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Can You Use a GoPro at Universal Orlando?

For many people, visiting Universal Orlando is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Often, visitors want to record their time in the parks to preserve these memories forever.

However, park rules concerning cameras and filming could interfere with these plans.

Fortunately, Universal Orlando does not explicitly ban GoPros from their theme parks. However, Universal’s policies clearly state that staff can forbid any item considered inappropriate or harmful. Also, you can not bring any recording devices on Universal rides.

This article will explain how park visitors can use a GoPro at Universal Orlando, whether Universal allows GoPro handles, and if there are lockers for your GoPro.

It will also discuss whether you can post your Universal Orlando GoPro footage on YouTube.

Can I Use a GoPro at Universal Orlando?

Person holding a GoPro

Universal Orlando does not expressly ban GoPros from their theme parks, so you shouldn’t have a problem bringing one in.

However, it’s important to note that Universal maintains the right to prevent visitors from bringing anything that may offend, annoy, or hurt others.

Its list of prohibited items is ambiguous, and staff are empowered to forbid objects deemed “inappropriate, disruptive, or harmful.”

Can I Take a GoPro on Universal Orlando Rides?

Universal Orlando does not allow GoPros on rides, and a staff member will prevent you from boarding if you try to bring one on.

Why Universal Orlando enforces these rules is unclear; however, theme parks typically disallow filming (and filming equipment) for two reasons: safety and copyright.

If you’ve ever been to a theme park, you’ve likely seen the signs to secure loose articles before enjoying a ride or attraction.

Emptying your pockets is a safety requirement as items falling from rides pick up speed as they drop, endangering other guests.

For example, according to Inside Edition, a teenager suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a phone that fell from a rollercoaster.

Many parks also disallow filming because their rides contain copyrighted material.

For instance, attractions like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and the Jurassic World VelociCoaster are part of copyrighted franchises, and Universal is obligated to protect the copyright holders.

Can I Get Kicked Out of Universal Orlando for Filming on Rides?

Technically, Universal Orlando has the right to kick you out of the parks for filming on rides.

Usually, if you agree to stop filming and don’t escalate the situation, you’ll be okay.

Starting an argument can get you in trouble if you’ve been asked to put away your camera or GoPro.

Similarly, cursing and/or inappropriate comments can get you kicked out or banned from the park.

Does Universal Orlando Allow GoPro Handles?

Person holding a GoPro handle with a GoPro mounted on top

When it comes to GoPro handles, Universal’s rules are a bit unclear.

Technically, Universal does not prohibit GoPro handles. However, the park has specific rules about selfie sticks, and since a GoPro handle is similar to a selfie stick, an employee might consider it the same.

Universal’s selfie stick rule is:

“Selfie sticks are permitted at Universal’s discretion but must be properly secured and not in use on any rides or attractions.”

Additionally, Universal bans any item that a person can use as a weapon or looks like a weapon.

Since this rule is vague, an employee may liken a GoPro handle to a weapon and either forbid it or deny you entry altogether.

It’s probably best to leave your GoPro handle at home to save yourself any unnecessary hassle.

What if a Universal Employee Won’t Let Me Bring My GoPro Handle?

If an employee says you can’t bring your GoPro handle (or any other item), you have two options: allow them to confiscate it or bring it back to your hotel or car.

If you let them take the GoPro handle, you probably won’t get it back. You can ask if they will hold it, but Universal is pretty strict, so don’t expect them to.

Alternatively, you can bring the handle back to your car or hotel.

Just remember that Universal Orlando is 840 acres (340 hectares), so it may take some time to get back to your hotel or car.

Overall, bringing a GoPro handle to Universal Orlando is not recommended.

Does Universal Orlando Have Lockers to Store My GoPro?

Universal Orlando offers both all-day and single-use lockers in the parks.

All-day lockers come at a fee but give guests unlimited access to their belongings throughout the day. These lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Single-use lockers are offered at various locations so visitors can store their belongings while on certain rides. These lockers are free to use as long as your items aren’t oversized.

Standard single-use lockers are 14 in x 5.5 in x 16.9 in (36 cm x 14 cm x 43 cm), allowing plenty of space to store your GoPro.

You’ll find single-use lockers at the following attractions:

At Universal Studios Florida:

  • Revenge of the Mummy
  • MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
  • Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
  • Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

At Islands of Adventure:

  • The Incredible Hulk Coaster
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
  • Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
  • Jurassic World VelociCoaster

At Volcano Bay (for an additional fee): 

  • Jurassic Park River Adventure
  • Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
  • Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls

Can I Put Universal Orlando GoPro Footage on YouTube?

Person using a video editing software on a laptop

If you film anything at Universal Orlando with your GoPro, you can not use it for commercial purposes.

In other words, you can not monetize any video that includes footage from Universal Orlando.

However, you can upload videos to YouTube if they’re for personal use only.

Conclusion

Universal Orlando does not prohibit guests from bringing GoPros into the park; however, GoPro handles may be against Universal’s policies, and you cannot bring your GoPro on any rides.

Fortunately, there are several locations around the parks with all-day or single-use lockers to store your belongings, including your GoPro.

Any footage you shoot with GoPro can only be shared on platforms like YouTube if it’s for personal use only. You cannot use any videos taken at Universal for commercial purposes.