Universal Studios Hollywood Accessibility

Universal Studios Hollywood provides an inclusive and accessible environment for all its guests. 

If you have mobility issues or any other physical or cognitive disability, USH has you in mind.

Now, if you are a wheelchair user, then you can skip all the hassle as the theme park is already accessible with separate queues for you. 

You can also rent strollers, wheelchairs, and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs), from inside the park across from the Universal Studios Store.

On the other hand, if you have difficulty with extended waits in attraction queues, the Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) is here to help. 

Universal Studios Hollywood attracts more than 9 million visitors annually, so booking tickets in advance makes sense. A general admission ticket is the cheapest and most popular way to experience the park. Express Pass allows you to skip all lines, while VIP Pass offers the ultimate premium experience.

Individual Accessibility Card (IAC)

Earlier, you might have used the Attractions Assistance Pass (AAP) at Universal Studios Hollywood, but now there’s a new process for guests with non-mobility-related disabilities. 

Today, you’ll need to register for the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), also known as the Individual Accessibility Card (IAC).

And how do you do it? 

Register for the IBCCES Card for free online. It is available on both Android and iPhone. 

Register at least 48 hours before your visit to the park. 

Once you have registered, your card will be valid for a year. 

Remember, only individuals 18 and older can request the card for themselves. 

Guests under 18 will need a parent or legal guardian to register for them.

Get ready for the ultimate scare fest at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Haven’t bought your USH ticket yet? Dive into these articles to help you decide!
# General Admission ticket
# Express pass
# VIP ticket
# L.A. All-Inclusive pass

Things to know before registering for IAC

To register for the IAC, you’ll need to provide:

• A recent photo of the cardholder for identification
• The cardholder’s contact details or those of the parent/guardian/support person
• A medical certificate that includes the documentation of your diagnosis either from a medical provider, government entity, or educational support professional

After completing the online registration, discuss your needs with Universal Studios Hollywood before your visit.

Make sure to contact Universal if they do not call you to discuss your accommodations.

On the day of your visit, download the IAC card or take the printout to Guest Relations services to receive your available accommodations.

Note: Only IBCCES can issue the IBCCES Accessibility Card, not Universal Studios Hollywood.

If you are a frequent theme park visitor or an annual pass member, you can use the IAC card at other participating IBCCES program sites, including Universal Orlando or the Six Flags theme parks. However, the card is only valid for one year, so you must renew it annually.

For people with hearing disabilities

Guests with hearing disabilities can obtain assistive listening devices at Guest Relations free of charge. 

Those with mild to moderate hearing loss can get amplified handsets at all phone locations.

You can arrange sign language services at the park if you inform the Guest Relations at least a week in advance.

Avail the video remote interpreting services at Guest Relations or First Aid stations.

Caption monitoring is also available upon request.

For people with vision disabilities

If you have visual impairments, you have the option to pick up show scripts in large font and braille at Guest Services.

If you wish to carry a cane, Universal Studios Hollywood has many attractions that can accommodate your white cane. 

You can either give it to an attendant or keep it in the storage compartments available at some rides. 

Your cane is allowed on the following rides: 

• Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Silly Swirly
• The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
• TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride-3D
• The Simpsons Ride™
• The World-Famous Studio Tour
• Jurassic World – The Ride

Canes are not allowed in:

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™

If your cane can be collapsed and stored in a pouch, you can ride: 

• Flight of the Hippogriff™
• Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
  

Related reading:
# Opening hours of the park
# Universal Studios Hollywood height restrictions
# Special events at the park
# Tips for smooth visit

For people using wheelchairs and prosthetics

Mobility devices, including strollers, wheelchairs, and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs), are available for rent near the Universal Studios Store. 

Due to limited availability, renting these devices early in the day is recommended. 

For safety reasons, guests using ECVs or electric wheelchairs must transfer to a standard wheelchair for most rides, which are provided at the ride entrances. 

Some rides can accommodate standard wheelchairs directly, making it easier for guests.

If you have prosthetic limbs, please make sure they are securely fastened before enjoying attractions like Flight of the Hippogriff, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride.

You’ll find that all the shopping and dining areas are wheelchair accessible. 

Even the outdoor stage shows have special seating reserved for guests with disabilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

For people using service animals

Universal Studios Hollywood only allows animals that meet the official definition of a service animal.

Your service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless these devices interfere with their work or your disability prevents you from using them. 

In those cases, you can control your animal through voice, signal, or other effective means.

Each attraction has specific guidelines to keep your service animal safe; some even offer portable kennels. 

There are also some relief areas for service animals at various spots around the park.

You can just ask an attendant or check out the Universal Studios Hollywood Guide for Rider Safety and Accessibility.

Read more:
# How to reach the theme park
# Transfer from Anaheim
# Private transfer from/to Burbank
# Private transfer from/to San Diego

For people using oxygen tanks

If you use an oxygen tank, please note that you won’t be able to enjoy most of the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood. 

Due to the dramatic movement of the ride vehicles and certain flame effects, it’s just not safe to bring oxygen tanks to these attractions. 

Lower Lot:

• Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge
• Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
• TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride-3D
• Jurassic World – The Ride

Upper Lot:

• The World-Famous Studio Tour
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
• Flight of the Hippogriff™
• The Simpsons Ride™
• The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Silly Swirly

If you still want assistance and more information about bringing oxygen tanks, please speak with a team member at the attraction entrance.

Special facilities at Universal Studios Hollywood

The park offers several special facilities to ensure convenience and ease for all guests.

Here’s a detailed look at the quiet rooms, nursing rooms, and family restrooms available at the park.

Quiet rooms

If you’re traveling with someone on the autism spectrum, don’t worry. 

Universal Studios Hollywood provides calm and quiet spaces for guests with autism and their families.

These specially equipped quiet rooms provide a serene environment where guests can take a break from the sensory stimulation of the park.

The quiet rooms feature a soothing and peaceful atmosphere, with low lighting and minimal noise.

You can even access sensory toys and therapy blankets upon request. These help manage sensory overload and provide comfort.

Nursing rooms

Mothers who prefer private, lockable nursing rooms can use them at the park. 

These rooms provide a quiet and private space for breastfeeding, allowing mothers to comfortably feed their babies without interruption. 

Each room has a chair and a sink, offering all the essentials for nursing and baby care. 

The rooms are well-maintained and lockable, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for both mothers and their babies.

Accessible restrooms

Universal Studios Hollywood offers accessible restrooms that are conveniently located throughout the park.

These restrooms have wider stalls, support bars, lower sinks, and fixtures to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

Spacious companion restrooms are also available for guests who might need assistance from a family member or a caregiver.

All accessible and companion restrooms are clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility, making them easy to locate.

Parking and entrance accessibility

Universal Studios Hollywood offers designated accessible parking spaces for guests with disabilities. 

They are located near Level 2 of the Frankenstein Lot, the main entrance in the Jurassic Parking Structure, Curious George Parking Structure, and Woody Woodpecker Parking Lot, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

If you are parking further away, make use of the available accessible shuttles. 

Entrance ramps and elevators throughout the park, including Universal CityWalk, meet ADA standards. 

Elevators in multi-level areas and parking structures feature tactile buttons and auditory signals to assist guests with visual or auditory impairments.

Staff members are available to provide information and support, while accessible ticket windows and clear signage improve accessibility.

FAQs on accessibility at Universal Studios Hollywood

Here are some of the questions that visitors ask during their theme park visit.