What to Wear to Universal Studios (With Simple Handy Checklist!)
What you wear to Universal Studios can make or break your trip! You need to be prepared for long, hot, and humid days often with a bit of rain.
As someone who visits Universal frequently and lived in South Florida, I now have specific criteria for what I will wear for a long, active day in the Florida heat.
In this post I’ll talk about what to wear to stay comfortable the whole day and how to plan your days around water rides.
What To Wear To Universal Studios
Comfort is my number one priority when picking what to wear all day at a theme park. Clothes that are breathable and easy to move in are essential for walking long distances and getting in and out of ride vehicles. Don’t worry, there are plenty of comfortable cute clothing options out there now that still allow you dress on theme!
Universal Studios What To Wear Checklist
Let’s go over the essentials, sunscreen, shirts, shorts, and of course a good pair of shoes. We’ll also cover the best bag to bring to hold all that you need for a day at the parks!
1. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must in the Florida sun. Especially if you’re from a colder climate like me. Face sunscreen is a normal part of my makeup routine so I always have sunscreen on my face (you should too!).
If you are a rope drop person like me, and you get to the park for early entry, save time in the morning by waiting to put on sunscreen. Typically, 8-9 AM is too early to get sunburned anyway, so we save time by putting sunscreen on while waiting in line for a ride.
Any kind of sunscreen you like works great. I prefer eco friendly 30SPF like Badger. If you have a spray sunscreen, just be mindful of the people in line around you.
If you forget sunscreen, don’t worry, you’ll be able to find it in a gift shop or your Universal hotel shop.
Photo Credit: Julie Kim
2. Shorts and/or skort
Since it is so hot and likely to rain, I don’t recommend pants. Shorts and/or a skort are perfect. I say skort over a skirt because getting in and out of rides can cause some tricky situations, especially when you’re being rushed to get in and out. A long skirt might be ok but to stay cool, I preferred shorter lengths.
You want the material breathable and easy to move in. Super tight jean shorts might not be the most comfortable half-way through the day, and you want to avoid material that might cause inner thigh chafe.
I stick to quick-dry workout shorts or loose cotton.
3. Tank Top or Short Sleeves
Again, comfortable, breathable, easy to move in fabric. I prefer tank tops to short sleeves because it feels cooler and I don’t get a farmer’s tan haha.
I’m probably the only stickler for this, but I do not wear Disney themed shirts to Universal and vice versa. I have used my Disney Loungefly at Universal before though haha. People don’t care but they might secretly judge you.
4. Flip Flops
Ok this one is weird and oddly specific…. Flip flops. I know everyone says tennis shoes, good walking shoes, etc…but honestly, don’t underestimate a good pair of flip flops.
Hear me out, it’s hot, you don’t need socks, and we all know the majority of our body heat is released from our heads and our feet so let your feet breathe!
Also, between water rides and the chance of rain, your feet and shoes are bound to get wet so you definitely want something waterproof anyway. No one wants to walk around in wet, soggy socks.
I have two brands of flip flops that I swear by…. Reef and Oofos.
DO NOT do just wear any old plastic pair of flip flops. That’s where you’ll get blisters.
Photo Credit: Julie Kim
Make sure you get a thicker sole with arch support and extra cushion. The strap should be fabric, silicon, or waterproof leather. If you’re looking for closed-toed sandals, then I recommend Keen. They start on your feet and protect your toes while still being waterproof and letting your feet breathe.
The one caveat I need to mention is going in rides where your feet dangle, like on Forbidden Journey or Frankenstein: Monsters Unchained. The flip flops I mentioned, if they fit well, don’t easily fall off my feet. Sometimes crossing my ankles helps keep them on but if your paranoid you can quick take off your shoes and sit on them. You have to be quick about it though.
Since we go for multiple days at a time, I bring two pairs of flip flops and alternate each day between the two. This seems to keep my feet from getting too sore after so many days in a row.
If you NEED socks and shoes, try Bombas and HEYDUDE.
5. Quick dry clothes
About one week before our trip we will look at the weather and pick the hottest day to plan to ride the water rides. My husband and brothers wear their swim suit shorts and quick dry shirts while I wear quick dry shorts and a swim top under a quick dry shirt.
We hit these rides right around noon or early afternoon so we stay cool in the early afternoon heat and then we’re dry by the time the sun sets.
6. Small Backpack
Small backpacks or cross body bags are the easiest to carry around. Also some rides require you to store any loose items in lockers and if your giant backpack doesn’t fit, you’ll have to pay for a big locker. Small lockers are free and easily fit a small cross body bag or a loungefly backpack.
Since there is a high chance of rain almost every day in Florida, I recommend a waterproof bag, or at least you don’t mind getting wet.
In my small loungefly backpack I fit sunscreen, portable phone charger, epi pens and Benadryl (my husband and child have food allergies), small (16oz) water bottle, snacks, and hand sanitizer.
Photo Credit: Roc Bauman
7. Lanyard or Pockets
Lanyard or secure pockets are essential if you have a park-to-park ticket or express pass. You’ll want those cards in an easy to get to spot.
Park-to-park tickets are needed to get between each park including the Hogwarts Express. And express passes are needed for every express lane on all participating rides and attractions.
I prefer pockets myself. Most of my shorts and skorts have secure pockets and I don’t worry about them falling out. But if I don’t have secure pockets then a lanyard is the best way to keep these cards handy.
Most guests wear lanyards so if you’re looking to blend in, that’s the way to go! Bring your own lanyard or you can purchase a themed lanyard onsite.
8. Cooling towel, fan, etc…
There are so many ways to help stay cool nowadays. It’s awesome what people have come up with.
I love my cooling towel and it was great when my daughter was a baby. When she slept in the stroller and the shade didn’t fully cover her, we used the cooling towel to cover up her legs without worrying about her getting too hot under a blanket.
There are neck fans but I haven’t tried one before. We have a stroller fan that we love. And a good old classic spray bottle fan combo is great!
Traveling with littles? Pack lighter by renting strollers and other baby gear at your destination!
BabyQuip
9. Light Jacket
As hot and humid as Florida is, winter can still get cool, especially at night. If you plan to visit between December and March, consider bringing a light, easy to carry jacket or long sleeve shirt.
Spirit Jerseys are very popular and perfect for slightly cooler weather.
Photo Credit: My Daughter
What Not To Wear
There are few things you should not wear to Universal. Like anything offensive or costumes that look like employees or characters. You’re welcome to wear your favorite Hogwarts spirit wear but you can’t look like Harry Potter to the point that people want to take a picture with you.
Skort Dresses – This one isn’t a hard no but just something to think about. Skort dresses are really popular right now and I get it, they’re super cute! I have even worn one to the parks before. But if you’re like me and stay hydrated (which you should) and need frequent bathroom trips, this one can get a little annoying to take all the way off every. single. time.
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
New shoes – Make sure you’re not wearing new shoes that you haven’t broken in before. If you’re buying shoes for the trip, get them a few weeks to months in advance so you have time to break them in and test them out on a long walk.
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about what to wear to Universal Studios.
Can I wear a dress to Universal?
Yes! Make sure it’s light and breathable.
What is the best attire to wear to Universal Studios?
I prefer shorts, tank top, and flip flops (see here for specifics). Materials that are quick-dry and/or breathable are best.
What shoes to wear to Universal Studios?
Comfortable, waterproof shoes with cushy soles and arch support that let your feet breathe. I prefer flip flops (see here for specifics)
Does Universal have a strict dress code?
Universal does not have a strict dress code for normal wear. It’s the typical shirt and shoes required and nothing offensive is permitted. They do have strict rules around dressing up and wearing costumes. Costumes, masks, or anything that looks like characters or employees are not allowed.
Let’s Recap
Comfort is the most important aspect when picking out what to wear to Universal. Easy to move in, breathable, and quick dry clothing are your best bet for lasting all day at the parks.
If you’re going to splurge on new clothing, shoes would be the item to focus on. Comfortable shoes with good arch support will make the day more enjoyable and allow you to make the most of your day by being able to walk around longer.
I hope this helped you pick out some good outfits to keep your park day enjoyable. Stay hydrated and have a fun adventurous day at Universal!
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