Size of Universal and IOA

[judykay53]

Area wise, how are the two parks in comparison to the four DiSney parks. I would like to know ahead of time what I can expect.

 

[damo]

They are about the same size as the Disney Parks.

 

[riu girl]

damo:
thanks for posting this info. Never having been to universal (yet), it is good to have an idea as to what to expect.

Also, about size, how far is the walk from the parking garage?
We have a DD with issues from having general hypotonia (low muscle tone) etc.(along with other issues) who we have rented a stroller for in Disney (even though she is too big for a stroller). But this keeps her pain level way down.

Any info. would be appreciated.
Thank you

 

[damo]

damo:
thanks for posting this info. Never having been to universal (yet), it is good to have an idea as to what to expect.

Also, about size, how far is the walk from the parking garage?
We have a DD with issues from having general hypotonia (low muscle tone) etc.(along with other issues) who we have rented a stroller for in Disney (even though she is too big for a stroller). But this keeps her pain level way down.

Any info. would be appreciated.
Thank you

That walk is quite long. There are some moving sidewalks but you still have a ways to go. I remember someone posting about preferred parking. You might want to consider this. Can you use handicapped parking?

 

[riu girl]

From what I have been told, DD would qualify for a handicapped parking sticker, but DH would never apply for one. He feels that so many others are in so much more need then we are.

DD is currently in physio and has some restrictions but the moving sidewalks should help us out.

Last trip to Disney we rented a double stroller for both kids on longer park days and that worked out well.

I will check on the Universal web site and see if they rent the large oversize stroller like at Disney.

If she is uncomfortable, we could rent her a stroller. Shorter days at the parks are the best solution but this upcoming December we have been blessed to have one full day at Universal and it will definately be a long day. I just thought that by looking at the park maps, that the parks were in fact smaller.

Thank you so much for responding to my question. I really enjoy reading your posts about Universal. Perhaps someday I will have some Universal information to offer to Universal newbies also!!!

 

[Fan2CSkr]

damo:
thanks for posting this info. Never having been to universal (yet), it is good to have an idea as to what to expect.

Also, about size, how far is the walk from the parking garage?
We have a DD with issues from having general hypotonia (low muscle tone) etc.(along with other issues) who we have rented a stroller for in Disney (even though she is too big for a stroller). But this keeps her pain level way down.

Any info. would be appreciated.
Thank you

Instead of a stroller (you said she was too big for one) you could rent her a wheelchair. They are available just inside each park as well as the Rotunda area in the parking garage. This could be a better option for her comfort as well as not worrying about the long walk for the garage. Since you do have the whole day it will be a lot of walking for her.
The rental fees are as follows:

Single Strollers: $10.00 per day
Double Strollers: $16.00 per day

Wheelchairs: $12.00 per day + a $50.00 deposit & a signed rental contract
Electronic Convenience Vehicles: $40.00 per day + a $50.00 deposit & a signed rental contract

Hope you all have a great time!

 

[riu girl]

Thanks for the input. I will speak to the physio person about the wheelchair. On our last visit to FL this wasn't a huge issue since the problem wasn't as bad then.

It is all new to us (not the hypotonia but the discomfort from the now stretched ligaments/tendons in most of her body associated with it) and can be a challenge, but we have such a precious child. Even in discomfort she is just an incredible kid. Always trying to put a smile on others faces and puts everyone elses needs before hers. Truly a special little girl.


Again, thanks for the info. I will speak to the physio person during next appt. Some walking is actually probably very good to try and strengthen the tone somewhat but physio people know best and always seem to put limits on things. As I said, this is all new to me and we are still learning about it.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the input. I will speak to the physio person about the wheelchair. On our last visit to FL this wasn't a huge issue since the problem wasn't as bad then.

depending on her size, a wheelchair might be uncomfortable for her. The wheelchairs for rent at the Disney and Universal parks are almost all adult size. If she's quite tall, she may be OK in one, but the width and the depth of the seats mean someone small will not have much support. For children, the seat is often too deep - if the sit all the way back so their back has support, their knees might not come far enough toward the edge of the seat to bend. The footrests on the rental wheelchair will also be too far down for her to rest her feet on them if her legs are too short. Also, instead of being about elbow height, the armrests may come closer to mid upper arm or shoulder height.

There are places that rent what are called "Special Needs strollers." These are smaller and lighter to push than wheelchairs. You can find places to rent them by checking out the disABILITIES FAQs thread on the disABILITIES Board (there's a link in my signature to get there).

Also, at WDW, the off-site rental places and (I think) Universal, you need to be over 18 to rent or use the Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs).

 

[Amity 3]

check your pm's.

 

[riu girl]

Amity 3: Thank you . I received your pm.
SueM: We were in Disney less then a year ago and the Disney double stroller worked out just fine, not for everyday but just full park days. But thats before we got the new diagnose. We have to be more cautious with her gross motor stuff now.

Thanks again to everyone who responded to my initial ?

Its odd, having the new chiropratic type bed, she seems to be in better shape these days. Or maybe the extra swimming is helping. Or maybe not having her help pile several cords of wood (which she loves but physio put a stop too) each spring/summer.

Who knows.

Again, thanks so much for the info. I will pass all of your comments onto the physio and get a reccommendation.

This board is so great. I so appreciate everyone taking the time to address this issue.
Have a great day.