Comments on: Special needs are Universal: Are the “horror stories” about disabled families visiting Universal Orlando true?

By: Kimberly Boone

Kimberly Boone — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 18:37:26 +0000

We have visited universal Orlando several times as well as in California and had NO problems with accessibility. We were always directed to the front of the line or escorted to a back way for getting on the rides. Even the workers assisted getting my husband transferred from his wheelchair to the seat on the ride. I do believe that universal Orlando and islands of adventure are more accessible and accommodating….if I may add my husband is a paraplegic and has ridden just about every ride at both parks. .sometimes you may have to educate people a little to be able to have the understanding of what obstacles one faces with a disability.

By: Sarah Phillips

Sarah Phillips — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 20:38:42 +0000

We’ve been the last 3 years and every time they have been fantastic with my husband. We took his blue disabled badge and went straight to guest services once we got there. They gave us an assistance card and we used it every day. We could get a wait time for busy rides but when quiet we went straight on. So much more considerate than the UK

By: Rachel Smith

Rachel Smith — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 19:34:07 +0000

Im classified disable and I have a son with complex special needs and autism. We also took my autistic nephew with us too. Had no idea about these passes till recently we are coming again in october and cant wait. Weve never had a problem with staff, just ignorant guests staring and passing muttered comments. Cant wait to arrive in october

By: Debi Rieser Dame

Debi Rieser Dame — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 18:36:58 +0000

Universal supervisors can’t fix what they don’t know is broken. If you feel an injustice has occurred, then do exactly as OI said above, and what I have always recommended – take it to the ADA supervisor.

By: Debi Rieser Dame

Debi Rieser Dame — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 18:26:46 +0000

Also being diabetic, I carry an insulin pen that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Being so expensive, my doctor gives them to me as a “sample” when I’m headed to the parks. That way I can carry my meter and pen in a fanny pack around my waist which I do not have to remove when I ride. I checked with the manufacturer of the one I use about the heat, and they said it would not hurt the insulin in the pen to be carried in this manner.

By: Dawn Mundt

Dawn Mundt — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 16:57:05 +0000

My son is autistic. I KNOW this but I don’t EXPECT everyone else to KNOW this. Autism is not visible at all times & we do get weird stares but that’s mainly from trying to explain it to people who don’t understand. I DO buy fast passes. No-I don’t EXPECT everyone to do this but since I save up enough money for a lavish vacation like Universal (he’s NUTZ about Transformers) I also save that extra for fast passes. It insures we ALL have a fabulous time. My ‘normal’ son enjoys himself that much more. Maybe Universal could allow for a discount or FREE fast pass w/purchase of a regular one if you provide documentation at Guest Services or something like that. Then maybe ‘regular’ parents won’t even have to get so ‘jealous’ of the non-visible special needs children (who TRUELY are not to blame). It IS an absolute hassle to get any adjustments for my son so I simply PAY! I know he is more expensive in the care & treatment of his autism so this is not any different.

By: Cheri Koontz

Cheri Koontz — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:34:24 +0000

Rachel….I work for Health Services at Universal and we as a courtesy to our guests will refrigerate your sons meds free of charge. You can drop it off at either one of the MAIN Health Services locations in either park. It will be readily available should you need to use it….All you have to do is sign an acknowledgment form when you drop it off and pick it up. Hopefully this will help you out on your next visit….We look forward to you and your family coming back!

By: John Mullenix

John Mullenix — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:31:56 +0000

I have been going to universal studios almost every year since they had opened and a few times I have had to use a wheelchair there due to nerve damage problems.. Every time I have needed that, it has been an awful experience. It’s not the staff that’s the issue, it’s the lines that are “wheelchair accessible”. They are only accessible if you don’t mind bumping into things every five minutes. Also there is a cobble stone paved area that is horrible if you are in a wheelchair. If you have vision issues you will have problems as well. Many lines are practically in the dark. I still love the park all in all but I have addressed these issues with them before and I doubt it has made a difference

By: Joanne James

Joanne James — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:25:52 +0000

We did have one negative experience with pterodactyl ride where out autistic son (8 at the time) couldn’t ride because his 13yr old brother was too tall to ride with him , I was able to ride ( mum ) even though I am taller and much heavier . The excuse the assistant have was that it was a ride for smaller children and therefore my child was too big . However it is a ride that is in the air and stops from time to time , my son with autism would try and get off if it stopped. We were declined the ride . I doubt I would have fitted in the ride but my small for his age 13 yr old would have been fine and totally capable with his little brother. This made me sad as we had waited in line because there was a wait time of 35 minutes and we try and make him wait. We haven’t taken him there for the last 4 yrs. we travelled from the UK and tickets are not cheap .

By: Nic Bennett

Nic Bennett — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:15:54 +0000

Been to Universal on both trips to Florida with my son who has Autism & had no problems at all. In fact I felt they were much better than Disney.

By: Michelle Spraggon

Michelle Spraggon — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:10:56 +0000

We took our 7 year old with Autism to Universal during Oct. Also from the UK we didnt know what to expect but they were fabulous. We ended up spending most of our time there after a not so pleasant day at Disney. We are going back next year and we will be getting 14 day passes for Universal. They were really outstanding

By: Rachel Brantley Brasington

Rachel Brantley Brasington — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:06:29 +0000

My son isn’t disabled but is a Type 1 diabetic. We carry his “kit” w/us the entire day. It also needs an ice pack due to steamy southern temps. It would be nice if we had more locker options rather than being bound to 1 locker or keep paying for more convenient lockers. The lockers that r available for certain rides r a God send, but it would be nice if we didn’t have to get a locker every time being carrying his kit isn’t an option like packages or other items r…. Especially, for season passholders who frequent the parks… However, we r huge lovers/fans of Universal & IoA.

By: Gemma Mummy Atkins

Gemma Mummy Atkins — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 14:52:25 +0000

I took my sons blue badge with me and they wer great . They gave us the appropriate pass for rides . The only ride Time I was a bit dissapointed with staff using the pass was at the entrance of the mummy ride . The man scream instructions at us

By: Laura Kennan

Laura Kennan — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 14:46:59 +0000

Im not disabled, but I’ve been to universal for over 13 years and what I have witnessed I think they are great with all guest including those with any form of disabilities! These stories really annoy me as they just want sympathy!!

By: Phil Cfc Guard

Phil Cfc Guard — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 14:45:48 +0000

i went there last year with my friend Lee Crossan only 1 ride was not shore if he be aloud on the ride but the checked and it was fine we hired a wheel chair for the day it was fun

By: Gerald Earby

Gerald Earby — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 14:44:05 +0000

We have been several times,and will be going again,I have been in line with people in wheel chairs,and have seen the great service and treatment the staff provides.