Grinchmas at Universal Orlando Resort.

This year is the 15^th stoo-pendous Grinchmas celebration which this year began December 5th, 2015 and ends January 2nd, 2016. Even though Seuss Landing is already unique in its design, the decorations heighten the feeling of this uncommon island within Islands of Adventure. It truly is beautiful to behold.

Seuss Landing is magically transformed into Who-ville for Universal’s Who-liday festivities, the town featured in Dr. Seuss’ story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. If you’ve seen the movie by the same name, everything looks authentic, including the main character, the Grinch. We love the decorations, the team members happily calling out “Happy Who-lidays” and “Merry Grinchmas” — the atmosphere is one of celebration and joy. Even the makeup and appliances used to transform entertainment team members into Whos is unmistakably perfect (but keep that secret from your kiddos – let them believe they are real). No matter how long you stare at the Whos’ noses, they look like the actors really did grow into them!

Grinchmas at Universal Orlando Resort.

The Whos love to interact with all children and those with special needs are no exception! They have been so kind to our daughter and a visit to Who-ville brings out delight in her that we sometimes rarely see! She’s usually very shy, yet she wants to greet every Who she meets!

History of Grinchmas at Universal Orlando Resort

Grinchmas came to life in December of 2000, a year after Islands of Adventure opened and the same year the How the Grinch Stole Christmas Movie, from Universal Pictures, hit the theaters. With one exception, the celebration has been annual ever since. The year 2006 was a real let-down for those who visited the park and found there were no decorations, no Grinch’s Lair, no music, no Whos. Yes, I was there.

Taken on December 10, 2006, the year without Grinchmas.

It was as if the Grinch HAD stolen Christmas! Happily, Grinchmas returned in 2007 to a grateful audience, along with the new High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride.

However, still missing to this day is the Grinch’s Lair, which had occupied the Trolley space previously. The Lair looked JUST LIKE the sloppy, unkempt and full of garbage scenes from the movie. As you waited in the cave-like queue, you passed all kinds of instruments and concoctions, many of them interactive, fashioned to look like those in the movie.  Also, the wait didn’t seem long because the movie was running on monitors made to look like they were trash. I just wish Universal execs would realize what a HIT this was with guests and bring back the attraction. (I apologize – we’ve either lost our pre-digital age prints or we were told no photos, but you’re free to use your imagination….)

I remember the first Grinch we met in his Lair in 2001. You would have sworn it was Jim Carrey in that Grinch suit! He and my husband exchanged verbal barbs, yet, when the Grinch talked to our daughter, there was no doubt his heart had grown three sizes. That guy was amazing with his interpretation of the movie’s Grinch. Our daughter was invited to sit with him in his over-sized recliner, but she sat on the edge. In his best Grinch voice he asked her to scoot back.  Being intellectually disabled, she didn’t understand his direction, so after a few seconds he belted out, “Well, allllrighty then. I’ll scoot UP!” which he did with over-the-top animation. I know he talked to her for a whole five minutes. Subsequent Grinch actors have brought the same authenticity to the role. One year, after the picture, the Grinch got up and walked us out through the exit, holding our daughter’s hand the entire way.

The Grinch’s Lair in 2001.

The Grinch’s Lair in 2002.

Since 2007 photo ops with the Grinch have been held in the All The Books You Can Read store and yes, you can take photos with your own camera. If you haven’t purchased a Photo Connect package, you will be given a card to take to any Photo Connect counter to see and purchase the professional photo, good for that day only. Don’t pass up this opportunity. Parents will love it just as much as the kids.

With the Grinch in 2012.

With the Grinch in 2003.

A Who-liday tradition you must NOT miss

Another favorite part of our visit is the musical, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. During the early years, the Whos’ story was told in three parts throughout the day on a small stage located between the Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous and the book store. The final part of the play would be presented at dusk so when the tree was lit at the end of the story, the lights were ablaze as the sky darkened. It really was a beautiful site.

Grinchmas stage in 2003.

For several years now the Dr. Seuss classic has now been retold in various sound stages between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Just follow the signs near the Café for the entrance. Many of the songs are from the original TV cartoon version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, also used in the movie. Show times will be listed in the in-park guides available as you enter the park.  The music is by Mannheim Steamroller, so you know it has to be exciting, melodic, and memorable; you just might be tempted to sing along. It will keep even the youngest child enthralled. For guests with hearing disabilities, a Sign Language Interpreter signs the entire show (check the park map for times as one will not be available for every show). Wheelchair seating is in the front row of the audience bleachers. If your child is sensitive to some sounds, I would also suggest bringing their noise-reducing earphones, just in case. And yes, Max is a real dog.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas 2015 at Universal Orlando Resort.

You can see photos from an earlier performance in the photo gallery at the bottom of this post along with other photos we’ve taken over the years.

Don’t forget – all the rides are very easy to ride for those with disabilities. If you scroll down the OI Complete guide to Attraction Assistance for special needs families page, you’ll find the special boarding procedures for some of them.

For us, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a visit to Grinchmas. I hope you’ll consider it a must for your family, too! Merry Grinchmas to all!

When was your first visit to Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure? Sound off in the comments below.

Grinchmas through the years – photo gallery

« ‹ of 2 › »

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Security at Universal Orlando’s main entrance.

Today is the 14th anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day that many of us remember with great sadness. The day began with American Airlines Flight 11 flying into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City at 8:46 a.m. I was working as an assistant bookkeeper in a school and was delivering a message to our media specialist. As I walked through the hallway, I encountered one of our male teachers, in tears, saying he just couldn’t talk about it. I stepped into our library and saw a group of teachers and students huddled around the TV watching a news bulletin. I recognized the WTC, saw the smoke and stood there in shock as I witnessed the second plane, United Airlines Flight 175, hit the South Tower at 9:03 a.m. I felt like the life was being sucked from my body, as I’m sure it was from most others. The attack continued with American Airlines Flight 77 diving into the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m., followed by a failed alleged attempt to crash into Washington D.C. as United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania at 10:03 a.m.

Bringing it into our reality here in Orlando, these events forever changed how we now enter all theme parks. There was a day where we were watched as we moved through the turnstiles, just to make sure we didn’t take a large cooler or picnic basket in with us, but our personal bags were not touched. Now we are asked to remove our fanny packs and camera cases, purses, backpacks and small coolers, diaper bags and wheelchair bags to be searched before entry into each park. At Universal Orlando, the procedure is simpler than at Disney World because you only have to have your items checked once – in the hub from the parking garages or, if you are staying on-site, by the boat captains or along the walkways from the on-site hotels to CityWalk.

The first time we visited Universal after the attacks, a security check point was indeed set up near the staircase leading to Valet Parking. That area was a challenge: crowds were backed up well into the center area where strollers and wheelchairs are allowed and the moving walkway wasn’t moving. Bag checks were quite thorough with every little nook and cranny poked, inside pockets had to be emptied, and if you had a zippered case inside your bag, that had to be removed and opened too. I had my doctor write a script to carry with me stating I was an insulin dependent diabetic because even medical supplies were now in question (which is now not required).

I remember that park attendance was down for the next year as people were concerned that attacks could be made on the larger theme parks, including Orlando’s, especially Walt Disney World. Our family made the decision to keep life as it should be, by LIVING and continuing to enjoy our favorite park, Universal Orlando. I think we went more in those years after September 11, 2001 than ever before!

Security on a busy July morning.

Security has been able to streamline the process so it really does not take that long to have your belongings checked. By now, guests no long seem to complaining about the checks as an inconvenience, as bag checks have since become common place at theme parks, airports and many other public events. It’s important to know what you can carry into a park and what you can’t – here’s the link to UOR’s policy and restrictions. Honestly, I don’t mind being checked. We now live in a different time and place than when I was a little girl. I want to have fun at the parks and if a little search is necessary, I’ll wait as long as it takes to have it done correctly. The bottom line is Universal Orlando has security in place to help make its visitors the safest they have ever been and by our attendance, we show the world just how protected our parks are.

Come to Universal Orlando Resort, have fun, and Never Forget…

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
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Selfie Sticks
Better late than never, the top peeve was use of selfie sticks. By now you’ve heard they have been banned in the Disney Parks. Considering most of our forum comments were made around the time that Disney announced they were going to crack down on them in May, it was only a matter of time before they completely banned these little beauties in all of their parks. Kim Prunty, a Disney spokesperson, said, “We strive to provide a great experience for the entire family, and unfortunately selfie-sticks have become a growing safety concern for both our guests and cast.”

Courtesy of Maureen Deal.

Many public venues have jumped on the bandwagon by banning the sticks in the name of safety, yet selfie sticks are mostly seen to be just an annoyance, especially in a crowd. Whether or not the user means to, they seem to be invading other guests’ personal space. As OI Forums member “ParkJunkie87” said: “…a couple weeks ago in Diagon Alley I constantly got poked and prodded from people not paying attention to where they were using it.”

The sticks have already been forbidden on rides where bags and loose articles are prohibited across Universal’s resort. I don’t think it will be long before Universal follows Disney’s lead and bans selfie sticks; this was also discussed in Orlando Informer Podcast: Episode 4 beginning at the 30:49 mark. Orlando Informer will keep you posted on selfie stick news as it affects Universal Orlando Resort.

Other photographer gear will remain legal inside the Disney parks (and perhaps elsewhere, but check with your chosen venue). According to WDW News Today, you may use:

• Tripods that can be folded and stored in a reasonable size bag. No Large tripods.
• Extendable camera monopods.
• GoPro brand name body and head harnesses.
• Short, brand name GoPro handles.
• Brand name or similar style GRIP & SHOOT handles.

In other words, no extendable stick for any kind of camera will be allowed.

Solution: If you are using a Selfie Stick, please make sure you are aware of where you are pointing it. In the meantime, would this work?

Makeshift Selfie Stick

Blocking Passageways
The second largest pet peeve is visitors who block walkways, doorways, and exits. This has always been one of my biggest due to the fact that I push someone in a wheelchair. Even trying to keep our distance, people still manage to stop dead in their tracks, without even noticing there is anyone else around! Parties walk shoulder to shoulder slowly, which really bogs down high traffic areas in the main streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. So many people are trying to get photos of the fire breathing dragon on the top of Gringotts, or Hogwarts Castle, that the crowds can be thicker than the pea soup at the Leaky Cauldron!

That’s pretty thick!

Even more troubling is when you’ve just gotten off rides and are trying to exit through those gift shops. The problem is these shops are loaded with those anxious to touch every shirt, memento, and toy on the shelves. Not to mention check out their outrageous expression in their ride photo!

Solution: Please pay attention of your surroundings and remember to move to the side to allow others to pass when you stop moving. Everyone understands the excitement of not wanting to miss a thing, but please remember there are other people trying to get through these same spaces.

Queue Jumping
Next comes queue jumping and saving spots in line. This is spotted a lot with tour groups, especially teens (so say forum members); you know, the ones all wearing the same t-shirt. One or two people enter a queue and rest of the group comes through later, usually not even voicing “excuse me” through the line until they reach their place holder(s). Alternatively, they literally jump the rails or duck under chains in the queues rushing past the rest of us who have been patiently waiting. We had this happen recently as we were exiting the Gringotts preshow room, when two young guests who were antsy hopped right over our daughter’s lap and legs to get in front of us! If you see this kind of behavior while at any park, make sure to alert the nearest employee. More often than not, the guest will be given an warning, removed from the line, or in some cases even removed from the park.

There seems to be a general lack of manners – “Freddyglove” summed up this Pet Peeve nicely: “…a little politeness goes a long, long way. We all get excited, and sometimes even overstep our usual bounds to make mistakes – knock a drink over, speak a bit too loudly, step on someone’s heel, elbow someone, pile drive an annoying teenager, accidentally cut in line…Just say you’re sorry, remedy if you can, and that’ll quickly rectify it- no harm, no foul. Just have respect for your fellow man (and woman)!”

Other Peeves
Talking while on the ride, taking flash photography and not obeying ride attendant’s instructions are bugging several commenters.

Remember, although you want to have fun with your group, chat before and after you ride! Even though you’ve been on a ride many times and know the dialog right down to the inflection of the dialect, please don’t repeat it out loud! There are guests who have never been on the attraction and this may be their only trip. Please let them hear the audio without your rendition!

Learn how to turn off your camera’s flash prior to using it an attraction or show that permits photography. Most are not that difficult to operate and besides, most times your photos will turn out better if you don’t use that flash.

Listen to Team Members (or Cast Members) and respond appropriately: If you’re told to move down to the end of a row of seats and not stop in the middle, do it! Stopping to get that prime seat in the center holds up the start of the show when the employee is required to go and ask people to keep moving. Know how many people are in your party: many of us have seen people stop and count the number in their group. If you’re told to wait in row 2, don’t jump in front of the people who were waiting in row 1 as the ride gates open.

Some posters talked about American restroom stalls, smoking out of designated areas, jumping in front of others when the queues merge down to a single row (E.T. is one example of where this can occur), and parents who allow their children to get away with disgusting behaviors. Maybe we’ll go in to detail about these another time!

Until then, I invite you to join the discussion in the comments below and voice your biggest pet peeves we might’ve missed!

Please remember that Special Needs Are Universal is still active and we welcome your disability/special needs questions. You can contact debi by posting here, using our forum private message system, or at specialneedsareuniversal@hotmail.com.

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

• – Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Vacation Packages
  – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
  – 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

The post Top 3 theme park pet peeves appeared first on Orlando Informer.

We didn’t take a lot of pictures because film and prints cost a bunch back in the day, but I do have several from that first visit. I decided it would be fun to go back to the same spots and take new digital photos to see how Universal Studios Florida has changed in 23 years, especially since Universal Studios Orlando is now celebrating its 25th Anniversary on June 7, 2015. We have been Annual Passholders for 17 of those years, so we also have hundreds of digital photos now!

I truly dislike the phrases “I’ve been there” or “I’ve seen it” when it comes to going to theme parks. Yet, when we ask visiting friends to go with us just one day, these are the phrases I most often hear. There is NO WAY anyone who visited Universal Studios a few years ago can say that they’ve experienced everything! I honestly wish I were able to treat all of these people to a second visit so they could see the changes over the years and how the park has continued to expand. Universal Studios is more fun now that it was in 1992, or even 1999! So, I’ve put together those few photos from 1992 with updated images.

Central Park & World Expo
We stopped in Central Park to give our daughter her lunch in 1992. At the time we had to carry her prepared meals with us (she can’t chew), so we enjoyed this grassy knoll as a picnic spot.

Central Park – 1992

Central Park – 2012

There have been changes just since this photo was taken in 2012 – bushes have been added behind the lamppost and there is far less grass available for picnicking. You can also see that walls have been put up around The Gardens of Allah Villas, which is under construction for a future attraction.

Central Park – 2015

We could see completely across the lagoon as the trees were all small and views were not obstructed. It is one of the prettiest spots in Universal Studios and I don’t understand why we rarely see visitors make use of it. We also took pictures from this area toward Lombard’s Seafood Grill in San Francisco.

Central Park – 1992

Central Park – 2012

Central Park – 2015

And now that Jaws and Amity are part of the past (except for Bruce the Shark’s new home), the buildings along London’s waterfront, entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley can be seen behind the seafood restaurant.

Looking toward New York, while waiting for the boat show on the Lagoon, we clicked this photo:

New York from Central Park – 1992

But now, in 2015, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit Coaster can be seen spiraling through the skyline and Transformers, The Ride 3-D can be seen where a Soundstage 44 once stood.

Central Park – 2015

And the speed boats have been replaced by Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular

Opening as the Animal Actors stage in 1990, this attraction became Animal Planet Live in 2001 but was re-named Animal Actors on Location in 2006. Later in 1998, Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone was opened in the area behind the Animal Actors show. This is how the stage looked in 1992 and in 2012:

Animal Actors – 1992

Animal Actors – 2012

In 2012, I would have loved to have taken the picture from the same spot, but the area was for electric scooter riders. When I tried to get a recent photo, the attraction was closed. The show’s stage has not changed since 2012, however.

On The Studio Tour tram we went by Universal’s first “on-site” motel, The Bates Motel, which was used in Psycho IV: The Beginning. It was also used for the Psycho Path Maze during Halloween Horror Nights until it was demolished in 1995 to make way for A Day in the Life with Barney. The Bates Mansion was demolished to make way for Curious George Goes to Town, which opened in 1998.

Bates Motel and Mansion Barney – 1992

Curious George Goes to Town – 2015

Curious George Goes to Town – 2015

The Studio Tour was discontinued in the fall of 1995, but on the tram we also saw the working set for Swamp Thing: The Series, a TV show that ran for three seasons beginning in 1990. MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack now occupies the land.

Swamp Thing set – 1992

MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack – 2012

New York
The large painted sets of the New York Public Library and skyline and the faux Guggenheim Museum are impressive, especially when viewed from a distance, but the subway tunnel is showing its age. It had a bronze finish when we first saw it in 1992; now has a beautiful green patina. The most obvious addition is the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit track jutting out of the Guggenheim facade.

New York Subway Entrance – 1992

New York Subway Entrance – 2012

The longer view of the street is even more spectacular. In the 2012 photo, you see the entrance for Twister…Ride it Out on the left and another view of the Rockit track. Until the debut of the Universal Music Plaza, bands performed on the steps of the library.

New York skyline – 1992

New York skyline – 2012

Production Central
The Boneyard was a part of the Backlot Studio Tour, but you could also walk around all the vehicles and objects used in many of Universal’s productions. But with the building of the Universal Music Plaza stage and viewing area, even more renowned bands are able to play for Universal guests during Mardi Gras and other special events. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit also gets its share of spectators even when bands are not performing.

The Boneyard – 1992

Universal Music Plaza – 2012

Needless to say, every time we go to the Universal Orlando Resort we notice something new, and it’s one of the core reasons why we continue to be Annual Passholders. The next time someone says they’ve been to Universal Studios but not recently, I’ll pull up this article and show them HOW the place has changed and then challenge them to see for themselves. You should do the same!

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

• – Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Vacation Packages
  – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
  – 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

The post Universal’s 25th Anniversary: Pictorial History appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Moving walkways aren’t for everyone
Not everyone is able to use a moving walkway. Some have stability problems, others just get vertigo easily. I can relate with both – I can’t use an escalator; they make me really dizzy, yet rides don’t have a bit of effect on my equilibrium. My daughter experiences instability due to scoliosis and can’t manage entering or exiting a ride car using a moving walkway unless it’s doing a slow crawl and or she’ll lose her balance. The last thing we need is to have her fall.

OI Reader Pearl, from Coastal Carolina, wrote to ask where they may be within Universal Orlando Resort.

QuoteGoing to Universal for first time. I’m unable to use moving walkways, especially transferring to moving rides. Can you please tell me which rides have them and what accommodations can be made? (For example: Haunted Mansion at WDW can slow down and/or stop it.)

I know HP Forbidden Journey has a stationary boarding platform; will I need to stop at guest services with a MD note first to use it? We are not staying on site and plan on racing up there at rope drop. Thank you for all your great info.

Thanks for your email, Pearl. The first moving walkways are found leading from the parking garages to the Hub (where bag check is located) then again leading to CityWalk. There are also normal walks as strollers and wheelchairs/scooters are not allowed on the moving ones.

As for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the moving walkways can’t be slowed or shut down (with exceptions below) so there is a secondary platform available for those not able to adapt to the speed of the walkway (which is pretty darned fast). Here’s the information for accessing this non-moving boarding area (which can also found on Orlando Informer’s Attraction Assistance Pass information page):

Once you have entered the castle, ask the ride attendant to be shown to the secondary platform; you will be directed to an elevator and take it to the third floor. You will enter a hallway – follow it to the second elevator. (You will be completely on your own so follow the signs.)

Punch 2 on the elevator panel. The doors will open into the waiting area, approximately 4 x 9 feet, quite small and can get congested. It will only allow about six people and two wheelchairs. Getting by each other can be difficult! One wheelchair has to back into a corner with the trash can to allow the party leaving the ride to get into the elevator. If the door opens and the area is full, I suggest going back to the third floor and waiting until a party exits before you venture down again.

After your ride is complete, backtrack the route to exit the ride – elevator to three, down the hall to the next elevator, then down to the first floor and exit through Filch’s Emporium gift shop.

It is difficult to get through this shop to reach the exit door as it is quite small, very congested, and there are posts in the middle of the walkways. (Note: before they closed the Castle Tour for non-riders, you used to be able to get off the first elevator at the second floor, take the tour, then get back on the elevator and continue. That may or may not be an option when you visit – just ask.)

As mentioned before, there are conditions where the Forbidden Journey loading walkway has been stopped. We experienced this a year ago. The shut-down procedure takes the cooperation and coordination of all the ride’s Team Members, so that disabled and special needs guests will be able to experience this extraordinary ride. If the secondary platform or elevators are not in operation Team Members (or “Students” as they are referred to in Hogwarts School) will hand out return time tickets to those who normally would board via the stationary platform and you will be directed to the normal boarding area.

It was explained to me that this procedure is only used once an hour because it takes 10 to 15 minutes to accomplish as all current riders must disembark before the ride can be shut down and the walkways stopped. Special needs riders are then assisted by Students to the waiting benches on the regular platform, the ride slowly begins and within seconds you are flying. When those dozen or so benches return, the ride is shut down again, riders are helped to the exit then the benches start moving for those who have been waiting in line. To me, this is the spirit of commitment that Universal Team Members provide to the disabled community.

You will not need to request help for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Guest Services. If you are going to request an Attraction Assistance Pass, the link to that information is above. You also do not need to present a doctor’s note (although I suggest carrying one in case of any medical emergency in or out of the parks during your visit to Orlando).

Another ride that has moving walkways in Islands of Adventure (in addition to Forbidden Journey) is Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. I am told it moves very slowly and can be stopped frequently. In Universal Studios, the only other ride that uses a moving walkway is Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket.

I also checked through the Rider’s Guide to see if I could find any other rides that use this mode for transfer to ride cars. (This is a larger PDF document and printing it uses a large amount of ink. I would suggest viewing it online and picking up a hard copy when you arrive at the parks.) Some rides also have stationary seating and those can also be found in the Rider’s Guide.

Orlando Eye Disabled Information
Orlando Informer was on hand to watch as high wire walker Nik Wallenda made his historic walk on the new attraction, The Orlando Eye on Wednesday, April 29. Our team was able to ride, with photos available on both Facebook and Twitter. The Eye opened to the public yesterday, May 4th. In March I posted links for this giant Ferris wheel on the SNAU Forum, but as the opening date has arrived, I’d like to remind those who would like to ride of the following:

There is a full page of information available for all disabled riders, including size and types of allowable wheelchairs, oxygen requirements (Security will need to know you are using it), possible sensory effects, the use of service animals, and the best part is all disabled guests can bring one “carer” free of charge!

Please see this link for ticket information.

For any questions not addressed on The Orlando Eye’s disability page, please call 866-228-6438.

Discounts for the Disabled?
Did you know that Universal Orlando Resort DOES offer disabled guests a discount on tickets? Well, neither did I! As I researched this question from “docsmom” posted on the Orlando Informer Community Forum, her own response brought this to my attention:

“Disability Discount: We currently offer a fifteen percent (15%) ticket discount on the purchase of one-day and two-day admission tickets to our guests with disabilities. Simply request this discount at the front gate at the time of your ticket purchase, and one of our Pass Sales team members will be happy to accommodate you.”

I called Guest Services (Main Number: 407-224-4233, opt. 3), spoke with with a Team Member and verified this discount is absolutely available and has been for about 7 years. Well, I’ll be dipped and stuffed! It never ceases to amaze me the new information I learn while searching for answers for our readers. And thank you “docsmom” for sharing this valuable deal!

Keep those Questions coming!
I’ll be happy to help you with any of your special needs questions; please contact me on the OI Special Needs are Universal Forum at Have a question for SNAU’s debi? Post it here!, send me an email at specialneedsareuniversal@hotmail.com, or via the Forum Messenger!

Disclaimer: Please be advised that I am not an official representative of Orlando Informer, Universal Orlando Resort, or any other business. My opinions are my own. While I work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from my years of experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with your travel services and destinations. Thank you for your understanding!

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Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

• – Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Vacation Packages
  – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
  – 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

The post SNAU: moving walkways, Orlando Eye, and Universal discounts for disabled guests appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Although our SNAU articles focus heavily on Universal Orlando, we also have been developing additional disabled information for other vacation destinations in Central Florida, including SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa. I have recently been asked questions about both of these parks, so I’ve done a bit of research that may also be beneficial to your vacation in Florida.

Carolyne from Scotland wrote to me in September, explaining that her son had broken his leg and would be in a cast fitted with a titanium rod during their upcoming trip to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Busch Gardens. Since he would be using a wheelchair, she wanted to know if she should request a disability pass at these parks.

Universal Orlando disability assistance
I told Carolyne about Universal’s Attraction Assistance and Guest Assistance Passes and said that it would be a good idea for her to make that request. I also sent her the information from the Universal Orlando Resort Rider’s Guide for Rider Safety and Guests with Disabilities (PDF file) regarding guests who are in casts:

Guests with casts or braces will be restricted from riding rides where the cast or brace may present a hazard to the guest or others. Casts or braces, where permitted, must fit comfortably in ride unit and not interfere with proper functioning of ride restraint. If in doubt about your ability to safely experience a ride, please consult with an attraction attendant or Guest Services for further information.

Although a doctor’s note is not a requirement, it is always a good idea to have one with you in case of a medical emergency, and Guest Services will sometimes acknowledge that you do have one – Carolyne said they did glance at her son’s, for example. Based on the above information, not only did I tell her to advocate for her son’s temporary disability, but to consider asking to have her son be evaluated. For a kid, there is nothing worse than being excited about a ride, only to be told, “Sorry, you can’t ride in a cast.”

Carolyne contacted me after their visit to report on their trip. She was told it would be up to her as to what rides they wanted to try; her son was not issued a disability pass.

On the rare occasion that this does happen, it is possible that the TMs at the individual rides may help if you request their assistance. Indeed, this scenario turned out to be the case for her son.

Team Members at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure were sympathetic to her son being in a wheelchair; on the days they toured the parks, they were sometimes sent to the Express Pass queues. The help they received made a difficult situation easier to handle, and they enjoyed their Universal visit.

Carolyne also raved about the help they received from a Team Member named Lucy who “went above and beyond the call of duty” during a downpour – although soaked herself, she helped Carolyne and her son find shelter.

Disney World and Busch Gardens disability assistance
After Universal, Carolyne and her son next toured the Walt Disney World theme parks. Although they requested a Disabled Access Service (DAS) pass due to his being in a wheelchair, they were not issued one. The experience was not positive for them, and they received little other assistance, which put a damper on their visit.

So when they arrived at their next stop, Busch Gardens Tampa, they didn’t even try to obtain a disability assistance pass. At the first ride, however, they were approached by a member of the Busch Gardens team, who asked to see their “yellow slip.” When Carolyne informed them she didn’t know what that was, another Team Member delivered one to them and enrolled her son on the spot! Carolyne said that the card listed the rides with three slots for each. A ride attendant would sign the card, then show them to the express line or elevator.

Busch Gardens’ main accessibility guide page has an overview of their special needs information. Included here is a link to their Accessibility Guide (PDF), which explains their Ride Accessibility and Special Access Programs (both of which require guests to be enrolled in). We have also briefly touched upon this information in the Special Needs Are Universal forum, which can be found in this thread.

If you wish to contact Busch Gardens directly, their phone number is (813) 987-5885, and their email address is bga.guestinformation@seaworld.com.

Carolyne said her son enjoyed their Florida vacation. And here’s how she described their experience at Busch Gardens Tampa specifically: “Fabulous, no stress, no confusion, and not feeling like you’re putting them out each time you approach a ride. My theory is each park should take this approach.”

I wholeheartedly agree.

Can you take your own food into SeaWorld or Busch Gardens?

Speaking of Busch Gardens Tampa…

The question of taking your own food into SeaWorld Orlando was posed recently on the OI Forums. Although others had provided some information about what you can and cannot take through the gates – including a copy of the SeaWorld Food and Beverage Policy (which is the same for its sister park, Busch Gardens) – I know many of us with disabled family members have special dietary needs that can’t always be met by theme park restaurants.

This has actually been one of the biggest obstacles for my family when visiting any park, because my daughter can’t chew. She’s on soft or blended foods, and even when we ask if soups can be blended, many facilities don’t have the equipment needed.

Both Universal and Disney have been very accommodating about special needs guests carrying in their own food, and we personally have never been questioned about the items we carry in our daughter’s wheelchair bag. Because we are considering obtaining passes for Busch Gardens – thanks in part to their generous disabled policy, which Carolyne tipped us off to – I decided to find out more about the situation.

I sent a message to the Guest Information email address and asked if what we carry (pudding/applesauce cups and Ensure drinks) would be acceptable, just in case that mac ‘n cheese or spaghetti wouldn’t work. I received the following reply within just a few hours:

Thank you for contacting our SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment® family of parks.

We do not permit outside food or drink into the park. However, we will make an exception for you. In the event that you wish to bring a cooler, you may bring a soft-sided cooler no larger than 15″ x 15″. It may contain no glass items. Please bring a copy of this email to the entrance bag check/turnstile area upon arriving at the gate.

Thank you again for contacting us at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment®. We hope to see you soon!

Maureen, one of our OI trip report bloggers, has said that she’s been allowed to take in snacks but no straws at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens (plastic straws are potentially harmful to the animals). So, if your family member has a need for carrying in their food, please email bga.guestinformation@seaworld.com or call (813) 987-5885 so that you can receive verification ahead of your visit.

Keep those questions coming!
Not only are questions being asked on the SNAU forum, but, for those who wish a private response, I’m also answering queries through the forum messenger and my SNAU email (specialneedsareuniversal@hotmail.com). The more questions asked, the more we’ll be able to help!

Keep sending those questions, no matter which way you prefer!

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

View all of our Special Needs Are Universal blog posts

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Planning a vacation to Orlando?
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  – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
  – 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

The post Comparing disability policies at Universal, Disney, and Busch Gardens appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Universal does a wonderful job in the way they assist those with unseen conditions once identified at Guest Services. However, the Attraction and Guest Assistance Passes don’t provide seating assistance for parade viewing for those with unseen physical disabilities which do not necessarily require the assistance of a wheelchair or scooter. There was a time when the disabled viewing areas were roped off around the already existing benches on the sidewalks.

Not only would there be a place for wheelchair guests, but also those who use a cane, crutches, walker, and so on. If seats on those benches were still available, the companions pushing wheelchairs would also have a place to rest. Being able to still walk, even though frequent rests may be a medical requirement, is a form of independence some of us – and that includes me – are still struggling to enjoy with a minimal amount of pain. I certainly appreciated and counted on those benches in the past.
My husband, daughter, granddaughter and I arrived at the viewing location in front of Macy’s in the New York section of Universal Studios an hour before parade time. As you can see in these photos, the benches are now non-existent. The width is only about 40” wide, barely enough room for a wheelchair guest and a companion behind it. The rest of the sidewalk remains open for foot traffic.

Current disabled parade viewing area. (Autism at the Parks, Chuck Plagmann)

I began a conversation with the Team Member who was overseeing the area and asked why benches were no longer part of an area designated for handicapped guests. Of course, he didn’t know – he was fairly new to the job. I told him they used to be; he was very interested as I explained why seating would so be appreciated (read: necessary) for people with unseen physical disabilities and said he would relay my concerns and ideas to park management. We were standing with another guest who, like me, has a muscle disease. She’s been in a wheelchair, but has recently been able to progress to not having to use one. She was enjoying her new found freedom, but she too was dismayed at the lack of seating and said she really needed to sit down to wait for the parade, as did I.

I told the Team Member I wished they would return the benches to the sidewalk in front of Macy’s for those with unseen physical disabilities. They could be used by anyone with a special need during the wait and the parade.

Following my conversation with the Team Member, I had another idea for a possible solution: Move the disabled seating to the area of the park across from Macy’s. Yes, there is a themed bus stop there, but there would be more room for wheelchairs and scooters. Not to mention the entire families of the disabled guest would be able to enjoy the parades together. As it is now, if the area becomes too full and another wheelchair arrives, the families are asked to move. There are already several benches along the sidewalks but also room for temporary seating. Well-thrown beads can travel quite a distance so being behind the bus stop wouldn’t be that objectionable to me. It would also free up the entire sidewalk to allow for better foot traffic on Macy’s side of the street.

Google Earth imagery, January 17, 2014.

No matter what solution Universal decides to deploy, a change needs to be implemented in order to help those with a specific disability be able to enjoy their visit to the Universal Orlando Resort.

We loved the parade! We got some great photos and, best of all, our Downs/Autistic daughter had the time of her life. The Mardi Gras Parade is the ONLY parade she will sit through without melting down. Between my granddaughter and daughter, they went home with 87 strands of beads!

Enjoying Mardi Gras Beads.

Does Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream contain eggs?
OI Forums received the following request from qms96 recently: Do you have any idea where I might find out whether or not the ice creams in Fortescue’s have egg in their recipes? We’re hoping you can help or at least point us in the right direction! Thanks.

I forwarded this question to NBC/Universal’s Quality Control Chef Bob Burdick and he replied that all ice cream in any Harry Potter park is egg-free!

For a complete discussion of ingredients in Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream, please join us on this SNAU forum page! We also have an ongoing conversation on Best Gluten Free/Allergy Free Options at Universal. Considering menus change all the time, this is the best place to post new items you may find during your visit to the Universal Orlando Resort!

How do you contact Universal with a specific food allergy question?
Food Service email: FoodServiceCUF@universalorlando.com

Special ride vehicles for disabled riders
In January, when we rode E.T. Adventure, we were asked by the Team Member if our daughter would like to do a “complete transfer.” I thought that meant transferring from her wheelchair to a regular seat as she has always done, so I said yes. The transfer took almost 15 minutes, but I think the four TMs were anxious to try out this new ride vehicle. There was much discussion about how to lock down the wheelchair, where to place it, and so forth.

E.T. ADA Ride Vehicle

On the older vehicle, the wheelchair was strapped into the back row of the ADA car. This new one has room for more than just one chair and has other seats available, depending on how the disabled individual can move from a wheelchair, I suspect. I wish I would have been able to discuss with a manager just how all of the different seating worked. Our daughter’s chair was strapped into the front row of this car, but you can see all the other adaptive type of seating available in the picture above. I’m sure that this is mostly used for groups from schools or organizations so that they can all ride together. I find this to be fantastic forward thinking, by offering more than just one adaptive space. However, when it’s just one chair that’s being put in place, the process takes way longer than it should.

A New, Updated Rider’s Guide
In less than a year, Universal has once again updated the Universal Orlando Resort Rider’s Guide for Rider Safety and Guests with Disabilities. The new look is easier to read, icons look larger, and it has a better chart for height requirements. Bear in mind, I don’t recommend printing your own copy. Based on the pagination, it looks to be a booklet instead of a foldout pamphlet, and you can pick up your own copy in Guest Services.

Where are the rest of the Special Needs Are Universal blog posts?
Never fear! We’re still working on refreshing Orlando Informer’s wealth of information. If there’s a “Special Needs Are Universal” article you’ve seen in a forum post you’d like to read and the link to it is still broken, please contact post in the topic and we’ll make sure to get it fixed as soon as possible.
I’ll be happy to help you with any of your special needs questions; please contact me on the OI Special Needs are Universal Forum at Have a question for SNAU’s debi? Post it here!, send me an email at specialneedsareuniversal@hotmail.com, or via the Forum Messenger!

Please keep those questions coming!

Disclaimer: Please be advised that I am not an official representative of Orlando Informer, Universal Orlando Resort, or any other business. My opinions are my own. While I work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from my years of experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with your travel services and destinations. Thank you for your understanding!

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Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

• – Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Vacation Packages
  – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
  – 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

The post SNAU: Parade viewing, Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream, and special RVs for disabled riders appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Based on the questions I have received just in December and January, it is evident that those with disabilities or families of those with special needs do need specific information before visiting the parks. I’ve found that it’s the little things that can throw us out of our comfort zones, and “winging it” – even as much as we would like to – is rarely an option. Knowledge really is power for a family with disabilities.

Guests with autism in their families continue to request my assistance. Many of these individuals have other conditions, as well, so having the best facts available can only make their visits to Universal go more smoothly. I’m not going to say there won’t be bumps in the road because every situation is different, but knowing what support may be available certainly can help.

Autism concerns from moms
Jenny is one of those moms who has a child with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and another child with a medical condition. She wrote in to ask:

I am inquiring about the special needs pass and how we can obtain this for the children. Whom would I need to contact about this to ensure we have the best experience?

Another email arrived from Colleen, a mom with a newly-diagnosed ASD child:

I will be taking my two kids for the first time to both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World over New Year’s; my girl is 11, and my boy is nine. My son was just diagnosed with high-functioning autism and anxiety disorder. I was told he should qualify in both resorts for the disability passes.

We have visited other theme parks before, and the issues he has include waiting in lines and being overwhelmed by all the people surrounding him. I was all set to buy the Express Pass when someone told me I needed to look into this more. Any insight you can share with me?

And on the Special Needs Are Universal forum, I heard from Anne, who is also an ASD mother:

I mainly need advice about the assistance pass at Universal, as our 12-year-old has high-functioning autism, hypermobility syndrome, and recently-diagnosed scoliosis. I’m concerned because she can’t stand for long due to back and joint pain, but she currently won’t use a wheelchair. Should she be able to get the Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) for use at rides that don’t have Express Pass access? If we can we get it, will it cover all 10 days of our trip and be used at both parks? And what about character meet-‘n-greets? Finally, what size is the pass (as it seems I should wear a lanyard for rides that don’t allow bags)?

Let’s delve into the answers for each of these questions all at once, as there’s quite a bit of overlap between them.

Attraction Assistance/Guest Assistance Passes – basic info
By all means, everyone with special needs should ask for the Attraction Assistance Pass for her children, and, yes, it will cover the length of your stay. Autism and scoliosis have usually been accepted medical reasons for the AAP at Universal Orlando; my daughter has Down syndrome, autism, and scoliosis and is granted the pass (along with several others I know, who have the same issues). I don’t think you need to worry about your request to Guest Services, but if you do encounter a problem, ask to speak with the ADA manager – or a representative of his staff – and explain your concerns.

If you’d like to contact Guest Services, the phone number is (402) 224-4233 (option 2), and you can send them an email here.

Try to use the AAP first. If your child still has trouble with waiting, go back to Guest Services, explain this to the team member at the desk, and request the Guest Assistance Pass (GAP), which works just like an Express Pass but without any waiting at all – you simply enter the EP queue as soon as you arrive at the attraction. Again, don’t hesitate to ask for the assistance of the ADA manager or his staff.

The nice thing is you can have both passes at the same time. This is important to know, since the GAP (like the Express Pass) cannot be used on four rides:

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Hogwarts Express
• Pteranodon Flyers

The AAP, on the other hand, can work on all attractions across both parks.

Using the AAP in a lanyard and for character meet-and-greets
I measured the size of the AAP as 2 3/8” by 3 5/8” when folded, and it will fit in a standard lanyard pocket. It fits better in the one that is offered in Guest Services ($5.00) than in the pockets of the lanyards that you can find in the gift shops (and which cost more).

The problem is you still have to unfold the card to (1) receive the return time and (2) when you arrive at the ride to have the appointment authorized. Since there is no way to show both the time slots and the bar code that is sometimes scanned by the team members at the same time, you’ll have to get the pass out of your pocket several times (unless the wait time is 30 minutes or less, that is).

As for the character meet-and-greets, the lines are usually less than a 30-minute wait, so you shouldn’t need the AAP for that. The longest line is usually during the Grinch’s photo opportunity during the Wholidays, but you can enter at the exit of the shop, and the team members there are usually kind enough to fit the special-needs kids in quickly.

At the restaurant meet-and-greets, meanwhile, the characters walk around and visit your table, sometimes more than just one time, which gives you the freedom for lots of photos. You won’t be needing your pass here, either.

Another extraordinary visit
Universal’s team members, and even the guests in the parks, continue to impress my family! We visited Universal Orlando on the last day of Grinchmas this year. When requesting our GAP/AAP in Islands of Adventure’s Guest Services lobby, one of the TMs gave our daughter the strand of Mardi Gras beads she had around her neck. Later, while waiting for our return time for the Hogwarts Express, a young man walked up to my husband and asked permission to give our daughter the stuffed toy he’d won playing a carnival game.

Here she is with her prize:

If either of the gracious people who helped make our daughter’s day so great are reading this blog, I want to offer you our heartfelt thanks!

Not only are questions being asked in the SNAU forum, but also those who wish a more private response can reach me through the forum’s private messages and my email: specialneedsareuniversal@hotmail.com. The more questions asked, the more we’ll be able to help!

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

Have more questions or your own tips to share? Leave them below in the comments.

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

• – Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Vacation Packages
  – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
  – 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

The post SNAU: Touring Universal with autistic family members appeared first on Orlando Informer.

I believe that the Special Needs Are Universal forum is working well for those with disabilities. I’ve posted FAQ topics with the most-asked questions for both Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World, but I have also realized that those with special needs (or their families) really do want and need personal answers to their specific queries. If you can’t find the answer to your questions there, I will always help you find what may work best for your situation.

Let’s grab a couple of these specific questions from the forums and see if we can’t provide some information for everyone.

Everything you ever wanted to know about wheelchairs

From Maddie (edited – original post is here):

I have some questions about using wheelchairs at Universal… moving around the parks all day will be impossible for our family members without them.

1. Can I pre-book wheelchairs online or by phone before I get there?

You cannot reserve wheelchairs, but Universal does request a two-week notice for ECVs (electric conveyance vehicles/scooters). Call Guest Services at 407-224-4233 and follow the prompts.

2. How much does a wheelchair rental cost?

The current cost is $12.00 plus tax for a wheelchair rental, but it’s not published on their Wheelchair and Stroller Rental page. A $50.00 deposit is also required but is refunded when the wheelchair is returned. If you use a credit card, the slip is returned to you when you return the chair. I called Guest Services at the above number; you can always email them at GuestServices@UniversalOrlando.com for questions, too.

3. Are there places to park the wheelchairs outside every ride?

Yes. If you do not see the signs for “stroller or wheelchair parking,” ask a Team Member for assistance.

I should probably also note that manual wheelchairs can be used in the queues, but ECVs cannot.

4. We will probably have Express Passes, but will my [wheelchair-bound] mom and aunt need to come with us, or should they be going through some kind of wheelchair-entry queue? Or should we be going with them there?

Those with wheelchairs using Express Passes may enter the EP queues along with your entire party. However, EPs can’t be used for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (Hogsmeade) or Pteranodon Flyers (Jurassic Park) in Islands of Adventure. They also will not work for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and Hogwarts Express (Diagon Alley) in Universal Studios Florida.

However, if one of your party does qualify for an Attraction Assistance Pass due to a disability, that does work for Forbidden Journey and most likely will also work for Escape from Gringotts – we don’t really know yet, as we have little information about disabled accessibility on the new Diagon Alley ride, other than information I was previously given.

Companion restrooms at Universal

Restrooms with companion access continue to be one of the most-asked questions I receive. I know that most don’t think about what facilities exist before they go to the parks, but for the disabled community, it can be a literal lifeline to having a stress-free day to know where to go when they have to go!

Lesallpr asked about being a companion of the opposite sex (edited – original post is here):

I am a caretaker of my 86-year-old mother and my 47-year-old sister, who has microcephaly. My mother needs assistance in the bathroom, and if there isn’t a companion bathroom available, my female cousin, who is younger than me, enters the bathroom with her to help her. As a male, I am afraid we will encounter someone that might not like that I am there. What can I do?

Believe it or not, there are family/companion restrooms popping up all over Universal Studios Florida! However, they are in short supply at Islands of Adventure, but I would be willing to bet that, with the new construction around Hogwarts Station, one will be available there (I hope!).

This is one of the questions addressed in the Special needs are Universal FAQs – Universal Orlando forum post, and the answer can also be found in this article. As I stated there, you should voice your concern to Universal Orlando using their online form, or call Guest Services at 407-224-4233. Perhaps if more of us keep asking for the restrooms, they’ll provide more. We really do need them.

I was at Magic Kingdom the other day and met a mom with a disabled adult son. They were kicked out of the women’s room because someone complained, even though the difference between men and women didn’t register with this young man. We actually have had this situation – our friend took his wife in the men’s room, but checked to see if it was mostly empty first.

Here’s my suggestion for Islands of Adventure if you have to take your mom into the men’s room: first, go inside and make sure the large handicapped stall is empty, then have her wear a floppy hat and cover her eyes when you roll her in. If an attendant is near, ask for assistance with those already inside. But do make use of the bathrooms available in First Aid when you are near.

Disability access at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride

We have a topic about wheelchair accessibility on the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. There is a link to a post by the Rolling with the Magic blog and a personal review by one of our forum readers, not to mention my own recent experience. Feel free to post your encounter, too!

Special requests for access into Diagon Alley

With all the fervor of the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, the questions continue to come into us here at Special Needs Are Universal. I’m trying to find out the information about the new rides and shop access as fast as I can, even though it looks like a soft opening may not happen for park visitors before the opening date of July 8 (though, as we’ve already seen, the Hogwarts Express has started its softs). But we’re doing our best to get the news that matters for everyone, including our disabled readers.

For instance: while writing this installment, I came across a comment on Maureen’s newest blog post. Because we all are hoping for soft openings, I thought this topic would be appropriate for SNAU readers:

Hi. My son has Asperger’s. He will be 18 in July. We are from the UK and will be in Orlando from June 29 to July 6. He is obsessed with Harry Potter and has his heart set on visiting Diagon Alley. I understand there are previews for Universal guests, but we couldn’t stay on-site due to his needs. Does anyone know/think if I contact Universal and explain the situation, they would allow him to preview the area, also? He won’t understand why he can’t visit if others can, so if it’s a definite no, we will have to avoid the park altogether.

We have visited Orlando eight times in his short life, as he loves it so much, with this planned to be our last visit as a family. It would mean everything to him and us if he could get access.

Unfortunately, calling Universal will most likely not help. They probably have already received hundreds (if not thousands) of similar requests. I have also contacted them, telling them that I write a blog for disabled guests to the park, and I’ve not had an invitation, even though my family has been Annual Passholders for 16 years.

I understand how you feel – you want to give your son the best memories! I do, too, for my disabled daughter. However, I know from experience that there is little chance you will be allowed access unless they allow soft openings during your stay. So, make sure you take him to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure, not to mention all the other wonderful attractions available.

I wish I could give you better news. Please visit the Special Needs Are Universal forum; I’m going to copy your query there, so if we receive any positive news, we’ll be able to respond! Also, make sure you follow us on Twitter for the most up-to-date info.

One final note…

Not only are questions being asked on the SNAU forum, I’m answering queries through OI messenger and my SNAU email (specialneedsareuniversal@hotmail.com) for those who wish a private response. I have also come to realize there are few places where parents of adults with disabilities can find a safe, private place to communicate, so I am working on providing a special group forum in the near future! Keep a watchful eye – if you are interested in being a part of this specific group, please message me or send me an email, as it will be by invitation only.

Keep sending those questions, no matter which way you prefer!

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

View all of our Special Needs Are Universal blog posts

The post Special needs are Universal: Wheelchair access, companion restrooms, and special requests for Diagon Alley appeared first on Orlando Informer.

My hope is that the SNAU forum will help those of you with disabilities lessen your anxiety and enable you to visit Universal Orlando Resort with the most updated information available anywhere.

FAQs

In April, I posted the most frequently asked questions for both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. Some find it difficult (and time-consuming) to search through the information on both of those corporate websites, and what is found sometimes isn’t complete enough for their needs – which is why there was a need for Orlando Informer in the first place!

Please read through the FAQ posts and see if your question is there; if you need more clarification, leave a comment. If your question isn’t shown, post it under Have a question for SNAU’s debi? and I’ll be happy to direct you to what you need to know. I check the page several times a day and will respond to you, either under your post or in a private message, to let you know that I am working on your response.

Finally, if it’s something you don’t feel you want to share with others, you can always private message me or send an email at specialneedsareuniversal@hotmail.com.

Diagon Alley ride requirements

I really enjoy being able to research and give new information about a ride that was previously unknown, so I naturally found this question from Susan5124 very exciting:

I’m in a wheelchair and planning on attending the grand opening of the Diagon Alley expansion when it opens. Will I be able to ride the Hogwarts Express? I’ve been very excited about it and have counted on doing it but never really questioned riding it, because I just didn’t see any reason I couldn’t. I can’t imagine height restrictions, and that is the only thing that has ever even been questioned on any other ride at Universal Studios Florida/Islands of Adventure.

Now that the opening is getting closer, I’m starting to worry. Someone brought up in another forum the topic of strollers on the train. Someone answered that they would need to be folded, but, yes, they would be allowed on the train. The wheels and footrests on my chair are removable, but the base is rigid. Would I be able to ride while remaining in my chair, or would I need to get in a seat and have my companion take my chair apart as much as it can be, or would I be denied riding altogether since it won’t fold?

I contacted Guest Services and was able to receive these facts before they were posted on the Universal Orlando website. I sent an email to Kevin Huff, Manager, Operational Safety & ADA Compliance at Universal Orlando on a Saturday; he forwarded the email to Brittany in Guest Services and asked her to call me the next evening. I added questions regarding Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, as well.

Will the Hogwarts Express have ADA access without passengers having to transfer to the ride from a wheelchair? Will scooters be allowed?

Yes! Wheelchairs will roll right on. In addition, ECVs (electric conveyance vehicles [i.e., scooters]) – both Universal’s rentals and personal devices – will also have access without having to transfer to a seat.

Will chairs have to be “locked in” or folded?

She doesn’t believe there will be tie-downs for the ride – you’ll just have to set your brakes. Strollers will have to be folded.

Will Escape from Gringotts be wheelchair accessible, or will guests have to transfer?

Transfers to a seat will be necessary, but, yes, the ride will be accessible from wheelchairs. Remember, ECVs are not allowed in the queues, and guests are required to transfer to a manual wheelchair.

Can you at least give a height requirement for Gringotts?

Brittany said she believes guests will have to be at least 42″, but she can’t guarantee that measurement until the ride officially opens. However, she did say she knows it will be at least this high and not the same as Flight of the Hippogriff, which is currently 36″, with children under 48″ having to ride with an accompanying adult.

Will there be harnesses or lap bars?

Lap bars.

This information was confirmed on their website a couple of days later.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can follow the forum posts at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and hit up our Complete Guide to Diagon Alley page.

Expectant mothers want to know

A few weeks ago, a poster asked if I would consider doing a ride chart for expectant mothers similar to the one that I did for sensory issues. I spoke with my daughter-in-law, who is expecting our fourth grandchild in early December. She and her doctor discussed this and said that she could ride anything that was okay for a heart patient to ride.

Based on that recommendation and what I found in the current Universal Orlando Rider’s Guide for Rider Safety and Guests with Disabilities (PDF file), I have compiled the “Universal Orlando Rider’s Guide for Expectant Mothers.” Only the rides from the Rider’s Guide that have exceptions for expectant mothers are listed in this chart.

This is meant only to be an easier-to-use version of the same information listed in the Rider’s Guide and also notates stationary seating so that you can experience the ride while others in your family use the traditional seats. This chart can easily be printed out and taken to your doctor to discuss before you make your visit to the parks.

Please remember – first and foremost, you must follow your own doctor’s orders.

Universal Orlando Rider’s Guide for Expectant Mothers (PDF file)

And if you’re wondering about Cat in the Hat, read this discussion about the ride on the forum. I rode it on May 23, and it was so tame that, after the Rider’s Guide is updated to include the new info on Diagon Alley, I’m willing to bet this ride can be added to the chart. However, until that time, I’m going to keep with the recommendation that expectant moms should not ride.

Queue widths exceed industry standards

A quick update about my April 7 SNAU post regarding maneuvering wheelchairs:

I did as I said I might – take a measuring tape and measure several of the queue widths. Most were right around 46”, far more than the required 36” inches. However, we did notice that in the turnbacks (where you make a U-turn into the next line), some queues did have trash cans in the way at some point, which only left enough room for our daughter’s chair to sneak through – her chair is smaller than 36” from wheel to wheel. I can see this being a real problem for those chairs designed for larger individuals, which Universal rents, along with regular-sized manual chairs.

Remember, ECVs (scooters) cannot be used in the queues at either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure.

Team Members continue to impress

On my last visit, the hot weather and the news that Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was not in operation when we arrived in the Wizarding World took over, and I just had to sit down. With the crowd hanging around, hoping for it to reopen, I finally found a wall to use next to the award-winning Mythos restaurant. I must not have looked well, because a Team Member cleaning up the debris on the pathways came over to make sure I was okay.

Our daughter signed “bathroom,” and since we were across from the first aid station located in that area of the park, we went there to use the family/disabled bathroom I knew to be inside. The nurses manning the desk couldn’t have been more understanding. I found out that not only is there a bathroom in the lobby, there is one in the back, too. I asked if it would be okay if I rested a bit on the leather upholstered chairs in the AC after explaining my disability, and they said, “Of course!” We stayed for maybe 15 minutes, but that was all I needed to recoup my energy.

This is one of the biggest reasons why we love the Universal parks – the people who work there.

That’s all for now! Join the Special Needs Are Universal conversation until next time.

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

View all of our Special Needs Are Universal blog posts

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The post Special needs are Universal: Diagon Alley attraction requirements, expectant mothers rider’s chart, Team Members continue to impress us appeared first on Orlando Informer.

My heroes are those who do not let their disabilities keep them from living life, and this is why it’s so important to me to provide information through the Special needs are Universal column. We’ve watched our own daughter light up when flying with Woody Woodpecker or spinning on Storm Force, and it’s only right that all disabled have this same opportunity.

This week’s question

A reader’s comment made me curious about how wide the queues should be:

I have been going to Universal Studios Florida almost every year since they opened, and a few times I have had to use a wheelchair. Every time I have needed that, it has been an awful experience. It’s not the staff; it’s the lines that are only “wheelchair accessible” if you don’t mind bumping into things every five minutes…

Regulations for theme park rides

At least there are laws and regulations in place to help those of us who find wheelchairs a fact for mobility. The United States Access Board Accessible Amusement Rides (PDF file), available at the United States Access Board, states what must be in place for those building and running amusement facilities of all types, from amusement rides to miniature golf courses.

Not only did I find the information I was seeking when reading this, I found how paths must connect to all areas of the ride. The ride queues only have to be 36 inches wide. That’s it, folks. I believe that many of Universal’s queues may exceed this width, although I have not measured them – but, being curious, I may do so upon our next visit.

Tips for navigating Universal’s queues with a wheelchair

First, don’t try and go through the queues quickly. Turns can be tight, especially in the dark. I’ve learned not to feel pressured by the people behind me – let them walk in my shoes for just a few hours, and maybe they’ll understand why we move slowly. There doesn’t seem to be a regulation in the USABAAR document that addresses those L- and U-turn lines, and those are where we seem to be doing the most bumping.

Although Universal does not allow scooters or electric wheelchairs in the lines, extra space will surely be appreciated by all manual wheelchair users. Some chain/rope posts have supports or weights on the bottom, which also take up several inches, so it’s easy to get hung up on those. Sometimes, there’s an occasional trash can blocking the path that we have to shove to the side. Try and stay in the center of the line and be careful along textured walls so you don’t scrape an elbow. And most importantly: pay attention to your surroundings, including your fellow theme park guests. We all know that sometimes they are not paying attention to us.

The USABAAR also gives the allowable slope for the paths. So, when those of you who struggle to push your 200-pound husband up a ramp, don’t blame the park – they have installed inclines that are allowed. When we encounter one, my husband automatically goes to the front of the chair, grabs the arm rest, and pulls while I push; due to my disability, I have little upper-body strength, even though I do use our 98-pound daughter’s chair as my walker.

I also know it’s hard for those pushing a chair for the first time. I’ve heard from readers who have told me they ache for a day or two after pushing around a family member when they are not used to doing so. It’s not as easy as it looks, so, if you’ll be using a wheelchair for the first time at the parks, it’s a good idea to have a few “practice sessions” before you travel.

As I always recommend, download -and, if possible, save to your computer for future reference – the Universal Orlando Rider’s Guide for Rider Safety & Guests with Disabilities (PDF file). In my opinion, this is the most important document that Universal provides. But not everything we need to know is in it, so I’m going to point out a few things that may make your visit a little easier.

Elevators

I have already addressed one of my pet peeves when waiting for an elevator – people riding a scooter or using a wheelchair waiting just inches from the door – in my Public Service Announcement: This is how you walk through a crowded theme park. There are several courtesies that all guests can use when visiting Universal Orlando Resort – or any theme park, for that matter – and I urge you to read this article.

Which rides have elevators?

In Universal Studios Florida:

• Fievel’s Playland – at the bottom of the water slide.
• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack – everyone enters the attraction using an elevator up to the MIB Welcome Center. The queue splits, and you will be sent to the next elevator by the Child Swap room. There are lockers available at the ride platform. If you need to remain in your chair, there is a special device that “floats” right onto the ride car. If you transfer, ask for the front seat of the car – it’s lower to the floor and easier to reach if you have short legs. When you disembark, use the elevator to level two, then head down a long, slopping, curving ramp.
• Revenge of the Mummy – there is a crossover to the elevator which can be easily missed if a Team Member isn’t on duty at that gate; it’s very dark. Ask for the ADA car. When the ride ends, it stops on the same track where the wheelchairs are waiting.
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – there is a wheelchair transfer device.

In Islands of Adventure:

• The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride – the elevator is located next to the Child Swap area. You must transfer to ride, and there is an ADA car, with a door that opens for easier entrance and exit. This ride does not provide the assistance needed to reach the higher-than-normal seat, and stepping up into the ride vehicle and/or sliding from your wheelchair to the seat may be difficult for some.

• Me Ship, the Olive – a fun, two-level exploration experience for children.
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – please see my previous article about the secondary platform; the elevator is in the very dark dungeon. Show your Attraction Assistance Pass or Guest Assistance Pass for assistance. You can request a tour of Hogwarts Castle before you ride. Remember, Express Passes are not yet accepted, so there is no separate queue. The exit through Filch’s Emporium can be challenging due to posts being right in the walkway and crowds stopping to look at merchandise.
• Both the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Doctor Doom’s Fearfall have elevators. Ask for assistance.

Terrain

I know that stamina is greatly affected by the terrain of the parks. Universal Studios is relatively flat, except for the ramps. Islands of Adventure has several hills in Hogsmeade, Jurassic Park, and Toon Lagoon. Take your time and rest often. That goes for those of you pushing a guest, too – that long walk back to the parking garages can be a killer.

One common complaint I hear about are the bone-rattling cobblestones between Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Review and Transformers. Our daughter dislikes them so much that we have to take her up on the sidewalks that are usually already crowded. If you take the sidewalk along the lagoon, a small building juts out, which leaves only a small, narrow walkway. If you take the walk by Louie’s Restaurant, the fruit and juice seller’s stand also takes up much of the walk, and the lines for service are across it.

Companion bathrooms

I reported on the companion restroom situation not long ago, and the information remains the same.  I’ve been told there are no immediate plans to add them in Islands of Adventure.

As disabled guests, we need to continue to ask for more of these restrooms and explain how much they would be appreciated. You can contact Universal by using their online form or calling Guest Services at (407) 224-4233.

If you are really having problems maneuvering through the lines, or any other area within Universal Orlando Resort, do what we have learned – ask for help. Not demand, mind you, but pleasantly request assistance.

I hope I’ve been able to provide some insight if you are using a wheelchair or scooter. If you have a question that hasn’t been addressed in one of my articles, please do not hesitate to post in the OI Forums. And, for new readers, don’t forget to review the Attraction Assistance & Guest Assistance Pass page in the OI Universal Center.

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

View all of our Special Needs Are Universal posts

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The post Special needs are Universal: Maneuvering a wheelchair through the parks, finding elevator access & companion bathrooms appeared first on Orlando Informer.

In today’s post, I’m going to take our discussion in a slightly different direction. Instead of answering a specific question from a reader, I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss a recent news story.

A few days ago, WESH-2 Orlando aired a story about a man who, while visiting Universal Orlando by himself, rented a scooter but was denied access to using the lines while riding it. Since he maintained that he couldn’t transfer to a manual wheelchair (due to lack of upper-body strength), he requested his admission be refunded. He was offered a discount, but that not being what he wanted, he reached out to WESH. After the TV station made a call to Universal, his money was returned.

The necessity & benefit of planning ahead

After viewing the report, I realized what I have been saying all along is the best information that can be given to anyone living with a disability: plan ahead. It doesn’t sound like “Guy” (what I’m calling him for this article) researched what was available online for the disabled or went to Guest Services to ask what help could be made available for him, especially because he was solo. It is not Universal’s fault he didn’t check the rules for disabled riders before he bought his ticket.

Being disabled takes the spontaneity out of life; it’s a reality that there are many activities we just can’t take for granted. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) helps level the playing field, it isn’t always fair. I’m sure attorneys go to great lengths to ensure every established rule meets current laws, and then it’s up to us to ensure we’ve reviewed whether or not our conditions will allow us to abide by these rules. That must be done before you go to the park, not after you’ve gone through the turnstiles. That’s really why I’m writing Special Needs Are Universal.

The first mistake

And it sounds like this is where Guy made his first mistake. He should have, at the very least, started checking for disability information by visiting UniversalOrlando.com. The Universal logo for “disabled” is at the bottom of the page and will link to the resort’s disabled information. Of course, he could have also started his search for necessary information on Orlando Informer, too. In addition, Universal Guest Services can also be reached by phone at (407) 224-4233 (it’s a good idea to have a list of questions ready before you call).

Next, download and read the Universal Orlando Rider’s Guide (PDF file). I have mentioned this in almost every article I have written because I think it’s that important. (Don’t attempt to print this – it’s a large PDF file, and it’s free at the park.) If Guy had read this, he would have realized that he must transfer from his scooter to a manual wheelchair before entering the ride queues. Park rules, height requirements, medical warnings, and all ride information are in this document – valuable information for all guests.

The WESH report has Guy stating that he was at Universal Studios Florida in 2012, and that he was allowed to enter the lines on his scooter. Universal officials said if that happened, it would have been a “momentary exception in an effort to assist him.” And as noted in the Rider’s Guide, there are no shows and attractions that permit ECVs.

This rule isn’t new.

Here it is in a June 2009 Adventure Guide I have from Islands of Adventure, which, actually, is still on current guide maps:

How you work with Universal’s Team Members matters

Guy’s second mistake was that he probably didn’t make Guest Services his first stop once at the park, whether or not an Attraction Assistance Pass was needed. Both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure have Guest Services offices located to the right of the ticket turnstiles after you have entered.

(By the way, there are outside windows for Guest Services before you even enter. Please know that you can’t get an Attraction Assistance Pass there, but if you haven’t purchased your ticket and you haven’t done your research beforehand, you can and should ask questions there before you do anything else.)

If I were by myself and knew the regulations for scooters, I would have asked to see if assistance was available before entering the park. Knowing that he wouldn’t be able to propel himself in a regular wheelchair, Guy could have asked for an assisted pass and, perhaps, whether a TM might be available to help him with the chair through the Express Pass lines or another alternative entrance. The Rider’s Guide also suggests having a companion, but that’s for if you need to be lifted from your chair, and Team Members are not trained to perform that duty. However, I’ve seen TMs push chairs for others on several occasions.

I am not saying that this can be expected from Universal Team Members – only that, if you really want to experience the thrill of the Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure rides, how you work with the Team matters. I wasn’t there, so I don’t know what the interaction was between Guy and TMs. They’ve helped me when I’ve struggled with pushing my daughter up ramps. I didn’t even have to ask – they volunteered their help. But I also wasn’t demanding it.

In fact, my daughter and I have been shown to unseen entrances on occasion by TMs, and perhaps they would have done the same for Guy.

If you have uncertainties

If you doubt you or your family member’s ability to ride – say, they have a cast or brace, prosthetics, missing limb, or other severe disability – it is imperative to ask to be evaluated by a member of the ADA supervisor’s staff, which can be done at the Guest Services offices. Most of these conditions are also mentioned in the Rider’s Guide. After a series of accidents in different theme parks several years ago, Universal required Team Members to make sure certain requirements were met before allowing some people to ride.

This happened with our daughter, and the TM wasn’t willing to believe that she had already been on this particular ride at least 12 times since it had opened in 2010, so we immediately went to Guest Services. We asked to speak to the ADA supervisor, but not being on park property, a member of his staff was able to reach him on the phone. After a quick evaluation by a member of his staff, who was kind and not threatening because she had the training to deal with the cognitively disabled, we were issued a letter stating which rides our daughter could ride, which was everything.

Now you know why I recommend being evaluated!

Remember: the rules are there for your safety, and Guy needed to understand that. The signs were there several times – he just didn’t stop to read them. Don’t assume that your particular problem will be addressed without first seeking information and assistance. Save yourself the disappointment of being told you can’t ride by doing your research before you go and verifying that information in Guest Services.

Many of our problems existed before websites and free long-distance phone calls, and we had to learn the hard way. But that was before. Nowadays, sites like Orlando Informer are available to anyone with an internet connection – so we can all save time and money, and plan the best vacations possible to Universal Orlando Resort.

As I bring this article to an end, I want to thank our readers so much for your support! I’ve been getting lots of emails and letters of thanks, and I appreciate every one – I am happy that I can help.

If you have a question that hasn’t been addressed in one of my blogs, please do not hesitate to post on the OI Forums. And, as always, for new readers, don’t forget to review the Attraction Assistance & Guest Assistance Pass page in the OI Universal Center.

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

View all of our Special Needs Are Universal posts

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The post Special needs are Universal: Guest’s visit ruined by poor planning – how it could have easily been prevented appeared first on Orlando Informer.

There is no need to jump from place to place to find knowledge about Universal Orlando Resort – it’s all right here.

And it seems that Orlando Informer has become a popular go-to site for those across the pond.

From Liz in the United Kingdom:

We are a family of six traveling from the UK with two disabled children. One child has cystic fibrosis, and his condition is quite severe. Another child has a syndrome that causes developmental delay, short concentration span, and problems with his gross and fine motor skills. Could you advise me on the pass that would meet our needs and any documentation required?

We will be in Orlando for two weeks in early April and have booked hotels within 0.5 miles of Universal and Wet ‘n Wild, as these are the parks we intend to visit. It is of great importance to us to plan this visit, as in the future, my grandson may not get certification to say he is fit to travel. Many thanks.

Thank you, Liz, for sharing your information about your children and your trip. My husband, daughter, and I have been annual passholders for 15 years, so I hope our experience can help you.

Disabled documentation & advocating

Obtaining doctor’s notes and disabled passes continues to be a common request, so I’d like to address this recurring concern for all our readers. The information you need on Universal’s disabled passes is available on this page in the OI Universal Center:

• Attraction Assistance & Guest Assistance Passes

Always be prepared to advocate when you go to Guest Services at any theme park. That means being able to describe, in the least amount of time and words, why an assistance pass is needed. I will tell you that it has been my perception that most of the Team Members with whom I have had the pleasure of dealing have understood our explanation. However, some guests have not had the same experience. That’s why you need to be prepared to advocate. Know the medical condition, explain why you or your child can’t be in line for a long period of time, or even why waiting outside the lines and receiving a time to come back would help to make the theme park experience easier for the disabled person involved.

If you are denied the Attraction Assistance Pass, ask to speak to a supervisor, the ADA supervisor, or a member of his staff. If you carry a doctor’s note, place it on the counter and just state your doctor has requested special assistance. TMs are not allowed to read these due to current HIPAA (patient rights to privacy) regulations, so, technically, it is not needed. But it does show that you have medical information from your doctor that would prove why you need accommodations, and it is always helpful to have a copy in case there is a medical emergency of some kind, especially when you are far from home.

As someone with more than a couple of medical diagnoses, not to mention my daughter’s, I think it’s only smart to carry information with me, especially when traveling. I forgot my insulin at home once. Having the information with me helped me procure what I needed without the time lost while waiting on a call from my doctor.

Evaluations by ADA staff

I also can’t emphasize enough how important it is to ask to be evaluated in Guest Services by ADA staff members if there is any question that your condition may keep you from being able to ride. Casts, prosthetics, or muscle conditions that keep you from being able to sit upright or hold on to hand rails, etc. are circumstances that can trigger staff members to question whether you or your family member is able to ride, and you may be pulled out of line or off the ride entirely. If this does happen, ask for a ride supervisor immediately.

All disabled riders should download and read Universal’s Rider’s Guide (PDF file) before leaving home. And you can pick up a hard copy when you arrive at the parks.

Available disabled passes

If it were my first visit to Universal Orlando Resort, I would request the Attraction Assistance Pass, or AAP, and it sounds like you have already read the information. The AAP is the more common pass given at Universal Orlando. If the ride wait is 30 minutes or less, you can immediately enter the ride or attraction through the Express Pass lines. If it’s over 30 minutes, you will be given a specific time to return to the ride. You do not have to return exactly at the time given, so if you’ve gone for lunch or on another ride, you will not be penalized for being late.

The Guest Assistance Pass, or GAP, is rarely given. It seems to be reserved for a family member who has extreme difficulty in using the AAP, especially during times when the wait is more than 30 minutes, and, then, only after having spoken with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities) supervisor or his staff. Try using the AAP first, and if it proves to be difficult for one or both of your children (i.e., meltdowns due to wait times, feeling claustrophobic in the queue line due to his/her disability, or similar behavior or cognitive complications), then return to Guest Services and ask to speak to an ADA staff member.

We did have to do this with our daughter. She had been issued the GAP for several years, and it was in their database that we were supposed to get this pass for our family, but the computer had not been checked when we requested assistance when the AAP was brand-new. Our daughter has both Down syndrome and autism, with severe cognitive delays in understanding “wait.” Her tolerance for being in one place, let alone in a line, is about 15 minutes. Quite frankly, I didn’t know the new pass had been developed until it was given to us. We also had our daughter evaluated to make sure she was tall enough to ride, could hold on to safety bars, and would hold her head back on head rests when requested. It was determined at that time that she did fit the profile for the GAP.

I have a friend who has an older teen with autism. They use the AAP and find it works fine for them.

Crowd calendar & weather conditions

Based on the OI Crowd Calendar as of this writing, the crowds look to be moderate during your trip, so you may find the wait times not to be very long. However, this calendar is updated when more information is received about special events, etc., so check back before your visit.

The beginning of April usually sees warm weather, but be prepared for showers. I have watched as some guests demand certain perks and the outcome is usually negative. However, keep OI handy on your chosen communication device, and if the weather isn’t quite what you expected, click on this link, where you’ll find even more useful links to weather information.

I am sure you have already seen how informative the entire Orlando Informer site can be! Using this as a tool for your trip planning, I am pretty sure that you and your family can have a wonderful time at Universal Orlando. We have often explained to Universal Team Members the situations for which we needed assistance, and almost as often we are surprised at the level of thoughtfulness they have shown to our daughter and family.

If I can answer any other questions, please do not hesitate to write! I hope you will share your vacation with me when you return home.

After sending Liz my recommendations, she followed up with “Thank you for the extra information. Knowing what support is available means we can focus on looking after the children and enjoying our family holiday. I will let you know how our visit went on my return home.” We look forward to hearing about her trip!

And this is what Orlando Informer wants to offer to all our readers – information for a great visit! If you have any questions that haven’t already have been answered on the site, please check out the SNAU forum.

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

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The post Special needs are Universal: Traveling with two disabled children – how to best prepare for Universal Orlando? appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Punxsutawney Phil has decreed that there will certainly be six more weeks of winter, but people are already making their plans to visit Universal Orlando Resort this year. Those with disabled family are no exception, and I’ve received more questions in the last couple of weeks than ever before! I’m hoping that this little blog really is helpful to those of you who are disabled or have special-needs family.

“Horror stories” about disabled guests visiting Universal Orlando

As usual, many of our Universal guests will be coming from the United Kingdom this year. Thanks to Lee and Tracey, hosts of the UK Unofficial Universal Orlando Podcast, I have my first request from across the pond.

One of our listeners, Maddy, has a daughter with a condition called PFFD. Because she will be having extensive surgery following their August visit, which will require a restrictive apparatus, she would love her daughter to have a perfect trip, if possible. They will be staying in a villa, but will spend five days at Universal Orlando, with one night at Hard Rock Hotel.  Unfortunately, Maddy said that she had heard horror stories about the parks, and we wanted to know if I could calm her fears.

I researched PFFD (because I am not a medical professional) and found an easy to understand version at Wikipedia. Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency is a rare condition that affects the pelvis, usually the hip bone, including the proximal femur.

Maddy, I have heard you are a little concerned about visiting the Universal’s theme parks, and I hope that I will be able to allay those doubts. When your child has a disability, it makes it even more important to know what they may or may not be able to ride before visiting.

First of all, please download and review this pamphlet, Universal Orlando Rider’s Guide for Rider Safety & Guests with Disabilities – PDF file. I don’t recommend printing it because you can pick up a copy at the park once you arrive. It provides a list of all the attractions and their height and other special requirements for riders. Make sure you read the paragraph on Guests Using Manual Wheelchairs.

Secondly, please visit our Attraction Assistance Passes page in the OI Universal Center. This is our information on the disability pass that you should request at Guest Services when you first arrive at the parks. It is good for both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, and it will be written to accommodate your entire vacation. In the past, I have recommended taking a doctor’s note even though the Team Members who staff Guest Services cannot read them. However, it has been helpful, for other reasons, to have a copy with me just in case there is a medical emergency of some kind, especially when you are far from home. In a pinch, if I have worked with a staff person who was not very understanding, I’d just say, “I have a doctor’s prescription” and place it on the counter.  For some reason it seems to grab their attention. I really don’t think you will have a problem, but if you do, ask to speak to a supervisor. If that person is resistant, ask for the ADA supervisor. And most importantly, don’t get angry – just advocate for your daughter’s needs and smile. We visited the park recently, and while waiting for our turn to request our pass, the person in front of us received his with absolutely no difficulty.

I was really concerned when you said you had heard “horror stories” about going to Universal, as it really is our family’s favorite Orlando theme park. I wish I knew what you had heard. Honestly, 98% of the staff at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure has been super-wonderful to our daughter. They have offered free food and drinks, and they have let her ride a second time on several rides over the years, even though she doesn’t have the need to “re-ride” like several with autism do. When we’ve been there on her birthday and mentioned it to the ride attendants, it’s announced over the loud speakers. And if you’ve read my story about Flight of the Hat, you will see just how accommodating Team Members at Universal have been. Usually the negative stories are from those who don’t advocate for their families’ needs, which is necessary from time to time at any theme park, nor do they address their problems with the appropriate staff members.

Now that I’ve shared the basics about visiting Universal Orlando with a disabled family members, let me get into a few more details…

Universal Orlando attractions for kids

Almost all the rides designed for children have a height requirement between 36” and 48”, but it is important that you check the Rider’s Guide for the listed height. I will tell you that our granddaughter has been riding rides since she was quite young.

It sounds, from your description of your daughter, that she may be able to ride most of the smaller rides as long as they are not too forceful for her. I don’t know just how much bumping or spinning your daughter can take, but I can recommend most of the shows and attractions. I think the best thing for you to do is read Orlando Informer’s ride descriptions, so please the free guide for  Visiting USF with kids and Visiting IOA with kids.

As for play areas, USF has Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone; I’ve heard rumors that this may be in for a makeover, so it may be good to experience the area before it disappears! And in IOA don’t miss Me Ship the Olive at Toon Lagon, it’s completely wheelchair accessible with an elevator inside, and Camp Jurassic at Jurassic Park, also accessible. Our daughter loves to go through a stroll here, searching for dinosaur imprints on the walkways. And if your daughter loves the teacup-like rides, she’ll also enjoy Storm Force Accelatron – it’s the same thing, just a different theme!

Team Members are key to a successful visit

As I mentioned earlier, we recently visited Universal Orlando for the day. From the time we walked through the gates at Universal Studios Florida until we left Islands of Adventure, we had one of the most remarkable days ever! I talked to many Team Members that day, thanking them for the kindness they showed as we disembarked the rides or entered the parks. One TM with a “trainer” badge took one look at our daughter’s face and just KNEW we were having fun! I told her how we felt about the people who work there, and she said she’d be sure and pass it along to her supervisors.

But the largest display of Universal’s commitment to disabled riders that day came when we walked up to the gates at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and spoke to the ride attendant, asking to be shown to the secondary platform. He informed us the platform was under repair, so they could not board us via that entry. My heart sank because we LOVE this ride! He asked if we had a return time ticket, and finding we didn’t, handed us a small piece of paper.

Because there was only 20 minutes left before our return time, they allowed us to enter the attraction, where we waited near the Child Swap room watching the main platform. Now I understand why there is a secondary loading station – there is no way our daughter or I could ever hop in the “enchanted bench” as quickly as those fly past on a moving walkway.

[youtube_video]W1j7ZusjdHI[/youtube_video]

At the appointed time, the ride stopped loading new passengers and TMs began showing disembarking guests to the exit. Then, after a few moments, the ride came completely to a halt. As the lights came on, the TMS loaded approximately 10 waiting benches, allowing all of us with disabilities to get seated and harnessed. We were not rushed to do so, but led to our benches carefully.

Suddenly we were flying! We usually miss about 15 seconds of the ride using the secondary platform, so for the first time, we were able to witness those missing parts. Best of all, the TMs just seemed to be really happy that they could assist us so we didn’t have to miss the ride with the secondary platform closed for repairs! There have been times at another theme park resort where the lift that moves the wheelchair to where the ride disembarks has been inoperable, so we’ve had to forego riding. Universal Team Members made sure we didn’t have to miss Forbidden Journey!

This example is just another reason why Universal Orlando has become our parks of choice. The look on our daughter’s face while riding is a thrill for me, and I spend most of my time just watching her overwhelmed expressions of joy! I hope Universal can offer this same happiness to your daughter and your family, and you all will be in my heart and prayers.

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

View all of our Special Needs Are Universal posts

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The post Special needs are Universal: Are the “horror stories” about disabled families visiting Universal Orlando true? appeared first on Orlando Informer.

My family has found so much joy and entertainment at Universal Orlando, and for years I shared with everyone I met with disabilities that this was THE theme park that really does understand the needs of its disabled guests. I recently was asked to talk to a family who had heard horror stories about going to Universal, as they hoped I could allay their fears.

You can have an incredible vacation – and we can help!

I’m not going to deny that there have been a few difficulties over the years, but it is important that, if something does occur that just doesn’t seem right, each guest should immediately report the problem to either the ride supervisor or to Guest Services. To use my favorite axiom, “you can’t fix what you don’t know is broken!”  When reporting to a Team Member, don’t get angry – just state what the problem was plainly and calmly. Usually it has just been a miscommunication. I’ve had the same thing happen at Disney World, and often the problem comes down to a new hire who took it upon him/herself to use their new-found power to become a gatekeeper.

I can tell you that each and every concern we’ve brought to Universal has led to a positive outcome. And I feel that Universal didn’t do something just to appease us; they did it because they really did and do care. The team that oversees Universal’s ADA requirements is accessible to all guests to answer questions and take care of concerns. That cannot be said of some of the other parks. The positive commitment Universal has made to making sure those with disabilities have a great time has far outweighed the negative. So, those of you who have felt your family member just can’t “do” a theme park, well, I’m here to assure you that, with planning and by using some of the tools we have collected on this site, every disabled individual can have a wonder-filled experience.

Planning for a vacation, or even just a day trip, can be more challenging when there is a family member who has a disability, be it physical or developmental. My family has spent 15 years navigating the Universal Orlando’s theme parks, learning the ins and outs literally by the seat of our pants – there wasn’t a lot online when we first started our visits. I have found the staff at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure to be helpful and caring, and their dealings with our daughter’s needs sold us on returning year after year.  It is in this spirit of compassion that I was pleased to help Orlando Informer put together the information we feel is of service to our readers. I hope you will continue to send me your questions in the coming year! I will do my best to find the information you request, and if it’s something I have already covered, I will link you to the articles that contain the material you seek.

Visiting Universal Orlando with cystic fibrosis

I have been working on several questions recently, and in the near future I will report on how the DAS (Disabled Access System) has really been working at Disney World. But for now, I’d like to focus on these questions I recently received:

Mick sent me his concerns about his upcoming stay at the Hard Rock Hotel. His daughter has cystic fibrosis and, to help her maneuver the parks, they use a wheelchair to transport her. He wanted to know how far the hotel is from the parks, and he also asked about the rides and park hours – he didn’t want to rush his family’s visit. Having this information would help him should his daughter have difficulty breathing during their visit.

As the closest of the on-site hotels to Universal’s parks, Hard Rock Hotel is just a hop, skip and jump away from the main entrance to Universal Studios Florida. In fact, OI already has a page in the OI Universal Center about this very question. Viewed using Google Maps, the walk from the Hard Rock is a fifth of a mile and takes you right to the USF gate. If you are heading to IOA first, take the same path, but instead of turning into USF, you just continue another 1/5 of a mile to the IOA turnstiles. Orlando Informer has information covering all the Universal on-site hotels, plus the newest addition, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, opening this spring!

Universal is one of the BEST when it comes to accommodations for those in wheelchairs — this is one reason why July will begin our 16th year as Annual Passholders. Everything is well marked, elevators are where they are needed, and walkways and ramps are more than accessible. I don’t think you will have a problem maneuvering around the parks using a wheelchair because we never have. If you have noticed something in particular that you think might be difficult, by all means let me know.

A freshly updated Guide for Rider Safety & Guests with Disabilities (PDF file) is now online. It’s always a good publication to have available.  You can view it from the link above, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to print it. Instead, view it online as needed, then pick up a hard copy at Guest Services when you arrive.

I thought it would also be helpful for you to know where to find the First Aid facilities at the parks. They are staffed with professional paramedics and registered nurses. In Universal Studios Florida, First Aid is located in the New York backlot next to Louie’s Italian Restaurant (across from Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue), and there is a Family & Health Services satellite facility next to Lost & Found near Guest Services at the front of the park. In Islands of Adventure, the primary First Aid Station is next to The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad in Lost Continent, with a satellite in Guest Services at the front of the park.

In the images below, the plus sign marks the facilities’ locations.

The other question Mick asked was about park hours. OI also has the most useful park calendar I’ve seen that provides both hours of operation of the parks, special events, and what the crowds are estimated to be on any given day. A lot of work has gone into this calendar, and I’ve found it to be extremely accurate.

I’m also giving you the link about Universal’s attraction Assistance Passes. This pass can be issued to your daughter at Guest Services, and it allows your family (up to 6 members) to receive a time to return to rides when the wait is longer than 30 minutes. It is good inside both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. When you have a child with a special need like your daughter’s, getting caught in a long twisting and turning line could be a problem if she has a medical emergency. I, for one, appreciate the help Universal has given our daughter due to her cognitive and mobility disabilities.

Contact me if you have questions

I hope that Mick, his daughter and his entire family will have a wonderfully delightful time visiting the Universal Orlando Resort.  If I can be of help to anyone with disability questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the SNAU forum, and I will do the best I can to point you in the right direction for the answers you seek. Happy New Year!

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

View all of our Special Needs Are Universal posts

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The post Special needs are Universal: A review of how we can help disabled families, visiting the parks with cystic fibrosis, First Aid locations appeared first on Orlando Informer.

The disabled community truly does have needs that sometimes can only be understood by others in the same boat. We can help each other find ways to enjoy what the parks have to offer in a world that wasn’t developed for wheelchairs, people who can’t use steps, or those who have cognitive issues and can’t always understand the sights and sounds around them. It is my hope, through this column, that we can share those tricks that can help us enjoy all parks just as much as the non-disabled.

Autism sensory issues & food allergies

First off, Cathleen, Duluth, GA wrote:

We are visiting Universal for the first time. We have an 8-year-old son with autism sensory issues, anxiety, etc. So I called and they said I do not need a doctor’s note (for an Attraction Assistance Pass); is it done on a by case-by-case basis? A lot of his disabilities are not visible. So, if I understand correctly, if we go to ride, 30 min or less, we go in the express lane. If more, then they give us time to come back. In the meantime, can we ride any ride that has a 30 min or less time? And what if it is so crowded that there are no 30 min or less? And will we have enough time between to get back to that reservation?

Also, he has food allergies. Is there someone I can call to see where he can eat, especially if we are doing quick service and purchase meal plan? The last thing I want to do is go all over park to find somewhere to eat.

As you can see, planning for a day in a theme park is so much more than jumping in the car and taking off. “Spontaneity” is a word we can’t use frequently, but anxiety is! Those of us with disabled family have to plan ahead and have not only one plan, but several back-ups, so we have to ask many questions to help us be as prepared as possible.

Yes, Universal does give their Attraction Assistance Passes on an individual basis. I suggest you read our article in the OI Universal Center that provides a full explanation: Attraction Assistance and Guest Assistance Passes. This should answer all your concerns in one place! As for the doctor’s note, in my experience there was a time not long ago that some with hidden disabilities, like autism and MS, were still not being recognized by parks’ personnel, and it seemed that placing the note on the counter helped them understand there really was a disability. More recently, team members seem to be much more understanding of cognitive special needs. That being said, I still carry a doctor’s note for my daughter and myself, just in case we may need it elsewhere when we travel.

The return times on the AAP are also explained in the article. Because I am disabled too, we never go far from the ride for which we are waiting.  You do not need to worry about getting back to a ride at the return time you were given, as they will accept you any time after the one written.

As for allergies, there is another blog post you may wish to read: Guests with Food Allergies visiting Universal Orlando. There are phone numbers and an email address listed for where you can address your questions to Universal’s Quality Control chef, Bob Burdick.

Follow up: Annual passes & birthday wishes

A few days ago I heard back from Cathleen, whose questions above I had answered in an email when I first received them.

She wrote, in response to whether the information I provided was useful, “Yes, it did help! And we had a wonderful time, so much so that we got season passes!”

However, she explained that she had contacted Universal about restaurants and food allergies, leaving a message, but no one returned her call. I, too, have had that happen.  Guest Services also could not offer them any help with food allergies. They bought the Meal Pass the first day, but found it to be a hassle; she wishes they would have known beforehand which restaurants had foods her son could eat. Cathleen wrote that, on the second day, they took their chances at the character breakfast, Circus McGurkus, Burger Digs, and Mel’s Diner, and her son was able to eat everything. However, she said they were not able to find snacks her son could eat at many of the carts. I understand this because of our daughter’s inability to chew, and with the exception of ice cream (and butterbeer), most snacks must be chewed!

The AAP passes worked well for her son, and she didn’t need a doctor’s note to receive it. The crowds were manageable during the week of Thanksgiving; they would go to the rides, with the longest wait to get return times, and then let the boys play in a play area, catch a show, or watch the parade. Cathleen said some team members wouldn’t have a pen to write a return time, and instead they allowed her to enter the Express Pass line without a reservation, sometimes even taking them to the front of the line.

Ride team members also allowed her kids to repeat some of the rides two or three times in a row – and since it was her daughter’s birthday, team members announced her daughter’s name over the loud speakers on The High In the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! Cathleen wrote, “We were very happy with staff, and they were very accommodating.”

Cathleen’s family experience is so similar to some of the wonderful things we’ve had happen to us while at Universal. I’m happy to see that the tradition of caring still runs strong in our favorite parks, and I am looking forward to our own trip next week!

Disney planning

The next concerns come from Brad in Arizona:

Please send me phone numbers and E-mails for Disney. I just read your review of the new Disney disability program and am extremely troubled and nervous. I live in Arizona and have been planning our long awaited trip to Disney World (been saving for almost 10 years).

Brad has an adult son with autism. He described to me the way his son, a big guy, had meltdowns while waiting for a ride at Disneyland with the reservation system they had in place before the DAS (Disability Access System). It didn’t work for them and he has been losing sleep over his first visit to Disney World next summer. I, too, have been losing sleep over returning to the Disney parks to see the holiday decorations and Osborne Family Lights at Hollywood Studios.

More resources & Disney contact information

Thank you so much, Brad, for taking the time to share with me. Please believe me when I say, I so understand where you are right now. I’m sending the information you have requested (see below) and also would like for you to visit a OI contributor Maureen’s website, Autism At The Parks. She also has an older son with Autism and really does understand your concerns. She has also written about her recent experiences with the new Disney disabled program. We have to learn to advocate even more for what our kids need, be they young or old. I think she and I understand your anxiety a lot more than someone whose child is just a toddler or elementary age, because we’ve actually experienced meltdowns and behavior outbursts for many years. As my daughter has gotten older, some of those behaviors have been modified, others are worse. But we all know best what our family member requires to have an enjoyable day.

Here are the names and contact information for Disney World executives:

General email for Walt Disney World Guest Communication Services:
wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

If you have specific questions about the DAS:
disability.services@disneyparks.com

The snail mail addresses:
Walt Disney World Guest Communication Services
Post Office Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL  32830-0040

Robert A. Iger
Chief Executive Officer
The Walt Disney Company
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521-4873

Thomas O. Staggs
Chairman
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521-4873

Writing this Special Needs Are Universal column has been a wonderful experience for me!  I want to wish all Orlando Informer readers a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year! Keep those questions coming.

That’s it for today – see ya next year.

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

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The post Special needs are Universal: Autism & food allergy concerns for first-time Universal Orlando guests, Disney contact information for disability issues appeared first on Orlando Informer.

This week I’d like to bring you up to date with some new information of particular interest for disabled theme park guests visiting Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

Disabled parking permits for International visitors

A reader recently asked a question about disabled parking permits via the comment section under my post about handicapped parking in the Universal Orlando Resort garages:

I’m from Brazil, and we are going to Orlando in January. We will need to use the handicapped parking since my brother-in-law uses a wheelchair.  Since I’m not an American citizen, I was wondering if we need to get some kind of special permit in order to have access to these special parking spots.  Thanks in advance for helping!

The only way that you can use the Handicapped Parking zones in U.S. parking lots is if you already have a disabled permit issued through your local government.  (In the U.S., those are issued to the individual, not the vehicle.) Your brother-in-law will have to bring his placard or permitted hanging tag with him if he has one. If he doesn’t, he should probably contact his local vehicle agency and see what he will need to have one issued to him. Florida does allow parking permits from other states and countries that display the international symbol of access.

Please see this page from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to learn more: http://www.flhsmv.gov/FLVisitorsFAQs.htm.  Have a safe trip!

Companion restrooms added to Universal Studios Florida

With all the new construction at Universal Orlando, I am so happy to see the new companion restrooms popping up in Universal Studios Florida (sometimes these are referred to as family restrooms).

For 15 years I have had to know exactly which restrooms had the stalls that were large enough to accommodate my daughter’s chair and myself. When my daughter says she has to “go”, she has to go immediately, and is not capable of holding it until we walk back to the front or opposite side of the park for one of the “hidden” disabled restrooms. Many times I would just have to take our daughter into the closest restroom and hope for the best. It IS embarrassing to have to get her situated then leave the door open so that I have access to her wheelchair bag for any supply I may need, as not all park restrooms have a full-sized handicapped stall. But since there are only two disabled restrooms at Universal Studios Florida — one is located in First Aid (on Canal Street across from Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue), and the second is in the front of the park at Family & Health Services (next to Lost and Found and Guest Services) — we’ve been having to use whichever regular restroom was closest.

Now that has changed. The addition of three new Family/Companion restrooms is like a coffee lover getting a new Starbucks!  The new restrooms are located on the backside of Mel’s Diner (across from the Transformers building), in the new Simpson’s Springfield area, and one just west of Disaster!.

In Islands of Adventure, there still are only two facilities: in the First Aid Station in Guest Services at the front of the park, and in Lost Continent across from Oasis Coolers.

I learned from a restroom team member that most of IOA’s bathrooms have basically the same layout, so all have at least one large stall and one of the single stalls for disabled guests, along with plenty of regular stalls. But maneuvering through the rooms on crowded days to the back can be hazardous, so having even a few new accessible restrooms would be wonderful.

Just to see if there might be plans in the works for new facilities, I made a call to Guest Services and spoke to Kristen. She gave me the locations of the current restrooms but revealed that there are no plans at this point to put Family/Companion restrooms into Islands of Adventure. Perhaps those of you who are in this situation should consider letting Universal know how much Family/Companion facilities within IOA would be appreciated. You can contact them using the online form at http://visitorsatisfaction.com/contactus/ or call Guest Services at 1-407-4233.  I did!

Changes to Universal’s Attraction Assistance Pass

We also recently learned that there has been a splendid change in how the Assisted Access Pass (AAP) can now be used at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Dan reported this in his Daily Updates a couple of weeks ago, but it is such good news that I wanted to recap it one more time.

Previously, when guests had a reservation time on their Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP), they couldn’t go on any other attractions using the accelerated entrance without forfeiting that reservation. Universal has reversed this policy, so now, even if guests have an AAP reservation, they may also enjoy any other attraction using the accelerated entrance that has a wait time of 30 minutes or less — without forfeiting their current reservation.

This enhancement may have something to do with the new Disney DAS (Disabled Access System) card, which only allows those with the pass to ride attractions using the accelerated entrance with a 10 minutes or less wait. It’s possible that Universal understands how many of us are dismayed that Disney no longer understands the complex needs of many disabled guests and have crafted this move to have Universal Orlando Resort be more attractive to those with special needs. Actually, this has been the biggest reason why we have been annual passholders at Universal for 15 years: they showed our daughter such compassion and concern for her happiness while visiting their parks that it was almost impossible to not return!

Life changes dramatically when you have a disabled person in your family, and your options for entertainment, in many cases, become very limited.  The more I understand this move on their part, the happier I am to renew our passes for a 16th year!

That’s it for this edition!

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

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The post Special needs are Universal: Disabled parking permits for Int’l visitors, new USF companion restrooms, changes to Universal’s attraction assistance policy appeared first on Orlando Informer.

How the Disability Access Service (DAS) card works

The disabled person should go to their selected park’s Guest Relations office to ask for the DAS.

Those with mobility issues who do not already have a wheelchair or ECV (Electric Conveyance Vehicle/scooter) will be asked to acquire one — unless they have another need that falls under the DAS, these guests will not be issued the card without a wheelchair or ECV.

After a picture of the disabled guest is taken, it is printed on the card (still good for up to six people in your party), signed and dated by the individual or parent/guardian. On the back are spaces for ride wait times, enough to cover all four parks. You can get a new card if your spaces are filled. They are good for the length of your stay, or for Annual Pass holders, 14 days. However, you will still need to go to Guest Relations in each park you visit on subsequent days to ask for the accommodations your family member requires. The picture and information will remain in Disney’s database.

You will then show the DAS to a Disney cast member (CM) at each attraction. If the attraction standby line is 10 minutes or less, and you have no wait time on the card and you will be able to ride immediately. If the wait time is over 10 minutes, the CM will assign a return time on the back of the DAS card based on the current standby wait. Your reservation is good until you return to redeem it. You can only have one DAS wait time at a time, but you can choose to go on a ride with a 10 minute wait between reservations. If you choose to do this, you must use the standby or wheelchair specific entrance. Note: the DAS can be used at the Princess Fairytale Hall, Enchanted Tales with Belle, and indoor character meet and greets (these were not previously available with the GAC).

You can also obtain FastPasses, including FastPass+, for any participating attraction, and use these in conjunction with your DAS card to reduce your overall wait times throughout the day.

These are the Terms and Conditions as printed on the card:

• Your scheduled return time does not provide immediate access upon your return.
• Disney FASTPASS service is a separate service and may be used in conjunction with this service.
• Park and attraction hours are subject to change without notice.
• Attractions may close without notice.
• Not valid for admission to any Theme Park, experience, service or faculty.
• All Guests must meet boarding requirements.
• When utilizing this service, it is possible to experience waits greater than the posted wait time.

Disney’s new Disability Access Service is designed for guests who are unable to tolerate extended waits due to disability. In theory, this service allows guests to schedule a return time reservation that is comparable to the current queue wait for the given attraction.

DAS pros & cons

In addition to our day in Epcot, I have been in touch with others in the cognitively disabled community, reading and listening to all their comments about their first day and subsequent visits. Here are some pros and cons of the new system:

Initial request for DAS

Be prepared to advocate for yourself or your child/family member.

I must have said “she’s Down Syndrome with Autistic tendencies” 20 times to the first cast member we encountered. Other moms reported that they were asked about needed accommodations immediately! It took us almost an hour and had to speak to three CMs before we finally received a few FPs and other tickets to allow our daughter the one accommodation she needs – accelerated access, which we were provided with when using the old GAC system. (Due to my daughter’s lower than normal cognitive skills, she has never been able to comprehend “wait”.)

As I’ve learned, the initial request process is inconsistent across the four parks, sometimes from day to day in just one park. Cast members have an iPad that they use to unobtrusively take the picture of the disabled (or the picture of the parent if you do not want your child’s picture taken). Eventually all the information is going to be in the Disney computers, so you’ll just have to show the picture ID that was initially used and the special needs should be there for the CM. One mom told me her son’s information was there when she went to Animal Kingdom several days later; another mom told me her information was not at Epcot, and she had to go through everything a second time.

Mobility issues and the DAS

If you have your own wheelchair (or ECV/scooter) and don’t have any other physical/mental medical impairments, you don’t need to get a DAS and can bypass Guest Relations. I was told this includes guests with back and knee problems, broken bones and muscular diseases. You will be able to obtain return time tickets from any ride with wheelchair-only entrances without showing a DAS card. However, you will still have to wait the length of the standby queue less 10 minutes. You can utilize the regular FASTPASS system while you are waiting and that won’t take away your return time ticket.

Wait times at the attractions

All guests, including the physically/mentally disabled, will now wait the amount of time posted at the entrance to each attraction, minus ten minutes.

One could explain that this is a “pro” to non-disabled guests who have never felt it right that those with disabilities used the FastPass lines with the GAC. On the other hand, I believe this is a “con” for disabled guests. When we come back to a given attraction to use our reservation time, our wait will most likely be longer because, when we return, we have to also stand in the FP line. In practice this means that disabled guests will often wait longer than those in the standby lines. In other words, not only will the wait in the FP line possibly add the 10 minutes back that was initially deducted when a reservation time was assigned, we will have to wait with all the regular FP guests arriving to the queue at the same time. That’s the reason for the bulleted item on the cards above.

What to do while waiting

If you have a considerably long wait for the next attraction for which you’ve been given a reservation time, you can check the My Disney Experience mobile app to see what rides are 10 minutes or less. (Note: at SeaWorld that time is 20 minutes or less, and at Universal Orlando it’s 30 minutes or less.) You can also use available FastPasses. Unfortunately, tracking down rides with less than 10 minute wait times or looking for FastPass machines both require extra walking and park crisscrossing. With my own physical disability, this is just not possible.

Disney wants you to get a snack, take in a show, watch a parade or shop while you are waiting. For those of us with a child/adult in the ASD and like disorders, they sometimes are not comfortable with many of these activities (except eating, and even that is difficult for us), and extra planning and organization is going to be required. Surely it is doable, but once again, it’s going to be more stress on the parents. Of course, non-disabled people seem to think that’s fair, even though their families have a world of opportunities available to them away from the parks; for us personally, the parks have been our respite in a world that is anything but inclusive for our daughter.

DAS: An assessment of the initial rollout

The inconsistencies with procedures among the CMs from park to park and ride to ride are the biggest problem that I’ve found with the new system. My experiences and what I’ve read so far shows me that the CMs have been mostly denying the needs of the disabled (as they were directed), even though Meg Crofton, Disney’s President of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, wrote in a September 30 letter to several Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) bloggers, “We will continue to work individually with our guests with disabilities to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances“.

This brings me to another point: However unhappy you may be with these changes, don’t take it out on the front-line cast members. They didn’t make the changes, Disney leadership did — take it to them (let me know if you need email addresses, contact information, etc.).

All in all, for the DAS to work as a complete system, it’s going to take a lot more work, preparation and redirection from parents/caregivers. I don’t think the parks’ personnel have yet seen many meltdowns because, with the old GAC system, we were given strong tools to keep them at bay. Going forward, provided “quiet places” most likely will be anything but quiet. We are trying to be patient and positive in making this new system work, but it’s going to add more stress for the person who is the main caregiver for the child/adult. In our daughter’s case, I don’t know what we’ll do as we’ve already been through 25 years, 50+ teachers and therapists, and we still can’t get her to learn the skill of “wait”.

I know Disney is only trying to weed out the abusers, but in doing so they’ve yet to see how they are making disabled families feel unwanted. Not only is the new Disability Access Service more work for us, it’s more work for the CMs: more paperwork, more tension with guests, more of their time trying to solve problems.  The GAC worked so well for those who truly needed it. In my opinion, Disney should have developed a system to track down the offenders, not implemented an entirely new system for those who have a real need for accommodations.

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer are official representatives of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

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As you may have already heard on local news casts, Disney is dropping the Guest Assistance Card (GAC) for disabled/wheelchair entry on rides and attractions at Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disney California; the last day of use for the current card will be October 8, 2013. Because this is such a major change at the world’s largest theme park resort, I am dedicating this ‘Special Needs are Universal’ post to the topic.

The actions of a few affect the many

In May the TODAY Show did an expose on how some supposedly disabled guests were selling their services for big bucks to act as tour guides for customers who wished to gain “front of the line” entrance to the rides and attractions at Disneyland. (As those of us with disabilities know, the GAC has never really been a front of the line pass, at least at WDW. I recently heard a local news program actually say those with this pass are waved through to the front of the line. My family has NEVER been sent right to the front of the line, but has used the same line as those with FastPasses. If we happen to get to the FP entrance at the same time as those with FP return times, we wait behind or with those guests, and at some attractions like Toy Story, we’ve wait up to an hour. )

Because of the TODAY Show report, those of us with true disabilities, seen and unseen, will now have a whole new way of not having to stand in the line, but we will have to wait much longer, and it looks like it can be almost as long as the guests standing in the standby queues. For those with family members who have intellectual disabilities, or those with a diagnosis on the Autism spectrum and other learning disorders, they are not going to be able to handle this change from their usual “routines”. It really is not as simple as making the child (or in my case, adult) learn to understand “wait” like you would a 3-year-old child. It doesn’t compute.

This was the common thread throughout the Special Mouse Tea Party discussion group I had the honor of speaking with via Skype on Tuesday. Maureen Deal (an OI contributor and owner of Autism At The Parks) and I were part of a roundtable discussion with several others from the West Coast to the East. Invited by Special Mouse moderator Kathleen Kelly, RN, we’re all very concerned on how our family member will react when they realize there will be no “routine” from here on out.  Our discussion focused on two topics: 1) How the proposed changes will affect our families and 2) What suggestions we would give Disney to improve the DAS. This podcast is now online.

In the last few days since the news of this change broke, there has been much discussion of the unconfirmed changes in the GAC. But Temporary Tourist blog author Aunesty Jannsen received confirmation from Suzi Brown, Director, Media Relations and External Communications, Disneyland Resort. Also, Kathleen Kelly (also of Disney Lovin’ Spectrum Mom) received Disney World confirmation from Leanne Jakubowski, Director of Social Media at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney’s Guest Assistance Pass becomes the Disability Access Service Card

The new card, The Disability Access Service Card or DAS, will roll out on October 9, 2013. Disabled guests will stop into Guest Relations to request the card, and if qualified, will be photographed and that picture will printed on the DAS. No doctor’s note has ever been required (per the ADA), but I will be carrying one with me as I always have. If you have some kind of a mobility or stamina issue, you will NOT be given the DAS, but asked by the cast member to get a wheelchair or other device to help you wait in the standby line.

Disneyland will have a kiosk system to get their ride return times (similar to the FastPass machines), but they will not be in Disney World for now. Disabled guests with the DAS will have to find a cast member at each ride to have a return time pass issued. The ride wait time will be based on the current wait times on the Disney Mobile Magic app, less 10 – 15 minutes. For example, say the wait time for Splash Mountain is 90 minutes. Your return time probably will be written for 75 minutes later.

The DAS holder will not be able to obtain another ride time using the DAS until that first “reservation” has expired. The holder and their party will be free to enjoy other aspects of the park; enjoy a meal, shop, take in a show or even use a regular FastPass while they wait. The holder will then return to the reserved ride at the designated time. When we are able to use the Magic Bands and RFID/FastPass + program (now in the testing phase at WDW), hopefully everything will be built into those bands and you’ll be able to set your ride selections from home. Extensive training for cast members will begin shortly.

My family and I are planning to be at Epcot on the day of roll-out for the DAS card, and will report on our experience after our visit.

The good, the bad & the just plain ugly meltdowns

Does the new DAS program sound good? Hey, this new program makes it equal for all those normal park guests who have been complaining that we disabled get all these extra perks, and it most likely will greatly deter those who were taking advantage of the system. Problem is, most of those “normal guests” do not have the day-to-day life challenges that those with handicapped families do. Many of our kids are not able to enjoy the life experiences that normal children and families can. We look for help at places like Walt Disney World where, until now, has been so accepting and understanding of our differences.

The first concern our Special Mouse podcast panel discussed was how the proposed changes will affect our families. We found holes in the new DAS that will make it very difficult for those with Autism, intellectual disabilities (i.e. Down Syndrome), and many other conditions. With the old GAC system, cards were stamped with the reason for accommodation – sensitivity to sun, visual/hearing impairments, and wheelchair transfer, among others – six reasons in total. All the team member had to do was see these stamps and know how to help the guest. Now it looks as though parents, or the individual, will be required to verbally explain what they need in order to ride.

On October 9 there is only one thing that will happen for all guests with disabilities: they will mostly likely be required to wait for as long as any other WDW guest. They just won’t be in a line.

None of us is asking for immediate entrance – we never have. What about those who don’t understand “wait”, can’t be taught to do so, and can only physically delay their excitement for 15 to 20 minutes before having a meltdown? Many, like my daughter, have their own routines that have been established over the many years we have been Annual Passholders. Some reported that kids in the Autistic spectrum have a comfort in being able to ride their special cocooning ride three times in a row before their need is satisfied. Will they be able to do that without having a meltdown right there on the spot? In my daughter’s case, she will have to go up to the ride entrance, thinking she is entering the FastPass line, only to have to turn around and wait. Breakdown time – all participating in our panel discussion said they would most likely have the same result with their children.

Another hole in the system is those who have muscular disabilities and use adaptive devices other than a wheelchair or ECV (Electric Conveyance Vehicle).  They have been able to get a GAC as part of the old system, but most likely will be denied the DAS as part of the new system. They are going to have to pay another $12 for the privilege of waiting in line with those with NO mobility problems. That’s real equal, considering the ADA says that parks should make reasonable accommodations for the disabled person. Is Disney is going to charge others the $12, too? I foresee a park FILLED with wheelchairs, with Disney making more money than ever with those rental fees, taking up even MORE room in the standby lines!

I use my daughter’s wheelchair as my walker due to my muscle diseases; after a couple of hours my strength gets weaker and the muscles in my legs hurt so badly there isn’t a pain killer made that stops it. I must sit for a few minutes every twenty minutes or so, and there is no place to sit in any of the Disney lines. A walker or a cane doesn’t stop the pain – these devices just keep me from collapsing. I also envision older adults who insist they can walk collapsing in the lines (older people sometimes won’t admit they have a problem).

Even if I got a wheelchair, my husband can’t push two of them, and I don’t have the strength in my arms to roll the wheels by myself; Post-Polio stripped me of that ability. I have been told by a Disney cast member that if I’m not in a wheelchair, I am not disabled! Even if we park ourselves on a bench near the ride to wait the allotted time, our daughter will keep signing “GO NOW” until she works herself (or me) into a frenzy. Based on what I have discovered, Disney seems to be using the issue created by the abuse of a few to make it overwhelming difficult to allow families like mine to have a day where we can just forget, for a few hours, that our daughter is disabled and her care consumes our daily life. It is all I can do after a day trip to the parks to get out of bed to take care of my daughter, but I do it for her.

The Disability Access Service begins October 9

We need to wait and see how this system will really work and hope that Disney realizes there needs to be another option for our family members because they are different and need different accommodations. Life is not fair and equal. If so, all normal people would have handicapped individuals or maybe our kids would be normal! As for me, I’m hoping the one thing that hasn’t been announced is a second level of pass that will be issued when our family member is introduced to the GR cast member. We can’t expect for these people to be clinicians, but perhaps with training, there will be understanding that not all disabled can use the same accommodations.

Then we must give lots of feedback to Guest Relations before we leave the parks, so they can see if this system is working or not. Also, here’s the address of someone you can write to now and explain why you may be anxious about using the new system: Meg Crofton, Walt Disney Parks & Operations, PO Box 10040, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.

I look forward to reviewing this pass next month!

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer are official representatives of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

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All the buzz right now is about Halloween Horror Nights 2013, so it only stands to reason that we are now receiving questions about the event. Even disabled guests visiting Universal Orlando LOVE to have the pants scared off them! And why shouldn’t they? My Downs daughter has loved Beetlejuice (and his revue at USF) and Rocky Horror Picture Show since she was 15. Let’s check out our HHN questions…

Last week, I received an email from Dino:

I wanted to ask, we have people in our party that have MS and Fibromyalgia.  We went last year and it was almost unbearable for them to wait in all the lines. I know they have used the Handicapped assistance service Universal offers during regular park hours. Does HHN 2013 (Halloween Horror Nights 23) offer the same type of visitor assistance with disabilities? Thank you for whatever help you can give us. 

This week I received similar questions from Robert:

Hello, I would really like your advice. I’m bringing my girlfriend who has serve autism, we’re coming in two weeks! We have gone to the doctor to get a letter explaining her difficulties in hope that we can get a GAP pass while we’re there so she can enjoy it as much as she can without stress. I would like to take her to Halloween Horror Nights. I read that the queues and crowds can be really bad, but I didn’t see advice on whether we can use the GAP pass. Are you able to go down the Express Pass queues, or do you have to have times to come back for each house? Any advice would be much appreciated. Many thanks from a big fan of Orlando informer.

Before I start with my answers, please note that I write the information below assuming the reader has a good understanding of Universal’s Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) and Guest Assistance Pass (GAP). If you are not already familiar with these, do take a few minutes to read through our explanation in the OI Universal Center — that link will open in a new window for your convenience.

On to Dino’s question… In response to your email, my husband, daughter and I decided it was time to drive from the West Coast for a day in our favorite parks and ask the question about the passes directly. When we went to Universal Studios Guest Services to pick up our GAP pass, I asked Barbara, the team member sitting at the disabled desk, about the availability of the Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) and the Guest Assistance Pass (GAP) for HHN. She informed me that Guest Services team members had just been through a training meeting about HHN. The good news is the AAP will be issued and accepted at the rides that are in operation AND the haunted houses through the Express Pass lines! However, Barbara said that the GAP was not discussed and would probably be addressed when requested, and she suggested I check back at a later date. After I found Robert’s email in my inbox, I made a phone call to Guest Services for the followup.

This time I spoke with Alicia. She confirmed that the AAP would indeed be issued for disabled guests, up to a party of six (6). This is the pass where the disabled guest receives one card with lines for return times for the attractions if they are busy. However, for the GAP, Alicia told me that only TWO (2) passes will be issued during HHN event nights. I told her there are only three people in our party, but she said that due to the crowds and the lengths of the lines, this was the decision that was made by management for this year’s event — no exceptions would be made. So if you have a party of more than two, you may want to consider whether the AAP is better overall, since that can be used for up to six guests.

READ THIS NOW

Whichever pass you decide to use, it is very important to note that “Express Pass access” at HHN can only be expected to cut your wait time in half. In other words, if a haunted house has a posted wait time of two hours (which is common, especially during HHN peak nights), your Express Pass wait time may be a full hour.

Those familiar with Universal will recognize that this is very different from using Express Pass access during the day, when it almost always can get you on a ride in less than 15 minutes regardless of the posted standby time.

If these kinds of wait times are alarming to you, please follow these steps. First, read through Tip #1 in our 13 best tips, tricks & secrets for HHN. Once you’ve read that, contact Universal Guest Services to discuss your individual case: 407-224-4233 or toll-free at 1-877-801-9720.

More followup

Check back on Orlando Informer in early October, as Dino has promised me a review of his experience (his party is going to HHN during the last week of September!).

Finally, if you haven’t already followed the links posted earlier in this article, here’s one more: complete insider’s guide to HHN 2013.

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

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I have two questions for this post. The first is from a reader who wishes to remain anonymous and will be visiting from Across the Pond…

Walking aids & canes

Last year when I came to Universal I was given a pass from Guest Services that I used to go on rides and gave times to attend each ride. I have arthritis and a muscle disorder, which prevents me standing for long periods of time, and I am registered disabled. This year I am also bringing a registered disabled friend who who used a cane and cannot stand for long periods of time. Do I go to Guest Services to collect the pass or have they changed it since last year?? 

Yes, Dear Reader, Attraction Assistance Passes are still available at Universal’s park and work the same as you remember, and you can read through our guide in the OI Universal Center by clicking here. Although a doctor’s prescription or note is NOT needed, just placing one on the counter seems to sometimes change how the Guest Services representative considers your request. Why this happens, I do not know. I would think that all team members are trained the same way, but sometimes one decides to play “gate keeper” and can present more of a challenge for the disabled guest. Some have questioned us as to why our daughter needs a pass even though she is obviously disabled. Also, if you are staying on Universal property, you receive free Express Passes, but they are NOT accepted at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. You will need the AAP for that one and ask for the secondary platform entrance.

I certainly understand your and your friend’s concerns about the pain and weakness involved when walking and standing for long periods of time, and I know the lay of the land pretty well at the Universal Orlando Resort, so here’s a hint to help you maneuver through the parks: Universal Studios Florida is quite flat, with only a few hills and inclines. But Islands of Adventure has many longer inclines that make me very tired, even going downhill. We usually hang to the right at the Lagoon and go through Seuss Landing and Lost Continent on our way to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter; this route is shorter to our favorite island in the park. I can no longer experience walk-through attractions, so I have to bypass Poseidon’s Fury. Sad, really, because I LOVE this attraction, but there isn’t anywhere to sit along the way and just waiting in even the Express Pass queue can take up to 20 minutes depending on the show time. I know for people with normal hips, no lower back pain or muscle ailments, this is nothing, but for me it’s an eternity!

On a brighter note, the walkways and paths of USF & IOA have many places where you can to sit and rest between attractions/rides. Being able to utilize the Express Pass lines sure makes it easier when you have difficulty standing (with the exception of a couple of rides), although I’d love to suggest of park officials to install some benches in the marked disabled waiting areas, like those found in Shrek 4D and T-2.

Finally, please note that the area with the most hills and inclines is IOA’s Jurassic Park; I’m beat by the time we walk through to the second gigantic Jurassic Park gate. If we’re not planning on riding any of the rides in that area, we backtrack through Seuss Landing to get back to Marvel Super Hero Island. (We don’t do any of the water rides in Toon Town, but it is fun to watch other guests be soaked to the bone!) And when we need a real break, pick a show and relax, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants.

A couple other links that may be of interest to you are OI’s Universal Orlando 12-month crowd calendar with park hours & special events, which will help you to know what the crowd is estimated to be like during the time of your visit, and Universal’s Rider’s Guide (PDF file). A hard copy of the Guide is available in Guest Services.  Check the crowd calendar again just before you leave because it is updated when new information is received. Please know that you may be asked to give your walking aids to a team member when you board the rides — just be sure to explain that you NEED your walking aids when you get off the ride. Final note: on the rides you must be able to hold your head against a headrest and continually hold on with at least one hand.

Casts & braces

We saw our next question on Twitter and thought it would be a good subject to address:

Coming to Universal tomorrow, however my cousin has a cast on his wrist. Will he still be able to do the rides? 

The answer is yes and no. There are several rides that cannot accommodate guests with casts. These rides are marked as such in the Universal’s Rider’s Guide (PDF file), and you’ll also find a notice on each ride’s warning sign at the entrance to the attraction. The information provided in the Guide does say “Guests with casts or braces will be restricted from rides where the cast or brace may present a hazard to the guest or others. If in doubt about your ability to safely experience a ride, please consult with an attraction attendant or Guest Services for further information.”  In other words, ask to be evaluated in Guest Services before you go on the rides.

To help you out, I have checked the Rider’s Guide and have found only 3 rides that have restrictions with casts:

• Universal Studios – Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket.
• Islands of Adventure – The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Dragon Challenge and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

I hope I have been able help those of you with the above conditions plan your visit to Universal Orlando Resort! Many times we take for granted that our situations are “accepted” under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), allowing us to do everything “normal” riders can do – but it doesn’t quite work that way. If you have had a situation that you’re not sure was appropriate, please contact me in the forums. Allow us 48 hours to research your topic and answer your questions. Keep in mind I’m not a Universal team member, just a guest like you with 15 years experience navigating Universal Orlando’s parks.

Ultimately, I hope you will be able to enjoy the parks as much as we have over the years!

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

View all of our Special Needs Are Universal posts

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Ever wonder what happens when you lose something at Universal Orlando? As I mentioned in a previous post, my daughter’s hat recently took its own flight, so I now have the 411 on how to hopefully find an item through Universal’s Lost and Found!

Step 1: Contact the attraction’s attendants immediately

My Downs daughter has had her floppy denim hat for 14 years but it got away from her dad on Flight of the Hippogriff in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Islands of Adventure. We followed all of Universal’s recommended procedures, beginning with immediately telling the ride team trainer, Erik. He, along with the guy who was sitting in the car behind our daughter, helped us look for the hat through the fences around the attraction and along the queue. Brandon allowed me to ride again so I could look down into the trees and bushes and to make sure the hat wasn’t sitting on top of a structure. Erik told me the crew would be walking the areas under the track after the park closed, which is done every night on every ride. If you lose something, be aware that your item probably will not be turned into Lost and Found until after the park closes.

Step 2: Visit the Lost and Found office before leaving the park

Lost and Found is located within the Guest Services office in Islands of Adventure and at the Studio Audience Center in Universal Studios Florida. Team member Monique gave me a business card with the phone number I was to call the next day. No description was taken at this time because all found items are logged into a computer database with a detailed description first. Universal team members are not allowed to reveal statistical information to the public but Disney World does release their Lost and Found figures; they yearly log 18,000 hats, not to mention a daily average of 210 pairs of sunglasses, oodles of cell phones, cameras and other items. Logging all these lost personal items really must be a chore and Universal’s number of lost items is probably similar.

Step 3: Call the Lost and Found phone number the next day

Call 407-224-4233 and press Option 2 between 10 am and 7pm. There is also a form available at http://visitorsatisfaction.com/CONTACTUS/; do not send a picture of the item as they are not able to open attachments. I spoke with Heather who took a complete description of our hat, my demographic information and gave me a report number that I could give when I called back. This info went into a different database. She sincerely showed an interested in helping us find our lost item, as did everyone contacted.

Step 4: If your item isn’t found on that first call, call back in a few days

I waited three days before I called again. Amy didn’t find anything under “floppy” but did under “denim fishing hat, with pins.” She said she would mark this as a possible match, send the info “downstairs” and I would be called by another team member. That person will have the item in hand when calling. After not hearing from anyone (and getting a bit anxious) I called the next morning, speaking with Michael. He said I was third in the system and just hang in there – it sounded like this was it. Not five minutes later, John called! The moment he mentioned the Smokey the Bear pin (from our trip to Great Smokey Mountains), I knew it was our daughter’s treasured hat. I asked about the other pins, the really important ones from USF/IOA and they were ALL still on the hat! John truly seemed to be as excited as I about this Eureka moment! He said the hat would be mailed to us, free of charge.

Step 5: Contact Guest Services and submit a Thank You report

I called Christian three days later and asked him to submit a “good job” report. Diane had taken the report for Erik and Brandon before we left the park, but I wanted kudos to also go to the rest of the people who had helped since. I think it’s important to let Universal know how important these people were to you while visiting their Orlando property. Not only are congratulatory statements sent to the team members immediate supervisors, their names go all the way up the corporate ladder. Even though team members are under no obligation to immediately look for lost items, it should be noted that looking for things every day IS in their daily procedures. And if you find something, please don’t keep it – turn it in. It could be someone’s favorite hat.

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Today’s question comes to us from Carla:

My sister (43) and I (46) are taking our three kids to Universal Orlando in August.  (Our husbands are staying home for this trip.) My sister wears a leg prosthesis. We are staying on the property at Royal Pacific Resort so I know we will get the Express Pass. Should she also apply for the Universal Orlando’s Guest Assistance Pass? Eliminating any extra ‘standing’ time for her will help.

Thank you for your question, Carla. I am happy to answer your concerns and hope my information will help you plan your trip to the Universal Orlando Resort.  Since I have written about this in the past, I will direct you to some of my previous articles, which should be useful.

Since I have included a variety of links below, please note that each will open in a new browser window for your convenience.

First, if you haven’t read my blog on prosthetics, please do so. It addresses many of your inquiries. Even though you will have Express Passes, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (see below), after three years, still does not have an Express Pass line. For this reason alone, DO have your sister get a note from her doctor requesting accelerated access for rides and attractions, then request the Attraction Assistance Pass in Guest Services in the first park you attend. To read about the passes available, visit the Attraction Assistance Pass guide in the OI Universal Center. You may find this to be useful at other attractions, as well.

The Attraction Assistance Pass functions somewhat like an Express Pass, so you will mostly be using the same Express Pass queues. The only difference will be some rides that have special gates for wheelchair and disabled riders, which also can be used if you have the AAP. You didn’t say if your sister will be using a wheelchair, but almost all Universal Studios’ and Islands of Adventure’s queues are wheelchair accessible. If she is riding an ECV, those cannot be used in the lines and she must transfer to a manual wheelchair or walk.

Back to Forbidden Journey (in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Islands of Adventure): Getting into this ride can be tricky, so please read about the Secondary Platform at Forbidden Journey for wheelchair guests. It’s also used by others with AAPs. Having an AAP does not mean front-of-the-line entry for most of the rides. However, knowing the buzz words “secondary platform” may no longer have you sent immediately to the elevators that take you to that ride platform, which is through a couple of gates and to the right once you are sent into the Castle — you are in the dark of the dungeons, and this alone can throw off your sense of direction. It is up to you if you feel you want to take the Castle tour through the greenhouses (the long way up a series of ramps) or bypass the greenhouses by stopping on level 2 after you are on the elevator, before you buzz up to level 3 to change elevators.

The last time we were there we waited 45 minutes before we could load the second elevator that actually takes you to the platform – only three other parties were ahead of us. Either way you choose, do not miss the tour inside the castle, especially if you are a Harry Potter fan. The article linked to above will describe the ins and outs of the platform in detail.

For more information, please check out all of my Special Needs Are Universal articles plus others I have written about disability issues, not to mention all the helpful touring information available in the OI Universal Center. We try very hard to make sure to give you the tricks for getting through the parks and onto the rides without taxing your physical and mental abilities excessively. Hopefully you will find more answers to other questions you may have before your visit.

I hope I have been able to help your family plan ahead. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask  I would love to connect with you after your visit to see if your sister had any problems or great stories to share. Have a great visit at Universal Orlando Resort!

Special Needs Are Universal: Vicki’s back from vacation

In February Vicky sent us the following question:

We are doing the Disney World trip in June this year with our four boys, two of whom are Autistic. Last year we experienced using exit passes for the first time on a trip to LEGOLAND and it was wonderful. The whole family was able to enjoy the experience as even if one boy didn’t want to go on a ride, my husband could take the others on without queuing for long. Is this the same with the GAC passes in Disney World? As I fear that even if the boys don’t want to go on a certain ride, they’re going to become extremely stressed and have meltdowns waiting for their brothers.

I provided her with answers in my February 7, 2013 SNAU post, and I’d like to share her feedback sent to us earlier this week:

Well we’re back from our holiday in Florida and had a great time!  Thanks for all your advice. I did get my son’s  doctor to write a note about his condition, but were surprised by the different attitudes from the theme parks. Universal Studios were absolutely brilliant. It was the first park we visited, and due to jet lag, I’d actually forgotten to take the diagnosis letter with me. Expecting to be refused, I went to guest services and the lady behind the desk was very sympathetic and said no problem. She gave us a special pass which allowed all six of us in our party (two of whom are autistic) to fast pass the ride or if the queue was longer than 30minutes, then a time to come back. The pass was valid for both sections of the park, and as my son didn’t have a meltdown, I can say it was the most enjoyable.

Expecting similar understanding at Disney, we went to Hollywood Studios armed this time with the letter. The lady in guest services was unsympathetic and in fact quite rude, and dismissive. Fortunately the tickets we had included fast passes, but it was very hard for my son to wait for his brothers whilst they enjoyed the rides.

Whilst I realize that Disney have thousands of disabled and some quite ill people visiting every year, I can’t understand why they cant be more supportive people with ASD but Universal can. Needless to say I’ve been left with a very poor impression of the Disney company. My 13-year-old son, didn’t really like the rides but adored the cartoon characters, and this was the highlight of his trip.

Interestingly, when queuing for the flight back home, the family in front (who were a party of 10 and also had an autistic child) said they had no problems at Disney…but they went to Magic Kingdom first. So maybe we just had the bad luck to have unhelpful assistant. I’m planning on writing to both universal and Disney to say about our impressions.

Anyway, I thought I’d update you on our experiences and say thanks again for your help. Regards, Vicky.

If our readers have any thoughts have the Vicky’s statements, please share them in the comments below.

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

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My husband and I are in our early and late 60s, and we are retired. Our favorite form of entertainment is spending time at theme parks, specifically Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. We didn’t have the money or the time when younger, so doing this now gives us the perfect reason to enjoy each other’s company AND have a blast at the same time. Most of our friends and relatives are also our ages, yet we can’t convince them to spend a day with us at the parks. Age no longer defines who you are; our daughter’s godfather is 91 and still building houses for Habitat for Humanity. Because so many senior citizens call Florida “home”, we keep hearing these excuses:

Excuse # 1: “I’m too old”/ “I have health problems”. Actually, Universal Orlando’s parks have something for all ages. Some rides are no worse than the motions or forces you feel in an automobile when it accelerates or stops quickly, or even goes round a corner too fast. Not all are the bone-crushing, stomach-turning rides you remember. All have posted “warnings” to consider before you ride, but discuss this with your personal physician. My husband and I both have heart stents but our cardiologists have cleared us to ride most rides. In fact, my doc told me my heart is HEALTHIER now after the stents than it was months or even years before!

Excuse # 2: “I can’t walk far or stand very long.” Although walking is GOOD for you, there are plenty of places to just sit, rest and enjoy the atmosphere. Just do it more often! Don’t feel like you have to push yourself into seeing everything. If walking is a problem, wheelchairs are available. Talk to your doctor and see if he/she will write you a prescription for Assisted Access Passes, covered here. They will enable you to enjoy the attractions and rides you feel your particular health will allow by using alternate queues. You can take advantage of the complementary unlimited Express Passes just by staying at one of Universal Orlando’s three on-site hotels, Loews Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Use the single rider lines. I hear a lot of people saying they sometimes can walk right on and sit with their families!

Excuse # 3: “It costs too much for what we are able to do.” Not really, because there is a lot you CAN do. Discounted tickets can be purchased through one of Orlando Informer’s sponsors, Undercover Tourist, or through your local AAA office. You should also know that a 10% discount is usually available at restaurants and gift shops by just showing your AAA card, if you are not an annual passholder. If you are a Florida resident, the prices get even lower for tickets and for lodging at one of the on-site hotels.

Just what CAN you do? If you are still riding roller coasters, you can do just about any ride in the park. You will get WET on the water rides, so dress accordingly and bring a towel! There are many wonderful restaurants and restrooms are plentiful. You can also check out the Rider’s Guide (PDF file). Only you can decide what you feel you can ride, but here are the tame things you can enjoy, with your doctor’s blessing, maybe into your 80s:

Universal Studios Florida – Lucy, A Tribute1; Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show; Terminator 2: 3-D; Animal Actors on Location!; A Day in the Park with Barney; Fear Factor Live; Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Review; The Blues Brother’s Show; Twister… Ride it Out; Shrek 4-D; Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

Islands of Adventure – Caro-Seuss-El; High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride; Poseidon’s Fury; The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad Stunt Show; Jurassic Park Discovery Center. Even if you can’t ride, don’t miss visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

If you would like to learn more about any of the attractions listed above, each one has its own page in the OI Universal Center.

The landscaping through both parks is beautiful, not to mention unusual in Seuss Landing. And don’t forget to take in Universal’s Superstar Parade and the nightly Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years in the Making.

The next time your family comes for a visit, or if you a planning a get-away, I encourage you to give these parks a chance. Remember, you don’t have to DO everything. Take your time and enjoy yourself at your own pace. Wouldn’t it be more exciting to take your daily walk around Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure instead of the mall?

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Today’s questions come from Delores from Indiana:

I will be traveling to Disney World with my kids and parents soon. We will be spending four days in the parks. My dad is in his seventies, has type 1 diabetes, a prosthetic leg and eye, and for the most part is wheelchair bound (it’s very hard on him to transfer; low muscle tone). In addition he takes several medications that make him sensitive to heat and sun.

I have serious concerns about dad going, but he really wants to go “one last time and spend the week with the grandkids at the Happiest Place on Earth”.  

We are staying on-site but I’m worried about how long we will have to wait to use the buses to get to the parks. Plus we are planning on going back and forth from the park to the hotel to take breaks when needed. We will really need to minimize his time in the sun/heat. I’m planning on packing an umbrella for times when he might need some shade; is this allowed in the parks? I’ve read over the Disney with Disabilities pamphlets, but is there anything I should know or steer clear of? Any tips to make our week go as smoothly as possible?

Thank you for your question, Delores!

I understand your hesitancy taking your dad with you, but Disney World is probably one of the easiest places to visit with disabilities or for the “young at heart”.  My husband is 69 and I’m 63; he just started riding coasters a few years ago, and I have Fibromyalgia and Post-Polio — I use my daughter’s wheelchair as my walker.  First, ask your dad’s doctor to write a note that basically says, due to his health and physical limitations, he should have accelerated access at attractions. Make sure your dad is with you when you request his Guest Assistance Card at Guest Relations in the first park you visit. Although the cast member may not read the note, it’s one way of showing he really does need special assistance. In the past, parks used to put the entire length of your stay on your pass so you only had to do this once.  Know that this policy may be changing. As Annual Passholders, they have always given us a two-month window of time, but on our last visit a few days ago the cast member gave us dates of two consecutive days.

This pass will be good for all four parks. Show your GAC to the attendants at the FastPass lines or look for the wheelchair symbol for entrance. Remember, it is only good for up to six guests in your party. Also be sure to ask for a Guide for Disabilities for each park if there isn’t a copy available on the map kiosk inside the gates.

Another tip: use plenty of sunscreen for your family and your dad and apply it frequently, even though most of the queues are out of the sun and many are indoors. I know what can happen if you’re on a medication that is sun-sensitive and don’t wear sunscreen. Once I missed a strip of skin on my back; it turned purple and remained that way for a couple of months — although it did eventually return to normal.

Have lots of fluids and his medications. You can carry a small soft-side cooler – I am also insulin dependent, so I keep my pre-loaded syringes in ours. Definitely take a small collapsible umbrella. I’ve seen people using golf umbrellas and those I feel can be dangerous because they are so large. Little kids don’t know to look for the ends of the spines and can get poked in the eye. The smaller ones usually fit right over the person using it, are easy to close and seem to work best. We carry one from Universal with us. It’s come in handy more times than I can count.

I know that your dad’s energy and strength are going to be a concern. Try NOT to go back and forth from different sides of the parks. Make a plan, and then stick with it. The GAC, at this point in time, doesn’t have a time for ride return so that’s a real bonus. I’ve heard there are some changes coming in the near future – check out “Reworking Disney’s Guest Assistance Cards” in our 6-21 edition of Rumor Round-Up. But I think some changes are already taking place: for example, I learned this week that Enchanted Tales with Belle no longer accepts the GAC. With my intellectually disabled daughter already in tears and me trying to explain why to the cast members, they would not let us in the way they have in the past. We skipped the attraction to the dismay of our granddaughter, who really wanted to experience meeting Belle again.  My 6 year old understood – the twenty-something CM did not….

Suggested touring plan

If you are going back to your hotel for a rest, I would recommend the following plan:

Magic Kingdom – do Tomorrowland and Fantasyland in the early part of the day and return to Adventureland, Frontierland and Liberty Square, ending up in the handicapped seating area in front of Walt Disney’s and Mickey’s stature for the parade and fireworks, as it will be less warm after the sun goes down. There is something really magical about the Main Street Electrical Parade.

In Epcot, see all of Future World East and West (the front part) and do World Showcase later, as it doesn’t open until 11am. That way you’ll be on the lagoon for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Animal Kingdom is also set around water with bridges on both the east and west. I checked the park hours for the week you’ll be there and it’s only open until 8pm. Visit Africa (the back park of the park) first for the Kilimanjaro Safaris and Rafiki’s Planet Watch, see the animals in Asia and let those who want to ride Kali River Rapids do so, then take the east bridge back to the front of the park. After your rest, come back for Camp Minnie-Mickey, then over to Dinoland.  If any of your family wants to ride Expedition Everest, it’s just a short distance from Dinoland.  Remember, there are many things to see and do in this park that are not rides, like the new Wilderness Explorer game.

Finally Disney’s Hollywood Studios – probably the most confusing park. For some reason we still struggle with getting our bearings here. It just doesn’t “walk” like it looks on the map. Be advised there are also stairs in different sections with wheelchair ramps that are really not that close to those stairs, so we end doing a lot of circling – watch for the signs. Most likely, though, you’ll want to do the left side first, coming back by the Backlot Tour and Toy story, then pick up when you return with the Great Movie Ride and head to the right. (Make sure you catch all the shows and attractions in between these mentioned rides.) You’ll have to take a gander at the map; either way you’ll want to end the day on Sunset Blvd to find the entry for Fantasmic!, a nighttime spectacular with lights and lasers that lasts 25 minutes — don’t miss it! Sorry I can’t be much help with this park. It’s not one of our favorites so we don’t go there as often. However, others love this park, so please don’t let our experience color yours.

Ride Transfers

Transferring to the rides may be easier than you think. Although some of the rides require transfer from wheelchairs, many rides are set up to take wheelchairs right on them. Here’s a list where you can remain in your chair:

Magic Kingdom: Walt Disney Railroad; Jungle Cruise; Liberty Square Riverboat; “it’s a small world”; The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh; Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin allow wheelchair riders to remain in their chairs. Some rides can be stopped or slowed to help with the transfers, and I recommend doing these if your dad is able. Haunted Mansion, although you may have to wait until the car they use comes around, is a favorite, but is a transfer. Check out the entry to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover. It is entered by an inclined moving walkway but it’s another favorite “resting” rides  Since it is elevated and about 10 minutes long, you will get a great view of all of Tomorrowland and the insides of many of the attractions.  Buzz Lightyear isn’t a bad spin – you’re mostly in control and it’s a slow one. My friend who has end stage MS LOVED it, and the ride’s cast members allowed her to ride four times in a row!

Epcot: Riders can remain in their chairs on Ellen’s Energy Adventure (Future World East); The Seas with Nemo & Friends; Living with the Land; Journey into Imagination with Figment (Future World West); and Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros (Mexico). At Spaceship Earth (the big ball) there is a special entrance on the east side across from Guest Relations and a waiting area for wheelchairs; they can take Dad up the ramp in his chair for him to transfer.  Don’t miss this one! The rest of the attractions in the World Showcase are shows. It will take at least three hours to see all of the World Showcase countries and their shops. Once again, all the shows are wheelchair accessible.

Animal Kingdom: This park is actually the largest of the Disney properties. There really are not many rides but there is a lot to see: shows, discovery trails and exhibits are all wheelchair accessible. There are only three rides that allow you to remain in your chair: Kilimanjaro Safaris (a definite MUST but is very bumpy due to the nature of the safari trucks); Wildlife Express Train: unlike the train at the Magic Kingdom, this one is an express to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and TriceraTop Spin (like Dumbo). All other rides are transfers. It is not difficult to transfer into Dinosaur, but it’s a really dark and bumpy ride and throws you around in the car.  We don’t do water rides, so I have no idea what the transfer into any of those is like, but you do have to transfer.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: DHS also does not have a bunch of rides, mostly attractions and theaters that are wheelchair accessible. Remain-in-your-chair rides are: The Great Movie Ride; Toy Story Midway Mania! (usually a long wait even using the GAC, also an easy transfer if your dad wishes to do so), and the Studio Backlot Tour.  The one show you don’t want to miss at the end of the day is Fantasmic!.

Restaurants and gift shops are wheelchair accessible, as are restrooms. Keep an eye out for companion restrooms – they will be easier to use than inside stalls. For the most part, they are marked on the Guide Maps. The Magic Kingdom used to pass out a little printed notice that you could carry in your pocket or on a lanyard with the locations of their companion restrooms, but I’ve never received one at the other parks. There is always a companion restroom in First Aid which you can use – just ask for it when you enter.

Transportation

As for the buses, you should read my blog post about those. Getting a lift buse when the parks close seem to be the worst time, but you may luck out. Hopefully, since this happened to us, Disney is providing more buses with lifts. (If you find this is the case, would you please let me know?) You may have to speak to the transportation supervisor, who will send for a bus. You do have the option of folding your chair and carrying it on, but our daughter’s legs are really short and aren’t the same length so she is unable to climb bus steps.

I have found my best resource is to ask questions of everyone with a big smile on my face! If I explain my daughter’s need for something, we’re more than likely going to get the assistance needed. Don’t be afraid to ask!

I know your dad will be forever happy to have had this special time with his family and whatever special accommodations you need to make will be well worth it.  Have a great time!

DISCLAIMER: Neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park. Thanks for your understanding!

View all of our Special Needs Are Universal posts

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Our most recent question came from Nicole:

We are visiting Universal/IOA and Magic Kingdom for the 1st time ever in 10 days. Two of my 3 children are autistic. We have chosen to stay on property at Universal just for the Express Pass and early hours (even though it was a stretch to our budget!). Does anyone know if I even need a Guest Assistance Pass at Universal? (Also, my child that’s not autistic has a rare kidney disorder that requires very frequent restroom trips). I’d rather not stand in line to get an assistance pass if it will not help us much at Universal/IOA. I do have medical notes for all the kids.

Thank you for your question, Nicole.

If you are staying on-site at Universal Orlando Resort and will have unlimited Express Pass access, there are only a couple of reasons I can see to getting the additional Attraction Assistance Pass. First, if you wish to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Basically, that’s what the pass is – it puts you in the same line as those with Express Passes, but as of this writing Forbidden Journey does not allow Express Passes to be used (it’s the only major attraction that doesn’t allow them). Keep in mind that even with the APs you are NOT put ahead of other guests using Express Passes. The exception may be using the secondary platform for Forbidden Journey, which is accessed by using elevators. You have the option to get off the first elevator at level 2 to take the Castle tour and then get back on to go to level 3, where you will transfer to a second elevator to actually get to the loading platform on level 2. It’s rather confusing, so click this link to read the information regarding the use of the secondary platform.

Because Forbidden Journey is a pretty rough simulator ride, which takes you almost upside down, please check the riders’ requirements for this ride ahead of time in the Riders’ Guide. The last time we rode a week ago, we were placed in the stand-by line even with our AP and had to wait 10 minutes to find an opening in the line to get out and explain to the student why we needed quicker access to the elevators. Even then, we waited almost an hour on level 3 before we were able to ride.

Regarding Walt Disney World, sometimes the entry to a ride has stairs so those in wheelchairs are sent a different way, with or without Express Passes or Attraction Assistance Passes. This is true at both Universal Orlando and Disney World. But, since the FastPasses at Disney go quickly, and your daughter does have medical concerns, get the Attraction Assistance Pass at Disney. Same thing – it puts you in the FastPass lines but you have no constraints to return at certain times like you do with a traditional FastPass.

I hope that while you were checking out the touring plans on OrlandoInformer.com you happened to stumble upon a wonderful and very helpful resource for parents/guardians of Autistic family members. Written by one of our other OI contributors, Maureen, she also has a website devoted to Autism and theme parks aptly named Autism at the Parks.

SPECIAL REQUEST

My goal with this column is to have every disabled guest be able to experience Universal Orlando Resort as happily as we have been able; we renewed our passes this week making it year 15. However, I know firsthand that sometimes your day doesn’t go the way you had hoped and may have a question, concern or even a negative experience but would like to have a positive conclusion. That’s why I have this special request: IF something has happened while in any of the Orlando area parks that you found to be on the negative end of the spectrum, would you share the encounter with me? And to balance it out, I’d also like to hear about the GOOD things that have happened. I’d like to either be able to help you find a solution for what may have occurred or give a shout out to special park employees, if that’s the case!

Please let us know at our new forum.

Thanks in advance!

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that neither the author of this post nor any of us here at Orlando Informer is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park.

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On Tuesday, May 14, Universal Orlando sent out a “casting call” of sorts: NBC’s TODAY Show would broadcasting live from the Universal on Thursday, May 23.  The first 1000 fans to RSVP to an email address would receive a complimentary one day park-to-park ticket and a chance to interact with the show’s hosts. By Wednesday all spaces had been filled and, due to the demand, Universal announced they would open at 7 am so those already with paid admission could get a glimpse of the broadcast. This special show was part of Today’s Great American Adventure beginning Monday, May 20.

However, on Monday — the first day of this series — an EF5 tornado ripped through the town of Moore, Oklahoma. In respect for this natural disaster, the show decided to pare down the broadcast because at this time, they felt the hosts of the show might still be in Moore.

TODAY Show live broadcast

I was able to tune in shortly after 8 am (Take 2 – the first hour was Take 1). Since I was expecting a pared back version, I wasn’t surprised to see a couple weather reports from Al Roker and most of the hour was from the New York studio with Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Tamron Hall. The coverage I was waiting to see (along with all Universal fans) started at about 8:40: Al spoke with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, announced the opening of the Transformers ride opening June 20, while standing on the bridge next to the Universal Globe.

Al accidentally said one of OP’s lines, so he gave his famous “That’s what’s going on around the country, now here’s what’s happening in your neck of the woods” line to Optimus Prime.  Pretty cool voice, actually.  The hour finished with a movie trivia challenge between the New York and Orlando hosts.

Can you believe, when asked how many Harry Potter movies were produced, the New York team answered 7? Questions were asked by Universal Orlando’s MC, Greg Fawcett.

At 9 am (or Take 3) the show started on the plaza outside the Universal Studios gates with Al, Natalie Morales and Will Geist siting in director’s chairs.  The Studio Brass Band played while the ENTIRE cast of Universal characters danced. Al gave a report on Moore, since he’d just flown in from Oklahoma. He was impressed by the first responders and how many people showed up to help, not knowing anyone else but working together, hand in hand, to try and make it better for the citizens of the town. After taking care of other news business, the hosts talked about their first theme park experiences. Natalie told about her trip to Universal’s “Harry Potter World” with her children and Willie sampled some Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans; he said he got a sulfur flavored one. The Street Break dancers and Power Skips performers took it to Al’s weather and a commercial break.

When the show returned, the show hosts had moved inside Universal Studios. It was obvious at this point that this hour would not be scaled back, although there was little coverage from inside Islands of Adventure. My Downs daughter, Erin, sat and watched the whole hour, pointing and smiling, using sign language to indicate she KNEW what she was seeing and wanted to “go”, NOW!  Her reaction to the production really tickled me!

Shown during both hours were wonderful shots of the Universal property, CityWalk, rides and crowds that really did show how inviting Universal looks and IS. The TODAY Show presented our favorite landmarks very well.

In line with the Great American Adventure theme, a previously taped video was shown about America’s love affair with theme parks, beginning with the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, the introduction of the midway and the progression of theme park rides from rudimentary to the high-tech ones we enjoy today.  Did you know that the Universal Orlando Resort covers 107 acres, has 26 rides, 16 dinosaurs, 24 Simpson characters, countless minions and 76 restaurants? Not to mention our favorite resort has a whole lot of nostalgia.

Al did the “Vitameatavegamin“ health tonic skit with Lucy – shown in black and white, it was a hoot! At the intersection of Rodeo and Ivan, Al sang with the Blues Brothers. The Superstar Parade had an early morning step-off, and was shown as it passed Despicable Me. There was another weather update and another video, this time a behind-the-scenes peek at Universal Orlando — see it here. More facts by the number were given: the preparation of food for the restaurants is a 20 hour operation, with 1000 confections produced, 2000 cups of gelatin and 500 pounds of chocolate chip cookie dough for 15,000 cookies.  They showed the inside of the guarded Universal Creative department and as they showed the story board for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I paused the frame to see if anything on the wall resembled what might be for Diagon Alley.  No such luck, darn it.  The creative director described the shows and parade as “organized chaos”.

They showed the regular Thursday installment of “Steals and Deals” with Jill Martin set up in front of The World’s Largest Betty Boop Collection” shop. Nothing offered was Universal-related. I was hoping for a deep discount on a wand. At the end of this segment Minions over-took the displays creating, of course, mayhem. The last pre-taped video was a by NBC reporter Kerry Sanders on other Central Florida attractions, including the Kennedy Space Center, which will open the “Atlantis” exhibit in June. He ended his report sitting on the back of an alligator at Gatorland.

Today’s Great American Adventure ended with Natalie, Willie and Al driving up Rodeo Drive in a red ’57 Chevy convertible, confetti in the air.

All in all, it was a very informative piece that made Universal Orlando a vacation spot that just should not be missed this summer.  My daughter sure is excited to get going – she’s bugged me all day long…

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Now that we in the lull between Spring Break and summer, the immediate need for questions involving disabilities at the Orlando theme parks has diminished. Therefore, today I’d like to take some time to discuss the Handicapped Parking areas at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. Last week we talked about Universal, so this week we’ll discuss Disney World.

Handicapped parking at Walt Disney World

After counting the available spaces at the four Disney parks using Google Earth, and seeing just how few there really are, I checked the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirement for disabled parking lots. The U.S. Department of Justice’s 2010 Standards for Accessible Design states that for 1001 spaces and over, there must be 20 plus 1 for each 100, or a fraction thereof, over 1000. That’s not very many, considering how many people now have these coveted parking permits. Again, I will not be addressing hotel parking.

The cost of parking at any Disney theme park is $14.  Keep your receipt if you want to park at any other park for the day. General information can be found here. All Disney handicapped parking lots have complimentary wheelchairs available to use for park entry and to help you to the wheelchair rental stands.

Getting to the handicapped spaces

After paying for your parking at the toll booths, look for the BLUE line painted on the pavement – it will direct you to the handicapped parking areas. (Images are included further down the post.) Because parking can be a problem during busy times of the year and later in the day, here are some hints to help you find other parking if the lots are blocked off: Just in case rules have changed for parking, you might ask the toll booth attendant WHERE you can park if the handicapped lot is full or blocked off to keep you from having to drive out and back in again. If you do have to park in an alternate lot, remember that there will be NO marked spaces on the sides of your vehicle for transferring into a wheelchair or ECV. You may also have to move your vehicle out of your space to get your disabled family member back in your car at the end of the day, unfortunately.

You would think that Disney would have plenty of disabled parking, but they basically have just what the law allows. After counting the spaces viewable on Google Earth, I’m amazed we’ve been able to find spots because, driving from the other side of Florida, we never arrive much before noon. Arrive early if you can. If you park hop using your own vehicle and arrive at a park later in the afternoon, there usually are no cast members available to help guide you to the handicapped parking, let alone alternative parking if the lot is full. You do have the option of using Disney transportation, but to be honest, we have not found that to work for us. Because our daughter is in a wheelchair, we need to use buses that have chair lifts and have found only 1 in 3 or 4 are equipped with them. We end up having to wait up to an hour for a bus, which eats into our time actually spent in the parks. It can take up to 10 minutes just to load, the time the trip takes, allowing other passengers to disembark at the destination, then another 5-10 minutes wait to unload the wheelchair. Some drivers are better than others at this process, but it’s still time consuming. We can drive, park and BE in the next park in the time it takes to get a bus!

The exception is the monorail between Epcot and the Magic Kingdom, which is really convenient and lovely to use, but sometimes even that system can be down.  The last time this happened and we had to take the buses to return to Epcot, what should have been about a 15 minute trip turned into an hour and a half.  The bus depot at Epcot is at the far west end of the park and we just happened to be parked in the far east of the east lot; there is no way to drive your vehicle from one lot to the other, so my husband couldn’t even go to get the car and pick up my daughter and me.  We would have been HOME on the west coast of Florida in the time it took to get from the entrance of the Epcot monorail at the Transportation and Ticketing Center and back to our car, all due to the monorail being out of service. It’s just easier, faster and more dependable for us to just use our own transportation for park hopping.

A closer look at the Disney World parking lots

Magic Kingdom

This is actually the lot for the Transportation and Ticketing Center Disney hub.  For the size of this lot, it seems strange there are approximately only 172 handicapped parking spaces. This lot fills up quickly. (You can click any image to view full-screen.)

Try to find a spot in AAA Diamond Parking as close as possible to the handicapped parking ONLY if the lot is full. We HAVE been placed there on occasion, so I am assuming this is the overflow lot. If you can’t get into the handicapped lot and SEE open spaces and there is no parking attendant to help, just get out of your car and MOVE the cones so you can get in. We have driven out of the park and back to the toll plaza only to be told to do exactly that!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This is the ONE lot where we have never had a parking problem, no matter the time of day.

This lot contains approximately 244 spaces. As overflow park in the RV parking first, as the AAA Diamond parking also fills up quickly. I have never seen more than a few RVs in the lot.

Epcot

Epcot has two lots, east (approximately 115) and west (about 107).

When the west lot if full, we have been placed in the lanes just south of the west lot; it looks as though cast members actually hold a couple lanes just for overflow parking. It is NOT marked for wheelchair access.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

To be perfectly honest, this is the WORST handicapped parking situation in all of Disney’s property, with maybe the exception of Downtown Disney. Many people go to this park later in the day because they want to see the nighttime production, Fantasmic!. Yet, this lot only has around 140 spaces.

One time we drove around the entire parking lot FOUR TIMES before finally finding a cast member who told us to park in row 22 of the AAA Diamond parking — but it was full so around we went again. This time the cast member told us to park wherever we could find in that area! We were in row 26, very far from the complimentary wheelchairs, too. Another problem is how you even access the handicapped lot: First of all, handicapped parkers have to jockey for position with the buses (red line are guests, blue line is buses), as they have to turn in front of you to exit the depot, not to mention the walkers. Yet, I have never seen anyone directing traffic at this intersection. I don’t understand why handicapped patrons can’t be sent to the open spaces in the employees’ lot just to the south — especially later in the day, when much of that lot is empty and it has around another 118 spaces. After finally getting off this ‘merry-go-round’, we counted 30 empty spaces, and this was at 6pm. Even if you have to park in the overflow parking, you’ll need to drive almost all the way back to the toll booth and back in again as you are forced to follow the buses out of the lot. This is a terrible, if not dangerous situation that really needs to be revisited by Disney transportation. I spoke to a transportation official who was standing on the sidewalk before entering the park on our last visit; he just shrugged his shoulders at my comments. It is obvious to me that Disney really needs to consider keeping their handicapped lots always covered by cast members so that as spaces open, they can be filled by incoming guests.

When you have a person in a wheelchair in your party, it can be really dangerous to transfer from the car into a wheelchair in an unmarked parking space, only to have a parking car not pay attention and pull in on the person in the chair. Yep, it’s happened to us. That’s why I hope I have been able to give you an overview of what the handicapped parking situations are like at both Universal Orlando Resort and Disney World parks, and what to expect when you park.

If you’d like to skip back to my Universal post, click here.

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that neither the author of this post nor any of us here at OrlandoInformer.com is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park.

View all of our Special Needs Are Universal posts

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The post Special needs are Universal: Handicapped parking at Walt Disney World appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Now that we in the lull between Spring Break and summer, the immediate need for questions involving disabilities at the Orlando theme parks has diminished. Therefore, today I’d like to take some time to discuss the Handicapped Parking areas at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, starting with Universal Orlando. Over the years I have encountered situations that guests driving their own cars or a rental to Orlando’s theme parks, especially for the first time, should be aware of. Please note that we’ll be discussing general parking for visiting the parks, not parking at any on-site hotel.

Handicapped parking at Universal Orlando

I consider Universal Orlando Resort’s parking garages to be unbeatable! Not only are you able to park your vehicle out of the Florida weather – with the exception of the top floors — the walk to CityWalk is completely covered and has moving walkways. (Please observe the posted signs and don’t use wheelchairs or strollers on the moving walkways.)

General parking is $18.00. Preferred Parking is $22, but it’s on the same level as the disabled parking and will not have the marked spaces for wheelchair entry and exit.  The other option is Valet Parking.  If this is something you would like to use, just follow the signs. Cost for Valet is $15 for the first two hours, $30 for over two hours and $40 for Red Carpet (ensures your car will be delivered back to you at the end of your visit in 5 minutes). There are other benefits for Annual Passholders, please visit Parking & Universal’s transportation hub in the OI Universal Center for more information.

Getting to the handicapped spaces

Handicapped parking is on Level 3, the same level with direct access to the covered walkways, so there is no need to use stairs or elevators.

If you can, get to the parks early. Most traffic enters the toll plaza between the garages. The handicapped traffic seems to be sent to the north garage (left) first, but on occasion you may be sent to the south garage. If this happens, please be careful navigating crossing the lanes after paying your parking fee.  All drivers, PLEASE be aware of the cars crossing in front of you and allow them to do so. Universal team members have requested that these drivers crossover – they’re not doing it to inconvenience you. Guests using handicapped parking (as well as those using Preferred Parking) are asked to turn on their flashing hazard lights, so give them the right-of-way and allow them to move. Yes, we have almost been hit a couple of times.

I would guesstimate that there are around 180 handicapped parking spaces in each garage.

Handicapped overflow

The option Universal has, which to me is a bonus, is if all these spaces are taken you can pull into the section behind the handicapped parking where you will find regular, double parking spaces — same as on the rest of the general parking floors. Please know that there are no striped lines beside the parking spaces in the overflow area, so be careful when unloading/loading your special needs passenger into a wheelchair/ECV. However, these spaces are better for longer vehicles that can’t fit into the handicapped spaces (extended trucks, larger vans, or those with trailers for ECVs), so the back of those vehicles will not be poking out into the driving lane, blocking traffic. The lanes are very tight, so be sure and pull up as far as you can in all spaces. There are also marked striped walkways between the designated handicapped spaces leading to the covered walkways, so you don’t have to walk in the way of vehicles entering the parking lanes.

Wheelchair and ECV rental

Wheelchair rental is available in the Universal parking hub, just off the garages, as well as in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. ECVs are limited and must be rented inside the parks.

It can be very stressful during the planning stages when you or a family member is disabled, trying to have all your bases covered before you leave home. Hopefully, knowing what to expect when you park will help make it a bit easier. Thanks for reading!

If you’d like to read my post covering Walt Disney World parking, click here.

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that neither the author of this post nor any of us here at OrlandoInformer.com is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park.

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The post Special needs are Universal: Handicapped parking at Universal Orlando appeared first on Orlando Informer.

It’s not only the special photo ops with Universal characters or being allowed to ride twice, but all the extraordinary individuals who go out of their way to make you feel you belong. I would like to take this opportunity to say “THANKS” and give those people at UOR kudos for our wonderful memories. It is my hope that each one of you will notice all those folks in the shadows who really do care about your visits to the resort. Here are just a few I would like to give special mention and I’d love to hear from readers who also have special anecdotes.

Our daughter is a Down syndrome adult, uses a wheelchair and LOVES USF/IOA. Part of our daughter’s disability is she doesn’t understand the concept of waiting. After 15 minutes or so she’ll let loose with an embarrassing verbal scream, which disturbs those around us. After that come the tears. It all began during our vacation in July 1999, when our daughter was young. We had been in IOA for about four hours, waiting in the regular lines (no Express Pass then), and were queuing for the Triceratops Encounter (now Triceratops Discovery Trail, although unfortunately it hasn’t been open at all this year). An attendant noticed our dilemma and approached us, asking if we knew about Universal’s Assisted Access Pass, given to those who have special needs that make waiting in line difficult. She called her ride manager on her radio and he came to meet us within minutes, writing a pass on the back of his business card. From that moment on our daughter was happy and we were in heaven!

The second day we obtained the AAP at Guest Services, and later met an attendant at Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster. She greeted us with a big smile, talking directly to our daughter. I explained that our daughter was non-verbal, but she continued to make conversation. We rode a second time. We again saw this attendant while leaving the park; she stopped in front of our daughter’s chair, got down on one knee so they were face-to-face and asked our daughter if she’d had a fun day! The tears ran down my face as we don’t often experience real caring from strangers. We’ve had refreshment cart workers offer our daughter free drinks and food several times. Two things happened during our first visit to The Three Broomsticks Restaurant in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that are not normally done: we were shown to a table before ordering our food and a waitperson delivered ice water while we were waiting for my husband to deliver our food – she said we looked hot and thirsty.

Then there was Jim who worked at MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack. We only visit the parks 6-7 times a year, but he always remembered our daughter’s name, gave her a big hug and sent us to the elevator through the Child Swap area. If attending the ride, he’d make sure we got a car on his side and let us ride again, saying he saw how happy the ride made our daughter. Disabled individuals like our daughter have so very little they can do in their lives, and people like Jim make us feel somewhat normal.

On opening day of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an employee at the temporary exit escorted us into Hogsmeade so we didn’t have to wait in the 4-6 hour line! There we met Scott, a NBC/Universal vice president, who walked us into Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, giving direction to FJ “students” to see that we made it to the secondary platform. A store manager knew we couldn’t get our daughter’s wheelchair into the shops so he went in, brought out Hermione’s wand, then put me in a short line to pay for it.

We still continue to be the recipients of acts of kindness by those who work for this wonderful resort. Just the other day, our daughter’s hat — the one she has worn for 14 years and adorned with all her special pins — got away from us on Flight of the Hippogriff. Two of the ride’s attendants, Erik and Brandon, helped us search for it. Alas, it has yet to be located or turned into Lost and Found, but both guys gave it their best try.  Too bad neither could flick their wands and use a summoning charm.  Accio Hat??

Thank you all for so many brilliant days!

Update: The hat was found! Check out this blog post for the whole story.

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The post Universal Orlando – a special place with extraordinary people appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Today we will be discussing this question:

I have a broken foot and am wearing a walking fracture boot/shoe, but not a cast or an air cast.  Are there any privileges I could get at Universal or Disney, like waiting in line less or in a chair or any accommodations for my condition?  Thanks! 

Sorry you broke your foot. Does it cause you pain to walk or stand on it? I believe this is considered a temporary disability, but you would need to check with your physician. You don’t need a note from a doctor to rent a wheelchair, anyone can do that. That’s a problem the parks are experiencing – people are renting chairs then using them as a reason to obtain an Assistance Pass. Most queues are wheelchair accessible, and if not, there will be signs at the entrances to direct you to the wheelchair loading areas. Those can be used by anyone in a wheelchair, even without an Assistance Pass. Technically, if your doctor will write you a prescription that you need to use a wheelchair AND accelerated access when at the parks, yes, you can ask for an Assistance Pass. But if you do not have a script, be prepared to be questioned by the team/cast member issuing the pass.

Quality of life, more thoughts on guests requesting Assistance Passes

On our most recent visit to Universal Orlando we waited in line over 30 minutes just to get the GAP for my daughter and myself, even though our information for this pass is already in Universal’s computer database. I sat on a side wall while my husband kept our place in line. Once inside Guest Services, I heard a team member try to explain to a guest why they didn’t need the Attraction Assistance Pass.  This is the reason I suggest speaking to your doctor BEFORE you make your visit to any theme park, especially if your injury is still painful and difficult to transfer from the chair onto a ride.

Okay, the reason I say that people renting wheelchairs is a “problem” is because I had a discussion with a cast Member at Disney who was answering disability questions and how some park personnel are viewing wheelchair use as such. He volunteered that many guests rent wheelchairs thinking that use of one is reason enough for a disability pass, only because they want to skirt the regular lines. Believe me, some of us WISH we could use the regular lines, just the same as we wish we didn’t have a reason that makes using the pass a necessity. And because some disabled felt as though they were missing the entirety of the attractions, laws changed to request parks make queues completely accessible for those in wheelchairs. However, the shortcuts still exist for those who have other reasons for needing accommodations, especially for those who have intellectual special needs and do not understand “wait” or those with hidden disabilities.

Being in a wheelchair or disabled really does impact the quality of your life and keeps you from being able to do so many things that most normal people take for granted.  Using the pass or the wheelchair really isn’t a perk, but having them available can make visits to theme parks possible, easier to manage, and much more enjoyable.

Parks really are trying to help everyone with the waiting process. That’s why the Express Pass/FastPass and Single Rider lines have been initiated. However, in using these lines guests are often MISSING some of the fun aspects of the attractions. I recently saw some photos in a blog here on OI that were taken of the standby queues and I’d LOVE to see them, but our daughter would have a meltdown. She doesn’t have the ability to appreciate all the work and artistry that goes into these special attractions-within-attractions – she just knows she wants to ride. As I’ve stated before, the Assistance Passes are not front-of-the-line passes; you wait in the same lines as the people with Express Pass/FastPass return tickets. You can, however, plan to enter the queue at the end of a posted return time as the line will be a little shorter, especially at Disney. However, that’s not necessarily a guarantee. Last week when we entered the Spider-Man Express Pass line, it was backed up all the way into the main lobby  Yes, it WAS Spring Break, but we’ve had this happen more times than not.

It’s good to know that options are available for use when you visit a theme park with an injury, but plan ahead for obtaining an Assistance Pass. Parks’ personnel are already trained to deny, deny, deny (per a former park employee), so if you really need a pass, make sure you do your homework. Also realize you could be missing some of the BEST mini-attractions the parks have to offer by skipping those standby lines.

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that neither the author of this post nor any of us here at OrlandoInformer.com is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park.

View all of our Special Needs Are Universal posts

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The post Special needs are Universal: Privileges for broken bones, more thoughts on guests requesting Assistance Passes appeared first on Orlando Informer.

As of January 21, 2013, a new law classifies those severely allergic to shell fish, peanuts, wheat, corn, gluten (celiac disease) and some other allergens as able to fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It only stands to reason that theme park restaurants must now be equipped with ingredient information for guests with these allergies, as this new law leaves restaurants more vulnerable. This leads me to our question from AMJ:

We are planning our first visit to US/IOA in May. My children and I are vegetarians. Additionally, my DD (dear daughter) has a severe egg allergy. She is also allergic to mustard and tree nuts. Disney is fabulous with handling food allergies and having vegetarian options, but we have had some not so great experiences at other theme parks so I am a little concerned about how we are going to handle this.

At Disney, the counter service restaurants have ingredient binders with the cashiers. Does anyone know if US/IOA has anything similar? Are the table service restaurants helpful with special diets?

I’m nervous that we will show up to eat a restaurant at US/IOA and we won’t have any choices. What is the policy of US/IOA of bringing food into the parks? 

AMJ, you need not be nervous about your family’s dietary needs while visiting the Universal Orlando. I have personally worked with several Team Members over the years and have rounded up the information you need to make your vacation a success.

Regarding dietary binders, Universal does not have them, as such. However, chefs and restaurant managers DO have the information you need about their food offerings. A couple of years ago I worked with the manager of the International Food & Film Festival restaurant (currently under construction to become Simpson’s themed) to see what she could do to help our daughter find food that could be easily swallowed, as our daughter cannot chew. She was a great help at the time and offered to make our daughter mac & cheese if we gave her 48 hours notice. She also was in charge of the Team Members’ cafeteria, and although she couldn’t make one serving, she could make a large batch to serve for the team, holding back a serving for our daughter. We didn’t have to do that because shortly after Three Broomsticks opened, which does serve mac & cheese on their kids’ menu. I can’t stress enough how good the park Team Members are with helping you when you have special needs, and that includes dietary.

Contacting Universal Orlando

Last week when I called upon Cathrina, the café manager for her help, and she responded via email that managers and chefs have ingredient lists or can pull a product to look at the labels for what each item contains. She actually went above and beyond by contacting NBC/Universal’s Quality Control Chef Bobby Burdick (who also goes by Chef Bob). One of his roles is to provide information to any guest who has allergies. He gave permission for me to make available his email and cell phone number for guests who are planning their vacations and can contact him directly, as it is easier if guests contact UOR in advance of their visit. Chef Burdick can be emailed at Bob.Burdick@universalorlando.com or call him at 321-388-2123. Since your family is sensitive to several ingredients, I would advise you to contact Chef Burdick. Please make sure you give him adequate time to research your request. Personally, I would question him about the quick-service restaurants and carts since you never know when you’re going to want a quick bite and need no reservation. You can also request information at FoodServiceCUF@universalorlando.com. Although no specific time frame is given, if possible I’d allow at least a 48 hour window to make your reservation and inform the restaurant of your dietary requests.

UOR’s website does address Food Allergies by providing the following information:

Research Dining Options Before You Arrive
As you’re making plans to visit Universal Orlando Resort, browse through the online menus for our theme park restaurants. Acquainting yourself with the available options ahead of time can give you a head start later. If you have any further questions after viewing the menus, you can call 407-224-3463 and speak to a Guests Services Team Member.

Editor’s note: Since Universal does not publish menus for all of their restaurants, we recommend that you browse the restaurants pages in the OI Universal Center, where we provide all menus by way of photos or PDF files.

Universal Studios Florida  |  Islands of Adventure  |  Universal CityWalk

Check With Restaurants Once You’re Here
If you aren’t able to research dining options ahead of time, don’t worry. You can ask to speak to a chef or manager at any restaurant within Universal Orlando Resort, or at any of our on-site hotels once you’re here. Let them know which guest in your party has a food allergy or intolerance, and what the allergy/intolerance is. Our culinary staff will make every effort to prevent that allergen from coming in contact with any part of that guest’s meal.

It should be noted, however, that Universal Orlando does not have separate food preparation facilities in which to prepare allergen-free foods. There is occasionally the chance that allergens may have been introduced to one or more ingredients before they reached the kitchens at Universal Orlando—and, on other rare occasions—even inadvertently as the food was being prepared.

Bring Your Own Food
You’re also welcome to bring your own food with you if you prefer. Simply notify a Security Team Member performing the security bag check at the front gate that you or a member of your party has a food allergy/intolerance. Please do not bring glass, and items should be contained in a soft-sided cooler.

Universal Orlando guests staying at one of our on-site hotels may keep their food refrigerated in their hotel room. During check-in, ask the Front Desk Clerk for a refrigerator to be placed in your room. Note: there will be a fee of for use of the refrigerator. Your hotel can give you details. The hotel is unable to accept or hold food in its kitchen on behalf of the guest.

The page recommends you research dining options before you arrive. Once you’re at the resort, check with your chosen restaurants at the parks, hotels and CityWalk. Ask to speak with the chef or manager to explain any allergy or intolerance your party member may have. Culinary staff will do their best to make sure that your meal does not come in contact with your allergen, but they also want you to know that their kitchens do not have separate facilities in which to prepare food.

Full-service restaurants

Full-service restaurants are helpful without prior contact, depending upon your need, but be sure and tell your dining reservation team member about your allergies. When we ate at Finnegan’s in Universal Studios Florida, the manager offered to send someone to another restaurant to obtain something our daughter could eat when we found their mashed potatoes included the skins, which causes her to choke. And we can’t say enough about Confisco Grill in Islands of Adventure; they have always prepared their mac & cheese specifically for our daughter and even given her a larger portion since she can’t chew the sides that accompany the dish.

Bring your own food

Yes, you can carry in your own food!  The website info says you should notify the Security team member that you or a member of your family has food allergies when they are checking your bags. We’ve been carrying in food for our daughter for years and have never been questioned. Be advised you can only carry SMALL soft-sided coolers, and it is requested that no containers be made of glass. We’ve also never been questioned about why a single serving can of baked beans or pudding cup is on the table in the restaurants. We used to heat her food and put it in a thermos, but since we’ve found restaurants that serve her favorite mac & cheese, we usually only carry pudding cups and Ensure. Most restaurants do not have microwaves in their kitchens, but after speaking with an assistant park manager a few years ago were given a letter to allow us to use the ovens available at Family Services located at First Aid.

Vegetarian or healthy options

All the restaurants at Universal Orlando offer at least a couple of vegetarian/healthy options, usually salads, chicken, and garden burgers. As you might expect, the quick-service restaurants will have a smaller selection of these options while the full-service restaurants will have a bigger selection. That being said, Universal does mark some of their venues as offering Vegetarian Meals/Healthy Choices, which you can see here (click the image to view a larger version and look for the red apples):

CityWalk is the same story. In terms of their menus, they all are going to offer a mix of healthy and not-so-healthy meals.

If you’d like to do more research, you can browse the restaurants pages in the OI Universal Center, where we provide all menus by way of photos or PDF files.

Universal Studios Florida | Islands of Adventure | Universal CityWalk

What are the best vegetarian options at Universal? Here are two more blog posts you’ll enjoy:

Guide to vegetarian dining at Universal | Top 5 best vegan/vegetarian choices at Universal

Communication

I think the key is communication with park team members and making your special requests part of your vacation planning without fail. Finding the right information is always a huge bonus and time saver. Orlando Informer will always strive to give you the most up-to-date knowledge available!  Thanks for your question and have a great vacation in the Universal Orlando Resort.

Oh, and if you’d like to make dining reservations online, check out this helpful page.

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that neither the author of this post nor any of us here at OrlandoInformer.com is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park.

View all of our Special Needs Are Universal posts

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The post Special needs are Universal: Guests with food allergies visiting Universal Orlando appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Based on two current questions, unseen disabilities seem to cause many guests anxiety about how parks will view their requests for assistance passes, i.e. passes that grant accelerated access to attractions and rides.

Question 1 comes from Fernando in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

I go to Orlando every year; love those parks but I always have the same problem, pain in my back because of the lines. I have a back problem (scoliosis) and a metal piece in my chest due to a bone reconstruction; you can only see it on X-ray. This problem doesn´t restrict me of going to any attraction, but I can’t stand in line for long, because by the end of the day it feels like my back is on fire! It’s terrible. Does that qualify me for a special needs pass? I could ask my doctor for a prescription, but would they accept a prescription from a Brazilian doctor written in Portuguese?

Second question, from Peta:

Both of my boys have Asperger’s syndrome (high functioning Autism). I would like to know if you think the line assistance pass would be a good idea for our family or if the lines will be ok as it is not a busy time in either Disney or Universal. I’m not really sure how my boys will go as they have never been in huge crowds because we live in rural Australia. Any ideas you might have to get us through in one piece would be greatly appreciated.

Since both of these questions are similar, I will answer them at the same time, addressing other concerns as necessary. By the way, if you have read some of my other articles, you’ll see that I can relate to someone who has little control over behaviors, my daughter has also has scoliosis and I have two muscle diseases (yep – that fire-feeling is incredibly painful).

For both of you, I think asking for the Assistance Passes at both Universal Orlando Resort and Disney World would be a great idea. Spring Break is here in Florida, so the lines are going to start getting pretty long. Universal’s pass is good at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, while Disney’s is good at all four of their parks Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Usually the parks will ask how many days you will be spending with them and date the passes accordingly.

To do more research, check out our information on disability passes in the OI Universal Center: Universal’s Attraction Assistance & Guest Assistance Passes. Disney’s Guest Assistance Card works similarly to Universal’s but does not use the “return time” application. It is marked with different stamps, which tell the cast members which entrances you may use.

Before you leave home, have your physician write a prescription or note for you to carry to Guest Services, even if it is written in Portuguese.  Since both parks have many visitors from all over the world, it’s a good bet they have someone who can read the prescription. Even though desk personnel may not even look at it, it’s a way of letting them know someone in your party needs special assistance, and that your doctor agrees accommodations are necessary. It doesn’t even have to describe the disability, only that accelerated entrance due to disabilities is needed. It’s up to you if you want to tell the attendants the exact medical conditions, if you feel it will help. Also, make sure your entire party is with you at the desk. Assistance passes only allow up to six people in the party.

It will help a lot if you become familiar with the rides within each park before you go. You can find Universal Orlando’s ride requirements and information in Universal Orlando Resort’s Rider’s Guide. Disney’s ride info can be found on each park’s page: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. If it’s not busy and the standby lines are less than 15-20 minutes, I’d say to try using those lines – allow the boys to experience the entire queues as some are quite entertaining. Some have interactive displays while others contain items or sets from the movies after which they are named.

Peta, the boys may surprise you and be totally absorbed in the atmosphere. You know your children better than anyone else and recognize their triggers, so you need to base your decision on what they are able to tolerate. If you download all the parks’ maps ahead of time, you can see that they all have park-like areas that usually are very quiet. Check out Universal’s maps, or click on the Disney links above to navigate to theirs. You can also find some great play areas to blow off a little steam! Visiting Universal Studios Florida with kids – complete guide would be a good place to start for places at Universal Orlando. Also please check out www.autismattheparks.com, written by one of our Orlando Informer contributors, Maureen. Her son is Autistic, and she has many tools for having a great day at the parks.

As for worrying about what people will say to you in line, don’t. Your party will be using the Express Pass (Universal)/Fast Pass (Disney) lines, same as people who have obtained those passes or those using their hotel key cards or passes issued by hotels. It’s no one’s business but yours.  Remember, Assistance Passes are not front-of-the-line passes, and you will not be passing those already in line. As much as the “regular” crowd may gripe about someone having a “golden ticket” — those are the same people who would also be the first to complain if a so-called “normal” child would start screaming or crying next to them. Although I wear our pass in a plastic pocket on a lanyard, you might consider keeping it out of sight so others do not see it and only show it when necessary. But seriously, I wouldn’t worry about it as no one has ever said a word to me.

Fernando and Peta, I hope I have been able to help you with your planning. All I want is for those with disabilities to understand that they can also have the best time of their lives in Orlando’s theme parks. If you need help in the parks, just ask for it. I have found team and cast members to be very interested in helping you have a wonderful time and many go out of their way to assist you and your family with anything you wish.  As Universal Orlando Resort ads say, “Vacation like you mean it!”  Mean it and have a wonderful time!

Hidden disabilities

As an aside, it really bothers me that Peta had to voice what so many people with hidden disabilities fear: being chastised for using an Assisted Pass by another park guest when that guest has no idea what life is like for those of us with disabled family members. My favorite word is Karma. You never know what your life will be like tomorrow, let alone a year from now. We don’t expect the birth of a child to throw us into a tail spin, especially after a perfectly normal pregnancy, but it does. As a society, we have got to stop judging others by how they look, or don’t look, as to whether someone deserves accommodations when visiting certain public and private institutions. It’s just plain wrong.

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that neither the author of this post nor any of us here at OrlandoInformer.com is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park.

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This week’s question from from Allie, and it is about prosthetics and theme park rides:

I use a prosthetic leg/feet. A few of the rides at IOA and USF require me to remove my prosthetic. What does a day at these theme parks look like for me? Do I need to notify Universal that I use a prosthetic?

Thank you for your question! I’ve done some research about prosthetics users visiting Universal Orlando Resort. You should plan on having a great day the parks, and hopefully you will find what I’m about to present helpful.

All of Universal Orlando is wheelchair accessible, so that should not be a worry.  If you use an ECV, you will be required to transfer into a manual wheelchair before entering ride queues. Either way, you will have the option of requesting an Assistance Pass to allow you accelerated/optional entrance to most of the rides and shows.  This means you will be able to use either the Express Pass queues or the exits, depending on the attraction. You will need to stop into Guest Services in the first park you visit to pick up your pass, so you may want to speak to the team member about your prosthetic at this time and allow them to evaluate your status. Just to be on the safe side, don’t forget to take a script from your doctor.

Another important concern is if your effected leg is above or below the knee. To meet the requirements of some rides, both of your natural legs must stick out from under the harness and form a lap.

Now would be a good time to view Universal’s Rider’s Safety Guide. It provides a comprehensive look at all of the attractions with specific instructions for riders with disabilities.

Rider’s Safety Guide (PDF file)

As you may already know, your prosthetic must be removed prior to boarding some attractions: Revenge of the Mummy, The Simpsons Ride, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Doctor Doom’s Fearfall.  The reason is due to possible loss while experiencing the forces and spins of the rides, which could cause damage to the ride or other riders (not to mention the cost of repairing or replacing your device).

Other than these rides, it looks like your day won’t be much different from any other guest. If you download the Rider’s Guide, you will see that there are more attractions you CAN enjoy than those where you will have to remove your prosthetic. Both parks offer you a lot of entertainment and fun and you should have an exciting day! You’ll also want to visit our Attractions Assistance page for more information about that option.

Re-evaluating the rules

I sent Allie this response via email because she was visiting Universal Orlando before the date of my blog’s publication. I am hoping she will respond and let me know how her vacation played out. There are so many reasons why parks must have the rules they do so all guests can enjoy their facilities. However, a couple of incidents challenge the standard procedures, and sometimes those rules just don’t seem, well, fair.

In February of 2012 a young girl from Michigan visited both SeaWorld and Universal Orlando Resort, only to be removed from not only a the Kraken coaster at SeaWorld, but she also was pulled out of line while waiting for Islands of Adventure’s Forbidden Journey. The following June, a man was also denied riding a coaster at Six Flags Over Texas. Neither used prosthetics but they didn’t have hands; the girl was born without them and the man lost his as an infant after a house fire. Both told park officials and the press they had been on these rides previously, as they can hold on using their arms. Universal’s rules state a guest cannot ride if they do not have at least one hand with which to hold onto the safety bars.

We personally had a problem in Islands of Aventure in December of 2011 while waiting to ride the Forbidden Journey. Even though our daughter, Erin, has hands, she is Down Syndrome and uses a wheelchair. At the time this happened we had been annual passholders for 12 years. We had just been seated in the ride bench by a team member who herself was disabled and walked with crutches. A young Universal team leader appeared, got right in Erin’s face and started demanding she demonstrate she could hold onto the safety harness. Our daughter is very shy of strangers and hid her face with her hands, but the team member kept repeating his demand. Telling him that we had ridden FJ at least 12 times did not satisfy him. I even told him that a NBC/Universal vice president had escorted us onto the ride on the opening day of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Never before had we been this uncomfortable. After several minutes of verbal exchanges, we were finally allowed to ride.

Upon leaving Islands of Adventure we stopped into Guest Services and asked to speak with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) supervisor. The team member we spoke with was not threatening in any way to Erin, demonstrating that she had compassion to deal with disabled individuals. Because of this our daughter was comfortable holding the supervisor’s hands, proving she had the strength to hold onto ride constraints. I have had conversations with the ADA supervisor in the past and know him to be a thoughtful and caring individual; via the phone he had his staff issue us a letter stating Erin can ride anything in both parks. However, we have not had to show this to a single person since.

Although my research does not show a large number of accidents involving disabled guests in theme parks, there have been reported mishaps.  The following July 2011 accident possibly spurred a re-evaluation of rules and regulations for how those without hands, legs and other physical disabilities could ride certain attractions: An Iraq war veteran and double amputee was ejected from a rollercoaster and died at the Darien Lake Theme Park in Batavia, New York (the rollercoaster only had lap bars). Theme parks probably began scrambling to make sure such incidents did not happen in their parks, especially where untrained team members were involved, allowing a disabled person to ride even though the person should not have be allowed to do so, which was the case at Darien Lake. It is possible, at least at Universal Orlando, that team members were being required to question people they thought may “fit” a certain profile.

These incidents, including our own, are why I suggest if you have any questions about your disability or condition you not hide it but be evaluated by Guest Services. Although the verbal questioning has stopped, I understand why they asked about my daughter’s physical abilities. Ride procedures DO need to be re-evaluated and adjusted from time to time, but there needs to be another way to inform guests than having them singled out and embarrassed in front of others.

It has become my mission to keep you up to date on the latest details where disabled guests are concerned and hope you will also share your stories with us at OrlandoInformer.com.

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that neither the author of this post nor any of us here at OrlandoInformer.com is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park.

Resort contact information: Universal Orlando

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This week we received our question from Vicky:

We are doing the Disney World trip in June this year with our four boys, two of whom are Autistic. Last year we experienced using exit passes for the first time on a trip to LEGOLAND and it was wonderful. The whole family was able to enjoy the experience as even if one boy didn’t want to go on a ride, my husband could take the others on without queuing for long. Is this the same with the GAC passes in Disney World? As I fear that even if the boys don’t want to go on a certain ride, they’re going to become extremely stressed and have meltdowns waiting for their brothers.

Thank you for your question!  Traveling to a place like Disney World with a family that has a different make up of what is considered normal has its own set of concerns. Each park has their own rules and, based on the statements on the back of Disney’s Guest Assistance Card (GAC), it doesn’t sound like LEGOLANDs.

This card is valid for use at attraction locations in the MAGIC KINGDOM®Park, Epcot®, Disney’s HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS, and DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme park only.

Additional waits may be incurred at certain attractions due to the need for a special vehicle or other operational concerns.

Some attractions have alternate entrances for Guests with disabilities.  These are intended to offer Guests using wheelchairs or with service animals a more convenient entrance to the attraction.  Alternate entrances are not intended to provide immediate access.  Guests with disabilities and up to five members of their party may enter through these entrances.  For operational considerations, additional party members are required to use the standard queues.

At attractions offering Disney’s FASTPASS service, Guests should obtain a Disney’s FASTPASS return ticket.

To me this basically says that as long as the person who needs the pass is going on the ride, your entire family, up to 6, may use the accelerated entrance option, usually the FASTPASS queues. But, if the boys who need the pass are not riding, the rest of the family will need to obtain FASTPASSES, or use the stand-by or single rider lines. My daughter and I are both disabled and our pass is for both of us. My daughter rides almost everything I do, with the exception of a couple of coasters so I am able to use our pass independently of my daughter. But your family presents another worry. I’m sorry that I have not personally encountered this dilemma, but perhaps I can give you some ideas that may work.

As always, I recommend that you take a note from your doctor, describing the accommodations that you need for your boys. In your case, that would include not only allowing accelerated entrance for your Autistic boys but for the rest of your family for when the boys are not riding, perhaps requesting the pass be made to the Smith Family. Most of the time the cast members in the Guest Relations offices will not even look at the note, but request they do. Explain the situation to the attendant, and if they are not receptive, ask for an ADA supervisor. Remind them that you are only trying to give your children the best experience you can and that waiting, at any time, can cause a meltdown. I know, because this happens with our daughter too. When Universal first opened Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, we wanted to be able to see the inside of the Castle and the only way to do so at the time was to wait in the regular line. We tried to do that but after 20 minutes our daughter began to show distress, and a few minutes later she was crying, snotty, and using her “primal scream,” which no one around her wants to hear. We had to ask the people ahead of us in the queue if they would mind letting us through, as there was no exit that didn’t have stairs and going backwards was impossible. Luckily, all the other guests were very understanding and once inside the castle, the behavior dissipated.

You may end up being allowed to let the rest of your family use the one pass with just your boys’ names. That did happen to us on one visit. The team member only put my daughter’s name on the pass and said for me to use it if I went on something she did not. I asked if that was okay and she shrugged and said it was. I think it all depends on who helps you.

My daughter’s much loved places are Disney and Universal Orlando and she’ll begin signing that she wants to GO. When that’s just not possible, as we live a couple of hours away, I search YouTube for videos of her favorite rides and let her watch!  She recognizes many of them, because she has been on them so many times. If your sons are not sensitive to watching videos, perhaps this is something you could do before you go on your trip. Try going to www.disneyworld.disney.go.com and check out the ride names at each park. Search on YouTube and let your sons virtually ride, which may make them more familiar when they arrive at the real thing.

If your boys then don’t want to ride, you can do what another one of our bloggers does with her son – enter the queue but exit before getting on the ride, leaving the rest of your family to board. Who knows, maybe your sons will change their minds once they see the vehicles and ride with their siblings. Is it a ride you would like to ride, too? Either way, ask the attendant for the child swap waiting area. You will be given a card that will allow you to board the ride when the rest of your party returns, but this would still give you the option of using the alternate entrance, thus saving some time and hopefully prevent the meltdowns.

Some of the rides exit into interactive areas where the boys could play, if they so desire. Keeping them comfortable with their surroundings is your most important job, and I know the stress that can put on you. My daughter also has Autistic tendencies so I’m always on edge, waiting for that other shoe to drop. However, let me assure you that having been to Disney World as many times as we have over the last 5 years, most team members are very understanding of these special needs situation. Sometimes it does take a little finessing with the team members, but don’t be afraid to try.

I have one more suggestion: please go to www.autismattheparks.com, written by one of our Orlando Informer contributors, Maureen.  Her son is Autistic and she has many tools in her arsenal for having a great day at the parks.

Each disabled person has different needs and I’ve found that the people at Disney have been very understanding.  They do have their basic rules, but there are always exceptions.  Have a great vacation!!

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that neither the author of this post nor any of us here at OrlandoInformer.com is an official representative of any theme park in Orlando. While we work diligently to provide you with the very best advice from our collective expertise and experience, it is still your responsibility to verify your plans with each theme park.

Resort contact information: Universal Orlando / Walt Disney World.

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Since I push my daughter’s wheelchair, I see the crowd attitude from a different angle and perhaps with a bit more of an eye towards improvement. With that in mind, I now present my list of easy ideas intended to help guests maneuver through the heaviest of traffic and keep tempers at bay.

(By the way, if you know someone who is visiting the parks for the first time, you’re encouraged to help us all out and forward this post to them!)

Leave space in front of your wheelchair/stroller/ECV

Don’t get too close to those in front of you, so if they do stop suddenly or turn on a dime, you have time to react. It’s no fun walking around with a sore ankle or calf. If you run into a person with a medical condition, you could cause a threatening injury and not even know it. As the walker, look around before you change direction to save yourself that possible injury. Everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings. If you were driving a car, would you stop in the middle of the highway to read a map?

And please make a big note: if you see a space between a wheelchair party and the next group, it is not an invitation to take the space. Recently, when taking the long walk to Soarin’ at Epcot, a very tall twenty-something pushed his way by, lost his balance and ended up sitting in our daughter’s lap!  Thankfully she wasn’t injured.

Don’t stop in the middle of a walkway/hallway/doorway

Need to figure out where your party is going to eat lunch? Then be sure to move to the side and discuss — please don’t stop in the middle of traffic.  There are others still walking in that same area, just like you were moments ago, and unless you’re inviting them to eat with you they plan to keep moving. It’s just common sense to leave some room for others.

Keep your children near you

Don’t just let them run amok. Children still need rules in theme parks — perhaps even more so in theme parks — because they can be injured very quickly. I once watched a child get run over by an un-trained ECV user backing up while on a water taxi. Young children do not have the ability to anticipate danger as well as you do, so let the kids cut loose in the parks’ free-play areas, which they all have.

In fact, if you are traveling with young kids, it is really important that you budget time for them to run around in the designated play areas, just as you’ve budgeted time for you to do the things you like.

Do not wait for an elevator right in front of the door

More times than not the person getting off the elevator will have a wheelchair/ECV/stroller. How can you get on with your stuff if they can’t get off with theirs? Move to the side and wait for the lift, and have a companion beside the door so they can hold it open, not only you, but the people exiting (they will really appreciate the gesture).

Finally, I highly recommend that you back your wheelchair/ECV/stroller onto the elevator while someone else holds the door, so you will be moving forward upon exiting. Really, it’s easier, especially since most theme park elevators are not designed to hold more than one device at a time.

Be kind: hold a gate or door for someone using a wheelchair/ECV/stroller

There is such a thing as theme park karma, and you will reap great benefits if you practice kindness in the parks — and teach the young ones with you to do the same. One of the simplest forms of this is to hold a gate or door for others.

Unless there is a motorized entry available, it is difficult to open a door and maneuver a wheelchair/ECV/stroller through it. I’ve had people exiting a building only to let the door slam on our daughter because they just weren’t paying attention (or didn’t care!). On the other hand, holding a door is not so hard to do — and it can change everyone’s mood for the better.

Don’t smoke in line

Even if you’re from a European country, there are still plenty of areas set up for smokers. I saw a little girl burned by a person holding a cigarette at their side last month. ‘Nuff said.

Quick hints

Try singing while waiting in line and see if the crowd joins in: try carols during the holidays, or the theme song for the ride you’re on. Or, say hello to the person on the other side of the rope and ask where they live. Give up your seat to a person with a cane.  And most importantly, say Please and Thank You, even to cast and team members.  A little compassion goes a long, long way.

Help us out with this list by leave a comment below with your ideas!

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Of course I’m referring to the must-see yearly display of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, on display through January 6, 2013. Some history: In 1986, Arkansas residents Jennings and Mitzi Osborne’s daughter Allison asked her parents to decorate their home with Christmas lights. They started out like most of us do with a few strings of colored lights and a couple decorations. By 1993 the display had grown to over 3,000,000 bulbs, which actually became a distraction for their neighbors. Legal issues ensued so by 1995 the display was shut done completely by the Arkansas Supreme Court. This is where Disney stepped in, and it was agreed to transport the spectacle to Disney-MGM Studios (the original name of Disney’s Hollywood Studios). A new Disney holiday tradition was born, thanks to the Osborne family.

Crowds are usually heavy so don’t go if you are in a hurry. This is the one place I’m not upset by park guests stopping dead in front of me – I’m probably doing the same. When the music starts and the lights begin their ballet, people of all ages stop and turn 360 degrees to see what is happening around them! Carousels, angels and a Nativity high in the air, not to mention everything on the Streets of America is covered with lights. Get out your camera. The colors and the way the thousands of light strings are coordinated to the accompanying soundtracks are mesmerizing. There are all kinds of decorations, some really unusual. Keep a look out for them in windows, on sidewalks and in doorways.

This year the crowd was literally herded around to the back near Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show to enter. There are carts selling snacks and drinks but there are few places to sit. Still, the synchronized light display is a treat to both the eyes and ears, not to mention the heart. I love the fake snow (soap bubbles – I’ve tasted them accidentally) and so do the kids who have never seen the stuff. And it was about 40 degrees the night we went, so the snow was appropriate. Standing underneath the expanded canopy (which used to be in the Osborne’s drive) while the songs fill the air, the movement is just hypnotic. Our granddaughter Lily hasn’t been there since she was a toddler, so the effects fascinated her.

It’s hard to describe the beauty the light show. It’s as if there are fireworks going off all around you but without the booms and the danger. Over the years the lights have been improved to energy efficient LEDs and even more decorated items have been added. People are dancing and singing and everyone seems to enjoy the company of those around them.

The night we visited, we got to witness something that doesn’t happen quite every night – a guy asked his girl to marry him while having their photo taken by a Disney photographer! Really romantic, surrounded by all those colors, and the crowd offered applause and congratulations to the happy couple.

It’s really fun to look for the Hidden Mickeys within the decorating and since this was new to Lily, she was on the hunt for as many as she could find.

A new arrangement of Winter Wonderland was added to all the other songs we’ve enjoyed over the years; among them are Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Feliz Navidad and a personal favorite of mine, Barbra Streisand’s Jingle Bells.

Santa Goofy is usually greeting visitors during the nightly light performances, but we didn’t see him – the crowd was just so heavy.  However, Phineas and Ferb were there to have their pictures taken with visitors. Even Agent P popped up to say hello, a favorite of Lily’s.

Sadly, Jennings Osborne passed away July 27, 2011. In remembrance of him, an angel in the night sky in last year’s display was left darkened.  This year all the angels were brilliant.

If you need a final boost of Christmas cheer, this is the place to find it. Have a Happy Holiday, and I’ll see you in 2013!

Learn more about this event, or see a video on OI’s YouTube channel.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – photo gallery

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As I watched Lily that evening, I realized that most of the articles I see about theme parks are written for adults. I thought it would be fun to ask her what she was seeing and thinking as we explored the expanded area.

Of course Lily HAD to wear her Belle dress. At the new bridge she was welcomed as “Princess” and directed us to the Enchanted Tales with Belle attraction. Lily took many of our pictures because she also had been assigned to make a “photo journal” for Kindergarten homework. She snapped the gardens and thought they would be a good place for rabbits and other creatures to live, because there were lots of juicy leaves for them to eat.  On the day we were there you could see inside the construction of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride, and Lily was really excited when I told her it was going to be a roller coaster. “Like Thunder Mountain?” Yes, Lily, very much like Thunder Mountain. “Will we be able to ride it next week?” Five-year olds don’t understand this concept of time as yet.

She took a picture of the shutter on Belle’s Cottage window because she liked the heart carved into it, and another picture catching her Pop eating a quick snack and giggled that she had done so.

Once inside she touched the books on the floor and was disappointed to see they were “stiff” and not real. She pointed the camera at the portrait on the wall and said it was probably Belle and her mommy. Looking up she noticed the stenciling around the ceilings and marveled at how much it looked like the flowers in the bedroom where she sleeps when staying with us. She also recognized the same design was on the fireplace. I marvel at the way she observes details most adults miss.

In Belle’s father’s workshop our attention was directed to a large mirror on the wall, which started with a movie but then began to glow. Within seconds it transformed into a doorway, quite magical in every sense of the word! Lily took off to the next room with the camera before we could stop her and was greeted by Madam de la Grande Bouche, the Wardrobe. A costumed helper announced that it was Belle’s birthday, and as a present, those chosen would perform the story of how Belle fell in love with Beast. The helper then picked not only children but a couple adults for the roles in the show; anyone who wanted to participate was given a large placard of the character they would play from the inside of the Wardrobe. Lily jumped for joy at being chosen for the role of Mrs. Potts!

Moving into the Library, performers sat on the floor in the front of the room while the rest of us sat on benches, and waited for Belle to enter the room. Lily told me later, “Belle was so amazingly beautiful in her flowing gown.”  But my heart burst with pride as Lily, who seemed to be completely in heaven as Belle patted her head and said, “Oh, look! My Twin!” Lily said “she put butterflies in my tummy.”

Disney cast members directed the actors with their parts at the appropriate time, each child with the look of complete awe and joy on their faces! The entire attraction was a mixture of technology and theater and as entertaining for adults as it was for children. At the end all performers took their curtain calls with Belle and photos were taken by a Disney photographer. Our daughter, who is in a wheelchair, was also invited to have her picture taken; all were given PhotoPass cards with memories of the event which could then be viewed and purchased online.

We moved on to see Under the Sea with Ariel, then walked through the Be Our Guest Restaurant and enjoyed everything in New Fantasyland. But all Lily seems to talk about was her time with Belle. She asks to look at the pictures frequently as this visit was especially meaningful for her.  The magic, for her, is still there.

I urge you to try and see the joy of any park through the eyes of a child during your next trip and gain a wonderfully new perspective.

Lily’s photos of our trip to New Fantasyland

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It’s been a lot of fun presenting the 20 years of changes I’ve seen at Universal Orlando over the last couple of weeks, and now I finish with part three. Before we talk about Islands of Adventure, let’s quickly look at some old Universal tickets.

Did you know Universal Orlando Resort has actually had its name changed a couple of times? With the addition of CityWalk, on-site hotels and Islands of Adventure in 1999, Universal became Universal Studios Escape. Like many people back then, we thought that Islands of Adventure was part of Universal Studios Florida proper, so we were surprised to learn that we needed to buy a 2-park ticket to go to both parks. Because people were confused, the resort was simply named Universal Orlando Resort in 2001. However, that same confusion seems to have caught up with Universal again with the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s one of the comments I see on different Potter social sites and will give the writer the correct information – the Wizarding World is the newest island within IOA.

Now the question is, how much more confusing will it be once Harry Potter can be found at both parks? I can see it now: “What do you mean I need a 2-park ticket to see all of the Wizarding World?” But that issue is for future posts. Back to our retrospective…

For several years, beginning with our first annual passes in 1999, when you presented your paper ticket your picture was taken and a plastic credit card type of pass was issued. I wish they’d bring them back as paper can so easily be damaged, especially if left in a pocket on a water ride or when the clothing goes into the wash.

Universal’s name changes are also represented on the tickets I have saved: The first is actually my ticket from Halloween Horror Nights in 1999; the next two are from 2005 and 2012, respectively.

Now let’s take a look at the changes in Islands of Adventure since its May 28, 1999 opening. The celebration of Grinchmas in Seuss Landing began in December of 2000. The streets are full of merriment and music, the Whos singing in several performances of a stage show named for the movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and it’s a lot of fun for the whole family. Until 2005, the Grinch actually had his own Lair in the ground-level attraction that soon after became the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride. I have a 2001 picture of the lines waiting to get into the lair (they were always LONG), with the queue decorated to look just like the lair in the movie. At the end you could visit with the Grinch in a Santa costume and have your photo taken. Although there was no celebration in 2006, the photo op with the Mean One moved to a gift shop across from the Caro-Seuss-el. I so wish they’d figure out a way to bring back the Lair. Now, as then, the actor who plays the role always treats our daughter with his bigger heart while blasting barbs at everyone else with his smaller.

The skyline at Islands of Adventure really changed in 2010 with the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! (You only need to check here on OrlandoInformer.com for more on the newest island in IOA.)

Dueling Dragons roller coaster became Dragon Challenge and the junior coaster, Flying Unicorn, was converted into Flight of the Hippogriff. Same rides, different embellishments. After two incidents last year when guests were injured by flying debris, the Dragon trains are no longer able to challenge each other, but the coasters are still a spectacular ride.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man had a major overhaul this year and the attraction now has highest HD resolution available, 4k high definition. The new films are amazing and a ride you do NOT want to miss!

We’ve seen many rides and shows come and go over the years, so there is no doubt there have been a lot of changes to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, with more to come. Although we have recently mourned the loss of Jaws, we did the same when Kongfrontation became the Revenge of the Mummy and Back to the Future morphed into The Simpsons Ride. Yet these new attractions have become hits for theme park lovers, and I am looking forward to the next generation of alterations — especially to the Wizarding World. They keep my interest elevated in returning to both parks and, like others, we revisit as much as possible.

If you haven’t enjoyed these parks in several years, it’s time you book a vacation and see for yourself. “I’ve been there” is no longer an excuse!

You can view part one or part two of this series, or view all of the posts on our blog tagged with UOR history.

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As I continue my tour around Universal Orlando, my photos show a significant difference between 1992 and the present. I’m so glad I saved our printed pictures from so long ago! It has really been fun to see how Universal has developed since Universal Studios Florida first opened in 1990.

One of our daughter’s favorite rides is Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, which opened when the entire children’s area inside Universal Studios was renamed Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone in 1999.

Trees and vegetation have matured, but there is a building missing in the 2012 picture – the old Hard Rock Cafe. Although it had been empty since 1999, it was not demolished until 2011.

The large painted sets of the New York Public Library and skyline and the faux Guggenheim Museum are impressive, especially when viewed from a distance, but the subway tunnel is showing its age. It had a bronze finish when we first saw it in 1992; now has a beautiful green patina. The most obvious addition is the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit track jutting out of the sets.

The longer view of the street is even more spectacular. In the 2012 photo, you see the entrance for Twister on the left and another view of the Rockit track. Until the debut of the Universal Music Plaza, bands performed on the steps of the library.

The Boneyard was a part of the Backlot Studio Tour, but you could also walk around all the vehicles and objects used in many of Universal’s productions. But with the building of the Universal Music Plaza stage and viewing area, even more renowned bands are able to play for Universal guests during Mardi Gras and other special events. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit also gets its share of spectators even when bands are not performing.

Characters have also changed how they look. Back in 2001 this guy used to hang around the Villas at Gardens of Allah; now Shrek hangs out in front of his own attraction, Shrek 4-D, which opened in 2003.

You can view part one or part three of this series, or view all of the posts on our blog tagged with UOR history.

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The post 20 years of changes at Universal Orlando: A pictorial history – part two appeared first on Orlando Informer.

We didn’t take a lot of pictures because film and prints cost a bunch back in the day, but I did recently find a few of them from our first visit. I decided it would be fun to go back to the same spots and take new digital photos to see how Universal Studios Florida has changed in 20 years. We have been Annual Passholders for 14 of those years, so we also have pictures from our first year of having passes, 1999-2000, and many since.

I truly dislike the phrases “I’ve been there” or “I’ve seen it” when it comes to going to theme parks. Yet, when we ask visiting friends to go with us just one day, these are the phrases I most often hear. There is NO WAY anyone who visited Universal Studios a few years ago can say that they’ve experienced everything! I honestly wish I were able to treat all of these people to a second visit so they could see for themselves the changes over the years and how the park has expanded. Universal Studios is more fun now that it was in 1992, or even 1999! So, I’ve put together the few photos I have from 1992 with their 2012 images.

Part one: Central Park & World Expo

We stopped in Central Park to give our daughter her lunch in 1992. At the time we had to carry her prepared meals with us (she can’t chew) so we enjoyed this grassy knoll as a picnic spot.

We could see completely across the lagoon as the trees were all small and views were not obstructed. It is one of the prettiest spots in Universal Studios and I don’t understand why we rarely see visitors make use of it. We also took pictures from this area toward Lombard’s Seafood Grill and New York.

Opening as the Animal Actors stage in 1990, this attraction became Animal Planet Live in 2001 but was re-named Animal Actors on Location in 2006. Later in 1998, Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone was opened in the area behind the Animal Actors show. This is how the stage looked in 1992 and now in 2012:

I would have loved to have taken the picture from the same spot, but the area is now for electric scooter parking.

On the Studio Tour we went by the working set for Swamp Thing: The Series, a TV show that ran for three seasons beginning in 1990. MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack now occupies the land.

The Studio Tour was discontinued in the fall of 1995, but on the tram we also saw Universal’s first on-site motel, The Bates, was used in Psycho IV: The Beginning. It was also used for the Psycho Path Maze during Halloween Horror Nights until it was demolished in 1995 to make way for A Day in the Life with Barney. This park adjoining the Barney Theater is also a beautiful spot to rest.

Needless to say, every time we go to the Universal parks we notice something new, and it’s one of the biggest reasons why we continue to be Annual Passholders. The next time someone says they’ve been to Universal Studios but not recently, I’ll pull up this article and show them HOW the place has changed, and then challenge them to see for themselves. You should do the same!

You can continue onto part two of this series, or view all of the posts on our blog tagged with UOR history.

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