When making a "bucket list" of theme parks to visit in southern California, Universal Studios Hollywood definitely has to be in one of the top spots. From walking through the shops and restaurants lining Citywalk, to the amazing rides inside the Park, to taking the tour of the backlot, Universal can create many great family memories.
Universal Disability Guide
Planning a family day of fun may cause some concern for some families who have a child with special needs. Most theme parks have information available for people with disabilities, particularly for those with specific needs such as mobility or wheelchair access information, sign language interpreter services and guide dog guidelines. However, these guidelines don't always cover other, less specific needs, such as those that might help a child with developmental disabilities or autism have a better day at the park. The needs for these children are often as individual as the child.
To that end, Universal Studios Hollywood has published a Guide for Guests with Disabilities, which states that any accommodations not specifically covered in the guide, can be addressed by contacting Guest Relations and asking about "additional accommodations." Therefore, parents of a disabled child should be prepared to contact Universal's Guest Relations office either prior to visiting the park, or upon first arriving at the park. Although a letter from a doctor or other paper proof of a disability is not required, it can nevertheless be helpful. Either way, parents should be prepared to explain and discuss the accommodations their child needs in order for the family to have an enjoyable day at the park.
The Guest Relations desk is located at the front of the park. The office can also be contacted by calling 1-800-UNIVERSAL or write to Universal Studios Hollywood, Attention Guest Relations, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.
Universal Guest Assistance Pass
Parents will need to explain what their child needs in terms of accommodations. Children with developmental disabilities and autism can often experience sensory overload or fatigue when waiting in very crowded areas, in heat and in an overstimulating environment. To that end, Universal offers the Guest Assistance Pass (GAP), which allows families to use an alternate entrance to a ride or a speedy entrance. The pass is not meant to be a "jump the line" pass, nor should families plan to repeatedly ride the same attraction. However, the GAP lets park employees know that families may need extra assistance which may include using a different entrance to an attraction.
In addition to the GAP pass, the park also does a great job of taking care of the whole family. If there is a ride that may not work for your child because it is too scary or for some other reason, many of the rides, like "Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride!" have an indoor child room available with a TV and a few toys so parents can take turns going on that particular ride.
Universal Studios 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
800-UNIVERSAL
Universal City is located just north of downtown Los Angeles. Use the Universal Studios Boulevard exit off of the 101 freeway.
Like other parks in Southern California such as Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, as well as Universal's sister park in Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood offers accommodations to guests with disabilities.
Universal Studios Hollywood has some amazing rides to experience. The park's policies and Guest Assistance Pass make it so that families of children with disabilities can all have a great time on those rides.
Kathleen Curry - As a self-professed travel guru Kathleen Curry has spent many of her days and future retirement savings on travel. She has worked in the ...
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