While every attempt has been made to ensure the greatest degree of accuracy of the contents within, 20 States on Wheels makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this book and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this book. No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, contents of this book or its URLs to other Internet resources. Reference in this the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by 20 States on Wheels. Many of the photographs used in this book were taken directly by team members of 20 States on Wheels. All photographs not taken by our team members were posted online under Creative Commons 2.0 copyright licensing, and an attribution to the photographer is listed.
for Haley Rue, fellow adventurer, whose spirit lives on.
Universal Studios, LA by Cyn
U V S
After waiting for more than thirty minutes in line to buy tickets for Universal Studios, we were tired and amazed at the number of people there. Kunho was worried that we wouldn’t have enough time to check out all of the rides before the day was up. Thankfully, wheelchair users are granted automatic fast passes, so we did not have to wait long in line for any of the
was so thankful for the break in the terror as the friendly staff member helped us operate a very normal elevator, with normal lighting, to the had the other very scary half to cross! Other rides in the park were just ideal for wheelchair users without the ability to transfer, Kunho was able to ride all of the roller coasters except for the Jurasic Park Water Ride.
same if you were to ask me to go into that horrid dark house again.
20 States on Wheels Universal Studios, LA
85
Park Entry and Services
Universal Studios, LA
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California 9160 (800) 864-8377 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Timing varies by day www.universalstudioshollywood.com/hours theme park, located in Los Ange les, CA, features roller coasters and matic hits from the Universal Stu
Entrance Tours Map
will help you with opening the door Studio tour located at Studio Tour Plaza, reach able by elevator. The shuttles have ramps and are wheelchair accessible. map indicates accessibility
Tickets: right hand side past the entrance to get more information about rides and how to use guest assistance passes. Ticket pricing varies from day to day. Approximate prices below: Online
Adults: Children (45 inches and up): Front of Line ticket:
$92.00 $84.00 $149.00
Adults: Children (45 inches and up): Front of Line ticket:
$95.00 $87.00 $159.00
Check the website for current exact pricing: www.universalstudioshollywood.com/tickets/
86
20 States on Wheels Universal Studios, LA
U V S
A guest assistance pass will allow you to completely skip the long lines!
Guest Assistance Pass
The wait for each ride can be very long without a fast pass.
Wheelchair users are eligible for free entrance to each ride, which will al low you to cut the entire line for the ride. To get a guest assistance pass for each ride, simply show your ticket to a staff member at the front of the attraction and explain your mobili ty needs. They will hand you a pass with your name and a time written on it (usually around 30 minutes or so later). You can then come back to the attraction at the written time and present the pass, and the attendant will take you to the front of the line.
Accessibility of Rides too much space between the platform and seat, because the seat is not level with the boarding platform, or because the seat is too narrow. As many rides’ seats are made of hard plastic, we recommend that you bring a small spare cushion to prevent bruises or other skin problems.
20 States on Wheels Universal Studios, LA
87
Park Entry and Services
Universal Studios, LA
Areas in the Park: Upper vs. Lower Lot There are two main areas in the Universal Studios theme park: an Upper Lot and a Lower Lot. The the main entrance, and is easy to get to. The Lower Lot, by contrast, is easy to access for those able to use escalators, but for other visitors can be a pain as the only other way to get to the Lower Lot is by shuttle (see Lower Lot attractions).
Public Transportation Shuttle To take public transport to Universal Studios, take either the bus or subway line to the stop at Universal City. From there, a free Universal Studios shuttle bus across the street will take you to
park closes.
Parking Visitors with a disability placard will be guided to the closest parking lot to the entrance and will only be charged the general parking rate. General Parking: Peak Preferred Parking: Peak Front Gate:
88
20 States on Wheels Universal Studios, LA
$16.00 ($10.00 after 3:00 p.m.) $25.00 ($20.00 after 3:00 p.m.) $40.00 ($30.00 after 3:00 p.m.)
U V S
Bathroom Accessible restrooms are available at the following locations: By the main entrance Next to the water ride by the main entrance Near the amphitheater in the security building Behind the globe theater Next to the special effects stage By the Simpsons ride
Wheelchair Rental Wheelchairs – $15.00 There is a $25.00 refundable deposit fee for wheelchair rentals. Wheelchairs can be rented at the wheelchair/stroller rental center near the main entrance. Due to the large size of the park, people
20 States on Wheels Universal Studios, LA
89
Upper Lot Attractions House of Horrors This haunted house is composed of narrow and dark rooms with horrify ing, gruesome decorations and actors dressed as ghouls and demons sud denly jumping out at you. Unlike other a ride but rather an attraction you walk
mundane interruption in the middle of a thrilling and terrifying journey can somewhat decrease the excitement of the attraction.
Despicable Me This ride, surrounded by cute and unpredictable minions, is based off of the popular children’s movie. The entrance to the ride is accessible by several This new ride is based off of the popular children’s movie.
of a huge video screen and rows of chairs that buck and move to simulate motion. This ride is accessible for those able to transfer. Staff will help you by modifying the seat so that it is easier to transfer. Keep in mind that this seat is made of hard plastic. Kids take pictures with characters from the movie.
90
20 States on Wheels Universal Studios, LA
Universal Studios, LA
Fun Land down in the air and rotate in a circle around the center of the ride. Seats 1 and 10 are wheelchair accessible to those who can transfer. Keep in mind that the seat is made of hard plastic.
U V S
A staff member assists Kunho in boarding the accessible car.
This section of the park, “Fun Land,� is for little children.
The Simpsons The Simpsons ride is based on an adventure with one of the most famous families in animated television. The entrance is accessible by ramp. Like the De some space between where you can park your wheelchair and the seat. While you are transferring, an son voice will continue hysterically yelling at you to sit down until you are
The Simpsons ride is based off of the classic television show.
staff is willing to patiently wait as long as necessary until you are ready to be gin the ride. Keep in mind that the seat is made of hard plastic. 20 States on Wheels Universal Studios, LA
91
Lower Lot Attractions Lower Lot Shuttle A shuttle service provides access from the Upper Lot to Lower Lot. Take the elevator by The Simpsons ride down to the shuttle boarding station. There are normally two shuttles run ning at any one time. Wait time varies from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, de pending on the time of day and how busy the park is. Kunho prepares to board the accessible shuttle.
Revenge of the Mummy
mind that the seat is made of hard plastic.
Revenge of the Mummy, one of the few “true� roller coasters in the park.
92
20 States on Wheels Universal Studios, LA
Universal Studios, LA
Transformers rides throughout the park, the Transformers ride is composed of a video screen
U V S
Keep in mind that the seat is made of hard plastic.
A tourist says hello to Optimus Prime.
This ride is based off of the recently popular movie series by Michael Bay.
Jurassic Park This ride is based on the clas sic movie series adapted from the travels down a river. Since the ride is located at water level and the deck is higher than the ride, it ride if you are not able to walk. Jurassic Park was one of the few rides Kunho was not able to transfer to. 20 States on Wheels Universal Studios, LA
93