Everything you need to know about doing Universal Studios Hollywood in a wheelchair including tips, rentals, accessibility, chair pushers, etc.

Rentals:

If you do not already have your own wheelchair that you prefer to use, you may rent one. The rental location is just inside the park across from the Universal Store.

Manual wheelchairs: $15/chair/day (plus refundable $25 deposit)

ECVs (electric scooter chairs): $60/chair/day.

ECVs must be operated by somebody 18 years or older. If you were using a walker or crutches before renting your chair, you may store it at the rental location.

Accessibility:

Guests who are able to safely transfer from their chair to a ride vehicle are able to ride any attraction. The Studio Tour is wheelchair accessible, so no transfer is needed. You and your party will sit in the front car. ECVs are not allowed on the Studio Tour. However, a different wheelchair can be made available to you to use at no additional cost for that attraction only.

All shows are also wheelchair accessible with special seating as well.

Warning: Most of the wheelchair seating for Waterworld is in the wet zone! So if you don’t want to get wet, arrive early or wear something waterproof.

What about those escalators?

Universal Studios Hollywood has four sets of long escalators that take guests to and from the Upper and Lower Lots of the park. Don’t fret, though.

Standard Wheelchairs: If you are comfortable walking/standing a short distance, and another member of your party is willing to hold onto the chair, you may use the escalators as normal.

However, if you are not comfortable with that, or have an ECV, speak to the employees standing near the Simpsons ride in the Upper Lot or the Raptor Encounter in the Lower Lot. They will order you a shuttle that will take you to the other lot in your chair. You will also have to ride in an elevator.

Disability Pass:

Since wheelchairs don’t always fit in the queuing areas or can’t use the stairs, parties with wheelchairs have a different process of waiting in line. Upon arrival at the park, head to Guest Relations. They will give you a Disability Pass.

How It Works:

Go to the entrance of the attraction you want to experience. If the line is too long, the employee will write a return time on your pass. You come back to the attraction at the specified return time and then enter the ride through an accessible route. It is still about the same amount of time waiting, but not technically “in line.” While you wait for your return time you may go eat, explore the park, or even ride another ride.