Universal Studios Orlando welcomes millions of guests each year, and to keep the experience safe, enjoyable, and fair for everyone, the resort follows a set of clear rules and policies. These guidelines cover everything from what you can bring inside to behavior expectations on rides and during events. Knowing these rules in advance will help you avoid surprises and make the most of your time across the parks.

Park entry rules

All visitors must go through metal detectors. Bags, backpacks, purses, packages, and personal items are subject to x-ray screening and/or additional inspection before entering CityWalk or any theme park.
Leave unnecessary items in your car and secure valuables in the trunk before entering.
Guests under 18 years old without valid park admission (or tickets for separately ticketed events) must leave the premises by 8pm, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, staying at a Universal hotel, holding a CityWalk dining reservation, or having tickets for Hollywood Drive-In Golf or Universal’s Great Movie Escape.

Prohibited items

Weapons, explosives, or items resembling weapons
Alcohol or beverages containing alcohol
Marijuana, cannabis products, or related paraphernalia
Illegal substances
Remote-controlled or radio frequency–controlled devices (except for mobility devices)
Outside food or drinks (except for bottled water [up to 2 liters/guest], medically required food/supplements, special dietary needs, and baby food/formula)
Coolers larger than 8.5" x 6" x 6"
Glass containers
Suitcases or wheeled bags
Folding chairs
Any other items deemed unsafe, disruptive, or inappropriate by Universal staff

Clothing & costume guidelines

Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
Clothing with offensive language, imagery, or likely to cause disturbances is prohibited.
Costumes or accessories that mimic emergency personnel, create a false impression of employment, or are otherwise deemed inappropriate for a family setting are not allowed.
Costume masks, veils, long trains, swords, and weapon-like props are prohibited (medical face coverings are permitted).
Home-crafted wands must have rounded ends and be safe in nature.
Costumes must not exceed 28" wide by 80" high and may be subject to additional screening.
Certain costumes may not be allowed on specific attractions for safety reasons.
Guests wearing impermissible costumes will be asked to change or leave.

Outside food & drink

While Universal Orlando offers a wide range of dining options, guests may bring with them:

Bottled water (maximum 2 liters per person)
Food for medical purposes, medically indicated supplements, or special dietary needs
Baby food/formula

Note: Food brought in must not require heating or refrigeration and must not be stored in glass containers.

Service animal policy

Trained service animals are welcome throughout the resort.
Animals that do not meet the legal definition of a service animal are not permitted.
Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless these interfere with their work or the handler’s disability prevents it. In such cases, the handler must maintain control through voice, signal, or other effective means.

Hotel guest safety

The following items are prohibited in hotel rooms and public areas:

Explosives
Weapons or items resembling weapons
Illegal items or substances

Code of conduct

Guests may not engage in picketing, handing out literature, petitioning, or soliciting at any time.
Line jumping is not allowed at any attraction, show, or location within the resort.
Guests must not loiter, block entrances or exits, obstruct walkways (including escalators), or move in large groups that intentionally impede others.
Physically or verbally threatening anyone, including using obscene language, harassing behavior, or engaging in fights, is prohibited.
Disorderly, disruptive, or dangerous conduct, such as running, skateboarding, rollerblading, biking, scootering, or playing loud music, is not permitted.
Carrying or possessing weapons, or any item that could be used as a weapon, is strictly forbidden.
Guests must wear clothing that aligns with the resort’s clothing and costume guidelines, avoiding anything that impersonates emergency personnel, creates a false impression of Universal employment, or is inappropriate for a family environment.
Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarette use are allowed only in designated smoking areas.
Selfie sticks must be securely stored and may not be used on rides or attractions.
Any activity that violates federal, state, or local law is prohibited and will result in immediate action.

Smoking policy

In compliance with Florida Amendment 6, all restaurants and bars serving food are smoke-free. Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarette use are allowed only in designated areas:

Universal Studios Florida: Near the park exit
Universal Islands of Adventure: Near the park exit, opposite the lighthouse
Universal CityWalk: To the left of the Red Coconut Club
Universal Volcano Bay: At Wave Village (East)
Universal Epic Universe: Near the park exit by the restrooms

All other areas are smoke-free, and marijuana use is prohibited anywhere on Universal Orlando Resort property.

Weather policy

Weather conditions, particularly thunderstorms and hurricanes, can disrupt plans. If the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane or tropical storm warning for Orlando or your home location, or a state of emergency is declared in either, within seven days of your scheduled arrival, you may:

Reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations package, hotel-only reservation, or Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly through Universal, without cancellation or change fees.
For bookings with airline tickets included, airline-specific fees may still apply.
Guests who booked through a third party should contact their provider directly for applicable policies.

Key terms & conditions

Bookings made after a storm warning or a state of emergency is declared are not covered.
Room type and rates for rescheduled trips are subject to availability.
Special events, dining experiences, and some group bookings are excluded from this policy.
Guests must be 18+ to make cancellation or change requests.
Uplift travel financing customers will not incur interest charges if they cancel due to severe weather under this policy.