Tips for Travelers with Special Needs

Guests with disabilities should go to Guest Services, located just inside the main entrance, for a Rider's Guide for Rider Safety & Guests with Disabilities, a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), or other special assistance. You can rent a standard wheelchair for $12 or an electric one for $40 (both require a signed rental agreement and a $50 deposit). You can reserve them a week or more in advance by calling tel. 407/224-6350. You can arrange for sign language interpreting services at no charge by calling tel. 888/519-4899 (toll-free TDD), 407/224-4414 (local TDD), or 407/224-5929 (voice). Make arrangements for an appointment with an interpreter 1 to 2 weeks in advance. Information is also available at www.universalorlando.com.

Tip: The Rider's Guide is also a great tool for parents, as it describes in great detail the various rides' special effects, warnings, height requirements, and general guest services information at both Universal parks.

Note that some of the park's best rides are action-based thrill rides, so your options are limited if you're pregnant, are prone to motion sickness, or have heart, neck, or back problems. The same applies to smaller children. Review the rides and restrictions on the following pages or when you enter the park so that you don't stand in line for something you're unable to enjoy. (There are stationary areas available at some moving rides. Check your park guide under "expectant mothers," as well as the boards in front of each ride, and then ask the attendants for help as you enter.) A child-swap program (allowing parents to switch off on rides without having to stand in line twice) is available at the rides as well.

Pets -- You can board your small animals at the shelter located inside the parking garages for $10 a day (no overnight stays), but you have to return to feed and walk Fido. Ask the attendant when you pay for parking to direct you to the kennel.