Diabetes with a pump at Universal

[anorman]

Hi all. We will be travelling to Florida in a week and a half and planning to spend 3 days in the Universal Parks. My DD15 is a type I diabetic and uses the Metronic insulin pump. I understand that there are several rides that are not recommended to wear the pump as it may interfere with functioning; typically these are the coasters for the most part. The manufacturer recommends pump removal for these.

Usually we have stayed on site with included express pass so lines have not been a big issue and when she disconnects and places her pump in a locker, it is only for a short time. This time around we are staying off site and I am thinking about requesting Universal's version of DAS to minimize her time in lines and off pump since I am unsure how long lines will be without Express pass. Does anyone have any information regarding where I go to request the disability pass and, while I know that Disney doesn't require documentation for DAS, does Universal?

 

[gap2368]

I have had the last 4 pumps with Medtronic and I have never taken my pump off for any rides either at Disney or a local park. I also have not been to the other side in a number of years. So could not tell you what they would say

 

[Selket]

Universal has guest services just outside the park if I remember correctly and they don't require any medical documentation. I think some of the rides have put lockers at the end of the que (rather than the beginning) for people - like with medical issues - who need to keep something with them in line as long as possible (like an insulin pump, bag with epipens, etc). Seems like when we got in the que we told someone we needed to use the medical locker. We were there April of 2017 and I wish my memory was better on it, but I'm pretty sure that's what they're likely to tell you at Guest Services. They used to give us a card with a return time (similar to Disney's DAS) but now they say with the lockers at the end of the que, you'll only be separated from your medical item for a short time which should solve the problem - if I remember correctly.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I am just genuinely curious why staying off-site precludes her from using the lockers like she does when you stayed onsite?

 

[gap2368]

I am just genuinely curious why staying off-site precludes her from using the lockers like she does when you stayed onsite?

When you are in sight you get here version of FP for free so he/she is not away from there pump for that long off sight you have to pay for there FP

 

[kaytieeldr]

Thanks, gap!

 

[eleda72]

Hello
I have been to both WDW and Universal with an insulin pump (both Medtronic and Omnipod)
Never taken them of for any rides and had zero problems.
Universal do have a similar card to the DAS (I actually think the Universal one was better when we were there last summer)
Tell them what you need and they will do their best to help you... Maybe tell them about both low and hight blood sugar as well?

Have a great time

 

[Selket]

Actually same here - my son has not removed his pump for any of the rides (that I remember) - he keeps that on and wears it in a very slim fitting runners type of waist pack. He might have disconnected it temporarily for the bigger rides (Hulk).

What we did need the locker for was a bigger bag of supplies (epipens, glucose tabs, etc). He also uses a Dexcom and sometimes we have the receiver but now the number goes to his phone. Whether or not you're comfortable taking the cell phone with you onto the ride (if you have the same situation) is something to think about. Many people do (I do - lol - but my phone isn't huge like his). My other son had his cell phone come out of his pocket on Forbidden Journey despite his best efforts. We got it back but you def want to make sure anything in a pocket can't get out.

I asked my son if he remembered the "medical locker at the end of the que" thing and he said he kinda did - but also remembered we sometimes put it in a regular locker. Perhaps they give their equiv of a DAS for a return time if they don't have the medical locker for all the rides where you have to put your stuff away? Or maybe the ride just had a super short wait. Perhaps eventually someone will confirm if that "medical locker" thing exists - lol! Maybe it was something they were trying out last Spring and decided it was too much hassle.

 

[FrankDIS72]

To get a Disability Access Pass at Universal, go to the Guest Services office inside the parks. They are located to the left of the front gates on the inside of the parks. You can tell the Team Member there why you need a DAC. Whether or not you get one is up to the TM. I have leg problems and it is hard to stand in long lines. I tried to get a card a few months ago and was nearly denied. The TM said I could get a wheelchair and sit as I wait. I finally got one when I told them I was at the parks solo and asked who would push me in the chair.