Rides and attractions that don't allow a backpack

[squirrel]

I have always carried my backpack but have heard there are certain rides I will not be allowed to carry it on. Which ones are they? Are there lockers near those rides? (paid or free). Will I have to go near any smoking areas after putting my backpack in a locker or returning to it? I keep my inhalers in the backpack as I'm extremely allergic to smoke.

 

[SouthAfricaTraveller]

Both Harry Potter FJ and Esacpe from Gringotts had free lockers and no bags at all allowed on these rides. Lockers were at the entrance. We just spent one day there, not sure if there are some more!

 

[squirrel]

I am mostly concerned about having my inhalers if there are smoking areas near by. I need to be able to have them if someone is smoking. I haven't been to US/IOA since 1999 and since it was during a hurricane watch the parks were not very crowded. I have been taken by ambulance from Disney's California Adventure park when I went to lock up my backpack, there was someone smoking there. I quickly turned around and ran away, but it was too late. No amount of inhalers could help.

 

[larissawbb]

Can you wear cargo shorts and keep your inhaler in a buttoned pocket? Not the most fashionable look but safety first.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I am mostly concerned about having my inhalers if there are smoking areas near by. I need to be able to have them if someone is smoking. I haven't been to US/IOA since 1999 and since it was during a hurricane watch the parks were not very crowded. I have been taken by ambulance from Disney's California Adventure park when I went to lock up my backpack, there was someone smoking there. I quickly turned around and ran away, but it was too late. No amount of inhalers could help.

Most rides allow something like a small waist/fanny pack (RRR does not anymore from what I heard). Or apparel with a zip or button pocket would be better. Luckily inhalers are small so a change in how you carry it could work.

 

[squirrel]

Most rides allow something like a small waist/fanny pack (RRR does not anymore from what I heard). Or apparel with a zip or button pocket would be better. Luckily inhalers are small so a change in how you carry it could work.

But the proper way to use an inhaler is a spacer (aero chamber) which is not so small. I have 3 inhalers which I carry with me and the spacer. It may seem like overkill to some, but if it stops me from having to take an ambulance ride I will gladly take them with me everywhere.

I take it that we come off in a different location for most of these rides. There is no way to pass my ziplock bag full of medicine to the disembark side to collect after riding.

 

[pcstang]

Sorry you have to deal with that. Most, if not all the rides, load and then unload in different areas. You should call guest services to see if there is something they can do to assist you. Sorry I don't have a better answer. They allow nothing in your pockets that will set off a metal detector on RRR or Dueling Dragons.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

I know that there are no smoking areas in Harry Potter, so you'll be fine in there. Most smoking areas at Universal are really tucked away and hidden. I hardly ever notice them. I don't think you would have any problems.

Keep in mind that the outdoor, inverting coasters won't let you bring anything in your pockets- but they might have an exception for medical items. You'd have to ask when you get there or call guest services.

 

[squirrel]

Thanks! Is Universal/IOA better than Disney when it comes to people smoking in the designated areas? I have seen so many people smoking in areas they shouldn't be and CM's walk right by without saying a word. I unfortunately can't say anything either as that will cause an asthma attack but I have told CM's and had them deal with the rule breakers.

I guess once I get to the parks and locate all the smoking areas, I will be able to figure out a plan. If not, I will check with GS and see if they have any ideas if certain rides enter or exit near a smoking area.

 

[momto2js]

I have a glucose sensor and the receiver was hooked on to my pants. The attendant saw it and insisted that it would not be allowed. They have some lockers in the "swap" areas and the manager will give you a coin for them for medical "stuff" if that will make you feel better. Our doc has paper spacers to use during testing. You could potentially get a cardboard one that could fit in a pocket instead of your plastic one.

 

[squirrel]

I have a glucose sensor and the receiver was hooked on to my pants. The attendant saw it and insisted that it would not be allowed. They have some lockers in the "swap" areas and the manager will give you a coin for them for medical "stuff" if that will make you feel better. Our doc has paper spacers to use during testing. You could potentially get a cardboard one that could fit in a pocket instead of your plastic one.

Thanks, I did not know they make cardboard ones. Great tip about lockers in the swap area. Sounds like there are quite a few options so I should be able to figure out something that will keep me safe and the other riders on rides that flip.

 

[Kivara]

Smoking areas:
CityWalk, people always walk around smoking wherever, I think because it's outside and not part of the actual park, people either don't care, don't think it's an issue, or don't realize there are designated sections in CityWalk as well.

All of the in-park smoking areas are in places that you never NEED to walk through to get to rides or shows, but a few of them, you might accidentally cut through if you don't know they are there.

IoA:
Marvel - deck with misting machines overlooking the bay, used to be a viewing platform for the Hulk coaster, but it is currently being upgraded
Toon area- near bathrooms on main walk, but kinda around the corner from the bathroom entrance, in a little dead-end area
Jurassic Park - in a little walk-through misting area (I believe near the Thunder Falls restaurant...can't remember. Again, it is not necessary to walk through here, but some do w/o realizing it's a smoking section until it's too late)
HP/Hogsmeade- it's technically outside the area, in between Lost Continent area and Hogsmeade, off to the left of the entrance archway and slightly round a corner
Dr Seuss area - it's in a little planter/garden niche that's off a walk walkway...again, you would only be around the smoke if you accidentally walked the wrong way

Studios:
the little park in front of the clock tower is a smoking area...you don't need to walk through here to get anywhere, but a lot of people cut through w/o realizing it's a smoking area until they get there
Hollywood area, there's a smoking section on a dead end alley
Near Fear Factor and the bathrooms there is a smoking area, but it is set back from bathroom entrance
Near MIB, there's a seating area in the back corner, away from ride entrance and exit, for smoking
Simpsons & Toon area, I can't remember where they are, but like I said, most of them you either have to look for or stubble across accidentally.

Universal has planned the areas out very well that no one HAS to walk through or even too terribly close to the areas. That being said, occasionally people stand just outside the area, or "make their own" when they don't care or can't find an area. TMs put a stop to this ASAP, if they see this.

This all comes as the experience of a former smoker at Uni (Went to Uni 5x as a smoker, and this year I was a former smoker who cannot stand even a whiff of smoke.)

 

[squirrel]

Smoking areas:
CityWalk, people always walk around smoking wherever, I think because it's outside and not part of the actual park, people either don't care, don't think it's an issue, or don't realize there are designated sections in CityWalk as well.

All of the in-park smoking areas are in places that you never NEED to walk through to get to rides or shows, but a few of them, you might accidentally cut through if you don't know they are there.

IoA:
Marvel - deck with misting machines overlooking the bay, used to be a viewing platform for the Hulk coaster, but it is currently being upgraded
Toon area- near bathrooms on main walk, but kinda around the corner from the bathroom entrance, in a little dead-end area
Jurassic Park - in a little walk-through misting area (I believe near the Thunder Falls restaurant...can't remember. Again, it is not necessary to walk through here, but some do w/o realizing it's a smoking section until it's too late)
HP/Hogsmeade- it's technically outside the area, in between Lost Continent area and Hogsmeade, off to the left of the entrance archway and slightly round a corner
Dr Seuss area - it's in a little planter/garden niche that's off a walk walkway...again, you would only be around the smoke if you accidentally walked the wrong way

Studios:
the little park in front of the clock tower is a smoking area...you don't need to walk through here to get anywhere, but a lot of people cut through w/o realizing it's a smoking area until they get there
Hollywood area, there's a smoking section on a dead end alley
Near Fear Factor and the bathrooms there is a smoking area, but it is set back from bathroom entrance
Near MIB, there's a seating area in the back corner, away from ride entrance and exit, for smoking
Simpsons & Toon area, I can't remember where they are, but like I said, most of them you either have to look for or stubble across accidentally.

Universal has planned the areas out very well that no one HAS to walk through or even too terribly close to the areas. That being said, occasionally people stand just outside the area, or "make their own" when they don't care or can't find an area. TMs put a stop to this ASAP, if they see this.

This all comes as the experience of a former smoker at Uni (Went to Uni 5x as a smoker, and this year I was a former smoker who cannot stand even a whiff of smoke.)

Thank you so much for listing off all the places! Sounds like CityWalk is the area to be on the look out.

 

[Kivara]

No problem! I'm pretty sure I missed a few...after knowing the nicest and easiest to find smoking areas, we just stuck to using those year after year.
CityWalk is definitely an area to watch out for...it's not "after hours bar" smoke-filled, but you'll for sure see people milling about smoking.

I hope you have a lovely, and healthy trip!

 

[PAcpl]

You will have the rogue smokers who decide to light a cigarette wherever they want. I have seen it much more in Universal than in Disney. I am sure the OP knows better than anyone that you always have to be prepared.

Looks like you have a nice backup plan so that should give you some relief. Good luck with whatever you decide to go with.

 

[schumigirl]

We didn't see many in the parks smoking during the day while walking around this year, maybe one or two over 18 days.........but during horror nights we had one guy smoking in one queue who was quickly told to extinguish it by a TM.

Another guy was vaping and argues with TM when told to get rid of it.........she tells him to put it away or he'll be removed from the queue.......he put it away.......

Why do people think rules don't apply to them.