Picture this: You're pumped to hop on Jurassic World VelociCoaster, but suddenly realise you're lugging around a backpack full of snacks and souvenirs. What now? After way too many trips to Universal Orlando (and a few locker-related mishaps), I’ve got all the insider tips to help you navigate the parks' locker system like a pro.
Fun fact: Universal Orlando has over 10,000 lockers scattered across the parks. Whether you need a spot to stash your stuff before braving the Hulk or a place to keep your shopping bags while you snack your way through CityWalk, knowing how the Universal Orlando locker system works will make your day way easier.
Types of Lockers Available
Lockers at Universal can seem a bit tricky at first, but don’t worry—I’ve got your back. You’ll run into two main types of lockers:
Ride Lockers
Free for the posted wait time for that ride plus a grace period to allow for short delays
Located right by the rides
Required for rides where you cannot carry loose items, e.g. Hagrid's
Access them using your park ticket or Express Pass
Small size is free, larger ones cost a little extra
All-Day Rental Lockers
Rent 'em for the whole day
Found at the front of each park and in CityWalk
Perfect for bigger items or if you’re planning to shop ‘til you drop
Different sizes with prices to match
Open and close them as much as you want throughout the day
How to Use Ride Lockers
Let me break it down—once you’ve done it a couple of times, it’s super easy.
Finding the Lockers
They’re near the ride entrances—you can't miss ‘em
Look for the big signs pointing the way
Usually in shaded or covered areas (yay, no melting in the sun)
Digital screens walk you through the process
Using the Lockers
Scan your park ticket or Express Pass at the screen Pro tip: other barcoded items will also work)
The system assigns you a locker—remember that number!
Toss your stuff inside, shut the door, and you’re good to go
DO NOT put the barcoded item (park ticket or Express pass) you scanned to open the locker inside the locker. I've seen it happen, it's the walk of shame to a Team Member to explain what you've done. But don't worry, they get this all the time and with a few checks they'll be able to help you retrieve your stuff
Getting Your Stuff Back
Come back to the same locker area after the ride
Scan your ticket or barcoded item again
Don't worry, the screen will remind you which locker is yours if you have forgotten
Grab your stuff, make sure you didn’t leave anything behind, and head to your next adventure
Locker Sizes and Costs
After stuffing my bags into these lockers more times than I can count, here’s what you need to know about sizes and prices.
Ride Lockers
Small (Free)
Size: 14" x 5.5" x 16.9" (35.56 cm x 13.97 cm x 42.93 cm)
Good for: phones, wallets, and small bags such as a standard size Loungefly bag
Available at most big rides
Large (Paid)
Size: 12" x 13" x 16.9" (30.48 cm x 33.02 cm x 42.93 cm)
Fits: backpacks, larger purses
If your bag’s too big for the free locker, this is your backup—but it’ll cost a little extra (up to $20 if you’re slow picking it up!)
All-Day Rental Lockers
Standard ($12 per day)
Size: 12" x 13" x 16.9" (30.48 cm x 33.02 cm x 42.93 cm)
Great for: small bags, souvenirs
Family Size ($15+ per day)
Size: 12" x 16.25" x 16.9" (30.48 cm x 41.28 cm x 42.93 cm)
Perfect for: backpacks, bigger hauls, or if you packed your whole house
Pro Tips from Someone Who’s Been There
Special Rides
Jurassic World VelociCoaster and The Incredible Hulk Coaster have strict no loose items policies. Before boarding, you'll pass through metal detectors to ensure nothing is in your pockets. If you only have your park ticket on your phone, don't worry. Team members provide barcoded cards that you can use to access a locker (these can be reused on all lockers throughout your visit) . Keep this card secure, as you'll need it to retrieve your belongings after the ride. Alternatively, if you have your park ticket in a lanyard, you can wear it around your neck and tuck it into your shirt during the ride.
Avoid Rookie Mistakes
Snap a pic of your locker number (you’ll thank me later)
Set an alarm if you’re using a ride locker—nobody wants to pay $20 for forgetting
Double-check that you grabbed everything before you leave
Don't put your park ticket or Express Pass inside the locker as you will need this to open the locker
Save Time Like a Pro
Use the same locker if you're hitting multiple rides in the same area (saves time!)
Have your ticket ready before you get to the locker screens—keeps the line moving
Know your bag size ahead of time so you’re not fumbling at the locker
Important Stuff to Keep in Mind
Lockers fill up fast on busy days—get there early if you can
Some lockers might be out of service, so always have a backup plan
No food or drinks in the lockers anything that could spill or mark the next guests belongings
Which brings me on to, look in the locker before you put your stuff in there. I learned this the hard way, in the rush to get stuff in the locker so I could join the queue, I didn't look before putting my bag in, when I retrieved my bag it soon became apparent that somebody had spilled a drink in there and my bag was soaked in soda, not cool!
Conclusion
Universal Orlando’s locker system might seem like a hassle at first, but once you know the ropes, it’s super straightforward. Whether you’re tucking away a tiny bag for VelociCoaster or need a big locker for your shopping spree, knowing how to handle lockers will save you time and stress.
So don’t let locker logistics slow you down—you’re here to have fun, and now you’ve got all the tips to make your day at Universal Orlando smooth and easy. Enjoy the rides, grab those souvenirs, and let the lockers do the heavy lifting!