Non disney in Orlando Area

[LindaDVC]

We always go to Disney and Daytona when in Florida.
This next trip we planned to do some of the other things since rather than staying at our DVC we are staying with friends in there Orlando timeshare.

Recently I asked about Universal and they don't allow power chairs.
Today I heard back from Silver Springs and there glass bottom boats are not accessible either! Surprises me in this day and age but makes me appreciate disney all the more!

Looks like we will head to Cypress Gardens and Sea World.
Any one have feed back on either of these attractions.Sea world once gave us a handicapped discount -- do they still do that or should I just order our tickets ahead with the online discounts.

Thanks
Linda

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Recently I asked about Universal and they don't allow power chairs.Thanks Linda

I'm not sure that's exactly true.

I was at Universal four or five years back with my powerchair. They let me in. I was able to go to the 'theatre' type attractions. They would have allowed me to go on many of the rides had I been able to transfer to a manual chair (which I couldn't). They had manual chairs at the rides, just like Disney.

I didn't think Universal was as 'powerchair friendly' as Disney, but unless things have changed recently, I wouldn't go as far as to say powerchairs & ECVs are not allowed.

Andrew

 

[LindaDVC]

I meant no rides allowed you on with power chair
Since DH doesn't transfer

Linda

 

[mechurchlady]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1823453

http://www.universalorlando.com/riders_guide.pdf
on page 10 of their Disabled Guest pamphlet this is stated.

We apologize, but none of the ride vehicles or attraction
queues at Universal Orlando will accommodate Electric
Convenience Vehicles (ECV’s) or electric wheelchairs. At
those rides which can accommodate manual wheelchairs,
guests may transfer from their ECV or electric wheelchair
into a manual wheelchair that is provided at each location.

SeaWorld likewise has a brochure. I have never been to the Orlando one but all nonrides are accessible and the Arctic simulator has a nonmoving version.

 

[dclfun]

I found plenty to do at Seaworld with all their shows and attractions although I've only been once and this was about two years ago. I'm in the same situation as Andrew ( power chair, can't transfer) and would agree totally with his assessment about Universal. IOA was even worse. I've received two free tickets in the mail several times from Universal ( for Florida residents) and have used neither- it isn't worth the drive over to go and be disappointed even for free. It's a shame too as I love their resorts. As to Cypress Gardens, I'm not sure when you're planning to go but beginning soon they will go to a Fri/Sat/Sun only schedule. I've not visited there but have friends who live closer who love it. I'll have to ask them about accessible attractions/shows.---Kathy

 

[Andrew Bichard]

I found plenty to do at Seaworld .---Kathy

I've been vacationing in Florida for best part of 30 years, yet I've never been to Seaworld. It's on my list of things to do next trip.

I had only visited Universal once before my abortive visit, the first time was during the first week after they opened, when I was still walking with a cane. That week 'King Kong' was not yet working and I have a 'raincheck' good for one free entry, with no expiry date ...if I could find it. It is probably valuable now!!

I also remember a trip to Cypress Gardens twenty years or so ago. I believe it has closed down and re-opened since then. I still have photos of birds, aligators, water skiers, a boat tour (through a mangrove?) a diving exhibition and a big rotating sky-view platform. I would love to go again, just for nostalgia, but it's quite a way from WDW and I doubt I could find transport there & back that was both wheelchair accessible and affordable.

I will watch this thread to see what other accessible attractions get mentioned

Andrew

 

[mechurchlady]

I have not been to Universal or Magic mountain in over 12 years. I have recently gone to SeaWorld in San Diego and they has so much to do even if you are disabled or a chicken. I cannot ride but one roller coaster at the San Antonio SeaWorld but there are so many fishes to sea and shows.