HIGH PRAISE FOR RIDER'S GUIDE AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

EXPLICIT GUIDE TO ACCOMMODATING A LARGE RANGE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SHOULD SERVE AS TEMPLATE TO ENTIRE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Neither my wife nor I care for thrill rides and we don't have little ones that love theme parks, so we don't fit Universal Orlando’s demographic. 

But Universal piqued our curiosity when we came across Universal's online Rider's Guide. 

It outlines each attraction -- from thrill ride to animal show -- with dozens of listings that address the concerns of wheelchair users, walker users, folks with visual, hearing and other impairments. 

It even explains that in a 3-D theater, you can sit in a stationary seat if the sensory seat's movement would hurt you or make you uncomfortable. 

Armed with the Rider's Guide, we could connect the dots between attractions that were safe, sound and fun for us. 

The Rider's Guide alone should earn an award for service to people with disabilities. 

We wish the hotel industry could adopt develop detailed online resource guides rather than simply stating a room is accessible. 

This lack of details leaves the potential guest in the dark about things – such as tub versus shower and one bed versus two -- that can be the difference between a pleasant, memorable trip and a disaster. 

Universal's brilliant and user-friendly access guide could serve as a template to air carriers, airports, public transit and other hospitality providers. 

A GREAT INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO

Wheelchair users and others with mobility challenges (plus their companions) know what it’s like to go places that feel like they were created for everyone but us. 

That’s not the case at Universal Orlando.

Here we’re included. 

Whether it’s going to a live action show, walking through the old New York backlot or enjoying a Lard Lad donut (or two), we never felt like we were missing out.  

Virtually every attraction, shop and restaurant is accessible and staffed by people who clearly have been trained in disability etiquette and sensitivity. 

We marveled that just about every restroom facility also featured a family unisex restroom.

These are good for parents with young children, and they’re great for me.

I can help my wife transfer from her wheelchair -- without the uncomfortable feeling of me barging into the women's room or her intruding into the men's room.