Universal - few questions (Wheelchair/ECV, distances from parks, etc)

[plummer925]

I am still debating whether to have a wheelchair or ECV when I'm in Florida in 2 weeks...

Originally we were going to do Disney for 4 days but now are doing Disney (Magic Kingdom) 1 day and Universal 2 1/2 days.

First question: How accessible is Universal? Not the rides themselves, but the actual park. Epcot is hilly so is hard in a wheelchair. Is Universal hilly or flat?

Second: How do you get from Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure? Would it be easier or harder in a EcV or Wheelchair?

Finally: What would YOU recommend - an ECV or Wheelchair?

I have asthma and a leg problem. I can stand/walk for short periods (lines, etc) but really need help for the all day walking. I *could* do it without either, however I would be miserable, as would my family, and after 2 days of it I wouldn't really be able to move for a few days, so it's best if I just accept the help of either a wheelchair or ECV.

Thanks!

 

[bouncy54]

I visited both Universal and IOA when we were there in 2005. I remember thinking how wonderful it was that Universal was so flat compared to Universal in California. To get to IOA, I think you just have to go back out the gate of Universal and IOA is to the left. I don't recall any steep hills at IOA, but I was in much better health back then so maybe I just didn't notice.

I love using an ECV. I love everything about it. And I guess that's all I really have to say about the subject.

Actually... thought I'd post a link to something I wrote a few months ago about my experience using an ECV at Disneyland. Hope this helps. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2402174

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't know that Universal is hilly so much as it slopes; and at least parts of the walkways are textured. I recall a portion that's designed to resemble cobblestone, that's even uncomfortable in an ECV.

The PP is almost correct, except that when you come out of Universal, Islands of Adventure is to your right , but within comfortable traveling distance. There would be two or three CityWalk facilities in between - NBA Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, and one other, I think - but they're really close.

 

[Schmeck]

But it is a very, very long way from the parking garage to the park entrances. Crazy-long!

 

[livndisney]

But it is a very, very long way from the parking garage to the park entrances. Crazy-long!

Which may be why they have moving sidewalks from the garage to Citiwalk.

 

[kaytieeldr]

True - but once you get out of the covered walkway area and to the beginning of City Walk, it's still a pretty long haul in a wheelchair to either park; especially if the wheelchair user isn't accustomed to propelling themselves. And wheelchairs/ECVs aren't allowed on the moving walkways.

 

[bouncy54]

True - but once you get out of the covered walkway area and to the beginning of City Walk, it's still a pretty long haul in a wheelchair to either park; especially if the wheelchair user isn't accustomed to propelling themselves. And wheelchairs/ECVs aren't allowed on the moving walkways.

We're doing Valet parking. If I remember correctly, there's a moving sidewalk at the top of the escalator/elevator. Is there a way for an ECV to get to City Walk from up there?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Sure. There's a wide expanse between the two moving walkways - one in each direction - for people who don't like flat escalators

 

[bouncy54]

Sure. There's a wide expanse between the two moving walkways - one in each direction - for people who don't like flat escalators

 

[livndisney]

True - but once you get out of the covered walkway area and to the beginning of City Walk, it's still a pretty long haul in a wheelchair to either park; especially if the wheelchair user isn't accustomed to propelling themselves. And wheelchairs/ECVs aren't allowed on the moving walkways.

I have seen some very odd things at Universal, but I have never seen a wheelchair on the moving sidewalk.

I think any park you go to, if the wheelchair user is not used to pushing themselves they will get tired. It can be a "long haul" from the parking lot to any park. Universal/IOA is the only park in Orlando that has the moving sidewalks.

 

[BillSears]

I have seen some very odd things at Universal, but I have never seen a wheelchair on the moving sidewalk.

I think any park you go to, if the wheelchair user is not used to pushing themselves they will get tired. It can be a "long haul" from the parking lot to any park. Universal/IOA is the only park in Orlando that has the moving sidewalks.

There is a sign prohibiting wheelchairs/ECVs from using the slidewalk. Which is a real pain sometimes because there is a slope that you have to push up when returning at the end of the day...I think it's uphill on the way back.

 

[Serenity82]

One thing to keep in mind with WDW vs US/IOA , at WDW you can go to guest services and get a guest with disabilities pass, that does not hold true at US/IOA, the only option there is to either buy their "fast pass" or they do have a program where your party can wait in line while you sit in a room and join them when they get to the front of the line. I can "do" WDW without my wheelchair or walker because of the Guest W/Disabilities pass, I cannot do US/IOA without a wheelchair but that is because I cannot stand in one spot for any length of time and the standing in line kills me...

 

[Schmeck]

One thing to keep in mind with WDW vs US/IOA , at WDW you can go to guest services and get a guest with disabilities pass, that does not hold true at US/IOA, the only option there is to either buy their "fast pass" or they do have a program where your party can wait in line while you sit in a room and join them when they get to the front of the line. I can "do" WDW without my wheelchair or walker because of the Guest W/Disabilities pass, I cannot do US/IOA without a wheelchair but that is because I cannot stand in one spot for any length of time and the standing in line kills me...

We were at IOA and a family had a card that they used to get into Ollivander's ahead of us. (We were first in line for the next group). It was a family of four, consisting of a preteen girl, and 3 adults, one in an ECV. They just walked up, handed the prefect the card, and tried to enter. Of course they needed to wait until the group inside was finished, but their actions made me realize that they may have experienced some sort of access using that card at other attractions at the park. It was not the access card that is sold there, as they were not valid for use in WWOHP at that time. The prefect crossed off something written on the card before she let them in.

Just sharing this info because it made me think that US/IOA does offer a service similar to WDW's GAC.