6 Important Rules to Know About Universal Orlando Security for 2025

If you are vacationing at Universal Orlando this year, before you can visit the parks, you must go through a security screening checkpoint.

Universal Orlando Resort

While theme park security across all of Central Florida’s theme parks is nothing like the intensity of TSA screenings that are done at the airport, they are in place for the same reason: to keep you safe. Here is what you should know before going through security at Universal Orlando.

Let’s get into it so you can breeze through security at Universal!

You Need to Empty Your Pockets

Unlike Disney World, Universal Orlando does not have the metal detectors that you walk through with your bag. Instead, your bag will go through a separate X-ray machine (similar to the one at the airport). You will need to empty your pockets and put those items in a basket to go through the machine along with your bag. Then, you will retrieve your belongings once you pass through a standard metal detector.

Security at Universal CityWalk

Some Guest Must Follow a Curfew

Universal has a curfew for guests under the age of 18, but there are exceptions to this curfew. According to their website, “Guests under the age of 18 without theme park admission (or separately ticketed events, as applicable) are required to depart at 8 PM unless they are accompanied by a parent/guardian, staying at a Universal hotel, have a CityWalk restaurant reservation, have tickets for Hollywood Drive-In Golf or Universal’s Great Movie Escape.” This is important to keep in mind if you are visiting and are under the age of 18.

Rainy day at CityWalk

You Can Bring in Some Food and Drink

It gets hot in Central Florida, and it is important to stay hydrated! When you reach the security checkpoint, you can bring bottled water with you, but it is limited to two liters per person. Food for any medical purposes, as well as baby food and formula, is permitted. This food cannot require heating or refrigeration.

Vicious 6 Water Bottle

When we visited, we were asked to empty our water bottles after 5 PM if we were going through security. This does not always happen, as it has just been our experience. You will just have to have the empty bottle, and then you can fill it out once you are in the park.

Purple Minion Water Bottle

You Cannot Bring in Prohibited Items

It is no surprise that the following items are prohibited at Universal Orlando:

Explosives, weapons, items that can be used as or has the appearance of a weapon
Alcohol or drinks containing alcohol
Marijuana or any item containing Cannabis or related paraphernalia
Power driven or radio frequency-controlled devices*
Glass
Suitcases/Bags with wheels
Folding chairs

We will give a word of warning: we are big fans of bringing in our own reusable utensils, but you will want to make sure that they are plastic utensils. We once brought a metal utensil kit, and we had our knife taken away since it was considered a weapon.

Stick to bringing in plastic utensils!

Epic Universe Will Bring Another Security Check Point

Universal has a main hub, where you can go through security at CityWalk, and then you are good to enter both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. When Epic Universe opens on May 22nd of this year, it is likely to have its own security area, as it is not connected to the main hub.

Epic Universe Model

Utilize Your Hotel Perks

If you are staying at a Universal hotel with a walkway to the parks, we suggest using those security entrances rather than the checkpoint at CityWalk. They are much smaller, and if you go at the right time, they are typically less busy and less stressful.