First family trip

[hammie59]

This will be the first trip as a family and staying on US property. We always do Disney with the exception of in 2011 when I took just my son over to IOA for the day (in the middle of our Disney vacay). So I have a slight idea of how different the bag policy is, but need a refresher. I remember taking only a fanny pack and having to purchase all of our drinks. At Disney, we’re used to bringing a lg backpack full of water, gatorade and snacks. I realize that will be an issue at US/IOA. Any tips for staying hydrated in August without having to spend a million dollars on bottled water? We will have 3 full park days.

 

[ForceofWill]

Universal lets you buy the QS dining plan for any/all persons in your party. You could look into getting just one QS dining plan and then getting the upgrade refillable cup. That cup can be used as many times as you want at the Coke touch screen machine things all around the parks, they have like vitamin water and all kinds of stuff. I'm actually thinking about doing that, it's 10 bucks extra a day for that cup, which we will easily get our monies worth, then we'll have the 1 QS credit and 1 snack to use on a butter beer.

This is our first time going as a family this Summer as well. It's me, the Wife, 8 yo Son, 3 yo Son. Since we're all not going on the same rides, our plan remains about the same. Wife takes the stroller with the bags and 3 yo since she doesn't like faster/scary rides and me and the 8 yo travel light so we can get on all the other stuff.

 

[hammie59]

Universal lets you buy the QS dining plan for any/all persons in your party. You could look into getting just one QS dining plan and then getting the upgrade refillable cup. That cup can be used as many times as you want at the Coke touch screen machine things all around the parks, they have like vitamin water and all kinds of stuff. I'm actually thinking about doing that, it's 10 bucks extra a day for that cup, which we will easily get our monies worth, then we'll have the 1 QS credit and 1 snack to use on a butter beer.

This is our first time going as a family this Summer as well. It's me, the Wife, 8 yo Son, 3 yo Son. Since we're all not going on the same rides, our plan remains about the same. Wife takes the stroller with the bags and 3 yo since she doesn't like faster/scary rides and me and the 8 yo travel light so we can get on all the other stuff.

That’s a good tip about the dining plan. My kids are older now, but sometimes I miss having a stroller to hold all our stuff!

 

[Grumpy92]

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/tickets-packages/universal-orlando-dining-plan. They will do an airport scan of you and your bags prior to entering Citywalk. You can also get the Freestyle mug alone for $16

 

[DisneyMom93]

Ask for water with ice at any quick service counter. It’s free.

 

[Kit Jackson]

I took a collapsable Vapur water bottle. I filled it at the hotel at the start of the day and that lasted until the end of the day. This is the style that I like because I carry a pocketbook and it clips to my bag. It may clip to your fanny pack or your belt. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...6&pd_rd_w=85GHq&pd_rd_wg=7WR9S&ref_=pd_gw_unk

Here is the full product line. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Vapur/page/A2411A22-FD42-436A-8B40-2264BB7D343A?ref_=ast_bln

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

Oh wow, I didn't realize you couldn't bring drinks. We always do that even though we eat all of our meals on property at WDW. I usually put a few bottles of water and some juice boxes in the small cooler that comes with the stroller rental. You're not allowed to bring any drinks or snacks to Universal?

 

[ForceofWill]

Anyone know if we get Starbucks from Portofino on our way to the parks if they'll let us in with it, or do we need to chug it on the boat ride over

 

[AJA]

I’ve never been stopped bringing in a water bottle. I just carry it through the scanner at security. No one has ever said anything.

I don’t think you can bring small coolers with drinks into Universal.

 

[Kit Jackson]

I’ve never been stopped bringing in a water bottle. I just carry it through the scanner at security. No one has ever said anything.

That was my experience. I did not hide my water bottle. It was clipped to my bag, so it was clearly in plain sight. The staff who worked at the scanner never made a single comment on it. My guess is the OP really wanted to avoid lockers for the few rides that require them at all costs.

 

[bchbetha]

From the Universal website:
Outside Food And Drinks

We offer a variety of food options at all of our restaurants and concession stands. However, we understand that guests may need to bring outside food and drinks. Please note the following guidelines:

Acceptable Items

• Bottled Water (maximum 2 liters)
• Small snacks that do not require heating
• Any food required for medical purposes and medically-indicated nutritional supplements
• Any food required for special dietary needs
• Baby food/baby formula
• Soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5" wide x 6" high x 6" deep

Prohibited Items

• Glassware or glass containers
• Open containers or drinks containing alcohol
• Hard-sided coolers
• Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5" wide x 6" high x 6" deep
• Picnic lunches; any food that requires heating or refrigeration; folding chairs

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/hours-information/policies-restrictions
So, yes you can bring things in. But free cups of water are better for me than lugging around a mug or backpack. If you really want to bring stuff in, rent a locker at the front of the park vs carrying it all around. You can access it if you need it but it won’t slow you down.

 

[macraven]

Thank you!
Well said !