Universal Studios least wild/intense ride(s), for guest with muscular dystrophy

[ellindea]

Hello all, Sorry, I know this isn't a Disney question , but I thought it might end up being the best place to ask. I'm going to Universal Studios Hollywood soon and am trying to get a good idea of what rides I might be able to ride. I'm in a power wheelchair full-time due to significant generalized muscle weakness. I will have an attendant with me who can help me transfer -- I realize that all rides besides the studio tour and Shrek 4D are not accessible to a wheelchair on the ride (though shows of course are). Because of my condition, though, I avoid rides that are jerky or that have wild, fast movement. My attendant can put his arm around me for extra stabilization, and I've done fine on rides like Radiator Spring Racers, Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, and Pirates of the Caribbean. I wouldn't want anything wilder than that, though, I don't think. Do you guys know of any rides that fit that description? Thanks so much and advance!!!

 

[Pridemom]

I didn't ride many rides when we were there in July, but the Hogwart's Express would be good. The Jurassic Park water ride might be another.

 

[Earstou]

I thought Shrek was very rough, lots of jerky movement. I'm prone to headaches due to Chiari, have to avoid roller coasters and try to avoid rough rides. I thought Shrek would be tame enough for me, but I walked out with a splitting headache and did not enjoy the ride one bit.

 

[SteveMouse]

There was a recent thread about a suit against US due to a park policy about riders being required to have the ability to stabilize themselves on rides. I don't know more, including if that is indeed policy, but may be worth some additional investigation.

 

[SueM in MN]

Universal has very specific guidelines about riding their attractions.
This is a link to their Rider's Guide, which has specific information about attractions.
https://www.universalorlando.com/park-guide/universal-orlando-riders-guide.pdf

In general, their lines are accessible to manual wheelchairs, but not power devices.
This is a screenshot from the Rider's Guide which talks about what guests must be able to do independently.
I have been to Universal quite a few times, but my daughter who is disabled has not because we felt there was little she could do.
I know of people who were not allowed to ride even pretty tame things because their wheelchair seating was very supportive and the staff felt the wheelchair support showed the person was not able to maintain a proper seating position without support.

 

[SueM in MN]

This is the Universal policy regarding powered mobility devices, including power wheelchairs.

 

[J'aime Paris]

I thought Shrek was very rough, lots of jerky movement. I'm prone to headaches due to Chiari, have to avoid roller coasters and try to avoid rough rides. I thought Shrek would be tame enough for me, but I walked out with a splitting headache and did not enjoy the ride one bit.

Shrek has some seats that provide zero motion. You can enjoy the show and the visual special effects, but wouldn't need to worry about being bounced around.

 

[J'aime Paris]

I believe the Minions ride also offers stationary seating. It's a super cute ride! (Double check the seating of course.)

Kang & Kudos Twirl n' Hurl is also a good choice. The rides name is the scariest part---think "Dumbo"esque.

Woody Woodpeckers Coaster is a very short, but zippy ride. Similar to Goofy's Barnstormer. You seat 2, so your attendant could probably help to stabilize.

There are some really cool shows to see as well. Enjoy!!!

ETA: Are you visiting Islands of Adventure as well? There are several rides you would be able to enjoy over there too!

 

[ellindea]

Hi all thanks so much for your feedback and replies. So I forgot to mention that we're going to Universal in Hollywood, not in Orlando, and just for a day on our way back from a road trip.

I didn't ride many rides when we were there in July, but the Hogwart's Express would be good. The Jurassic Park water ride might be another.

Pridemom - thank you for the suggestion Unfortunately I don't think Hollywood has a Hogwarts Express ride, just a prop. Re Jurassic Park, it's like a log flume ride, right? So it shouldn't be too jerky..I think my concern was the drop - I read that it's like 80 ft ??

I thought Shrek was very rough, lots of jerky movement. I'm prone to headaches due to Chiari, have to avoid roller coasters and try to avoid rough rides. I thought Shrek would be tame enough for me, but I walked out with a splitting headache and did not enjoy the ride one bit.

Earstou - so sorry to hear you had a bad experience :/ Were you in a wheelchair during the ride or a regular seat? I had thought they'd make the wheelchair spots stationary, but I could be assuming incorrectly.

There was a recent thread about a suit against US due to a park policy about riders being required to have the ability to stabilize themselves on rides. I don't know more, including if that is indeed policy, but may be worth some additional investigation.

Yeah, I know there was a guy missing most or all of his limbs who wasn't allowed to ride, and he sued. I can understand his frustration but also understand that Universal has to keep safety standards. I'm thinking maybe they should have some sort of waiver you can sign, where you acknowledge the dangers and waive the right to sue.

Universal has very specific guidelines about riding their attractions.
This is a link to their Rider's Guide, which has specific information about attractions.
https://www.universalorlando.com/park-guide/universal-orlando-riders-guide.pdf

In general, their lines are accessible to manual wheelchairs, but not power devices.
This is a screenshot from the Rider's Guide which talks about what guests must be able to do independently.
I have been to Universal quite a few times, but my daughter who is disabled has not because we felt there was little she could do.
I know of people who were not allowed to ride even pretty tame things because their wheelchair seating was very supportive and the staff felt the wheelchair support showed the person was not able to maintain a proper seating position without support.

View attachment 192860

Thank you, Sue, for your detailed post. I did look at the rider's guide and requirements. That's kinda crazy and unfair that they assume a guest's ability based on their wheelchair configuration. I suppose they figure they have to have some way of assessing a rider's abilities. Still seems unfair to jump straight to a conclusion, though....So, I do have 'some strength and fair stability. At the Disney parks, what I've done is bring a simple seat cushion with a rolled handtowel inside to offset my tilted pelvis, and with that I can sit up fine. I did see either a video or photo with a man in a wheelchair putting down a rojo cushion on a Universal ride to sit on, so maybe they'd allow mine as well. I have contractures but can move and brace some, and my movement is controlled (e.g. no spasms).

I'm thinking that whether I ride any transfer rides is just going to depend on who the attendant is and how strict they want to be. What I'm trying to do is get an idea of what ride(s) would be *best* to try and transfer to, see what they say, and hopefully not get too knocked around on Thank you again, all!!

 

[ellindea]

I believe the Minions ride also offers stationary seating. It's a super cute ride! (Double check the seating of course.)

Kang & Kudos Twirl n' Hurl is also a good choice. The rides name is the scariest part---think "Dumbo"esque.

Woody Woodpeckers Coaster is a very short, but zippy ride. Similar to Goofy's Barnstormer. You seat 2, so your attendant could probably help to stabilize.

There are some really cool shows to see as well. Enjoy!!!

ETA: Are you visiting Islands of Adventure as well? There are several rides you would be able to enjoy over there too!

I'm actually visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, so less to do there unfortunately. Still enough I think, though, to make for a fun day. Let's hope at least!

 

[SueM in MN]

After I posted, I wondered if it was Orlando....

Here is a link to the Universal HOLLYWOOD guide for Guests with Disabilities.
http://m2.universalstudioshollywood.com/site-content/uploads/2011/10/Riders_Guide_July-2016.pdf

 

[J'aime Paris]

I'm actually visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, so less to do there unfortunately. Still enough I think, though, to make for a fun day. Let's hope at least!

I'm sorry, I missed that!
Have a great time anyway

 

[Earstou]

Shrek has some seats that provide zero motion. You can enjoy the show and the visual special effects, but wouldn't need to worry about being bounced around.

Thanks, I didn't know that! Don't know if I will visit the Hollywood park again, but I hope to see Orlando sometime and knowing this will help!

Hi all thanks so much for your feedback and replies. So I forgot to mention that we're going to Universal in Hollywood, not in Orlando, and just for a day on our way back from a road trip.

Earstou - so sorry to hear you had a bad experience :/ Were you in a wheelchair during the ride or a regular seat? I had thought they'd make the wheelchair spots stationary, but I could be assuming incorrectly.

I was in a regular seat.