Realistic expectations while visiting Orlando’s theme parks with a child who has special needs
Our 10 best tips for having a fantastic time at Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld with a special-needs family member.
Search Results for: special needs
Grinchmas at Universal Orlando: history and special needs information
One holiday tradition for my family is our annual trip to enjoy the sights and sounds of Grinchmas in Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure. It just … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Wheelchair access, companion restrooms, and special requests for Diagon Alley
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Diagon Alley attraction requirements, expectant mothers rider’s chart, Team Members continue to impress us
Welcome to our latest edition of Special Needs Are Universal, a now-monthly column that will highlight the questions received and answered on the OI Community … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Maneuvering a wheelchair through the parks, finding elevator access & companion bathrooms
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Guest’s visit ruined by poor planning – how it could have easily been prevented
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Traveling with two disabled children – how to best prepare for Universal Orlando?
Welcome to Special Needs Are Universal, a column devoted to helping those with disabilities or who have disabled family or friends. There are many sites … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Are the “horror stories” about disabled families visiting Universal Orlando true?
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
Special needs are Universal: A review of how we can help disabled families, visiting the parks with cystic fibrosis, First Aid locations
Welcome to the first edition of Special Needs Are Universal for 2014. To start out the year, I’d like to remind our readers that Orlando … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Autism & food allergy concerns for first-time Universal Orlando guests, Disney contact information for disability issues
In this edition of Special Needs Are Universal, I would like to share a couple of the newest questions and comments I’ve received from readers. … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Disabled parking permits for Int’l visitors, new USF companion restrooms, changes to Universal’s attraction assistance policy
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Prepare for Halloween Horror Nights, important AAP & GAP news
Welcome to the newest edition of Special Needs Are Universal, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their visit to Orlando’s theme … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Visiting the parks with walking aids, canes, casts or braces
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
Special needs are Universal: My sister wears a prosthetic leg – even with Express Passes, should we get an Attraction Assistance Pass?
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
Special needs are Universal: I have serious concerns about dad, but he really wants to go to Walt Disney World “one last time with the grandkids”
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Is the Attraction Assistance Pass necessary if I have Universal Express Passes?
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Handicapped parking at Walt Disney World
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Handicapped parking at Universal Orlando
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Privileges for broken bones, more thoughts on guests requesting Assistance Passes
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Guests with food allergies visiting Universal Orlando
Welcome to our next Special Needs Are Universal article. The purpose of this OI Blog series is to answer your theme park disability questions and … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Visiting Universal Orlando & Walt Disney World with hidden disabilities
This is our fourth Special Needs Are Universal article. The purpose of this OI Blog series is to answer your theme park disability questions and … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Visiting Universal Orlando with prosthetics
This is our third Special Needs Are Universal article. The purpose of this OI Blog series is to answer your theme park disability questions and … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Visiting Disney World with two Autistic boys – can we still use the accelerated entrances even if the boys aren’t riding?
This is our second Special Needs Are Universal article, which we have designed to answer your questions and address your concerns about theme park disability … Read more
Universal Orlando: Complete Guide to Attraction Assistance for Special-Needs Families
Universal offers the Universal Orlando Resort Guide for Rider Safety and Accessibility for all guests to become familiar with attraction restrictions and requirements that are … Read more
4 videogames Universal NEEDS for its next park
You are reading an article tagged as a rumor. Read our note from the editor to learn about rumors shared on Orlando Informer. You’ve heard … Read more
3 massive holes Universal needs to plug
We’ve discussed before the last remaining hurdles for Universal to becoming as well-varied as its mouse competition down the street, and while free transportation from … Read more
SNAU: Parade viewing, Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream, and special RVs for disabled riders
Benches at the parade viewing area for guests with disabilities Last fall I wrote about how Universal might help to make Halloween Horror Nights more … Read more
Rumor round-up for October 25, 2013: King Kong special report, Universal’s five-year road map, Meal Deal replacement, the Hogwarts Express & more
King Kong, Disaster, and Jurassic Park: The plot thickens… King Kong’s imminent arrival at Universal Orlando Resort is quickly becoming like some of our old … Read more
Universal Orlando – a special place with extraordinary people
My husband and I have so many stories of Universal team members who have just thrilled us with their hospitality and care while visiting Universal … Read more
Our Top Ten Tips for Visiting SeaWorld Orlando
It takes a lot to plan a family trip of any kind, much less one to one of the most popular theme parks in America. … Read more
Accessibility at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is one of the premier places to visit in Central Florida. With animals, shows, and attractions, it’s a great place to spend a … Read more
Spend the day at SeaWorld Orlando
Haven’t been to SeaWorld in a long time (if not ever)? Not to worry! We lay out all the park has to offer for a fun-filled day.
Pandemic Guide – Walt Disney World Resort
The closing of the theme parks around Orlando due to the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 was an unprecedented and anxious time, but with safety … Read more
Magical Dining Month at Orlando Theme Parks
We’re right in the middle of Orlando’s Magical Dining Month and if you’re visiting the Orlando area before October 3, you should consider indulging. What … Read more
Production Central at Universal Studios Florida
Skip to: Overview | Location | Attractions | Entertainment | Dining | Shopping | Fun facts | Additional services What is Production Central? Just through … Read more
Top 3 theme park pet peeves
Ever wonder if you’re the only one upset by the rude behaviors of others when you visit a theme park? It seems “Zombie Chris” thought … Read more
SNAU: moving walkways, Orlando Eye, and Universal discounts for disabled guests
Welcome to the May 2015 edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers from our readers and tips to help those … Read more
The Orlando Eye – Complete Guide
Today’s the day! I-Drive 360, home of The Orlando Eye, is officially open to the public. Last week, Orlando Informer was on hand to experience … Read more
Comparing disability policies at Universal, Disney, and Busch Gardens
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
SNAU: Touring Universal with autistic family members
Our goal here at Orlando Informer is to offer all guests tips and tools for touring Universal Orlando, and being able to help special needs … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: June 29 – July 5, 2014
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: June 1 – 7, 2014
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: April 28 – May 3, 2014
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: April 7 – April 12, 2014
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Accessible fun for all ages: Enjoying Universal Orlando with my grandparents
Universal Orlando prides itself in being a family-orientated theme park for all ages. You see their dedication to this mission by hosting attractions and shows … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: March 16 – 23, 2014
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: December 16 – 21, 2013
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: November 25 – 29, 2013
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: November 17 – 24, 2013
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS): First-hand experience & in-depth analysis of the new system
As promised, my family and I were at Epcot when the new Disability Access Service (DAS) card rolled out Wednesday, October 9. Over the last … Read more