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 necessary for riding, as well as certain ride elements that not everyone may be able to enjoy (e.g., those who are prone to motion sickness). This guide not only covers those with disabilities but also provides information on height restrictions, restraint systems, and other topics that may be of use to visitors. (If you prefer a hard copy, this can be obtained at Guest Services.)
It’s important to note that Universal Orlando Resort recently changed the process to obtain an Attractions Assistance Pass, which we dive into below.
Skip to: Accessibility overview | How to use the Attractions Assistance Pass | Mobility access at attractions | Prosthesis | Oxygen Tanks | Cognitive Disabilities | Hearing Disabilities | Vision Disabilities
What accessibility accommodations are available at Universal Orlando?
Universal Orlando Resort offers accommodations and alternative ways to experience these world-class theme parks with a special need or disability.
If you or a family member require assistance for a disability or special need, head to accessibilitycard.org prior to your visit to apply for an IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC). Registration for the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card involves uploading the necessary documentation at least 48 hours before your visit.
Once all of the requirements are met for the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card, a Universal Orlando Team Member will contact the cardholder regarding their request for an attraction queue accommodation.
Only the IBCCES can issue the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card. Universal Orlando Resort cannot issue this credential.
Here’s a video from IBCCES that describes the process of obtaining the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card:
Do I need a doctor’s note to request a disability pass at Universal Orlando?
When applying for the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card, you will need to provide documentation showing your needs or accessibility supports during the registration process.
Once requirements are met for the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card are met, a Universal Orlando Team Member will contact the applicant regarding their request for an attraction queue accommodation.
Your needs may require the issue of an Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP). This card contains a bar code for scanning at the rides and folds to fit into the pocket of a lanyard. If the Attraction Assitance Pass is for a child that uses a stroller in lieu of a wheelchair, make sure you request documentation in Guest Services, which will allow you to take your stroller into the queues wherever they are accessible to wheelchairs.
Keep your Attraction Assistance Pass handy, because you will need to show it to the team member at the entrance of each attraction. Since these passes will have to be shown often, they were designed to fit in the convenient and easy-to-use standard plastic pockets of Universal lanyards that are worn by many guests. (Just remember to stow the lanyard pocket in your shirt or top before riding coasters or other rough rides!)
Note: Attraction Assistance Passes are only accepted at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure; Volcano Bay employs the use of TapuTapu, a Virtual Line system. (And, now, with Virtual Lines becoming more prevalent post-COVID, the pass’s handling at the two theme parks has become a bit closer to that of the water park’s. Speaking of which…)
How does the Attraction Assistance Pass work at Universal Orlando?
The process looks a little like this:
- Present your AAP to the greeter at the attraction that you would like to experience.
- If the posted wait time is less than 30 minutes, you will be directed towards an alternative queue, which may be the Express Pass line, the ride’s exit, or, possibly, a different route.
- If the posted wait time is 30 minutes or more, the employee will write in a specific time to return to that attraction on the reverse side of the pass.
- Once it is your time to return, present your AAP to the team member at the ride, and you will be directed to the alternative-queue entrance.
- After you have experienced the attraction, you may use your Attraction Assistance Pass to obtain a return time at another ride.
Note: Generally, you may only have one active AAP return-time reservation at a time. This means that, if you receive a reservation at one attraction, then choose to get a second reservation at another ride without having used your first, you forfeit the earlier reservation. You may, however, experience any attraction with a wait time of less than 30 minutes without losing your current reservation.
If you have purchased Express Passes or are staying at one of the Universal Orlando hotels that offer them as a perk in lieu of a disability pass, you will also need to speak to a Team Member to nab a spot at Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Pteranodon Flyers, or The Bourne Stuntacular (since they don’t accept Express).
Very! Universal has been committed to making sure that its resort is ADA compliant. Both wheelchairs and ECVs are available to rent, and all Universal parks, CityWalk, restaurants, restrooms, and hotels are wheelchair and/or ECV accessible, with elevators or ramps typically available wherever there are stairs.
What about stairs in ride queues at Universal Orlando?
The following rides utilize stairs as part of their queue experience, but elevators are available and may be used by any guest with mobility or health-related issues – simply speak with a team member, who will help you find the closest one. Entrances to shows will be marked with universal “disabled” signs – use these if you can’t climb or descend stairs.
Some attractions load guests from both sides of a ride vehicle. This usually means that the queues will have stairs that may go over the ride track, so you may need the use of the elevator. Those who do use the elevator are automatically sent to the side of the track that doesn’t need to use steps. If you can’t climb/descend stairs or are using a wheelchair, ECV, or stroller with a “stroller as a wheelchair” card, make sure you inform the employee that you will need to return from the same side of the track from which you are boarding. This is also important if you have parked your ride outside the building, as they won’t have any way of knowing you will need this assistance.
On all rides, make sure the attendant knows you’ll need your wheelchair/stroller on the platform for use when you disembark the ride vehicle. (Again, the use of stroller in this guide only refers to those who have received the “stroller as a wheelchair” designation from Guest Services.)
Universal Studios Florida
- The Simpsons Ride – although there are stairs to get to the upper levels of the ride, wheelchairs/ECVs/strollers – or those with mobility issues – will be sent to a ramp that’s used for entry and exit.
- Men in Black Alien Attack – there are stairs here, but those with mobility issues may use the elevator. This ride does allow ECVs in the Express Pass queue. Follow the directions of the employee, who will ask you to leave the ECV parked by the child swap room before you use the elevator. Courtesy wheelchairs are available, as is a special device for riders who must remain in a wheelchair.
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – the queue has stairs after you exit Gringotts Bank’s “lift,” but an attendant is waiting to direct wheelchair riders (or those who can’t use the steps) to the (real) elevator.
- The Hogwarts Express – King’s Cross Station – this attraction requires that you have a park-to-park ticket, so have it ready to be scanned as you enter the station. Steps are used in the queue – speak to a team member if you can’t climb them so she can show you to the elevator. ECVs are transported in specific ADA compartments on the train, but riders still must transfer to a seat or courtesy wheelchair.
- Revenge of the Mummy – once in the darkened part of the queue (i.e., the catacombs), keep watch for a gate with the universal disabled sign – an employee will help you through and direct you to the elevator. You will exit via a ramp into the gift shop.
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon – wheelchairs/strollers can go through the waiting rooms to the ride platform, but ECVs will have to be parked outside (designated parking is to the right of the entrance). Riders will have to transfer to a manual wheelchair, and there is an elevator to the second-floor waiting room.
Islands of Adventure
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride – team members will direct you to the elevator to access the loading platform. The exit is via a ramp.
- The Hogwarts Express – Hogsmeade Station – as with the instructions for King’s Cross Station, have your park-to-park ticket ready to be scanned. Stairs are also used in this queue, but you know the drill – asked to be shown to the elevator, if necessary. And since the train itself is the same, the identical riding procedure is in place, with the special compartments and need to transfer to a seat or manual wheelchair.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – this ride is wheelchair-accessible via a series of ramps, but the main loading platform features a quick-moving walkway. If you’re unable to use it, just tell the ride attendant, and they’ll direct you to use the secondary platform.
- Jurassic Park Discovery Center – once in the building, the elevator down to the education center is located to the left of the Burger Digs restaurant tables, near the restrooms.
- Me Ship, The Olive – this play area for children does have an elevator to reach the upper levels of the ship. If you are using a wheelchair/ECV/stroller, you will need to ask one of the team members for assistance, as they have a special key for the elevator.
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls – although paths are used to reach the ride platform, speak to the employees for accessibility assistance.
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall – if you can’t traverse the stairs, simply talk to the employees.
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster – ECV riders may transfer to a courtesy wheelchair, and all those unable to use the staircases have access to an elevator (which a ride attendant is required to operate). Note that if a wheelchair isn’t available, you may be shown directly to the elevator on your EVC.
On attractions where prosthetics are permitted, guests with prosthetic arms or hands must ensure the limb is properly attached and able to grasp the ride restraints. Please know that there are currently three attractions that require the removal of all prosthetic limbs and a prerequisite of natural extremities is required to ride safely.
Guests are always welcome to speak to an attractions attendant or Guest Services with any questions they may have.
Attractions That Require Removal Of All Prosthetic Limbs
Universal Studios Florida
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit: once prosthetic limbs have been removed, you must be able to brace your body with at least one natural upper extremity and when seated, must have one natural full leg and one natural leg that extends to the edge of the seat
Universal Islands of Adventure
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster: once prosthetic limbs have been removed, you must be able to brace your body with at least one natural upper extremity, and when seated, both natural legs must, at minimum, terminate below the knee
- Pteranodon Flyers: once prosthetic limbs have been removed, you must be able to brace your body with two natural legs which extend to the edge of the seat
Attractions That Require The Securing Of All Prosthetic Limbs
Universal Studios Florida
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- E.T. Adventure
- Fast & Furious – Supercharged
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (When seated, one natural full leg must fit under the shin guard and the other leg, natural or prosthetic, must terminate below the knee.)
- Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
- Men in Black Alien Attack
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Revenge of the Mummy (When seated, one natural full leg must fit under the shin guard and the other leg, natural or prosthetic, must extend to the edge of the seat.)
- The Simpsons Ride
- Transformers: The Ride – 3D
Universal Islands of Adventure
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- The Cat in the Hat
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Storm Force Accelatron
Oxygen concentrators and similar devices may be allowed as long as they can be secured and do not interfere with the restraints of the attraction. Oxygen tanks are only permitted at certain locations due to the nature of the experience. Should you have any questions regarding an attraction’s requirements and accommodations, please speak with a Team Member at that location.
Oxygen Tank Permissible Attractions
Universal Studios Florida
- Animal Actors On Location!
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (stationary seating)
- Hogwarts Express – King’s Cross Station
- Ollivanders
- The Bourne Stuntacular
- Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show
Universal Islands of Adventure
- Camp Jurassic (except Pteranodon Flyers)
- Hogwarts Express – Hogsmeade Station
- If I Ran the Zoo
- Jurassic Park Discovery Center
- Me Ship, The Olive
- Ollivanders
Universal Orlando Resort offers a range of resources to ensure that all visitors can comfortably enjoy their visit. Not only do they provide a comprehensive guide with valuable tips and a breakdown of a typical Universal Orlando day, but quiet areas are also available to take a break from the theme park excitement.
Quiet Areas with Less Foot Traffic
Universal Studios Florida
- Front of the Park – Family Health Services
- New York Public Library – Between Revenge of the Mummy and Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Health Services located between Louie’s Italian Restaurant and Fast & Furious – Supercharged
- Central Park – along the park lagoon behind Central Park Crepes
- Music Plaza area (select times)
- Diagon Alley – exit pathway next to Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop (benches in the alcove near the exit)
- Coca-Cola Refreshment Station in World Expo – to the right of MIB Gear store
