No backpacks!?

[mrsmoku]

So, I'm reading around these boards and I keep seeing posts about wearing fanny packs and having issues/non-issues with the lockers...can you not take and wear a backpack at Universal?

DH and I always back a regular sized backpack for Disney that he carries around everywhere, even on rides. We usually stuff it in the little compartment up front or I sit with it between my legs during a ride and we've never had a problem or asked to not have it (at Disney).

Is Universal different?

 

[disneyboy123]

So, I'm reading around these boards and I keep seeing posts about wearing fanny packs and having issues/non-issues with the lockers...can you not take and wear a backpack at Universal?

DH and I always back a regular sized backpack for Disney that he carries around everywhere, even on rides. We usually stuff it in the little compartment up front or I sit with it between my legs during a ride and we've never had a problem or asked to not have it (at Disney).

Is Universal different?

you can bring backpacks. just can't take them on certain rides. but they have lockers you can store them in

 

[dani77]

Universal is very different. They do not allow any bags on any rides (thrill rides that is). Only expeption are small fanny packs with a snap closure.
So with a regular sized backpack you will have to make a trip to the lockers before you line up for the attractions. This is no problem during slow times but a real pain during busy season since there might be lines for the lockers.
The lockers are usually conveniently located close to the rides but it's still time consuming to go there and lock up you bags each and every time.

 

[2girlsmom]

Universal is different, they have a number of rides where you don't have the ability to keep any bag with you, to include : HP Forbidden Journeys, Dragon Challenge, MIB, I think Hulk/Doom Tower, RRR, Mummy. There are free lockers near each ride where you can store your stuff while on the ride, or there are pay lockers at the front of the parks. We've never had an issue using the lockers at either Universal park.

 

[mrsmoku]

Oh gosh! Okay, thanks for the info. That sounds like a pain though! I'm always in the backpack, getting chapstick, my camera, snacks, etc. so we'll probably have to carry it to the rides.

The rides have free lockers? How do they lock?

 

[RMulieri]

Oh gosh! Okay, thanks for the info. That sounds like a pain though! I'm always in the backpack, getting chapstick, my camera, snacks, etc. so we'll probably have to carry it to the rides.

The rides have free lockers? How do they lock?

Electronic lock accessible by fingerprint..The lockers are not that bad, but I refuse to deal with them.I either wear a small fanny pack( ugly yes I know) or cargo shorts to hold my junk..But that is the only thing they will allow on rides.No wristlets, crossbody or handhelds are allowed either.

 

[BLLB]

We just got back this week. We had never been to Universal and I really didn't understand the locker issue before I got there.

I will say, it is very easy and not that time-consuming. We only had one LLBean backpack for our group of 4. It fit in a locker, no problem.

 

[mrsmoku]

I imagine it's probably a nightmare during the high-peak season like Summer though!

Thanks for all the information!

 

[ukool]

Im planning on taking a backpack this trip, im not that botherd about the lockers, but im going to have to keep my camera on my for photos of the ques - FJ mainly. Just have to remind the BF to wear shorts with zip pockets that day.

 

[buckeev]

Fanny Pack Uber Tourist here!
Can't leave home, (or resort room), without it! We carry way too many items, but hafta do so for The Boy's support system.
We use the lockers when necessary, and rarely have any big delays getting in-and-out..(HPJ excluded-it's pretty packed in there!)

 

[kimmyann]

I hope someone can answer some questions, I didn't want to start a new thread on a subject that has numerous threads already. I know you can't take bags & mugs on the thrill rides, but can you take them on the smaller rides? I have a mini backpack, which is perfect for our glasses & bottled water. Since we are now staying onsite I'm thinking that it won't be such a big deal to use the lockers since we will have FOTL anyways. I don't think it will be super crowded anyway (May 12&13). We will prefer to buy a refillable mug & popcorn, which I know saves a bundle at meal time instead of buying several drinks at $3 each. Any opinions?

 

[Metro West]

I hope someone can answer some questions, I didn't want to start a new thread on a subject that has numerous threads already. I know you can't take bags & mugs on the thrill rides, but can you take them on the smaller rides? I have a mini backpack, which is perfect for our glasses & bottled water. Since we are now staying onsite I'm thinking that it won't be such a big deal to use the lockers since we will have FOTL anyways. I don't think it will be super crowded anyway (May 12&13). We will prefer to buy a refillable mug & popcorn, which I know saves a bundle at meal time instead of buying several drinks at $3 each. Any opinions?

Yes...you can take bags onto smaller attractions. It's just the six or so that don't allow carry on bags...all others are fine.

 

[Josh Hendy]

Our family was good at using the free lockers near the rides using fingerprint etc. and didn't have a problem getting in and out quickly, even on fairly busy days during the summer. Except once we had to think a bit before we remembered our locker number (because we had been in such a rush to get in one more ride before park closing).

It's slightly tricky to know where the lockers are, line up (usually for no more than a few seconds), find a locker, fill it with stuff, do the fingerprint enrollment, remember your locker number, etc. We sometimes saw people who were baffled or frustrated with the lockers.

If you and your family members are reasonably quick-witted and used to touch-screen gadgets you'll have no problem with the lockers. If you're put off by the whole idea or you're a bit of a klutz then don't feel bad. You can always rent a locker near the park entrance and put your stuff inside while you're doing thrill rides, and then retrieve your stuff later when you're doing other attractions. We did something like this to store dry clothes during the first couple of hours of the morning when we were planning to do the wet rides.

The slight pain of using lockers is a lot better than catching someone's smart phone in the face on a ride, or waiting an extra half a minute for a ride to take off because someone's bag is blocking the safety bars ...

 

[bumbershoot]

The slight pain of using lockers is a lot better than catching someone's smart phone in the face on a ride, or waiting an extra half a minute for a ride to take off because someone's bag is blocking the safety bars ...

Or of having a ride stop and shutdown because a bag flew out onto the tracks.



My hint, if there's a crowd at the front part of a locker area, is to head towards the back. There are multiple kiosks and people forget that there are ones in the back.

And use your knuckle to use the touchscreen; it's easier than convincing the screen to "listen" to your fingerpads.

 

[kimmyann]

I think we will be fine with the fingerprint system (Busch Gardens here uses it) as long as I am the one using it, not my DH. He works construction & his fingerprints are always messed up.

 

[kuhltiffany]

Is there a list somewhere of which rides can't accept backpacks? Now I'm curious if they'll be the ones DH will chicken out of anyway...then he can watch the bags...

 

[RMulieri]

Is there a list somewhere of which rides can't accept backpacks? Now I'm curious if they'll be the ones DH will chicken out of anyway...then he can watch the bags...

Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black, Hulk, Dragon Challenge ,Forbidden Journey, Rip ride Rocket

 

[kuhltiffany]

Thank you!

Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black, Hulk, Dragon Challenge ,Forbidden Journey, Rip ride Rocket

 

[disneyavonohio]

On universals site it says:

• Soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5" wide x 6" high x 6" deep

Do they really measure the back packs? Or is that for just a cooler? What about an insulated backpack cooler? Is there a size limit on back packs?

 

[Planogirl]

I've never seen them measure bags. I imagine that they eyeball them but hopefully someone who carries a larger bag can confirm.

I was thinking of carrying a bag since the parks have gotten stricter but renting one of the lockers for the day and stashing it while we ride the "fussier" rides. I wonder if that wouldn't be easier.