone charger
F. Jackets – Only if needed.
G. Ponchos
H. Sunscreen
K. Hats
L. Sunglasses
M. Cooling towels – Only if needed.
N. Tissue
P. BAND-AIDs
S. Universal refillable cups and popcorn buckets
U. Baby stuff you need on a typical day
V. Lanyard
W. Gum
X. Masks
Z. Chapstick
Final Thoughts – Universal Hollywood Packing List
The park is crowded and hotel rooms are small. Don’t create unnecessary stress with clutter. Use the Universal Hollywood packing list to determine what you need, have a great time, and make memories with your family. You will not regret it.
“You’re not going to sew things”. ? So true. This is a helpful packing list for anyone looking to travel to Universal Hollywood, and many other places too! Thank you for sharing.
Plan to do laundry. That way you can pack light. No one is going to say, “Um, hey, you wore that shirt two days ago on your vacation!”
As a Los Angeleno, I approve the Universal Studios Hollywood list! Such great tips. I hope to be able to visit the one in Orlando one of these days!
Great tips! I cant wait to visit there!
Love this! I went to Universal Hollywood for the day when I went to LA and I wish I had spent more time there!
We haven’t been to Universal Hollywood yet, but we can’t wait to go one day! I love your incredibly detailed post with the packing lists and suggestions.
We’re going in a few weeks, and this list has been helpful!
Great list, I tend to overpacked when I’m excited for a trip ? Definitely following this guide, thanks for sharing
“Harry Potter gear, only if your child insists.” I take issue with that. What if my inner child insists? Ha. This is a solid list. I haven’t been to Universal for something like 25 years. I should rectify that. Thanks!
This is absolutely useful information. Love your articles