Theme Parks · Best Jan–Feb & Nov
Universal Orlando and Epic Universe packing list for families
Universal days mean big coasters, water rides that soak you, and lockers at many ride entrances. Packing light and planning for wet clothes makes the whole family happier by afternoon.
Photo by Florida-Guidebook.com on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Universal Orlando
- Measure your kids at home and check each ride's height minimum before you go. Several of the biggest coasters need 48 inches or more, and it is much easier to set expectations at the kitchen table than in line.
- Many headliner rides make you put loose items in free short-term lockers, and a few check for phones at the entrance. A small crossbody bag that fits in a locker saves you from juggling a big backpack all day.
- Epic Universe has its own ticketing and line-skipping rules, separate from the original two parks. I confirm what a family's tickets and hotel include for each park before we build the day-by-day plan.
Best timeJan–Feb & Nov
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Universal Orlando
This time of year
Shop this list
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing4
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
Underwear and socks9 per person
Quick-dry change of clothesFor after the water rides and the splash areas.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Kids' water shoes for the water parkHot pavement and wet stairs between slides.
Beach & pool5
Swimsuits2 per person
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Goggles
Park days6
Cooling towelsKristina's pick
Ponchos for afternoon storms
Small backpack with water bottle pockets
Handheld fan
Small crossbody bag that fits ride lockersKristina's pickBags go in lockers for many big rides.
Waterproof phone pouchSeveral rides leave you soaked.
Little ones5
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Little things15
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech3
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
The outfit edit
Park pastels
Lavender, pale pink, sky, white
For the kids
For photos
- Coordinate the pastels, skip the logos
- Go early for empty backdrops
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Universal Orlando weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72°F 22°C | Mild days with cool mornings, and the occasional chilly front | Some of the lightest crowds of the year once holiday breaks end |
| February | 75°F 24°C | Mild days with cool mornings, and the occasional chilly front | Mardi Gras celebrations with parades and concerts on select nights Some of the lightest crowds of the year once holiday breaks end |
| March | 79°F 26°C | Warm and mostly dry, with spring break crowds in March and April | Mardi Gras celebrations with parades and concerts on select nights |
| April | 84°F 29°C | Warm and mostly dry, with spring break crowds in March and April | Mardi Gras celebrations with parades and concerts on select nights |
| May | 89°F 32°C | Warm and mostly dry, with spring break crowds in March and April | |
| June | 91°F 33°C | Hot and humid, with a thunderstorm most afternoons | Summer break crowds, when early park entry and evening hours matter most |
| July | 92°F 33°C | Hot and humid, with a thunderstorm most afternoons | Summer break crowds, when early park entry and evening hours matter most |
| August | 92°F 33°C | Hot and humid, with a thunderstorm most afternoons | Summer break crowds, when early park entry and evening hours matter most |
| September | 90°F 32°C | Hot and humid, with a thunderstorm most afternoons | Halloween Horror Nights on select evenings, best for older teens and adults only |
| October | 85°F 29°C | Warm days that start to cool off, with lower humidity | Halloween Horror Nights on select evenings, best for older teens and adults only |
| November | 79°F 26°C | Warm days that start to cool off, with lower humidity | Holiday season with festive decorations and themed shows in the parks |
| December | 74°F 23°C | Mild days with cool mornings, and the occasional chilly front | Holiday season with festive decorations and themed shows in the parks |
Questions families ask
Universal Orlando with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Universal Orlando with kids?
The best time is Jan–Feb & Nov. Mild days with cool mornings, and the occasional chilly front
What's the weather like in Universal Orlando?
Typical daytime highs range from about 72°F (22°C) in January to about 92°F (33°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Universal Orlando?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Universal Orlando?
None. Universal Orlando uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Universal Orlando with kids?
Measure your kids at home and check each ride's height minimum before you go. Several of the biggest coasters need 48 inches or more, and it is much easier to set expectations at the kitchen table than in line.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.