Water at Counter Service

[skier_pete]

So..i did a quick search but couldn't find the answer - need one of you Universal experts.

At Disney I often bring a backpack so I can carry water around. However, it seems to me a backpack at Universal means constantly checking your bag in lockers...at Disney I mostly just bring it on the ride with me, I can't think of any rides at Disney they won't let me do that.

I also know at Disney...you can get water from any counter service location just by asking.

My question: At Universal, is this an option as well? If so, I might consider leaving the backpack at home.

 

[TheConsciousness]

Yes, complimentary water at every quick-service and snack kiosk.

 

[wagman67]

You can also get ice and water at the Coke Freestyle machines, as well...or, at least, you used to be able to...read a post that said that was no longer the case...can anyone confirm one way or the other?

 

[skier_pete]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will likely leave the backpack behind.

 

[pcstang]

I think the water option at the freestyle machines has been gone for quite a while. I'll check today.

 

[tony67]

Just be aware it is a very small cup of water...but yes it is free.

I'm also pretty sure the free water at the freestyle machines is gone

Also you will need a locker for the coasters - you cannot have anything in your pockets - so you may end up getting a locker anyway
The lockers are not as much hassle as you would think

 

[skier_pete]

Just be aware it is a very small cup of water...but yes it is free.

I'm also pretty sure the free water at the freestyle machines is gone

Also you will need a locker for the coasters - you cannot have anything in your pockets - so you may end up getting a locker anyway
The lockers are not as much hassle as you would think

OK thanks. I am the only one in my family that will do the coasters, so that's more about handing off stuff.

We are going to end up going in an extra day. We were planning on starting the Universal part on 2/21 (Tuesday) to try and avoid crowds, but it turns out the Jurassic Park ride is going down on 2/21, so we are going to head in day early just to ride that. (We are getting APs, and we can start using them on 2/20, since we need them to be good on 2/19/18 also.) For 2/21 we are only going to do the water rides, so we will go in with no backpack and "prepare to be wet" clothes. Then on 2/21 we will have MIL with us, so I may bring the backpack and have the option of leaving it with her. We will see how it all goes. Good to know the lockers aren't too bad - I remember hearing bad things about them at Forbidden Journey.

 

[pcstang]

No water at machines. Just checked.

 

[Squirlz]

There are water fountains around as well.

 

[macraven]

yes, found out last weekend the water is now gone at the machines.....

read the rumors last fall that they were disappearing..

was hopeful it was only a rumor but turned out to be true...

 

[wagman67]

No water at machines. Just checked.

Bummer.

 

[bumbershoot]

However, it seems to me a backpack at Universal means constantly checking your bag in lockers...

Unless you are literally only going on the rides that require lockers, there's nothing constant about it. Imagining a day while looking at the Studios map...I ride Simpsons and keep my bag with me. I walk to Men In Black, I do have to put my bag in a locker. We always have the hotel-included Express Pass, so maybe the timing works out so I can ride it twice in a row with the same locker. I then move on to Diagon Alley, and for Gringott's I put my bag in a locker. Come on out, experience Diagon Alley for awhile with my bag, no checking it. I take Hogwarts Express both ways, coming back to Studios, with my bag. Leave Diagon...go to NY, go on the Mummy, gotta lock it up. Rip Ride Rockit...nothing allowed but eyeglasses and a lanyard, so yep, lock it up. Despicable Me, Transformers..I bring my bag. I see Terminator and the Horror makeup show with my bag with me. My bag stays with me all through the Woody Woodpecker section including the Animal Actors show and ET and the teensy Nuthouse coaster, with my bag. Finish off back in Simpsons with the Twirl and Hurl, on which I can take my bag.

That's just Studios.

And I'm drinking my spring water and not getting my belly upset from Florida water (even filtered it messes with me), and my backpack gets lighter and lighter because I'm drinking that water. (it's actually a very useful marker that I'm hydrating, that the backpack gets lighter)

At IOA the following say "no loose articles": Hulk, Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge.

That leaves Storm Force, Dr Doom, Spiderman, Bluto's Barges and Ripsaw Falls (though with those two you're going to get SOAKED and so will your bag...but for those you have to pay for a locker or do what we do and put the backpack into a plastic bag like what we do at California Adventure on Grizzly), Kong, Pteranodon Flyers (if you have kids big and small enough to allow you to ride), Jurassic River Adventure, Flight of the Hippogriff, and the rides in Suess. And that's not even counting the shows and Poseidon's Fury (a show? a walkthrough ride? what IS it?) etc etc.

For us it's not a constant bag/locker thing.

 

[skier_pete]

For us it's not a constant bag/locker thing.

That's all good info! I am leaning towards taking my bag - I'll also have my MIL there to hold it as well.