Universal Studios - unable to stand for long still for long periods ?

[CanadaJulie]

Hello,

I posted this over in the Universal boards but thought you'd have more answers over here.

I wonder if there is something that can be done for my mother. She is 70 and has a condition where if she stands too long in one place, she gets dizzy spells and has even fainted on occasion, it's called orthostatic hypotension. She does not need mobility aids as she's fine if she walks or moves, but when she stands still (such as in long lines) her blood pressure drops which causes dizzy/fainting spells.

She is coming with us to the parks next week. She'll be fine if the line is moving but if the lines are at a standstill for a while, is there anything we can do to have the rest of us wait in line and her join us at the end ?

Just to add - we are not trying to skip any lines. The rest of us will gladly do the lineup and hold her place. I'm just not sure if she can rejoin it later rather than standing with us if she needs to

Thanks
Julie

 

[SueM in MN]

You may want to check the Universal Rider's Guide for information about warnings. The attractions at Universal are more intense than most of the WDW ones, so there may be quite a few that she will be skipping, depending on her specific condition.
https://www.universalorlando.com/Images/Riders_Guide_tcm13-26195.pdf

For any that are listed as shows, even if you got right in, you are in a 'holding area' where you need to stand for up to the length of one show. There is not seating in those areas, so unless she has some kind of mobility device, she will be standing.
Poseidon’s Fury is especially bad for that. Even doing Express Pass, you will be standing and waiting to get into the first part. Each section of the show is a standing portion, separated by a short walk to get to the next portion of the show. There are no seats in any parts.

Even though she doesn't need to use a mobility device for walking, she may want to look into a rollator. It's basically a walker with wheels and a fold down seat. The user can easily walk with it and it provides a bit of stability if she feels dizzy. If she needs to sit, you just fold down the seat. You will see a lot of people using them in the Disney parks, a few less in the Universal parks, just because of the nature of the rides.

 

[DisneyOma]

You are going to encounter long lines outside of the queues - at the gate to get in, at the restaurants, etc. Seating is not always available. If you have 3 in your group, you can put her between you and give her space to move around in the queues.

 

[aaarcher86]

A wheelchair would be helpful as it's a permanent seat. Part of being mobile is standing still.

 

[CJN]

Holding someone's place in line is as near impossible at Universal as at WDW. In addition to receiving the ire of those around you (no matter HOW nicely you try to explain), logistically it's often impossible for a person to meet up with their party if they haven't traveled the queue together.

Buying the express pass or staying at one of the Universal properties for FOTL access are the two best bets for minimizing standing time. If you're not staying on-property, I'd suggest checking out the crowd calendars for the time of your trip and consider the express pass.

 

[gap2368]

as others have said a mobility device might be the best option for your mom or if she dose not want to use something the rest of your group gives her more room to move ( so she can past back of forth with in like 5 feet) she can also walk in place.

al thou this is not the same as your mom her is a thread where someone can not stand or sit for too long with either you might find it helpful to give you some ideas on how a mobility device can be helpful to your mom and I think you can use the same approach for universal as disney too.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/would-i-qualify-for-das.3481078/

I know someone had a thread not too long ago about the sam medical problem but I could not fined it/ did not look that hard for it.

have a wonderfull trip with your mom. I will be there next weekend and I am looking forward to lower crowds

 

[CanadaJulie]

OP here. Thanks for the great suggestions !

 

[utterrandomness]

It isn't really related to standing in line, but I also have orthostatic hypotension and I find it so much worse in the heat. Something that really helps me from fading out in the summer is drinking Gatorade or something like it. At least drinking lots of water. I'm sure she know, but I wanted to bring it up just in case.

 

[gap2368]

here is the tread on the same thing your mom has you may find this helpful

http://www.disboards.com/threads/das-for-neurocardiogenic-syncope.3483231/

 

[macraven]

just came to check if the op was able to get other's thoughts on how to make her situation better for her mom.
mobility devices were what most of us in the UO forum suggested she use.

since she posted that she sent UO guest services an email needing more information, i hope she comes back to the UO boards to let us know what they advised.

that way it helps those that post about the universal parks, to be able to help others in the future if their situation is similar.
we try not to steer anyone wrong
just trying to do our best for someone that needs help



i wish you the best op and hope you and the family have a wonderful vacation!