The Ultimate Lockers at Universal Studios Guide

Are you planning a trip to Universal Orlando and would like the skinny on the locker situation with my lockers at Universal Studios guide? Well, look no further as I have everything you need to know.

Now, if you are thinking, “why do I need a guide for lockers at Universal Orlando?” Believe it or not, the lockers at Universal Orlando are a world unto their own. Unlike Walt Disney World where you can take your belongings on all rides, Universal Orlando requires you to store your things in lockers before you go on certain rides. This is one of the big differences between Universal vs Disney World.

Often people bring all their gear and then have no idea where to store their belongings when it’s time to go on a ride. And for many rides, putting your backpack or park day bag in a locker is a requirement, not optional.

But not all lockers at Universal Orlando are the same. Universal has some free lockers, but others you’ll have to pay for.

Knowing how the locker system works is important. So, consider this your lockers at Universal Studios guide to help you prepare for your visit to the theme park and save you a lot of frustration.

This post at lockers at Universal Orlando contains affiliate links which means I receive a commission at no cost to you should you make a purchase using this link. See my disclosures. Cover photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

lockers and universal studios orlando entrance

Universal Studios Entrance Photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

About the Lockers at Universal Studios Florida

Some theme parks like Disney have policies that allow you to bring your bags on rides. But for many of the attractions at Universal Studios, you need to stow your bags in lockers.

The reason for the locker rule is that many rides are fast, have upside-down twists and turns, or are motion simulated. You could lose your items, or they could become a hazard to other guests if say they fly off and hit someone at a high rate of speed. Or worse, if they land on a track of a fast-moving coaster.

And you don’t really want to lose your phone or newly purchased Harry Potter wand into the abyss or lake under the Incredible Hulk Coaster, do you? So it’s best to put your things in lockers at Universal Orlando.

So, while, yes, stopping to put things in lockers at Universal Orlando may take a moment longer, but it is well worth it in the end to build it into your Universal or Harry Potter World itinerary. And more importantly, you don’t have a choice!

Universal Studio’s Bag Policy

Security check at Universal Studios Florida Photo credit: © Jshanebutt | Megapixl.com

Before we get into the details of the lockers at Universal Orlando, let’s talk about Universal Studio’s bag policy. You may be familiar with this as it is common practice at many theme parks and venues.

Prior to entering the theme parks or Universal CityWalk, all guests must pass through a security check with metal detectors to ensure that everyone adheres to the bag policy. All purses, backpacks, and bags are subject to inspection or X-ray.

What’s NOT Allowed Inside Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando does not allow bags or suitcases with wheels. Prohibited items include:

Hard-sided coolers
Glassware or glass containers
Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5 in wide x 6 in high x deep
Open containers or drinks that contain alcohol
Folding chairs
Any food that requires refrigeration or microwaving or picnic lunches
Any type of weapon, explosive, or item that can be used as a weapon or looks like one
Illegal items or substances
Marijuana or anything containing cannabis or related paraphernalia
Any clothing that could incite a riot or disturbance or displays offensive content or language
Clothing that falsely represents you as emergency personnel or an employee of Universal
Selfie sticks are permitted at Universal’s discretion, but they must not be used on rides and attractions, and they must be secured at all times.
Power-driven devices such as Segways (unless used as an ADA mobility device, drones, hoverboards, or any other device controlled by radio frequency
Any other items Univerals deems disruptive, harmful, or inappropriate

What IS Allowed Inside Universal Orlando

Acceptable items include:

Bottled water (but you can’t carry more than two liters)
Baby food and formula
Small snacks that don’t require microwaving or heating
Any food for special dietary needs
Any food necessary for medical purposes and nutritional supplements medical indicated
Soft-side insulated coolers, as long as they aren’t bigger than 8.5 in wide x 6 in high x 6 in deep

Types of Universal Orlando Lockers

There are three types of lockers at Universal Orlando.

All-day lockers
Short-term complimentary ride lockers
Short-term pre-paid ride lockers

Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando — Islands of Adventure Photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

Universal Orlando Daily Rental Lockers

The most convenient if you’re spending the day at Universal Studios Florida is to pay for an all-day locker. These daily rental lockers come in handy if you have bulky items you don’t want to carry around the theme parks all day, like bathing suits, a change of clothes, etc. We like to get larger lockers, and stop back to our daily rental lockers to put in any souvenirs we pick up during the day.

These Universal Orlando lockers are first come, first serve and are located just after the turnstiles at the park entrance. Get to the park early if you want to get one.

How Daily Lockers Work

These pre-paid lockers work a little differently than the ride lockers where you swipe your theme park ticket. Here you purchase a locker with your credit card or cash at the locker kiosk where you are assigned a locker.

You’ll need to enter a six-digit code in case you forget your locker number (which happens). Once you pay, your unit will open automatically, and you’ll get a receipt with your locker number. If you have ever rented a locker at a ski resort, these are similar.

Since you rent these large lockers for the day, you have unlimited access to them. You can enter and relock them as many times as you want during your visit to the theme parks at Universal Orlando. Walt Disney World also has similar daily rental lockers, but many people don’t know about them.

There are two different sizes of prepaid lockers here – family-sized lockers and large lockers. The large locker rentals are 13 in high x 12 in wide x 16.9 in deep. They cost $12 for the day.

Fewer people opt for a family-sized locker, so you can always find an available one. The measurements for family-size lockers are 16.25 in high x 12 in wide x 16.9 in deep. The family-size locker rentals cost $15 per day.

Don’t forget to get your things out of Universal Orlando’s lockers, as they are emptied about an hour after the park closes.

You can also rent large all-day lockers at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and large and family-sized lockers at Universal Orlando. The large lockers at these locations are $10 a day, and the family ones are $15 a day.

There is always a locker attendant nearby if you have trouble with your locker or forget your locker number.

Locations of the All Day Lockers

All-Day Lockers can be found in the following locations:

Universal Studios Florida All-Day Lockers

Next to the Studio Audience Center (right inside the front gate)
Behind the restrooms near the Studio Audience Center
Near the exit turnstiles

Islands of Adventure All-Day Lockers

Inside the front gate near stroller and wheelchair rentals

Universal’s Volcano Bay Lockers

Universal’s Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando’s waterpark, has three locker locations. This is particularly helpful for storing belongings while you are basking in the surf, sun and slides of this fun park!

Lockers are plentiful at Universal’s Volcano Bay Photo credit: © Viavaltours | Megapixl.com

Where Can You Leave Your Stuff in Volcano Bay?

River Village Lockers
Rainforest Village Lockers
Wave Village Lockers (two locations)
Outside Volcano Bay Entrance

There are three different sizes here – family, standard, and small lockers. The small lockers are $9, the standard lockers are $13, and the family-sized ones are $16.

Attraction Lockers

Here is a list of rides at Islands of Adventure and Universal Orlando that require lockers. Some of them have complimentary ride lockers close to them that are free while you ride. Others are paid lockers.

Attraction lockers are complimentary when required. Photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

Complimentary Lockers At Attractions

The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit have a “no loose items” policy. You must go through a security screen with wands and metal detectors to see if you have things like smartphones and change in your pocket.

A ride attendant will reiterate that you must store all loose items, no matter how large or small. Any items Universal personnel deem “loose articles” are subject to be put in one of these lockers.

You won’t be charged for these short-term lockers (which are complimentary lockers) as long as you aren’t past the time limit. Universal has taken into account the amount of time you will spend waiting and riding with a few extra minutes so you can stash your items for a limited time.

If you go over the allotted time, it will cost you $3 for each additional half hour, with a maximum charge of $20.

You’ll find large locker bays located close to the rides that don’t allow belongings or backpacks on them. Green lights in locker sections let you know there are available lockers there, while a red light indicates that all the lockers are taken in a section.

lockers at Universal Orlando with attendant — Lockers at Universal Orlando Photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

How To Use Complimentary Attraction Lockers

To use these attraction lockers, all you need to do is scan your park ticket at one of the green light kiosks, and the door to an available locker will swing open. The ticket scanning locking system ensures no one can just open your same locker by accident.

One negative to these free lockers is that they are on the small side, measuring just 14.5 in x 5.5 in x 16.9 in. They can hold smaller sling bags and backpacks, fanny packs, or small loose items like smartphones, sunglasses, water bottles, etc.

The free lockers can be very helpful as long as you know the posted wait time and remain aware of the time for each ride. Remember each half hour after the calculated allotted time will cost you (so don’t you can store here all day for free.)

Paid Attraction Lockers

But you can also rent larger lockers (12 in x 13 in x 16.9 in) to store bigger items for an additional charge of $2 during the posted wait time. Then it will cost you $3 for every half an hour with a maximum of $20 a day.

hulk ride at universal Orlando lockers — Rides like the Incredible Hulk Coaster require you to check all belongings in your locker. Photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

Lockers Close to Rides at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Jurassic World Veloci Coaster
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Gringotts bank ride at Universal Studios Orlando lockers guide — Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringott’s Ride at Harry Potter World at Universal Orlando Photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

Lockers Close to Rides in Universal Studios Florida

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Revenge of the Mummy
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack

There are also some pre-paid lockers close to water attractions, so Universal Studios recommends that you check the locker location for pricing. These rides include:

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls
Jurassic Park River Adventure

You can take your things on the water rides, so there aren’t complimentary attraction lockers here, only paid ones. These lockers are $4 for the posted time, and then you’ll be charged $3 for every 30 minutes.

A Note About Locker Time Allotments

So, you may be wondering what happens if the ride you’re waiting for breaks down, causing you to exceed the time allotted. A locker attendant can override the charge for a ride locker if you went over the time limit through no fault of your own.

Locker room near Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Ride Photo credit: © Jshanebutt | Megapixl.com

How to Avoid Paying for Lockers at Universal

Now, I’m going to let you in on a little secret about how you can avoid paying for Universal Orlando’s lockers. Each ride in the theme parks has a Child Swap room where one family member can wait with the smaller kids while the rest of your family rides.

Then once they are finished, the adults can switch out without having to wait in line again. This Child Swap system aims to help families with kids be able to enjoy the rides and not have to miss out because they are caring for the child.

You can leave all your belongings with a non-riding family member. This secret tip is especially useful at popular rides (like the Harry Potter rides) where it’s often hard to find a free locker, like Gringotts and the Forbidden Journey.

FAQs For Lockers At Universal Studios Guide

Does Universal Studios have free lockers?

Yes. As noted above in this lockers at Universal Studios guide, Universal Orlando has complimentary ride lockers for most of the rides that you can’t carry items on, like backpacks, fanny packs, and loose things. These complimentary lockers work by swiping your park ticket.

Does Univeral have all-day lockers?

Absolutely! As noted above in my lockers at Universal Studios guide, Universal has all-day lockers at the park entrance just past the turnstiles, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, River Village, Rainforest Village, and Volcano Bay.

Locker size ranges from small to family-sized, and the price varies by location but is between $9 and $16. We often get medium lockers that can hold a good amount.

Where are the lockers at Universal Studios?

Lockers are scattered throughout Universal’s theme parks:

Volcano Bay Locations

Rainforest Village
River Village
Wave Village

Islands of Adventure Locations

The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Jurassic World Veloci Coaster
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

These water-based attractions offer a one-time use locker for an additional fee.

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls
Jurassic Park River Adventure

Universal Studios Florida

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Revenge of the Mummy
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack

Final Thoughts on Lockers at Universal Studios Guide

As you can see, Universal Orlando’s locker system is extensive, and that’s why I created this lockers at Universal Studios guide. There are paid and free lockers in varying sizes all over the property. From Islands of Adventure to Universal’s Volcano Bay, you will find plenty of lockers at Universal Orlando for all of your needs.

And if you don’t want to use a locker, keep in mind the Child Swap tip I mentioned above!

The lockers make it possible to adhere to theme park rules and make it easier for families carrying items throughout the park. If you plan on taking a trip to Universal Orlando, save this guide to plan your days inside the park to get the most out of your vacation.

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