Universal- What Should I Prepare for?

[derick dotsom]

I'm a wheelchairbound person with cerebral palsy, but I'm highly fuctional - like I can transfer and grip bars and such. Plenty of strength for intense rides. My wife also has CP and she can walk, but she walks crooked and can't stand for long periods of time at all, so she will have to use an ECV.

My concern is I keep hearing Universal is more intense about helping people like us. I even heard about a team member yelling at a disabled person for transferring the wrong way on The Simpsons Ride. What am I up against? Do the ECVs even fit through the line queues? Am I going to be denied Universal's version of an Access Pass even though I'm in a wheelchair? Am I gonna be yelled at for transferring on some rides?

What should I be ready for?

 

[Mrsjvb]

spring for the Express pass if you want to avoid waiting. it's worth it. or stay at one of their resorts that include it. all rides are zero entry which is a huge improvement over Disney IMNSHO.


ECVs are tough.. the cobblestones and other textured paths can make for a 'fun' time when wheeling. it is very tight in both Harry Potter lands as well. I honestly do not remember if they fit in the lines. again, this is where EP will be an asset as those lines seemed to be less twisty turny

I do not have CP but never felt the need to request the pass between the Express pass and just plain advance planning.

the thing is there are safe ways to do things and having a disability does not mitigate that fact so if you are transferring 'the wrong way' then it is an issue. they will yell at able bodied people too for the same thing.

FYI, my husband was pretty sick after the Simpsons ride. something about the type of effects used on the ride gave him vertigo. I loved it but he said he will never go on it again.

 

[DisneyOma]

I'm a wheelchairbound person with cerebral palsy, but I'm highly fuctional - like I can transfer and grip bars and such. Plenty of strength for intense rides. My wife also has CP and she can walk, but she walks crooked and can't stand for long periods of time at all, so she will have to use an ECV.

My concern is I keep hearing Universal is more intense about helping people like us. I even heard about a team member yelling at a disabled person for transferring the wrong way on The Simpsons Ride. What am I up against? Do the ECVs even fit through the line queues? Am I going to be denied Universal's version of an Access Pass even though I'm in a wheelchair? Am I gonna be yelled at for transferring on some rides?

What should I be ready for?

Check the Universal website to see which attractions allow ECVs in line, and which ones require a transfer to a wheelchair. Will you have someone with you to push your wife in a wheelchair if she has to transfer to one? Or can she walk the queue?

Why do you think you need the Access pass? You'll need to explain why just having a wheelchair doesn't meet your needs accessing the attractions.

 

[derick dotsom]

Check the Universal website to see which attractions allow ECVs in line, and which ones require a transfer to a wheelchair. Will you have someone with you to push your wife in a wheelchair if she has to transfer to one? Or can she walk the queue?

Why do you think you need the Access pass? You'll need to explain why just having a wheelchair doesn't meet your needs accessing the attractions.

I have no physical leg stamina due to spasticity to be able to walk up stairs, and I think I heard some of the queues have stairs? To be honest, I have never been to Universal in my entire life, so I'm not sure what the queues are like. As far as my wife, no possible way she'd be able to walk and stand through an entire line, especially if it's a 30 minute plus wait. And we won't have someone there to push her in a manual. We'll be on our delayed Honeymoon

 

[DisneyOma]

I have no physical leg stamina due to spasticity to be able to walk up stairs, and I think I heard some of the queues have stairs? To be honest, I have never been to Universal in my entire life, so I'm not sure what the queues are like. As far as my wife, no possible way she'd be able to walk and stand through an entire line, especially if it's a 30 minute plus wait. And we won't have someone there to push her in a manual. We'll be on our delayed Honeymoon

The wheelchair would signal them that you would need to avoid stairs, wouldn't it? You take the wheelchair into the queue if you need it. Check out their website, there's lots of helpful info on it.

 

[derick dotsom]

The wheelchair would signal them that you would need to avoid stairs, wouldn't it? You take the wheelchair into the queue if you need it. Check out their website, there's lots of helpful info on it.

You would think that would be the case... but from my understanding, having to use an ECV or powered scooter doesn't always correlate with not being able to walk up stairs and/or short distances... hence why being in a wheelchair doesn't automatically mean you get one of these passes.

I'm mainly just wondering what others people's experiences are... I want me and her to have a great time and being prepared for these obstacles doesn't hurt... and you can't always get the best idea of that from the site. I've read their handbook on disabilities front and back, but some things still have me scratching my head.

 

[DisneyOma]

You would think that would be the case... but from my understanding, having to use an ECV or powered scooter doesn't always correlate with not being able to walk up stairs and/or short distances... hence why being in a wheelchair doesn't automatically mean you get one of these passes.

I'm mainly just wondering what others people's experiences are... I want me and her to have a great time and being prepared for these obstacles doesn't hurt... and you can't always get the best idea of that from the site. I've read their handbook on disabilities front and back, but some things still have me scratching my head.

You don't need the pass because you have the wheelchair - they will direct you at the attraction as to what you do about stairs, etc. They don't give you the pass because you have the wheelchair. Did you check this out : https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/accessibility-information/index.html

There's a ton of important information on there. The pass you talk about is like Disney's DAS - what is it about your disability that prevents you from waiting in the standard queue? If it is mobility-based, they will tell you to use a mobility device.

 

[kaytieeldr]

What am I up against? Do the ECVs even fit through the line queues?

ECVs and power chairs aren't allowed in ride queues, even if they fit. Exception is, I think, Hogsmeade. It doesn't matter whether they fit.

 

[derick dotsom]

ECVs and power chairs aren't allowed in ride queues, even if they fit. Exception is, I think, Hogsmeade. It doesn't matter whether they fit.

Thank you.. this was worrying me... so do they have an alternate path?Because that right there would mean we can't wait in line for almost anything

 

[SteveMouse]

Here's a link to their guidebook: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/files/Documents/universal-orlando-riders-guide.pdf

And a link to their accessibility page: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/accessibility-information/index.html

It states that powerchairs/ecvs aren't permitted in ride queues. I wonder how that is a reasonable accommodation that addresses independence.

 

[derick dotsom]

Here's a link to their guidebook: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/files/Documents/universal-orlando-riders-guide.pdf

And a link to their accessibility page: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/accessibility-information/index.html

It states that powerchairs/ecvs aren't permitted in ride queues. I wonder how that is a reasonable accommodation that addresses independence.

That's what confuses me.. if not every individual in a wheelchair gets an Assisted Accessibility Pass, then how do those people experience the park? I've never been so I have no knowledge on how they determine such factors, but it seems troubling and discouraging.

 

[gap2368]

I think they want you to use a manual wheel chair or have someone the push you in one if you can not. I have not been for a number of years just what friends tell me. The friend that was just there ( they did Disney and universal) he had CP and was not able to do really any rides due to there requirements on have to be able to hold on and so on, He is really not someone that I ever thought would have issues with getting on and off rides ( he just can not walk nor can he self push a wheel char for a long time) He told me that he more then likely would not go back to universal.

I know this is not something you want to hear but Universal might not be the place for you, unless you do not want to do rides but just go for the show and atmosphere.

 

[derick dotsom]

I think they want you to use a manual wheel chair or have someone the push you in one if you can not. I have not been for a number of years just what friends tell me. The friend that was just there ( they did Disney and universal) he had CP and was not able to do really any rides due to there requirements on have to be able to hold on and so on, He is really not someone that I ever thought would have issues with getting on and off rides ( he just can not walk nor can he self push a wheel char for a long time) He told me that he more then likely would not go back to universal.

I know this is not something you want to hear but Universal might not be the place for you, unless you do not want to do rides but just go for the show and atmosphere.

If that is true, that's the most ludicrous system I've ever heard of.

 

[gap2368]

If that is true, that's the most ludicrous system I've ever heard of.

here is the number for gust services 407-224-4233 Have you thought about calling them and asking them what to expect with your disability, I do know that Disney phone CM are not the best not sure about universal

 

[derick dotsom]

here is the number for gust services 407-224-4233 Have you thought about calling them and asking them what to expect with your disability, I do know that Disney phone CM are not the best not sure about universal

Yeah, I actually thought of doing that this week. ..especially with all the crazy rumors of their crazy policies

 

[Weedy]

My son works at Revenge of The Mummy. According to him ECVs aren't allowed but most rides have a transfer wheelchair they can provide. With the transfer chair you'd be sent down the regular line and then directed to an alternate route(unless you have express, then the plan is different) He also would recommend(if you can) rent chairs ahead of time and if you can push your self so that. Also talk to Guest Services, they are really helpful. Lastly talk to the team members. They are people and will do everything they can to help you.



So:

1. rent a chair if you can
2. They have transfer chairs they can give you
3. Talk to Guest Services
4. Talk to the team members

 

[Weedy]

Also he says if you should tell them you are a full transfer, the vehicle is easier to get into that way

My son works at Revenge of The Mummy. According to him ECVs aren't allowed but most rides have a transfer wheelchair they can provide. With the transfer chair you'd be sent down the regular line and then directed to an alternate route(unless you have express, then the plan is different) He also would recommend(if you can) rent chairs ahead of time and if you can push your self so that. Also talk to Guest Services, they are really helpful. Lastly talk to the team members. They are people and will do everything they can to help you.



So:

1. rent a chair if you can
2. They have transfer chairs they can give you
3. Talk to Guest Services
4. Talk to the team members

 

[DisneyOma]

That's what confuses me.. if not every individual in a wheelchair gets an Assisted Accessibility Pass, then how do those people experience the park? I've never been so I have no knowledge on how they determine such factors, but it seems troubling and discouraging.

What do you mean by an Assisted Accessibility Pass? Or do you mean the Attraction Assistance Pass? The one I mentioned works just like the DAS does at WDW - gives you a return time. It does not provide assistance with traveling in the queue.

 

[derick dotsom]

What do you mean by an Assisted Accessibility Pass? Or do you mean the Attraction Assistance Pass? The one I mentioned works just like the DAS does at WDW - gives you a return time. It does not provide assistance with traveling in the queue.

That's what I meant.... I just forgot the name... I dont need assistance getting through the line.... I'm trying to understand if I will be able to access the rides at all... which thankfully has been cleared up

 

[derick dotsom]

Also he says if you should tell them you are a full transfer, the vehicle is easier to get into that way

Ful transfer? Does this mean completely transfer from the chair to the ride? If so, that is absolutely no problem. Tell your son Thank You