Universal

[LindaDVC]

Next trip we are going to do some non-Disney days

How do other parks like universal compare with disney for a power wheelchair user who doesn't transfer?

Thanks
Linda

 

[BillSears]

I wrote up a trip report with pictures but it's from the perspective of a paraplegic who uses a manual wheelchair.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1823453

Here's the official riders guide.

http://www.universalorlando.com/riders_guide.pdf

 

[LindaDVC]

thanks!
Will they let you take the power chair on any of the attractions ?
Linda

 

[BETTYDISNEY]

I am sorry to say no from what I understand they have a new policy where you have to transfer one of their wheelchairs. None of their attraction are power wheelchair or ECV friendly. I know how you feel, I cannot transfer either and I used to love Universal.

Sorry I wish I had better news.


Here the website with the disability guidebook.

http://www.universalorlando.com/riders_guide.pdf

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

Does Universal have any sort of GAC system that would work for a child with Asperger's?

 

[BETTYDISNEY]

I do know they do have a GAC. I am sure if you let them know they will not give you problems issuing one.

 

[SueM in MN]

thanks!
Will they let you take the power chair on any of the attractions ?
Linda

As BETTYDISNEY mentioned, they don't allow power wheelchairs on any of their rides.
They used to - a disABILITIES Board frequent poster named Andrew used to go there a lot with his power wheelchair. Then, all of a sudden, they didn't allow power wheelchairs at all (he even got to boarding on his last trip on one ride before they stopped him just before the ride was starting).
Their Rider's Guide states that they don't allow power wheelchairs on anything.

Does Universal have any sort of GAC system that would work for a child with Asperger's?

Requesting a GAC from Universal works generally just like WDW, so the information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread about GACs in post #6 is going to be pretty much the same as you will find at Universal.
From what I have been told by a Universal Guest Services person who is a DIS poster, they have some private air conditioned waiting rooms where people with difficulty waiting in line can wait.

 

[LindaDVC]

universal confirmed this by email and phone

Soooooooooo with that policy looks like we will try some other non disney things like seaworld, silver springs, or cypress gardens! Hopefully they will offer more things for a power w/c user to see!

Linda

 

[dclfun]

I found lots to do at Seaworld and am also in a power chair w/o the ability to transfer- they have nice shows ( although I don't agree with performing dolphins, etc.) and walk through attractions. We especially enjoyed the show with the rescued animals performing who seemed to love the attention and treats they got for doing their part in the show. As for Universal, there were some shows I could experience in my chair ( the special effects/make-up show comes to mind) and also a few attractions which were more like walk-throughs ( Twister) or in a theater where my chair was allowed (Jimmy Neutron). There was absolutely NOTHING I could do at Islands of Adventure. All in all, I don't think I'd go back. A dear friend of mine at work whose wife is plus sized ended up in tears there recently. I guess she couldn't fit under the bars of some of their attractions and wasn't told so until she got all the way through the queue line, then was embarrassed loudly by their employee. They'd gotten free passes as she's a local teacher but said even "free" would not make them return after the way they were treated there, not just on that attraction but even on those which she could ride.---Kathy

 

[BETTYDISNEY]

I found lots to do at Seaworld and am also in a power chair w/o the ability to transfer- they have nice shows ( although I don't agree with performing dolphins, etc.) and walk through attractions. We especially enjoyed the show with the rescued animals performing who seemed to love the attention and treats they got for doing their part in the show. As for Universal, there were some shows I could experience in my chair ( the special effects/make-up show comes to mind) and also a few attractions which were more like walk-throughs ( Twister) or in a theater where my chair was allowed (Jimmy Neutron). There was absolutely NOTHING I could do at Islands of Adventure. All in all, I don't think I'd go back. A dear friend of mine at work whose wife is plus sized ended up in tears there recently. I guess she couldn't fit under the bars of some of their attractions and wasn't told so until she got all the way through the queue line, then was embarrassed loudly by their employee. They'd gotten free passes as she's a local teacher but said even "free" would not make them return after the way they were treated there, not just on that attraction but even on those which she could ride.---Kathy

I am so sorry your friend went through that experience that is truly awful Me being sized am well aware of what she went through. Although when I went in 2005 (still walking) I was very paranoid of this and fortunately I never found a rude person on any attraction

But as being wheelchair no transfer friendly(IOA) it receives a grade of F

 

[kaytieeldr]

There was absolutely NOTHING I could do at Islands of Adventure. All in all, I don't think I'd go back. A dear friend of mine at work whose wife is plus sized ended up in tears there recently. I guess she couldn't fit under the bars of some of their attractions and wasn't told so until she got all the way through the queue line, then was embarrassed loudly by their employee.

Well, there's Posieden's Fury, and a theater show just beyond that (I can't remember the theme, it's been a few years, but similar to Tarzan - or they changed it, or it is Tarzan... gee, I guess I need to go back there ) but you're right - there's DEFINITELY NOT enough at IoA to make a visit worthwhile for Guests who can't transfer!

As for the size issue - I don't know if I'm colorblind, or if it was worn away, or what, but I didn't ride The Mummy at Universal Florida because I couldn't tell if the restraint would lock safely, using the 'test' seat outside. When I got to Universal Hollywood, I figured "what the heck". When it was time to board, I told the loader I didn't know if the restraint would lock down far enough but that I'm realistic and I know I'm fat (yes, I think I said fat but I may have used a euphimism) and that I wouldn't be upset if I had to exit without riding. But I had no problem (and our mutual friend will tell you I'm "VERY fluffy").

 

[mechurchlady]

http://www.seaworld.com/assetrepo/documents/SWF access guide.pdf
All shows and attractions are ECV, wheelchair and powerchair accessible.

If the chair fits the moving walkway at Penguin Encounters and Shark Encounters then the guest may use the walkway but CMs will not push the guest onto or off of the walkway. The Sea Carrousel has a bench seat that can be made to hold a wheelchair but does not say if a powerchair would be allowed. Skytower allows a wheelchair but oversized chairs and ECVs must transfer to a wheelchair. Wild Arctic has a nonmotion theater and I have done both in San Diego and it is a nice movie but the best part was exiting to see the animals, lol. San Diego has an Elevator in part of the path where you see animals in this attraction and Mom freaked because of the open grid in front of the elevator.

Like at WDW disabled guests may ask for assistance at counter and cafeteria style restaurants like they carry your tray to your table. Guests who attend the Makahiki Luau can ask to be seated first.

 

[Narnia]

My dh uses a manual chair last year at universal. They gave him star treatment we never once waited in line( other then at horrer night). It's really going to be a pain for us with his new electric wheelchair. I hope that he'll be able to still transfer in a year. As a size 18-20 found quite a few rides a tight fit(halk was the worst!). I guess I'm going to have to diet( right after I use the dxddp).