I just returned from a visit to Orlando Universal Studios specifically to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWOHP) and have to say that if Id read the review Im about to write, I would not have made the trip. I was traveling with my parents who are both 78 years old. They are big fans of Harry Potter books and movies so were anxious to see this attraction. After searching the internet for information about handicapped assistance and accessibility, I didnt find anything to deter the visit, and also found that Universal allowed advanced reservations of Electronic Convenience Vehicles (
ECVs) which would make the trip easier for my parents
We decided to use valet parking when we arrived at Universal, which was very beneficial because its the closest parking area, primarily meant for easy access to City Walk. We took the elevator up to the walkway which lead to a moving walkway. I stepped on in front of Mom who uses a walker, to assist her as she got on and off the walkway as Dad stood behind her, staying to the right so others could pass us. As we got off the walkway, Moms walker got stuck for a moment and Dad, following behind, bumped into her and fell. I looked frantically for an emergency shut off switch, and found there was none. Meanwhile, some people quickly helped Dad get up. He was unhurt but very frightened. Seemingly out of nowhere, two Universal employees appeared to ask if he was ok and if he needed assistance. (Would be much more helpful to have someone stationed in the area to prevent problems.) I asked if there was a wheelchair anywhere close by, and they pointed out the First Aid station about 100 yards ahead but was told they didnt have wheelchairs, and instead sent me to the Customer Service Station next to the First Aid station for information about getting a wheelchair. They seemed to disappear as quickly as they appeared. I found there was no place close by for Mom & Dad to sit while I walked ahead to get information.
At the Customer Service Station, I was told there was no wheelchair close by, and Id have to get one at the entrance to the Islands of Adventure (about 1/2 mile away). I walked back to where Mom & Dad were waiting and helped Dad walk to an outdoor table just past the Customer Service Station. Realizing that the entrance of the Islands of Adventure was too far for them to walk on their own, I walked ahead and got one of the ECVs Id reserved, rode it back to where they were sitting, then walked back to get the second
ECV, then walked back to Islands of Adventure entrance with both of them driving their ECVs.
Once through the entrance, it was another ½ mile walk to WWOHP, which we expected. The reproduction of the movie sets was amazing to see, but even at 11am on a Tuesday, it was as just crowded as all of the reviews say. There were far more people than room to move around, especially if youre driving ECVs. Each shop had at least a 20 minute wait/line to get in. We decided to have lunch early, so headed to the Three Brooms. People were sitting against the wall in the area meant for parking ECVs and strollers and not willing to move, so we had no choice but to park the ECVs haphazardly. Fortunately, there was a very accommodating employee inside the restaurant who was willing to escort Mom & Dad to a bench at the end of the winding, 15 minute line to order and pick up food. (There was no room to accommodate ECVs or even wheelchairs.) Another friendly employee assisted me by carrying a second tray to our table.
At this point I can tell you that sampling the Butterbeer was the highlight of the visit. Its really good (something like a cream soda with ice cream to make the foam) and cant be purchased anywhere but at this park. The food was also very good we had ribs and shepherds pie. We talked with a few people sitting close by which made lunch interesting as well. Before we finished, Mom & Dad decided it would not be worth the effort to fight the crowds to get into any shops nor the rides, both of which we were told were roller coasters. Although one is said to be more family friendly than the other, we were not anxious to ride any sort of roller coaster, even if it was the only way see inside Hogwarts. Getting out of the WWOHP was as difficult as any other park where people do not look where theyre walking regardless of who or what is heading their way, especially when its an inpatient 78 yr old senior in an ECV.
As we left the Islands of Adventure, we were able to exchange one of the ECVs for a wheelchair at the rental station, so I pushed Dad while Mom rode her ECV back to the elevator that lead to the valet parking area. I then drove the ECV back to the entrance of Islands of Adventure while holding onto the wheelchair to return both of them, then walked back to the valet area to meet my parents and drive to their home.
(NOTE: Had we parked in the regular parking area, about another ½ mile away there are wheelchairs available to rent there. BUT if youre thinking youll be able to borrow a wheelchair to get to and from entrances as at Walt Disney World, you cant. And if anyone tells you that you can, Id like to know, because I looked and asked and found nothing mentioned anywhere in the park, online or when I called twice for information.)
Maybe I should have done MORE accessibility research to start with, because Universal provided no information about how inaccessible the parks are for anyone who cant walk well. Im not filing discrimination suits or going to do a lot of complaining, though I am going to let Universal know about the few very helpful employees we encountered at Three Brooms as well as the people at the
ECV rental shop. But I did pledge to do my best to alert others who may be coming to the park for the same reason AND/OR WITH CHILDREN as assisting them is very similar to assisting seniors in these circumstances.
I hope this helps you decide whether or not to make the trip, as well as spend $400 for tickets,
ECV rentals, lunch and about six bottles of water for all the walking I did. Im glad I was there to help my parents, but it was an expensive and laborious experience we could have done without.
The experience at Universal made us even more appreciative of just how beautifully WDW is designed and staffed for accessibility.
When we heard the frogs singing we headed over to them but given the mad rush of people were pushed to the back so Ty couldn't even see the frogs and one girl almost ended up in his lap trying to push around him and I had to let off my mommy bark and she got mad and left. He is a sensory kid and especially with crowds. But I have to say he was worse at Universal Studio's with the baloons popping and sirens from the games as we went through to get to Jaws. 
