1st trip. What is there to do besides roller coaster?

[wdwfan51]

Going to universal in a month. Two adults 52 and 53 years old. Unfortunately recently experienced a herniated disc and can't go on roller coasters. Any suggestions on things to do. Planning on going thru queues with my husband to see as much as possible then taking the chicken exit while he rides. What else will I be able to do besides miniature golf, bowling?, movies an of course the pools. Staying at cabana bay and won't have a car. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Jenkins]

There are good and bad things about the park when it regards back injuries. Good is that the lands are themed incredibly and you can still have fun looking at everything in the queues without riding the ride. Bad is that most all of the rides have warnings for persons with back injuries. There are a few shows at each park (IOA has Sinbad and Harry Potter frog choir/triwizard champions; US has Celestina Warbeck in Diagon Alley and Beetlejuice). Some rides have stationary seating that you might be able to use. You can view a PDF file of the requirements for each ride here: https://www.universalorlando.com/Images/Riders_Guide_tcm13-26195.pdf I would use that to make judgments on the attractions you might be able to experience with your husband. Other than that the hotel and City Walk have a lot to offer and don't forget that you can resort hop and spend time elsewhere if you get bored.

 

[agavegirl1]

I think you will still find plenty of things to keep you interested. I echo the above poster on checking out the rides in advance. Back issues are very individual and some things you may be able to do that others cannot. Ask your doctor and get in shape (core body strength). I have a back issue and still do everything.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

There are only 3 coasters (and one is a kiddie coaster) at IOA and 4 at USF (one is also a kiddie coaster, one is mostly a simulator). Most of Universal's rides are either simulators, some dark rides, and water attractions. There's plenty to do. Just look at the official website and check out the different attractions.

 

[GaryDis]

There are only 3 coasters (and one is a kiddie coaster) at IOA and 4 at USF (one is also a kiddie coaster, one is mostly a simulator). Most of Universal's rides are either simulators, some dark rides, and water attractions. There's plenty to do. Just look at the official website and check out the different attractions.

The simulators generally warn against people with back problems. I'd say that many simulator rides are worse than the easier coasters when it comes to sudden movement that could aggravate back issues.

 

[Jenkins]

I agree, Gary. My boyfriend has had to have back surgery for two herniated discs so looking at the accessibility information on requirements for rides have helped me to gauge how intense each one will be in terms of motion. Back injuries are nothing to mess with. The Universal Orlando website gives pretty good general information on all it offers so that is always the best place to start looking. Perhaps wdwfan can enjoy some of the small shows/shop while her husband rides the more intense rides. There is always plenty to do inside the park as long as look around.

 

[Milla4Prez63]

There are plenty of things to do besides coasters. In fact, chances are when you get there Universal's main coaster (Hulk) won't even be open. It will just be Dragon Challenge and Rip Ride Rockit and then the tamer indoor coasters like Mummy and Gringotts.

 

[kbelle8995]

Luckily there are some nice shows. But's lots of areas to explore. If you can't go on the ride inform the TM's and walk through the queues. FJ and Gringotts have fabulous queues. A PP gave wonderful advice about asking your doctor.

Despicable me has stationary seats. I would avoid some of the simulators they do throw you around. Suess landings has some nice attractions but again check with doctor and pay close attention to the signs. The warning signs are on target.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Meeting the characters can be a lot of fun (yup, even for adults!). We met over 30 different characters over the course of our May vacation. The interaction is fabulous and very relaxed/low key (generally speaking, there's no huge lines or waits).

Despicable Me has stationery seating. The High in the Sky Trolley Train Ride should be okay for you, as well as Kang & Kodo's Twirl & Hurl and ET. Poseidon's Fury is a walk-through attraction that you might be able to do.

Take in the shows (Beetlejuice, Animal Actors on Location, Fear Factor Live, etc.). Watch the parade and the Cinematic Spectacular.

Go on a mission to eat lots of the unique snacks at Universal.....enjoy a Big Pink Donut in Springfield, sample Butterbeer (in all its various forms), have a Flaming Moe, etc.

Play some of the games in the Simpsons area (you can win some really nice stuff!).

Go in all the shops in Diagon Alley, including Gringott's Money Exchange. Buy a wand and cast all the spells.

 

[HM]

Off the top of my head---

Horror Makeup Show
Terminator
Twister
Disaster
Despicable me (ask for non-moving seats) --Shrek 4D is can be done without moving seats too
Animal Actors show
ET

Sinbad show
Posiedon's Fury
Jurassic Park Discovery Center
Rapter Encounter
High in the Sky Trolley

 

[sharona]

Get a frozen butterbeer and enjoy Hogwart's Express!

 

[wdwfan51]

Thanks for all your replies. The Dr doesn't want me on any of the coasters which is disappointing but better safe than sorry. Butterbeer and Hogwarts Express sound fabulous. Not sure if I would look silly buying an interactive wand but it does sound like fun. The HHN starts the weekend we are there also so maybe that's an idea also??? Thanks again for all your help and ideas!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thanks for all your replies. The Dr doesn't want me on any of the coasters which is disappointing but better safe than sorry. Butterbeer and Hogwarts Express sound fabulous. Not sure if I would look silly buying an interactive wand but it does sound like fun. The HHN starts the weekend we are there also so maybe that's an idea also??? Thanks again for all your help and ideas!

We saw people of all ages enjoying casting spells with the interactive wands. If it sounds like fun to you, then I say go for it .

 

[GaryDis]

We have every intention of getting an interactive wand, probably just one to share. It's wizarding robes we're undecided about. And we're old enough to have been around for You Know Who's first reign of terror.