Touring tips for US and IoA for vet with mobility issues.

[h2odivers]

im a long time disney fanatic but DD(12) finally talked us into going to US and IoA.
So I need some tips for getting around US. I'm a disabled vet who after a few hours of waiting and standing in lines my back and legs give out and I need a break. It isn't a problem at Disney because I get a DAS card and we can get a return time for the different attractions and I just find a nice spot to sit and wait. While DW and DD walk around and site see or shop.

But this isn't an option at US.
So what tips do you have for me and my family? I want my DD to have a great time with out being held back by me

And yes I went to guest services and asked what they could.
When I went to guest services the gal told me that ever ride is wheel chair accessible and I should go rent a wheel chair. I was a bit taken back by her suggestion but it is what it is.

 

[The Hunchback]

I would consider renting an ECV either from an outside vendor or from US. Most lines let the ECV go in regular line up to the mounting point for the attraction. The ECV is then parked at exit for you. Saves the standing in line pain in your back. Your own wheels keep you from burdening your family pushing a chair for you.

Consider an outside vendor as they are cheaper and the walk to parking can be killer at US. The parks sometimes run out of EVCs or Scooters. I like Walker Mobility but Buena Vista scooters is very popular on this board. Be sure to tell them if you need one that can disassemble for a car trunk. Be honest on weight and height so they can match you to the perfect mount for your trip. Have a great time.

 

[mamabunny]

If you want to try and walk, but simply need a place to sit to take breaks in line, etc. you could also consider a Rollator. That folds easily, and gives you a place to sit when you need one. Downside is that it has to be pushed along, like a walker.

ECVs are awesome because you won't have to worry about hitting the point where you can't stand or walk - you will already be sitting on the ECV! In addition to @The Hunchback's great guidance and suggestions, remember that simply making sure you start each day with fully charged batteries is key to having a worry-free day!

Remember that *any* assistance you decide to use is just a TOOL to have a great time with your family on vacation... Don't get hung on using a mobility device; instead remember the goal is to have fun; if you act like using a mobility device is a non-event, your family will fall right in with you. It's no different than using glasses to see better, or hearing aids to hear!

 

[Mrsjvb]

that is the policy for stamina and mobility issues. a WC/ECV or rollator. why would you be taken aback by that? FTR that is also the policy at WDW as well.

EVERY ride at US/IOA is zero entry.. level with the platform. the lines are just as mainstreamed as most WDW attractions as well.

your other option is to either stay at a resort that offers the Express Pass or purchasing it yourself. be advised that it does NOT work for the 2 big Harry Potter rides.

 

[Selket]

I was at US/IOA in April and rented one of their onsite ECVs (I couldn't rent one off-site for this trip because I was traveling with a school group - long story). In any case - I couldn't take it in the que like I do at WDW - not just the HP que but any que - except for the HP train that goes between parks. I don't know if it was because of the size of it or what. It was a big hassle there and I honestly never understood their policy. One person (at the Mummy attraction) said they usually have wheelchairs there to transfer to (someone then has to push you) but there were none (nor did I see them at other attractions) so they took me in a different way (and I had to walk). They also have medical lockers too for those who cannot put their medical items in a locker at the beginning of the que then stand in a long que without them. That was also a bit of a hassle.

Maybe you can tell I found it a hassle? lol! I expected it to be like WDW where most queue's allow you to take the ECV into the line but - other than the Hogwart's express train (or whatever it is called) - I couldn't.

 

[gap2368]

And yes I went to guest services and asked what they could.
When I went to guest services the gal told me that ever ride is wheel chair accessible and I should go rent a wheel chair. I was a bit taken back by her suggestion but it is what it is.

if you need a place to sit why would you be taken back when they said to use a wheel chair. No one can say you will always have a place to sit, and what would you do if you could not find a place to sit.

This is really what you should do get a wheel chair and use it as a tool, you do not have to sit in the wheel chair the whole time you can use it as a walker if need be or you can find a place to park it and walk if the line is short enougt, I would not simps not go because you might have to use a mobility device, unless your disabitly prevents you form using one, go and have fun and use what ever tool you need to make your vacation fun for you.

 

[CJN]

I would consider renting an ECV either from an outside vendor or from US. Most lines let the ECV go in regular line up to the mounting point for the attraction. The ECV is then parked at exit for you.

ECVs are allowed in very, very few queues at Universal.

I was at US/IOA in April and rented one of their onsite ECVs (I couldn't rent one off-site for this trip because I was traveling with a school group - long story). In any case - I couldn't take it in the que like I do at WDW - not just the HP que but any que - except for the HP train that goes between parks. I don't know if it was because of the size of it or what. It was a big hassle there and I honestly never understood their policy. One person (at the Mummy attraction) said they usually have wheelchairs there to transfer to (someone then has to push you) but there were none (nor did I see them at other attractions) so they took me in a different way (and I had to walk). They also have medical lockers too for those who cannot put their medical items in a locker at the beginning of the que then stand in a long que without them. That was also a bit of a hassle.

Maybe you can tell I found it a hassle? lol! I expected it to be like WDW where most queue's allow you to take the ECV into the line but - other than the Hogwart's express train (or whatever it is called) - I couldn't.

I totally agree about maneuvering around Universal being a hassle. I used to think it was every bit as easy as WDW but my mind is certainly changed after our visit earlier this month. Our last trip was right before all the Harry Potter stuff opened up so it's been a while but there seems to have been an obvious policy change since then. That previous trip was easy with an ECV and this one, nope. I don't want to derail the OP's thread with my story but right now I'd be hard pressed to decide - if/when we go back - which is the better choice: A) rent an ECV and rely on Universal's unreliable courtesy chairs for getting through the ride queues, or B) taking my own wheelchair and knowing I'd always have it for the queues but it's going to cause my family a lot of extra (and unnecessary) work to push me around the parks. We did option A this trip and I was not very happy with the results. But I don't believe I would've been happy with option B either.

OP, in your particular case I would probably rent the wheelchair. You could walk when you like and sit when you like.

And P.S.
To be fair, WDW's courtesy chairs are not very reliable either but seldom are they needed since ECVs are welcome in most queues.

 

[DisneyOma]

im a long time disney fanatic but DD(12) finally talked us into going to US and IoA.
So I need some tips for getting around US. I'm a disabled vet who after a few hours of waiting and standing in lines my back and legs give out and I need a break. It isn't a problem at Disney because I get a DAS card and we can get a return time for the different attractions and I just find a nice spot to sit and wait. While DW and DD walk around and site see or shop.

But this isn't an option at US.
So what tips do you have for me and my family? I want my DD to have a great time with out being held back by me

And yes I went to guest services and asked what they could.
When I went to guest services the gal told me that ever ride is wheel chair accessible and I should go rent a wheel chair. I was a bit taken back by her suggestion but it is what it is.

I'm really surprised they issued you a DAS, as it is not for mobility related issues. I'm feeling like the DAS is going the way of the GAC.