Universal Studios is an ideal place to visit for fun family memories as you ride coasters, gaze at attractions, and fill your stomach.
Speaking of eating, can you have a cookout at Universal?
Cookouts are not allowed at Universal Studios. However, you can bring food into the theme park with certain limitations.
This article will discuss what is allowed and prohibited in the park. I will also discuss the benefits of bringing food with you and tell everything you need to know about a visit to Universal Studios.
What are acceptable items at Universal Studios?
The following items are permitted into Universal Studios:
- Bottled water
- Food required by people with special dietary needs
- Small snacks that don’t require heating
- Medically-indicated nutritional supplements and any foods required for medical purposes
- Baby formula/baby food
- Soft-sided insulated bags that don’t exceed 8.5 inches wide x 6 inches high x 6 inches deep
What are the prohibited items at Universal Studios?
Don’t bring the following items into the park:
- Hard-sided coolers
- Any food that requires heating or refrigeration
- Alcoholic beverages
- Glass containers
- Folding chairs
- Offensive clothing
- Clothing that presents one as an emergency personnel
- Suitcases or wheeled bags
How much food can one take into Universal Studios?
There is no specific rule about the amount of food allowed in Universal Studios, but you must pack reasonably.
Also, remember you will carry the food wherever you go for the better part of the day, so pack only what you can manage. You don’t want to walk around the park in the summer heat with a heavy backpack.
What are the benefits of bringing food to Universal Studios?
There are several benefits of carrying your food with you to Universal Studios. Here they are.
Save money
Food is expensive in all theme parks, and Universal Studios is no exception.
While you may want a taste of the park’s food, the cost may be too high, especially if you bring your whole family. Carrying food from home will save a few coins in your pocket.
Avoid allergies/dietary restrictions
Not everyone can eat what is available or what they see at Universal.
Those with food allergies, intolerances, or special dietary needs will find it hard to buy food in a theme park.
Carry your food and be safe than sorry.
How to pack snacks for Universal Studios
Packing for a day of fun at Universal Studios differs from packing for other outdoor activities. Below are some helpful packing tips.
Avoid heat
Heat and humidity can easily make your food go bad, especially during the summer.
For instance, packing a chocolate bar to enjoy as a snack in the park is a poor idea because it will melt within a few hours.
If you must bring foods like cheese, fruits, or yogurt that require a cool environment, I recommend you pack them in a smaller cooler.
An insulated water bottle is also another great way to keep your food cold. Once done with the contents, you can fill the bottle with ice water.
Freeze food before packing
When packing some foods for Universal Studios, freezing them beforehand is a good idea.
This will keep them fresh and chilled for longer no matter how hot the day is.
Moreover, frozen foods are like small ice packs and will keep other foods cold as well.
Some of the snacks that you can freeze include:
- Cookies
- Muffins
- Puddings
- Cream-based soups
- Cooked egg whites
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Brownies
Use Ziploc bags
Ziploc bags are great food packing partners. They help with food portions and cleanliness. The bags are also eco-friendly.
Additionally, with Ziploc bags, you won’t have to worry about your backpack getting messy because they seal tight.
Don’t forget sanitizer/cleaning wipes
Universal Studios is full of germs, especially on the rides. Getting to the washroom frequently may not be practical, so you should bring cleaning wipes or hand sanitizers.
Conclusion
Although you are not allowed to have cookouts at Universal Studios, you can carry snacks, food, and non-alcoholic drinks. I hope the ideas in this post will guide you on bringing food and snacks into the park, eating healthy, and saving time and money.