Universal with ECV - where to stay?

[elmoandzoey]

So since I got some extra gratification money at work this past year, I am able to take the kids to Universal as well for our upcoming trip to WDW. Since I have to rely on an ECV due to a severe ankle injury this summer, I am wondering if someone can recommend some places where we can stay (me and 3 kids). We cannot afford the Universal on-site hotels (with some push and shove we could do Cabana if there's a good deal out) so I was wondering if someone has some insight on hotels around the park that would suit us with the ECV? I'd prefer walking to the parks since I think getting hotel bus transportation will probably be a hassle. We have used the trolley with my grandmother in an ECV before but I think that one does not go all the way to Universal, right? I cannot drive myself due to the injury.

I'd also be okay with just renting an ECV at Universal to take advantage of hotels that offer free transportation to the parks. However, I cannot find any price information on their website - does anyone know how much they charge per day?

I was thinking if push comes to shove, I'd just get a regular wheelchair on a per day basis at Universal - but that's just a last resort as I know Universal's pavement will probably be very hard on me as I'd have to self-propel.

 

[Bete]

If you don't need fancy LaQuinta is not too far away, but I wouldn't consider it walkable. LaQuinta is quite reasonable; so, you could afford a taxi. Outside rental scooters are portable and come apart. You could probably fit it in the trunk of the taxi.

Call any hotel direct and find out about transportation to the Universal park. I don't really feel there are that many offerings for shuttles to Universal. I know it will be very limited as to how many time offerings there will be to go back and forth.

 

[elmoandzoey]

In the past we always stayed at properties that offered (scheduled) transportation to Universal. They were always timed nicely with park opening and closing. I already inquired at the Rosen Inn where we usually staye about their transportation with an ECV and they told me that it needs to be scheduled at least 24hrs in advance and will be at the discretion of the transportation company so it could very well be that they'll pick up late and return early.

I didn't even think about getting a cab, we've never done that before. Is it easy to grab one at Universal going back? I don't remember seeing a taxi stand when we were there last but then I also wasn't paying much attention to that. Of course that would mean we could probably go back to the Rosen Inn and just grab a cab from there. I haven't really looked into what ECV I'll rent but I'll factor in that breaks down for a cab.

 

[Bete]

Sorry to say I cannot say about a taxi stand at the park, but call the park and find out. You may have to talk to a disabilities department there for special guest services. I have never done this myself.

Worse to worse you could take park transportation to one of Universal's resort and catch a cab there on the way back. It's more of a hassle, but doable.

Truthfully, I would skimp more at home and save for a night at a Universal resort. You get front of the line ride access staying on site and for 4 people that would cost heavy if you paid for it out of pocket. That's a nice perk.

 

[Wendydagny]

Yes, there is a taxi stand at universal. I had a great convo with a driver last week who told me that yes there is one and that it is staffed with accessible vehicles.

 

[luvdisdogs]

We have stayed at the Holiday Inn across from Universal. You can walk from there. They also have a shuttle.

 

[elmoandzoey]

Yes, there is a taxi stand at universal. I had a great convo with a driver last week who told me that yes there is one and that it is staffed with accessible vehicles.

Thanks for the info I contacted Universal about this as well and they got back to me surprisingly fast - it's where the buses leave. Great info on accessible vehicles though!

 

[muffyn]

please consider the costs & P-I-A going back & forth from the hotel to the parks, with cab fares & such & the ease of staying at the royal pacific. so easy to ride the ECV to the parks from there. there are many ways to get discounts, especially when you use a annual pass! we have gotten the RP under $150 many times. sooo worth it.
plus with the perks of the front of the line passes & up to 5 people in a room, its a no brainer