We get a lot of questions about using a wheelchair at Universal Studios Hollywood, especially now that there is a new online system used to register for accommodations. So when our friends who each use wheelchairs were planning their trips to Universal Studios Hollywood, we hopped along for the ride and research. One friend sometimes uses a walker at home but usually requires a wheelchair for more strenuous outings. She couldn’t bring her own wheelchair with her to Universal Studios Hollywood, so she rented one in the park. The other brought her own small, electric scooter. Both of our friends can transfer to rides. Guests who cannot transfer from a chair are going to have more limited options in the park.
We had a lot of questions before our visits, such as the best place to park, how to rent a wheelchair and how to access rides and shows (as well as keeping our friends cool, safe and comfortable). We are sure many other families have similar questions, so we’ve compiled this easy guide to answer all of your questions about using a wheelchair at Universal Studios.
Everybody is different, so there is not one simple approach when it comes to using a wheelchair. If someone in your party has physical limitations or other health issues, you might be worried about using a wheelchair at Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s normal to have soooo many questions and concerns about this, including whether you can just show up or if you need to register in advance. Whether your family member uses a wheelchair full time, has a temporary injury or only needs a chair for longer excursions, our guide to using a wheelchair at Universal Studios should cover what you need to know. Here are some common questions about using a wheelchair at Universal Studios answered.
Using a Wheelchair at Universal Studios Hollywood
Can I rent a wheelchair?
If you aren’t bringing a wheelchair with you, you can rent wheelchairs (and strollers) just inside the entrance to the park. They can sell out, and you cannot reserve in advance. With that being said, arrive in the morning if you want to rent a wheelchair.
Universal Studios Hollywood rents both regular, manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs, also called Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs). You can store your walkers or other equipment at the rental location. Manual wheelchair rentals cost $25 per day (plus a refundable $25 deposit), and ECV rentals cost $75. Prices are subject to change. Wheelchair rentals are available during Early Access. Universal has some rules for safe conduct while using a manual-driven or power-driven mobility device which you can read here.
Do I need a special pass?
It depends. You do not need a pass to rent or use a wheelchair. The queues are wheelchair accessible at Universal Studios Hollywood. Your wheelchair may send you to an alternate accessible queue, such as one with an elevator or ramp. If mobility is your only challenge, then you do not even have to apply for accommodations in advance. Just show up! No pass is needed.
If you have additional disabilities (beyond mobility) that prevent you from waiting in a conventional attraction queue, then you'll want to register in advance to see if you qualify for additional assistance. As of summer 2023, there is a new system for registering for the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) in advance, which can assist you in qualifying for an Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) card at the park.
How do I get the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC)?
Guests requesting an attraction queue accommodation must obtain the IAC by registering at www.accessibilitycard.org at least 48 hours before they visit the park. The IAC registration consists of an online application, which includes uploading necessary documentation. Documentation may include a diagnosis, the name of the hospital you were associated with when diagnosed or other paperwork. It does not have to be recent.
Once a guest's requirements for the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card are met, the cardholder needs to talk to a Universal Studios Hollywood Team Member on the phone to discuss their request for an attraction queue accommodation. Universal may determine that the guest qualifies for an AAP card or that the wheelchair is accommodation enough. That's why it's important to share as much information with the park as you can.
To pick up the AAP card, guests must then visit Guest Relations upon entering the park. It's located to the right of the turnstiles as soon as you enter the park. Guest Relations is open during Early Access.
If you have an AAP card and the wait is less than 30 minutes, the team members will most likely let you in through the attraction's accessible entrance. That entrance is usually a different line from the regular queue. If the wait is more than 30 minutes, they will likely give you a return time to come back to the accessible entrance later. You may only hold one active return time at a time using the pass. Keep in mind that you may bring up to five companions for a total party size of six when using the AAP at Universal Studios Hollywood. This is a recent change. Also, the AAP does not offer accommodations for the Super Nintendo World games and challenges lines. So if you are concerned about those lines, arrive early for Early Access and complete those first.
The AAP may not be transferred or sold. It is not valid for front-row seating on rides and is only valid for the date printed on the front. If you have health issues other than mobility issues, hop on over to our overview of Universal Studios' Attraction Accommodation Program.
And again, if you use a wheelchair for mobility, you do not need to go through this process. You can just show up and be directed to an alternate queue or elevator if needed. Speaking of queues with elevators, you may need to transfer out of an electric wheelchair, scooter or ECV to a manual wheelchair for some of the tighter queues.
Where should I park?
If you have a disabled placard, there are a couple of places to park. There is some disabled parking near the front gate, but it fills up quickly. Level 2 of the Frankenstein Lot offers the closest garage parking and is fairly close to the park exit, which can be a huge relief after a frogciting but long day at the park.
The Jurassic Parking spaces are decent if you are bringing your own wheelchair, but if you can only walk short distances and plan to rent a wheelchair in the park, this lot can feel pretty far. We parked there first but it was way too far for a friend to walk with her disabilities, so we asked for help and got sent to the Frankenstein structure, which was much closer. Front Gate disabled parking was full by park opening when we visited.
How does using a wheelchair affect rides and attractions?
One of your biggest concerns may be how using a wheelchair affects access to rides and attractions. Each attraction has a different process and each guest’s disability (or injury) will affect how they access the ride, so there is not one easy answer.
Due to dramatic movement, none of the ride vehicles at Universal Studios Hollywood can accommodate Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) or electric wheelchairs. Some rides can accommodate standard wheelchairs. For those, guests may transfer from their ECV or electric wheelchair into a standard wheelchair, which is provided. For most rides (except the Studio Tour), the guest will need to transfer out of the chair to the ride in the vehicle seat. In the case of other non-ride experiences, the guest may have to transfer from an electric wheelchair to a manual wheelchair. Some rides have separate loading areas and/or modified vehicles to make it easier to transfer. You may need to transfer to a provided wheelchair to access the queue for some rides. Talk to a team member about that if you need assistance.
Here is a ride-by-ride look at how people who use wheelchairs can access rides and attractions. You can get a more detailed description of each ride by consulting the Studio Map, signage outside each attraction and the Rider’s Guide for Rider Safety and Guests with Disabilities. The guide gets updated regularly, so if the link does not work, you can find the latest copy on the Universal Studios Hollywood website.
- Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge — You'll need to transfer from a wheelchair to ride the newest ride in Super Nintendo World. But first, you'll have to reach the ride, and that means finding the elevator as this queue has a lot of steps. Enter the building and stay to the left of the standby line. You'll enter the doors straight ahead to access the elevator. You must transfer to a provided wheelchair to enter this queue.
- The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! — This queue has a staircase, so you will use an elevator but still be able to catch most of this adorable queue. You must transfer from an ECV or electric wheelchair/scooter to a provided manual wheelchair in this queue. ECVs and motorized vehicles are not allowed in the queue. There is a ride vehicle that fits a manual wheelchair. (Be sure to look for a dog who uses a wheelchair on the ride!) Stroller-wheelchairs are allowed on the wheelchair access vehicle but must be WC19 certified or contain at least four tie-down anchors. You must step over an 11” high barrier to get into the regular ride vehicle, either independently or with assistance from your companion.
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem — For this ride, you must be able to take a step into the compartment independently or with assistance from someone in your party. Several vehicles have been modified to aid with transferring, so ask a team member for assistance if needed. There are some non-moving seats if you need one.
- Flight of the Hippogriff — You must be able to step into the vehicle compartment for this ride.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey — This ride has a moving platform that allows only 30 seconds to load. For guests who have difficulty transferring and who need extra time, there is a non-moving transfer station on the second floor (you still access the same ride). Ask a team member for assistance. You cannot take ECVs through the castle line, so whether you want to ride or just experience the castle walkthrough, you will need to take the elevator to the third floor to transfer to a park-provided manual wheelchair. Then you can transfer back into your chair when done. Your ECV will be stored in a secure area during that time.
- Jurassic World — The Ride — You must transfer into the boat for this ride. You must negotiate below-floor surface entry into the ride vehicle compartment, either independently or with assistance from your companion. A transfer device is available to aid with the transfer. Talk to a Team Member if you need assistance.
- Kung Fu Panda Adventure — This multi-sensory theater experience is like a combination of a ride and a movie, with seats that shake and move. You may stay in your wheelchair or ECV, or transfer to a seat. There are both moving and non-moving seats. Parties with wheelchairs enter the theater first to access the last row of the front section. There is space to park, as well as seats for members of your party.
- The Mummy — This ride has vehicles modified to aid with transfer. You will leave your wheelchair on the loading side and then exit back towards the loading side after riding.
- Silly Swirly — You must independently (or with help from a companion) get over a 10-inch high barrier to access the vehicle. Some ride vehicles have been modified to aid with transfer.
- The Simpsons — You must be able to negotiate a 10-inch high barrier to get into the ride, either independently or with help from a companion. Some ride vehicles have been modified to help with transfer.
- Studio Tour — The Studio Tour has a separate disabled line at the far end of the loading area. You may transfer from the chair to a tram seat (there is a step to get up), or you can ride in a standard manual wheelchair. The Studio Tour can accommodate some electric wheelchairs but not ECVs. Guests using an ECV who wish to ride in a wheelchair must transfer to a manual wheelchair and use the ramp.
- Transformers: The Ride-3-D — You must be able to take a small step into the vehicle. Team members will store your chair in a separate room during the ride. They may transfer you to a manual wheelchair upon exiting to take you back to the ECV.
- Wand Pairing at Ollivanders — To witness a wand choosing a wizard, you can approach the wizards at the entrance of the experience to enter more quickly. They will help position guests (both in wheelchairs and not) for the easiest and best viewing for everyone.
How does using a wheelchair affect games and challenges in Super Nintendo World?
Some games and challenges are a bit more difficult to engage in from a wheelchair. Some require you to move very quickly or move about the space or stand and jump. So how you compete will depend on your physical abilities and maybe some help from your teammates. In team games, such as Piranha Plant Mishap and Thwomp Panel, a person can play while stationary and the teammates can run to cover other areas. It's harder to duck and jump from a chair in the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown challenge, but you can use your arms to swat and throw items. Read more about the games in our Power-Up Band post.
Koopa Troopa POWer Punch might be the simplest from a chair as it only involves punching the underside of a POW box.
Is it safe to leave my wheelchair while I ride?
Your wheelchair is more than likely safe. But you should take extra steps to secure your belongings, as well as the chair, by removing the key from the ECV (each ECV key comes with a bracelet) and taking valuables with you. You can fold the seat back down when parking the ECV so the seat does not get too hot if left in the sun. Keep your receipt with you just in case! And make sure to park in designated areas.
Many of the parking areas inside attractions are fairly secure in a separate room. You can use free lockers where available (such as those at The Mummy or Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey) to store valuables.
How does using a wheelchair affect shows?
WaterWorld is a show with a designated Wheelchair and ECV parking area. Arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime. Team members let guests with disabilities enter before other guests (consult team members for each show's exact timing). The wheelchair-accessible viewing areas have companion benches. All seating is bench-style without back or arm support. Guests may choose to stay in chairs or transfer. There is designated parking located at the attraction for guests who wish to transfer. The WaterWorld show has top-of-bleacher seating accessible by a lift, as well as seats and parking at ground level. Beware of lower "soak zone" seating though!
Kung Fu Panda Adventure is an animated show and an attraction. The theater has places to park next to seats. You watch from your chair or transfer to a seat.
How can I get to the Lower Lot in a wheelchair?
The Lower Lot is usually accessed via several long escalators. Naturally, that won’t work for a wheelchair or for someone with other mobility and balance issues. Near the sign for the Lower Lot, before you get to the first escalator, you’ll see some elevators on the right. Take those down to the waiting area for Alternate Transport Vehicles (ATVs). The covered waiting area has seats. Shuttle buses transport guests with mobility issues to the Lower Lot and back. During busy times, team members may restrict the person with the disability to one companion. The rest of the party can use the escalators. Guests in ECVs must transfer to a shuttle seat. We recommend visiting the Lower Lot in the morning before both ride times and ATV lines get long.
If you have a small, lightweight, foldable chair or scooter and can safely use the escalator while standing, a companion can hold your chair on the escalator. This saves a lot of time over waiting for the ATVs.
How do I use the restroom with a wheelchair?
There are disabled stalls in each restroom. There are family or companion restrooms at the First-Aid station in the Lower Lot near Jurassic Cafe, as well as at the family center in the Upper Lot near WaterWorld. We found the sinks challenging to access from an ECV, so we recommend bringing hand wipes and sanitizer just in case. There is a First Aid station in the Upper Lot as well.
What if my child with a disability uses a stroller as a wheelchair?
There are places you can take a wheelchair that you cannot bring a regular stroller, so just let a team member know if your child uses the stroller as a wheelchair, and you should have no issues accessing rides and shows. It’s best to visit Guest Relations when you enter the park so they can offer you information or help you formulate a plan that meets your needs.
Can I save money on Universal Express if I am using a wheelchair?
This is a question we get a lot. Having a wheelchair does not equal front-of-line access. The queues are accessible by wheelchair, so you will join the regular queue or be directed to an alternate path. The Attraction Assistance Pass is designed to assist guests who cannot wait in a traditional queue and should never be used by anyone not requiring assistance. People using wheelchairs can bring a limited number of guests with them to the attraction, and they may receive return times to come back later, which is not the same instant access pass that Universal Express ticketholders get.
Usually, the person needing accommodations and up to five others can use the alternate queue. But the person holding the pass must be riding, and not everyone in the party wants to go on all the rides, so if the person with the pass cannot handle the attraction or needs a break, then other party members will be left waiting in standard lines for those attractions. Universal Express can sell out on busy days, so waiting to purchase Express in the park may mean you miss out.
Tips for Using a Wheelchair at Universal Studios Hollywood
It’s not always easy to get around Universal Studios Hollywood in a wheelchair. Some areas of the park have a rough terrain, which can affect some guests. Here are a few tips to help you out:
- Try to plan your visit for a less crowded time.
- Visit in the cooler months (November through March) to avoid getting overheated.
- Spring for the electric wheelchair instead of a standard wheelchair to save your energy.
- Plan to visit the Lower Lot early in the day for the shortest lines for the ATVs.
- Bring USB phone power cords — the ECVs have USB ports and they charge your phones!
- Arrive early to secure a wheelchair — they can sell out!
- Wheelchair rentals are open during Early Access.
- Get the Early Access ticket for Super Nintendo World. It will give you access to the land with the lowest crowds of the day. The games and challenges have the shortest lines of the day at this time.
- Choose to ride the Studio Tour and see WaterWorld or visit Kung Fu Panda during the hotter hours of the day.
- Never be afraid to ask an employee for help or information.
- Bring hand wipes and/or sanitizer. It can be challenging to access the bathroom sinks from a wheelchair and not all bathrooms have paper towels.
- Arrive early for WaterWorld to secure disabled seating.
- Ask about accessible seating at restaurants. They may seat you before you order and offer you a menu to peruse at your table at certain places, such as The Three Broomsticks.
- The shops in the Wizarding World are very tight spaces for wheelchairs. Consider doing some shopping for Harry Potter candy and souvenirs at the more spacious Universal Studio Store near the park exit.
- Watch out when traveling over the rough streets of the Wizarding World if you have conditions that can flare up from the vibrations of going over surfaces similar to cobblestones.
- Plan breaks, and don’t overdo it!
Overall, our friends each had an exciting day using a wheelchair at Universal Studios Hollywood. I mean, they had us frogs there to hop along, help them maximize their time and guide them toward the best experiences for their abilities, of course.
We got Early Access tickets for Super Nintendo World and completed the Lower Lot early in the day for the shortest lines (for both rides and the trip down there and back up). We consulted the weather report and chose cooler times to visit so they wouldn’t get overheated. Our group opted for indoor meals and rides to avoid the heat of the day. Our group took advantage of the USB ports on the rented ECV to keep our phones fully juiced, too! We learned a thing or two, like getting to see where service animal cages are kept and how people with disabilities can access rides from different areas. It was a hoppin’ good time for all!
If you have any tips for using a wheelchair at Universal Studios Hollywood, let us know in the comments below! Be sure to hop over for more information on managing Universal Studios Hollywood with disabilities and general tips to maximize time at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Related: An Overview of Disneyland's Disability Access Service (DAS)
Keep hopping!