Disability services at Universal?

[torinsmom]

My boyfriend has severe arthritis and is in a wheelchair. He can use a cane for shirt distances. What if any accommodations does Universal have? Also, what rides require your legs to be bent at a 90 degree angle? He has very little range of motion and his legs are at maybe 120 degrees.

 

[macraven]

i thought there was a section on UO website about disability info.

if you can't find it, send an email to guest services for detailed info

if your boyfriend has his own wc, it should fit in the lines for the rides.
if not, he can switch to the push ones that UO uses for those that need them to be in the ride lines.

the darkside has the disability accessible passes
they are issues from guest services.

 

[hpfan100]

You need to swing by guest services after you enter the park. In 2011, I had an injury that caused my to use crutches or a wheelchair. I was issued a paper pass that I showed at rides if the line was under a certain amount I entered through the express line otherwise I was given a return time to come back. If the line area was not accessible like forbidden journey I was given an alternate entrance to use. They held crutches or chair while I rode and assisted me with restraints as needed. I found them to be extremely helpful to me and patient.

As far as a strict 90 degRees, that I can't comment on...I would assume some of the coasters are going to be difficult to ride in. There are test seats outside those rides that you can try to how it'll work out. If you are concerned or need more details then give them a call.

 

[PrincessLou]

Like hpfan said you just go to guest services at park entrance to get an access pass but you need a doctors letter.

You can go straight on to rides with less than a 30 minute line or get a return time for rides with a longer wait. You can only get one return at a time though so if you are waiting for minions at 1pm and its 11.30 you can't use the pass on another ride.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

Like hpfan said you just go to guest services at park entrance to get an access pass but you need a doctors letter.

You can go straight on to rides with less than a 30 minute line or get a return time for rides with a longer wait. You can only get one return at a time though so if you are waiting for minions at 1pm and its 11.30 you can't use the pass on another ride.

I've never heard of them needing a doctors note.

 

[PrincessLou]

It was a requirement of disney and universal when we were there in Dec....

 

[Bluer101]

A doctors note, no way it's against ADA law!

 

[macraven]

It was a requirement of disney and universal when we were there in Dec....

neither place requires a doctor statement.
it would be a violation for them as CM and TM are not doctors and can not accept medical statements.

you have a conversation with the employee who determines what they can offer you to make your day in the parks available to meet your medical needs.

 

[PrincessLou]

I am just telling you my experience and when we were there in December we went to guest services and provided a doctors note to get a pass.

 

[hpfan100]

I did not have to provide a doctor's note and I would not have been able to as I injured myself while at disney. No one asked me for one and universal was more than willing to help me out without one. Sorry you had a different experience princess...maybe the people you dealt with were new?

 

[Bluer101]

It was a requirement of disney and universal when we were there in Dec....

I am just telling you my experience and when we were there in December we went to guest services and provided a doctors note to get a pass.

So both Disney and Universal made you provide a doctors note??

I'm puzzled as even if you try to show them a note or paperwork for your condition they will tell you they don't need or want to see it because of ADA laws.

They will ask what you need help with (not condition or medical term) so they can figure out the best way to accommodate you. Maybe this is what you are referring to by note or info? Some disabilities don't require any additional help than what's provided already in the park. Not saying it did not happen but if it did at both parks then that was a major screwup on both parties.

I have a disability that affects me all the time but we stay onsite for the express pass and convenience. There are plenty of other people out there that need that assistance more than me right now.

 

[torinsmom]

Thanks. They could see when he stands that there is a problem. Hopefully, he can ride most rides. There is only one at Busch Gardens he can't sit on.

 

[jacinda824]

ALL of Universal's ride queues are ADA wheelchair accessible. He should not have a waiting problem in any of the lines. You will probably NOT be given a special pass if his only medical condition is arthritis and he needs a wheelchair. Unlike other places, the ride queues were completely designed for wheelchair accommodation. Where there are stairs (like Hogwarts Express - there is a lift available.) So plan to wait like everyone else and not receive special treatment.. Some of the rides allow you to bring the wheelchair on the ride vehicle (E.T.) while others you have to transfer. Stop by guest services and they can actually give you a theme park guide with all of the information for every ride. You will NOT have to show a dr's note.

 

[PrincessLou]

Thanks for the feedback, we actually didn't mind as we called from the UK before we went and were advised to take a note (from Disney) so clearly this was incorrect information!

But like i said we were prepared and actually didnt mind. They did look at the note at disney and read it thoroughly then gave us a pass. At universal we didnt call up before as we assumed it would be the same and just took the note along to be fair guest services there did not read the note and issued the pass. The staff at universal were amazing.

 

[Bluer101]

Thanks for the feedback, we actually didn't mind as we called from the UK before we went and were advised to take a note (from Disney) so clearly this was incorrect information!

But like i said we were prepared and actually didnt mind. They did look at the note at disney and read it thoroughly then gave us a pass. At universal we didnt call up before as we assumed it would be the same and just took the note along to be fair guest services there did not read the note and issued the pass. The staff at universal were amazing.

Yep, here in the U.S. they have strict laws of protecting people with disabilities.

This is why so many people were really upset when the story of people hireing disable people on Craigslist to be a tour guide to skip the lines. This also lead to average people abusing the system to skip the lines. It's a shame because there are many people that need real assistance.

 

[PrincessLou]

Yes we read about that, it is terrible, it was around the time we went so we kind of figured thats why proof was needed.

I liked the way the pass worked though as we were treated like regular guests but instead of having to stand in line which a member of our party was unable to do we were able to go and sit somewhere and return when we would have reached the front if we had been in line. I think it was a fair system and really helped all of us enjoy the parks instead of someone missing out due to disability.

 

[Bluer101]

Yes we read about that, it is terrible, it was around the time we went so we kind of figured thats why proof was needed.

I liked the way the pass worked though as we were treated like regular guests but instead of having to stand in line which a member of our party was unable to do we were able to go and sit somewhere and return when we would have reached the front if we had been in line. I think it was a fair system and really helped all of us enjoy the parks instead of someone missing out due to disability.

Well the new system they issue a fold out card so the TM can give you a return time that is what the posted wait time is. This way you can go where you want for your needs. But you cannot go around and fill out all the rides you need to do one then sign up for another after you have been on it already. Hope this makes sense.

 

[PrincessLou]

This is the same system we used in Dec it was great

 

[keishashadow]

It was a requirement of disney and universal when we were there in Dec....[/QUOT
It's illegal under ADA to request a dr letter.
However, they will inquire as to what accommodation you need vs actual medical condition
Disability board here for specifics