Can You Bring A Cooler To Volcano Bay?

Visitors planning a trip to Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay might wonder what they can bring into the park.

A cooler filled with snacks and beverages can make or break a day at Volcano Bay – not to mention the benefit of having cold water by your side on a hot day.

Coolers are a great option whether guests are traveling with children or looking for ways to stick to a budget.

Volcano Bay allows guests to bring coolers, provided they meet park guidelines. Permitted food items are limited to small snacks that don’t require refrigeration or heating. Insulated coolers must be soft-sided and cannot exceed 8.5” wide x 6” tall x 6” deep (21.59 cm x 15.24 cm x 15.24 cm). Visitors can bring special food/beverages for babies or medical needs, but with very few exceptions, glass containers are prohibited.

This article lays out the guidelines for bringing a cooler to Volcano Bay and discusses what type of cooler is allowed, any exceptions to Universal’s restrictions, and the benefits of bringing a cooler to the park.

What Type of Cooler Does Volcano Bay Allow?

Guests may bring soft-sided, insulated coolers into the park as long as they do not exceed 8.5” wide x 6” tall x 6” deep (21.59 cm x 15.24 cm x 15.24 cm).

Volcano Bay does not allow hard-sided, styrofoam, or large coolers inside the park; however, Universal Orlando doesn’t list any restrictions on the number of soft-sided coolers allowed per person or group.

The rules around coolers and outside food and beverage are the same for Volcano Bay, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios.

What Is Allowed Inside Your Cooler at Volcano Bay?

Universal Orlando allows guests to bring food and water into Volcano Bay, although the park restricts what types of food and beverages are permitted.

Guests who bring an empty cooler or have extra space can purchase food and beverages inside the park to replenish their supplies.

Restrictions on Cooler Items at Volcano Bay:

Outside food at Volcano Bay is limited to snack-sized items that do not require refrigeration or heating – parkgoers cannot bring full meals or picnic lunches to the park.

Guests are permitted to bring water with them but are limited to 2 liters per person.

While guests may not bring sodas or alcoholic beverages, they may purchase drinks inside the park and use their cooler to store them and protect them from warming in the hot sun.

Volcano Bay also prohibits glass jars, bottles, and containers.

Are There Any Exceptions to These Rules?

There are two main exceptions to Universal Orlando’s rules around outside food and beverages for those with medical conditions, dietary requirements, and small children.

Guests may bring baby food and formula, including baby food kept in glass jars, making it one of the few exceptions to Volcano Bay’s no-glass rule.

Food exceeding the allowed ‘snack size’ is permitted for medical reasons, including food or beverages for guests with special nutritional or dietary needs.

Guests with medical needs can also carry their medication with them, even if they are in glass containers.

Universal Orlando also allows visitors to bring nutritional supplements into the park.

Benefits of Having Your Own Cooler at Volcano Bay

Any given day at Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay can be hot and humid.

When traveling as a family, with a group of friends, or on your own, it’s important to be prepared.

Staying hydrated is key to having a great visit to Volcano Bay.

By bringing a cooler, guests are guaranteed to have cold water and fresh snacks available to them at all times.

Additionally, visitors can reduce spending while inside the park by bringing snacks and water.

Guests can also purchase drinks inside the park and store them in their coolers.

This can cut down on stops at the vending machine, allowing for more time to relax and enjoy all that Volcano Bay has to offer.

Conclusion

Universal Orlando allows guests to bring coolers into all three theme parks, including Volcano Bay.

Before packing your cooler, it’s important to note the size restrictions and prohibited items.

Coolers cannot be larger than 8.5” wide x 6” deep x 6” tall (21.59 cm x 15.24 cm x 15.24 cm) and must be soft-sided.

Guests can only bring small snacks and water from outside the park, although they can fill their coolers with other items once inside.

Volcano Bay makes exceptions for guests who have medical, dietary, or nutritional needs.

Bringing a cooler to Volcano Bay can be an excellent way to cut costs and ensure everyone has what they need for a great day at the park.