If you think that fanny packs are out of style, then you haven’t visited Universal Studios lately!
Universal Studios prohibits bags on rides except for fanny packs. Which means that wearing a fanny pack at Universal Orlando or Universal Hollywood is one of the few ways you can bring your items with you on attractions.
We understand, fanny pack shopping (or belly bag, as they are also called) probably has never been high on you list! Which is why we’ve done the research for you!
Here are the best fanny packs for Universal Studios theme parks.
Be sure to see our YouTube video review at the end for a more detailed look at many of the fanny packs.
Why Do I Need A Fanny Pack at Universal Studios?
Universal Studios does not allow you to carry a purse, backpack or bag onto the rides. However, they will allow a fanny pack (also known as a waist bag, belly bag or waist pack).
If you do not have a fanny pack, you can put your bags and other items in free lockers located outside of the attractions where bags are prohibited. However, this takes time to secure your bags in a crowded area. Then you need to retrieve your bags. When you are trying to make the most of your time in the theme parks, this can waste a lot of time!
See Universal Studios Bag Policy for more information.
When you use a fanny pack, though, you can keep all of your belongings with you on the ride. You do not need to stop to put your bag in a locker. When you are done with the ride, you can walk off and go to your next destination without delay.
What Types of Fanny Packs Does Universal Studios Allow?
The fanny pack that you use must have a three-prong clip.
Best Fanny Packs for Universal Studios
These are our favorite fanny packs for the theme parks.
Be sure to see our guide to waterproof fanny packs and Harry Potter fanny packs, as well.
Lightweight, Pocket-Sized Fanny Pack
When you don’t need to carry a lot of stuff, this is our favorite fanny pack to bring to the theme parks.
Not only is the material water resistant, it also weighs only 2.1 ounces! This is one of the most comfortable belly bags to wear because there is very little weight, other than what you put into the bag.
The best feature of this fanny pack for us is the fact it folds up into a small bag when not in use. This is a BIG deal when packing items to bring for your Universal vacation. Especially if you are only bringing a carry-on suitcase. This bag will take up very little room in your luggage.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Folds up into an egg-sized bag, which is perfect for putting in a suitcase
- Comes in a large variety of colors
- Water resistant
Cons
- Water bottle won’t fit inside
- Material is crinkly-sounding
Sturdy, Large Belly Bag (Great for Moms and Families)
When you got to carry a lot of stuff all day long, this WATERFLY fanny pack is the perfect choice for you!
Also available on Walmart.com.
We love that the pocket are so large that you can store a water bottle inside. In fact, you can store two water bottles!
You can store quite a few things in this fanny pack. There would be no problem carrying your keys, credit cards, cash, hotel keys, sunscreen, snacks and your phone.
The back of the bag is slightly padded and made of mesh. This is ideal for wearing all day in the hot heat of Orlando or California.
Plus, the bag wraps beyond the belly and slightly onto the hips. This can help with weight distribution while wearing the bag all day.
The price for this bag is similar to other waist bags that have far less capacity and are made of cheaper materials. So this one is a great value!
Pros
- Will hold a LOT of stuff!
- Thick, sturdy material
- Wide belt strap
- Sturdy three-prong clasp
- Can use with headphones
- Clip for holding keys
Cons
- Interior pockets do not have zippers
- Quite large on your waist
Stylish Leather-Look Fanny Pack
When you are taking pictures all day long in a theme park (be sure to look for Universal Studios characters appearances for photos!), you want to feel somewhat stylish, right?
Most fanny packs are not built for style. But this belly bag is one of the best looking ones we have found!
Unfortunately, the fashion-forward look comes at a price. There is much less room in this waist pack than any of the others we tried.
However, if you are more concerned with keeping your phone, cash and credit cards safe and don’t need to pack all the items for kids, this is a great choice!
Pros
- Stylish bag that will complement many outfits
- Several compartments for keeping organized
- Pockets for credit cards, hotel keys, cash
- Very sturdy zippers
Cons
- Narrow compartments don’t allow for holding many items
- Smaller bag than most fanny packs
- Will not hold a water bottle
Vera Bradley Belt Bags
We love everything Vera Bradley and have since we got a behind-the-scenes tour of the Vera Bradley Design Center!
Since we own so many of their bags, we feel comfortable recommending their fanny packs, too.
Vera Bradley’s fanny packs come in several colors and are made with their recycled nylon fabric that is sustainable and water repellant.
This is another one of the larger waist packs. If you are packing for the family, then this might be one of the best choices for you.
One of the fun things about Vera Bradley is that you can personalize your bags! So get your fanny pack personalized with your name, initials or other fun themes.
Pros
- Roomy enough to fit a lot of items
- Variety of colors
- Fun interior designs
- Mesh zippered pocket inside
- Can personalize
- Large zipper pulls
Cons
- Bigger bag than some other styles
- Higher price point than other fanny packs
Big Waist Bag with Fun Prints
If you want fun and colorful prints, get a FLOCK THREE Fanny Pack.
Made with colorful and modern water-resistant printed fabrics, these are ideal for when you are worried about getting wet in the rain or on Universal Studios water rides.
Three zippered compartments, including an anti-theft zippered compartment on the back of the pack, lets you keep everything organized.
We were actually surprised at how large this waist pack is and how much you can pack inside!
It can definitely fit your phone, as well as a passport, snacks, wallet, etc. In fact, we highly suggest packing some food inside your bag to save on food costs at Universal Studios during the day.
If you don’t want fun prints, there are solid colors, as well.
Pros
- Fun prints
- Very large bag with plenty of room for everything you want to bring
- Water resistant material
- Sturdy, thick zippers
Cons
- Not as many solid colors as other brands
Rugged Fanny Pack with Lots of Compartments
The largest waist pack we have tried is the Wealth & Strength Outdoor Waist Bag. This waist bag reminds us of what hikers might use in the outdoors.
Made of waterproof nylon material, this bag will hold up to excessive use and you will probably be able to keep it for years to come.
The waist strap on this bag is among the widest and thickest we have found on fanny packs we have tried.
This fanny pack has more compartments than we have seen on ANY waist bag!
Unfortunately, all of these little compartments are really small, so you are limited as to what you can store in them.
You will also find a handy port for earphone wires to come out of the bag, as well as a clip for your keys.
Pros
- Lots of room in the main compartment
- Rugged material will last longer than other types of materials
- Zippered compartments
- Lots of individual pockets for keeping items organized
Cons
- Compartments are small and won’t hold large items
- So many zippers can be confusing for remembering where things are
- Big bag is quite bulky to wear
Retro Universal Studios Fanny Pack
Universal Studios celebrates the retro 1980s-look of fanny packs with their vibrant colorful waist bag. This bag even has the retro logo of the theme parks!
We review several of these fanny packs in our YouTube video below:
Free Printable Universal Studios Packing List!
Worried about forgetting something? Don’t be!
Print off our Universal Studios Packing List to easily remember what to bring to the theme parks.
Want more ideas for carrying your larger items at Universal Studios? Check out our guide to the best bags for Universal Studios.