Universal Studios Florida for the Vision and Hearing Impaired

With its thrilling rides and attractions, Universal Orlando has become known the world over as the must-visit vacation destination for active families. From the heart-stopping terror of Halloween Horror Nights to the sensory extravaganza of The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, Universal Orlando delivers the excitement. However, guests with physical disabilities may have concerns. Visual and hearing impairments affect all aspects of daily living, and entertainment is no exception. Families dealing with these disabilities may wonder if a Universal vacation is the best choice for them.

Fortunately, at Universal Orlando, there is no need to worry. The resort offers a variety of adaptive devices and accommodations for every type of disability. Team members are well-trained and knowledgeable, and are eager to assist in any way possible.

Upon arriving at Universal Studios Florida, make your way directly to Guest Services, located just inside the park entrance (a walk-up window location is also available just outside the gates should you arrive prior to park opening). Describe the nature of your disability and necessary accommodations to the Guest Services Team Member, and he or she will provide you with assistance and information. Assistive listening and closed captioning devices are available here.

*Tip* Be sure to request the Rider’s Guide for Rider Safety and Guests with Disabilities. The guide contains a wealth of attraction-specific information.

*Tip* Service animals are permitted throughout the property. Ask at Guest Services for the locations and procedures of service animal break areas.

*Tip* Service animals are not permitted on certain attractions due to safety restrictions. At those attractions, procedures are in place for the service animal to wait while you enjoy the ride. Ask at each attraction for details, as procedures may vary. Generally, a member of your party must wait with the animal.

*Tip* Most shows offer sign language interpretation during certain performances. Please consult a park map for show times.

Universal Studios Florida is the resort’s original Orlando theme park. The park’s slogan is “Ride the Movies,” and guests have the chance to do just that in a wide variety of rides and shows (here is a list of attractions at Universal Studios). The park is divided into several themed areas: Production Central, New York, San Francisco/Amity, World Expo, Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, and Hollywood. The park is a working film and television studio, and offers guests the chance to experience a working backlot.

This is the park entrance area, where imposing soundstages help guests transition from the world of reality to world of film. The main attractions in this area, Shrek 4-D and Jimmy Neutron, both utilize motion simulators along with a projected film. Service animals are permitted in the simulators; however for their comfort it is recommended that guests with service animals utilize the stationary seating areas only.

This backlot area provides backdrops of New York from the gangster era to the modern day. Due to safety restrictions, service animals are not permitted on Revenge of the Mummy. Ask an attraction attendant for more information.

*Tip* Assistive listening is available at Twister: Ride It Out.

Service animals are permitted throughout the Earthquake: The Big One attraction, including the ride portion. This attraction utilizes both sight and sound for a behind the scenes look at special effects, and so may be enjoyed by the visually or hearing impaired. Written scripts are available for the show portion of the attraction.

Jaws permits service animals as well. However, as a boat ride that takes you face to face with a giant shark, it may not be well-tolerated by skittish animals. Written scripts are available for this attraction; please ask the attraction staff for details.

Fear Factor Live is interpreted at certain show times. Consult your park map or ask an attraction attendant for details. Assistive listening is also available for this attraction.

Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue is interpreted at certain show times. Assistive listening is also available at this attraction.

Due to safety restrictions, service animals are not permitted on Men in Black: Alien Attack. Ask an attendant for more information.

*Tip* Assistive listening is available for Men in Black: Alien Attack.

Due to safety restrictions, service animals are not permitted on the Woody Woodpecker Nuthouse Coaster. Please see an attendant for more information.

*Tip* Animal Actors on Location! and A Day in the Park with Barney offer sign language interpreting at certain show times. Both shows also offer assistive listening.

The shows in this area offer sign language interpreting at certain show times. Written scripts are also available in some locations.

Universal Studios Florida offers a chance for guests to experience the excitement of a working film studio. In addition, guests are able to “Ride the Movies,” as they find themselves in the middle of some of Universal’s best loved films. With a bit of advance planning and the proper adaptive devices, guests with hearing or visual impairments can fully enjoy all that the park has to offer.