Is there handicap excess to the rides at Universal or Island?

[tigger002]

Thanks

 

[phamton]

Both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are ADA compliant and, as such, are wheelchair accessible.

Universal offers GAP (Guest Assistance Passes). You do not need a doctor's note just be able to tell them what assistance you need at Guest Services.

There are several types of GAP offered:
Stroller as a wheelchair (you an take your stroller right through the line without transferring to a wheelchair)
Show GAP (Special seating at shows--usually right up front)
Stairs GAP (for those rides that have stairs in the queue, you can use the elevator)
Familyroom GAP (where you wait in an airconditioned room with a few other family members while the rest of your family goes through the queue--then you join them at the front of the line)
Express GAP which is esentially like a fast pass at Disney all day (6 people maximum)
VIP Gap (back door access--mostly for Make a Wish Kids or Give Kids the World)

 

[Donnask8pro]

I took my 11 yr old in a wheelchair in Dec and had no problems at all. It was a great experience. Have fun.

 

[Tracyee]

Taking my family the last week in May when hubby returns from Iraq. My son is 8 and is a wheelchair user. Do I need to get a GAP? He doesn't do real well in a lot of heat so the Familyroom GAP would be awesome, the stair GAP an obvious necessity, Show GAP would be really nice and the Express GAP would be fabulous. Do I ask for each type of GAP?

Also, how much will he be be able to do? At Disney he rode mos rides with a parent next to him, including Splash Mountain. He just didn't do any roller coasters. Will Universal and IOA offer simialr accessibility?

Thanks

 

[phamton]

Just because someone is in a wheelchair doesn't mean they can get a GAP express. The rides are wheelchair accessible so they don't often need to skip the line. A child with autism might need a GAP to skip the line as they can't be surrounded by a crowd in line without a melt-down but most people in a wheelchair have no problem waiting in line.

Disney has to provide backdoor access as many of their rides are not wheelchair accessible in the regular lines. Universal is ADA complaint so the wheelchair can go through the regular line.

If your child needs to be out of the heat, the family room with be perfect for him. You and your child could wait there in the airconditioned room. Stairs Gap would also be great. But even without it, all wheelchairs are directed to the elevators if there are stairs anywhere.

 

[F-L-A]

Just because someone is in a wheelchair doesn't mean they can get a GAP express.

You'd be surprised...