3. Read the safety sign

The signage outside attractions at the Universal Orlando Resort tells you a lot about the ride when you slow down to read it. There are icons that will tell you what you can and cannot ride with a variety of health conditions. You should pay particularly close attention to these if you:

• Have abnormal blood pressure
• Have a history of heart conditions
• Have back or neck problems
• Are susceptible to dizziness or motion sickness
• Have a hear of heights
• Have a fear of enclosed spaces
• Are pregnant
• Are sensitive to strobe effects
• Are sensitive to fog effects
• Have had a recent surgery
• Are wearing a cast
• Have prosthetic limbs

If one of more of these situations applies to you, familiarize yourself with the symbols early so you can tell at a glance whether an attraction is safe for you. In most cases, the signage will simply let you know whether you should or should not ride. However, others simply prepare you for restrictions on the ride. If you have a prosthetic limb, the associated symbols indicate whether you have to secure prosthetics before riding or remove them entirely.

If you’re in a wheelchair, you’ll have additional considerations to think about. Some attractions allow you to remain in your wheelchair while others require you to transfer into the ride vehicle. If you’re transferring, you must be able to do so on your own or with assistance from someone else in your party. Team members are not allowed to assist.

Parents should also note the parental discretion symbol. This indicates an attraction with frightening images or mature themes. Many families assume that everything in a theme park is suitable for children as long as they’re tall enough to ride. However, the Universal Orlando Resort does cater to a slightly older audience and has some attractions that parents of small children might want to steer clear of.

Parental discretion is recommended for:

Universal Studios Florida

• Fear Factor Live
• Terminator 2: 3-D
• Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-up Show

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

• Skull Island: Reign of Kong

4. Stash your bags

Image: Dave Walker, Flickr (license)

Though many Walt Disney World rides have pockets for your purses, bags, and other loose items, this isn’t the case at the Universal Orlando Resort. You must leave loose articles with a non-riding member of your party or place them in a locker before you ride. Complimentary lockers are available outside these attractions where you can leave your items free of charge for the duration of the ride.

Ride lockers are available at:

Universal Studios Florida

• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Revenge of the Mummy
• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

• The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Dragon Challenge
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Metal detectors are present at Dragon Challenge, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit as an added precaution against loose articles, so be prepared for this extra step to getting on the ride.

You may also be asked to take precautions with flowing clothing, accessories, or even long hair. Wear more fitted clothing if possible for your comfort and safety on these attractions. Keep a hair tie handy if you have long hair so you can pull it back on those wild rides.

If you’re gearing up for a visit to the Universal Orlando Resort, check out their Rider’s Guide before you arrive for all the details you need to prep for your most anticipated attractions.