Credit: LunchboxLarry, FlickrUniversal Orlando Resort is home to a variety of exciting attractions, unique experiences, and themed areas that bring some of the most beloved stories and legends to life.
One such area, the Lost Continent in Islands of Adventure, offers guests the chance to purchase medieval-themed merchandise, including swords, shields, and daggers. While these items undoubtedly add to the immersive experience of the park, there’s an important policy in place regarding their purchase and use that guests should be aware of—especially if they’re planning to take a sword home.
The History of the Lost Continent and Medieval-Themed Merchandise
In Islands of Adventure, the Lost Continent area draws inspiration from mythology and Arthurian legend, creating a fantastical world that transports visitors to a bygone era. Among the medieval-themed shops that bring this vision to life is “Historic Families – Heraldry,” where guests can purchase various items such as intricately designed swords, daggers, and shields.
These items are not just props but are crafted with great attention to detail, allowing guests to take home a piece of the mythical adventure.
However, purchasing one of these swords comes with an important rule that has sparked curiosity among visitors: you cannot simply walk around the park with it. This safety protocol is one that Universal Orlando has implemented to ensure the safety of all guests while maintaining a magical atmosphere free from any potential hazards.
Why Can’t Guests Walk Around with Swords?
Universal Orlando Resort has a strict “no weaponry” policy in place to protect everyone in the park. This includes swords, which, while decorative and part of the thematic experience, could present a safety risk if carried around. The park’s official website explicitly states, “No swords or weaponry. Any home-crafted wands must be rounded on either end and must be appropriate in nature.”
The goal is to prevent the potential for accidents or altercations that could arise from guests carrying real or realistic-looking weapons in a busy theme park environment.
The safety concern extends beyond just swords—Universal must ensure that items purchased by guests do not inadvertently cause harm or distress to other park-goers. This is especially true in crowded areas, where even small objects can become dangerous when moved around quickly or in a confined space.
The policy ensures that the parks remain safe for families, children, and all guests by preventing the introduction of any objects that could pose a danger, either through sharp edges or simply by being an item of concern for others. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience to some, it’s a step Universal Orlando has taken to prioritize safety across their attractions.
What Happens After You Buy a Sword?
When a guest purchases a sword from the Lost Continent’s “Historic Families – Heraldry” shop, they are allowed to leave the store with the item. However, they will be escorted out of the park to ensure they don’t walk around with the sword in hand.
This is a precautionary measure to keep both the sword and its owner safe, as well as to prevent any accidents that could arise from an item like a sword being carried around the park.
Once the purchase is made, guests are allowed to exit the park, but they are expected to follow certain steps if they wish to continue enjoying their time at Universal Orlando Resort. The most common question guests have is whether they can simply leave the sword in their car and return to the park without it. The answer is yes, you absolutely can.
Returning to the Park Without the Sword
Guests who purchase swords at Universal Orlando Resort are welcome to leave the item in their vehicle, at their hotel, or have it shipped directly to their hotel. This allows visitors to continue their park experience without being burdened by the sword. The option to ship the sword to the hotel is particularly convenient, as it eliminates the need for a trip to the car and ensures that the item is safely stored away.
If guests decide to leave the park entirely to store the sword, they will need to undergo security screening again when they return. This is a standard procedure at Universal Orlando Resort, where all visitors are subject to security checks when entering the parks, especially after leaving the CityWalk area.
Why This Policy is About Safety, Not Convenience
While it might feel like a hassle to be escorted out of the park and go through the process of leaving the sword behind, it’s important to remember that this policy is in place for the safety of everyone at Universal Orlando Resort. The decision to implement this rule is rooted in the park’s commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.
Universal Orlando is a place where guests can let their imaginations run wild, experiencing everything from thrilling roller coasters to enchanted lands straight out of beloved stories.
However, in order to ensure that these experiences are as safe as possible, the park must maintain strict control over certain items that could present unforeseen risks. A sword, though part of the themed experience, is still a sharp object, and when combined with large crowds, narrow walkways, and the potential for physical activity, it could lead to accidents that no one wants.
Can You Bring the Sword Back Later?
For those who truly want to take home their medieval weaponry and not leave it behind at a hotel or car, there is a simple solution. Universal Orlando Resort offers to ship the sword directly to your hotel, which means you don’t have to worry about it taking up space while you enjoy the rest of the parks.
This service allows you to continue exploring Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure without the worry of carrying a bulky or dangerous item around with you.
Additionally, the shipping option ensures that guests can enjoy their vacation without the need to make an extra trip to retrieve the sword. It’s all about convenience and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for every guest, all while maintaining the park’s strict safety policies.
Conclusion: Universal Orlando’s Commitment to Guest Safety
In the end, the policy of escorting guests out of the park after purchasing swords and not allowing them to walk around with these items is not meant to be inconvenient—it’s meant to protect everyone.
Universal Orlando Resort is committed to offering a magical and safe experience for all its guests, and this policy is just one of the many ways the resort ensures that everyone’s time in the park is enjoyable and secure.
While the excitement of purchasing a sword in the Lost Continent area is undoubtedly appealing, it’s essential to follow the safety guidelines to help maintain the park’s friendly and secure environment.
Whether you choose to ship the sword to your hotel or simply leave it in your car, rest assured that Universal Orlando has made it as easy as possible for guests to enjoy their theme park adventure without sacrificing safety. So, while swords may be part of the adventure, the primary goal is always to make sure that everyone has a safe and memorable experience at the park.