Universal Orlando visitors not allowed to bring bottled water into the parks

Guests at Universal Orlando today were not allowed to bring bottled water or drinks into the parks. This had not been previously announced, so took guests off guard.

Tom Schroder, company spokesman, said, “This is the result of a review of our procedures and is not permanent.” Baby formula and medications are still allowed. Normally, guests can bring in snacks and bottled water, though lunches have been prohibited.

Rumors are that this may be an attempt to stop visitors from bringing alcohol into the park during the Mardi Gras event that runs through the middle of April.

Scott Smith, University of South Carolina hospitality associate professor, said, “It might be that they’re concerned about security, but in the end they’re going to end up selling more food and beverages through not allowing people to bring in the liquid.”

Because this policy change came as a surprise, many guests had drinks with them. Lines to enter the park slowed dramatically as security guards had to confiscate the bottles. Several guests poured out their water and brought in the empty bottles to reuse.

The park spokesman did not say how long the change would last.

News source: Orlando Sentinel