Mobility Issues Can't Stop Your Fun at Universal Orlando

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    I recently visited Universal Orlando with my problem feet.  I have chronic foot pain and paratenonitis.  Theme park guests walk an average of no less than 5 miles per day.  If you are like me, that equals much of your day wasted in pain and "sit breaks."  

 Here are tips for guests with mobility issues to get the most out of their day at Universal Orlando:

Rent an ECV.   Electronic Conveyance Vehicles (ECV's) otherwise known as electric scooters, give a feeling of independence and freedom to the guest with trouble walking or standing.  The average price at most Orlando theme parks is $50 per day (you can park hop by turning it in at each park and getting a new one at Disney).  At Universal Orlando, park hopping is allowed with your rented ECV.

Get and Attraction Assistance Pass.  Visit Guest Services after entering the parks.  Tell them you have a medical issue which prevents you from standing in a long queue.  A doctor's note may be required, but usually they'll take your word for it.  This pass allows you and everyone in your party (limited to 6) to receive a "come back time" if the wait is longer than 30 minutes.  This allows the guest to wait outside of the line.  When you return, you are allowed into the short or express line on rides.  

Have an ECV delivered to your onsite hotel.  There are several ECV rental companies who will deliver your ECV to your hotel.  The benefits of having you scooter delivered:

  1. Save money.  The rental rates are much better if you rent a scooter from a private company.  I recently rented a scooter for 3 days at $89 compared to the daily rental fee at the parks of $50/per day.
  2. You can take it everywhere in the complex.  Whether you are going to the main theme parks, CityWalk or Volcano Bay, you can ride your scooter everywhere.
  3. Park scooters must be turned in before the parks close and on low attendance days, the parks often close at 5:00 or 6:00pm.  If you rent a scooter from a private company, you can use it to travel through CityWalk to restaurants and entertainment venues.
  4. Ease of getting to the parks.   ECV's are allowed on all park transportation including shuttle buses, water taxis but my favorite way to use it is by traveling along the garden paths which connect the hotels to Universal CityWalk.   

 Check out my youtube video of riding an ECV along the beautifully landscaped scenic walking path from CityWalk to the Royal Pacific Resort. 

Universal Orlando Guide Books on Amazon
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Instagram: @maryfdesilva

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