Change in Accessibility for Six Major Attractions at Universal Orlando Resort

If you are headed to a Universal Orlando park and are a wheelchair user, there are new policies as of October 4, 2025 that will impact your access to some of the most popular attractions. Universal Orlando Resorts has updated both their accessibility language and the specific ride policies. This change will newly restrict access to six attractions for guests who are unable to walk independently.

The Guests Using Wheelchairs section of each park’s Guide to Safety and Accessibility has added a category that states, “Guests using mobility devices must be able to walk independently.” There are three attractions listed on the guide for Epic Universe and three listed for the combined guide for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Among these rides are some of the most popular attractions at Universal Orlando Resorts.

Rides at Epic Universe That Require Independent Walking

Three attractions at Epic Universe are affected by this new policy.

• Dragon Racer’s Rally: A ride that lifts you high in the sky and has adjustable wings that will allow you to “drive” the dragon.  If you are skilled at racing, you can tip upside down.
• Monsters Unchained: Featuring classic monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula in a ride vehicle that moves you up, down, and all around.
• Stardust Racers: This is an intense rollercoaster that utilizes a lap-bar restraint instead of an over-the-shoulder restraint.

Rides at Islands of Adventure That Require Independent Walking

Three of the most popular attractions at Islands of Adventure are now restricted to riders who can walk independently.

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: A rollercoaster where one guest is on a motorcycle and the other is in a sidecar. The coaster isn’t particularly intense, but there is a surprising drop. Independent walking is only required for motorbike riders.
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: This attraction is often described as the attraction that affected them with motion sickness, and typically, the use of 3D screens is blamed, but the ride vehicle does move you around in all directions as well.
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster: This is an intense coaster that uses a lap-bar restraint.

Confirmation From Universal Team Members

When speaking with Universal Orlando Guest Services team members and supervisors, they confirmed that this policy is being fully enforced. Guests must be able to walk independently, without assistance from Team Members, family members, or caregivers, to experience these attractions.

What This Means for Guests Using Mobility Devices

These changes significantly affect accessibility at Universal Orlando Resort, particularly for wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility. While Universal continues to provide accommodations across most of its parks, this update represents a significant shift in policy for several headliner attractions.

Guests planning a visit should review the latest Universal Orlando Accessibility Guide online to ensure they have a clear understanding of all the current policies and requirements.

Have thoughts on these changes? Let us know in the comments below!