When planning a trip to Universal Studios, one of the most exciting aspects is figuring out what to wear. With so many rides, attractions, and themed areas to explore, it’s important to dress appropriately for both comfort and style. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Universal Studios pro, there are a few outfit tips and recommendations that can help make your experience even better.
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Universal Studios Hollywood is located in sunny Southern California and Universal Studios Florida is located in Orlando, so you’ll want to dress for warm temperatures and potential sun exposure for either location. With a little bit of planning and some essential outfit tips, you can create the perfect look for your Universal Studios adventure on either coast.
Universal Studios Orlando is the larger of the two resorts, so we will be focusing on primarily the rides and attractions available at that location. Many of the rides are available at either Orlando or Hollywood, including both the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic World, so you can get ideas for both locations if you plan to visit Universal Studios Hollywood!
Outfit Ideas for Themed Areas at Universal Studios
We love theming our outfits to our favorite theme park attractions and characters, and that’s no exception at Universal Studios Orlando! The amusement park has many great options to be inspired for your Universal Studios outfit. From Harry Potter, to Dr. Seuss or Jurassic Park – you can find lots of great inspiration from the rides and attractions.
Most of our outfits were Harry Potter inspired because we are HUGE Harry Potter fans! Here are some pieces for outfit inspo!
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House Cardigan / Patch Headband / Skirt / Bracelet / Wand / Solemnly Swear Shirt
Mom Mischief / Stripe Headband / Map Scarf / Moon Shirt / Fleur Dress
Themed t-shirts are always a great way to feel thematic without having to spend a ton on your outfits. Below are some outfit ideas to help you put together your perfect outfit for a day at Universal Studios!
Best Universal Studios Theme T-Shirts
These themed t-shirts are a fun way to sport a general Universal Studios inspired look on your theme park day!
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Wizarding World of Harry Potter
We had a blast exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and enjoyed dressing in a way that matched the magical atmosphere.
It truly is the ultimate theme park experience for Harry Potter fans! When our girls visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, they wore Hogwarts robes (of their designated house of course!) and absolutely loved feeling like Hogwarts students while they were at the theme park.
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Hufflepuff House Robe / Ravenclaw House Robe / Gryffindor House Robe / Slytherin House Robe
For adults, you can go for a more casual outfit by wearing a pair of denim shorts with a Hogwarts t-shirt and a Wizarding World inspired hoodie or cardigan.
Found in photo: Mischief Managed Shirt
Don’t forget to accessorize with a wand and your house colors to complete the Harry Potter look.
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Tattoo Backpack / Pouch Set / Luggage Purse / Castle Backpack
If you’re planning on purchasing a wand when you arrive at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, get one an interactive wand that can interact with elements throughout the Harry Potter areas.
You can find these in Olivander’s Wand Shop in the Diagon Alley area of the Wizarding World and our girls had a great time zipping their magic throughout the theme park!
Jurassic Park Adventures
For those who love adventure, the Jurassic Park Adventures area is the perfect place to explore. Dress comfortably in a jumpsuit or a pair of denim overalls with a button-down shirt.
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Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun – and watch out for dinosaurs!
Dr. Seuss Inspired Outfits
Another great alternative for your themed outfits if you’ll be visiting the Orlando theme parks are Dr.Seuss inspired outfits! There is a fun Dr. Seuss inspired area designed just for little kids at Universal Studios Orlando Resort.
There are lots of adorable looks you can create that are inspired by this book icon.
Where Can I Find Marvel Characters?
One important distinction when you’re visiting Universal Studios Orlando is that although Disney does now own Marvel, Universal Studios Orlando still retains the rights to use Marvel characters EAST of the Mississippi River, for the foreseeable future.
So when you visit Universal Studios Orlando, you can still see rides inspired by famous Marvel characters like Spider Man and Hulk. This will not be the case for Universal Studios Hollywood, where Disney has claimed their exclusive rights to Marvel characters and have a special Avengers Campus at California Adventure.
This can be a bit confusing for Marvel fans that want to see Marvel inspired rides and aren’t aware of the backstory of the rights that happened in the theme parks many decades ago. However your general guide is, if you’re visiting California you can see Marvel characters at a Disney run theme park, California Adventure.
If you’re visiting the Florida theme parks, you’ll find Marvel characters at BOTH Universal Studios Orlando and some characters at Walt Disney World theme parks. In recent years, Disney has opened rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at their Florida based EPCOT theme park, as those characters did not fall under the Universal licensing agreement that happened many years ago.
Super Nintendo World
Currently only at Universal Studios Hollywood at the time of this article, is the all new Super Nintendo World. This is a fantastic area for gamers who love the classic Mario characters, and this new area includes a ride, restaurant, merchandise, and tons of photo opportunities!
Opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Orlando is scheduled for 2025, so it is right around the corner if you are planning a trip in the future!
Planning Your Visit to Universal Orlando Resort
- Plan your outfit based on the weather and season, and research any dress codes or guidelines for themed areas.
- Choose comfortable clothing and footwear that will allow you to move freely and enjoy all the rides and attractions.
- Add some fun accessories to complete your look and show off your personality.
- Both the Hollywood and Florida locations are in relatively warm climates that get plenty of sun, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.
Before heading to Universal Studios Florida, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure you have the best experience possible. Universal Orlando Resort is a separate company from Disney World, and their activities are completely different.
If you will be visiting Disney while you are in Florida, check out our guide on what to pack and wear for a day at Disney.
Universal Studios Orlando is comprised of two main theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
We love getting the two parks, one day pass so we can use the Hogwarts Express train to go back and forth between the two theme parks. And if you want to see all of the Harry Potter areas in one day, you’ll want to get the two park pass for sure as well!
Packing for Universal Studios: Tips and Ideas
A few things to keep in mind ahead of your trip while planning what to bring, is that most of the larger rides at Universal Studios have lockers to stow away backpack sized items before you ride. It’s a good idea to wear shoes that are attached to your feet instead of an option like flip flops, so that way if you plan to ride any roller coasters you do not have to worry about shoes staying on your feet.
Before Your Trip to Universal Studios, here are some other important things to keep in mind when planning your trip:
Weather Considerations
The weather in Florida and California can vary greatly depending on the time of year. If you’re visiting in the winter months (January – March), be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially rainy weather. In the spring and fall (April, May, September, October), the weather is usually mild and pleasant.
In cooler months, you may need a lightweight jacket for chilly mornings and evenings. In the summer months, consider clothing that can offer some sun protection and are made of breathable materials to stay cool.
Dressing with layers is always a good idea in the cooler months of the year, and if you’re planning on riding water rides, you may want to arrive with a change of clothes just in case you get wet!
Theme Park Dress Code
Universal Studios has a strict dress code policy to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests. Some clothing items are not allowed, such as revealing clothing or clothing with offensive language. Be sure to review the park’s dress code policy before your visit to avoid any issues.
In addition to the dress code, there are also park rules that must be followed. These include no smoking in designated areas, no outside food or drinks, and no running or horseplay. Be sure to review the park rules before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
No matter your personal style, you’ll want to make sure you’ve planned comfortable clothes for your theme park outfits. During the hottest times of years, gravitate towards lightweight clothing that can easily be worn in the heat.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in for long periods of time. Sneakers or closed-toe shoes are recommended. Avoid wearing flip flops or sandals as they may not provide enough support and can be an issue while riding roller coasters.
Packing Essentials
When planning your trip to Universal Studios, it’s important to pack the right items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. In addition to your chic looks from above, you’ll want to pack some of these accessories for your theme park days. Here are some packing essentials to that are a great choice to bring to the theme park:
Must-Have Items
- Comfortable Shoes: Universal Studios is a large theme park, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes that you can wear all day.
- Sunscreen: With the Florida sun beating down on you, it’s important to protect your skin. Pack a high SPF sunscreen and reapply often.
- Hat: A hat can also help protect your face and scalp from the sun. Consider packing a hat with a wide brim for maximum protection.
- Refillable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the Florida heat. Bring a refillable water bottle to save money and reduce waste.
- Snacks: While there are plenty of food options at Universal Studios, bringing your own snacks can save you time and money. Pack non-perishable snacks like granola bars or trail mix.
Your Magical Day at Universal Studios Resort
No matter what area of Universal Studios you’re planning on spending the most time in, it’s important to dress comfortably and appropriately for the theme. With these outfit ideas, you’ll be able to enjoy your day at the park while looking stylish and feeling comfortable. Have the best time at Universal Studios!
** All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Being Mommy with Style is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.