RPH, Parks and Handicapped questions

[klmall]

We've reserved a room at RPH for Dec. 18th and 19th and will probably be bringing a rental ECV with us over from WDW. DH can walk but not for any length of time with his severe scoliosis; he would like to save his energy for getting off the ECV and going into some of the ride ques etc. to enjoy them. When we go to theme parks he rarely does the big rides because of the pain it causes his back but he likes to see things and does ride some attractions. DS and I will see and do as much as we can but DH will do far less. It's been 9 years since our last visit and we all like Harry Potter.

I am concerned about the distance between RPH and both parks. Will it be better for him to use the ECV to get to IOA? To get to US? Or the boats? How about City Walk?

I also could find nothing about ECVs and Forbidden Journey - any info?

Seems to be hard to find info about handicapped specifics at the hotels and City Walk and the parks!

Any advice will be appreciated!

 

[damo]

We've reserved a room at RPH for Dec. 18th and 19th and will probably be bringing a rental ECV with us over from WDW. DH can walk but not for any length of time with his severe scoliosis; he would like to save his energy for getting off the ECV and going into some of the ride ques etc. to enjoy them. When we go to theme parks he rarely does the big rides because of the pain it causes his back but he likes to see things and does ride some attractions. DS and I will see and do as much as we can but DH will do far less. It's been 9 years since our last visit and we all like Harry Potter.

I am concerned about the distance between RPH and both parks. Will it be better for him to use the ECV to get to IOA? To get to US? Or the boats? How about City Walk?

I also could find nothing about ECVs and Forbidden Journey - any info?

Seems to be hard to find info about handicapped specifics at the hotels and City Walk and the parks!

Any advice will be appreciated!

At Forbidden Journey, he will have to transfer into a wheelchair to go through the queue. I think this may be the case with some rides.

If I were him, I would definitely use the ECV to get to both parks from the hotel. It is about a 10 minute walk to IOA and about 15 to Universal.

If you can be a bit more specific about what questions you have, I'll be happy to try and answer them.

Here is what is printed on the Universal website:

For your enjoyment and convenience, Universal Orlando's shopping and dining facilities are wheelchair accessible. Also, our outdoor stage shows have areas reserved for guests with disabilities. These areas are clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility.

In addition, all the queues are accessible to guests using wheelchairs (with the exception of Pteranodon Flyers® at Universal's Islands of Adventure). There are specific boarding requirements and accommodations for those using wheelchairs at each attraction. In all cases, if you are capable of transferring to the ride vehicle's seating (either by yourself or with the assistance of another person in your party), you may transfer.

Additionally, certain attractions are capable of allowing guests to remain in their standard wheelchair throughout. For a list of all attractions and their specific requirements and accommodations, please consult Universal Orlando's Rider's Guide for Rider Safety and Guests with Disabilities.

NOTE: We apologize, but due to their dramatic motion, none of the ride vehicles at Universal Orlando will accommodate Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECV's) or electric wheelchairs. At those rides which can accommodate standard wheelchairs, guests may transfer from their ECV or electric wheelchair into a standard wheelchair, which can be provided at each location.

Here is the link to the rides's guide.
http://www.universalorlando.com/Images/RidersGuideUpdateFlyer_tcm13-10940.pdf

 

[bedogged]

We've reserved a room at RPH for Dec. 18th and 19th and will probably be bringing a rental ECV with us over from WDW. DH can walk but not for any length of time with his severe scoliosis; he would like to save his energy for getting off the ECV and going into some of the ride ques etc. to enjoy them. When we go to theme parks he rarely does the big rides because of the pain it causes his back but he likes to see things and does ride some attractions. DS and I will see and do as much as we can but DH will do far less. It's been 9 years since our last visit and we all like Harry Potter.

I am concerned about the distance between RPH and both parks. Will it be better for him to use the ECV to get to IOA? To get to US? Or the boats? How about City Walk?

I also could find nothing about ECVs and Forbidden Journey - any info?

Seems to be hard to find info about handicapped specifics at the hotels and City Walk and the parks!

Any advice will be appreciated!

I too am interested in any information regarding using an ECV and doing Universal. I do know that the boats from RPH to the parks are accessible when using an ECV. Why would you drive your ECV when you can take it on the boat to the parks? He will have to drive it to the park of his choice once the boat lands. The boat lands very close to City Walk.

I hope that you will consider writing a report after your return about your experiences with the ECV. As you said, "hard to find info about handicapped specifics." I hope to do the same, but my visit will not be until Memorial Day weekend.

 

[damo]

I too am interested in any information regarding using an ECV and doing Universal. I do know that the boats from RPH to the parks are accessible when using an ECV. Why would you drive your ECV when you can take it on the boat to the parks? He will have to drive it to the park of his choice once the boat lands. The boat lands very close to City Walk.

I hope that you will consider writing a report after your return about your experiences with the ECV. As you said, "hard to find info about handicapped specifics." I hope to do the same, but my visit will not be until Memorial Day weekend.

The distance from the boat dock at Citywalk to IOA is about half the distance as the walking distance from RPR to IOA. If a boat is at the hotel then I would take it. Otherwise it really isn't going to save much time or effort.

Take a look at googlemaps and you can compare the distances.

 

[klmall]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm not sure he'll drive his ECV to the parks instead of use the boats to get around. If the consensus is to use the boats to get to City Walk and go from there then that's the way we'll do it.

My first-hand knowledge is limited by our experience from 9 years ago when we stayed at HRH, didn't need an ECV and never went to City Walk.

I can't promise any trip report but I might do a short post-trip write-up here.

Here are some more facts about our situation that may or may not help damo and bedogged:

DH can walk for short distances but has severe scoliosis which causes his body to tilt and lean forward. He carries a cane sometimes and uses it to lean on when walking. Any walking causes him to have pain and sometimes to lose his breath due to pressure on his lungs from his spine. He can certainly walk through an attraction if he can rest as needed.

He just started using a Handicapped Parking Pass last year but wouldn't use an ECV at Disney except at Epcot in the past. I have insisted though that we rent one for this whole trip since Epcot ran out at least twice while we were there and I am tired of hearing him complain etc. (Don't worry, our marriage has survived worse ).

I think the distances are going to be an issue at Universal in general so I am worried about several attractions.

I will go home and work on this later this week. I have a big project due so I hope to get a list ready for you soon.

Thanks so much damo!

 

[bedogged]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm not sure he'll drive his ECV to the parks instead of use the boats to get around. If the consensus is to use the boats to get to City Walk and go from there then that's the way we'll do it.

My first-hand knowledge is limited by our experience from 9 years ago when we stayed at HRH, didn't need an ECV and never went to City Walk.

I can't promise any trip report but I might do a short post-trip write-up here.

Here are some more facts about our situation that may or may not help damo and bedogged:

DH can walk for short distances but has severe scoliosis which causes his body to tilt and lean forward. He carries a cane sometimes and uses it to lean on when walking. Any walking causes him to have pain and sometimes to lose his breath due to pressure on his lungs from his spine. He can certainly walk through an attraction if he can rest as needed.

He just started using a Handicapped Parking Pass last year but wouldn't use an ECV at Disney except at Epcot in the past. I have insisted though that we rent one for this whole trip since Epcot ran out at least twice while we were there and I am tired of hearing him complain etc. (Don't worry, our marriage has survived worse ).

I think the distances are going to be an issue at Universal in general so I am worried about several attractions.

I will go home and work on this later this week. I have a big project due so I hope to get a list ready for you soon.

Thanks so much damo!

I hope you have a great trip!

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