Do you have a mobility issue? If so, all the walking at Universal Orlando can result in unwanted pain. In many cases, walking this much is physically impossible or potentially dangerous.
If this describes you, then I highly recommend renting a wheelchair when you visit Univeral Orlando.
Luckily, there are many options for wheelchairs. Below, I have listed the best and most used companies, highlighting the differences and things to consider.
Here is a quick summary of the BEST Univeral Orlando wheelchair rental companies, depending on your situation:
- Best Overall: Buena Vista Rentals – A great combination of pickup and delivery options, price, and customer service.
- Best for POWERED Wheelchairs: Scootaround– In fact, they are the only company on this list that offers electric wheelchairs and powerchairs.
- Best for PEDIATRIC Wheelchairs: ScooterBug – If you need a wheelchair for a child, this is the only company below that offers them.
- Cheapest: There was no clear winner regarding the least expensive wheelchair rentals at Universal Orlando. It depends on the type of wheelchair, length of stay, delivery needs, accessories, and other factors.
- Most convenient for single-day rentals: Universal Orlando – Rent your wheelchair at the front of Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure.
5 Best Places to Rent Wheelchairs at Universal Orlando:
#1. Buena Vista Rentals
Buena Vista Rentals has served Universal Orlando guests since 1995, providing high-quality wheelchairs and stellar customer service.
Delivery and Pickup Options:
You will be happy to know that Buena Vista Rentals offers FREE delivery to all Central Florida resorts and hotels. When you reserve your wheelchair, you will input where you are staying.
Most resorts in the Orlando area are considered “Non-Meet and Greet.” This means they allow Buena Vista Rentals to drop off your wheelchair WITHOUT you being there.
This is incredibly convenient, as the wheelchair will be there waiting for you when you show up. Also, at the end of your trip, you can leave the wheelchair with the front desk, and Buena Vista will come and pick it up.
But some resorts are considered “Meet and Greet.” This means you MUST meet the delivery driver when they drop off and pick up the wheelchair. Most notably, this includes all the Disney World Resorts.
When you reserve a wheelchair, you can select your resort. It should say whether you need to meet a driver.
Lastly, Buena Vista Rentals is one of the only companies where you can pick up a wheelchair from their warehouse. By doing so, you save 10%! Their address is 7330 Exchange Dr, Unit 80, Orlando, FL 32809, roughly a 15-minute drive from Universal Orlando.
If you need delivery to a vacation home or private residence, please get in touch with Buena Vista Rentals directly to inquire about options.
Wheelchair types and pricing:
Buena Vista Rentals has four wheelchair options available.
The first difference you will find between the wheelchairs is the carrying capacity. It is either a maximum of 300 lbs with a 20-inch seat or 400 lbs with a 24-inch seat.
The second difference is whether you want a padded seat or not.
Pricing varies by how many days you want to rent the wheelchair. Buena Vista Rentals is the only company on our list that provides up to 35-day rental rates.
Their least expensive option is a standard manual wheelchair. It is $50 for three days. Add $10 extra for every day you need it after three days.
The most expensive option is a padded wheelchair with a 24-inch seat, which can carry up to 400 pounds. It is $85 for three days. Add $20 for every day you need it after three days.
The company offers an optional non-refundable $20 damage waiver along with various accessories.
Rental policies and customer service:
Cancellations require at least 48 hours advance notice. Anything less than 48 hours of scheduled delivery will require a cancellation charge. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your rental, you will be charged a one or two-day rental fee.
Buena Vista Rentals has an outstanding reputation for renting wheelchairs to Universal Orlando visitors.
They have been around for a long time and consistently receive excellent customer reviews.
They also rent scooters and strollers, so it’s the perfect company to use for all your rental needs!
#2. Rent a wheelchair directly from Universal Orlando
You can rent a wheelchair from Universal Orlando when you arrive at each of the two theme parks. As you are walking into the entrance of Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, the rental office is located to the left.
Unfortunately, you are NOT able to rent a wheelchair at Universal’s Volcano Bay or CityWalk. But you can bring one from one of the third-party companies listed above into either of these places.
The biggest advantage to renting directly from Universal Orlando is the convenience.
You don’t have to worry about getting a wheelchair delivered to you or transporting it anywhere.
If you only need a wheelchair for ONE day, renting directly at the front of Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure is an easy option.
However, there are some HUGE negatives:
- The cost is by far the biggest disadvantage. It is $15 per day for a wheelchair. And there are no “Length of Stay” discounts available. No matter how many days you need to rent a wheelchair, it will cost $15/day.
- You can’t remove the wheelchair from the location where it was rented. That means you can’t take it back with you to your resort or leave to go to CityWalk.
- The wheelchairs at Universal Orlando are on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted, so the wheelchairs could be sold out when you need one. It’s advised to get there EARLY to ensure you get one.
- The wheelchair options are limited.
For most families, renting a wheelchair from a third-party company is the BEST option.
But, if you need a wheelchair for a day to help navigate one of the theme parks, getting one directly from Universal Orlando is convenient.
#3. Scootaround
Pickup and Delivery Options:
Scootaround offers FREE delivery and pickup for wheelchair rentals for most resorts around Universal Orlando with a minimum 2-day rental.
And for most resorts, Scootaround can drop the wheelchair off without you being present. If you have questions, please inquire directly with them because this policy can vary depending on location.
You can also pick up your rental directly from their warehouse; in return, you’ll receive a 10% discount. It’s located at 7703 Kingspointe Pkwy #400, Orlando, FL 32819, which is less than 15 minutes from Universal Orlando.
Wheelchair types and pricing:
Scootaround has a wide variety of wheelchairs for you to choose from, including two powered options!
- Standard wheelchairs: options for weights between 250 – 400 lbs. $15/day for 3-day rental.
- WHILL Model Ci: a powerful and agile electric wheelchair. $32/day for 3-day rental.
- Rollator/walkers: $14/day for a 3-day rental.
- Powerchairs: Two types offer a 300-lb or 450-lb carrying capacity at $ 38/day for a 3-day rental.
In our opinion, if you need a manual wheelchair, more affordable options may be available. But, if you want the convenience of a powered option, then definitely consider Scootaround.
Cancellation Policy:
Scootaround has an incredibly restrictive cancellation policy. Please check out this link and read their policy before reserving a wheelchair with them.
As you can see, if you book with them, make sure your plans don’t change!
Advantages & Disadvantages:
Regarding free delivery, Scootaround has the biggest delivery range of its competitors. Also, looking at their rates, they offer competitive pricing on wheelchair rentals for Universal Orlando. One unique advantage they have is the ability to offer electric wheelchairs and powerchairs.
But their cancellation policy is by far the WORST of any company on this list!
#4. Walker Mobility
Walker Mobility is one of the BEST places to rent a wheelchair when visiting Universal Orlando.
They have served the Central Florida area for over 25 years.
Pickup and Delivery Options:
Regarding delivery, Walker Mobility is one of the least restrictive wheelchair rental companies. They claim to deliver to every hotel, vacation village, private residence, and vacation home in the area, in addition to all Port Canaveral cruise lines.
Wheelchair types and pricing:
Walker Mobility has two different types of manual wheelchairs available.
- Their first option has an 18-inch seat and can hold up to 225 pounds. It costs $70 for a 3-day rental (~$23/day).
- The second option has a 20-inch seat and can hold up to 265 lbs. It costs $75 for a 3-day rental ($25/day).
Their base pricing is higher than other companies, but they offer a great deal for long-term wheelchair rentals. If you look at their pricing, it’s only $5 extra for every day you rent.
At this time, they do not offer any powered wheelchairs.
Walker Mobility sometimes offers seasonal discounts. For the new year, they offered 20% off new orders. They also offer a 10% discount for military members.
Customer Support and Cancellations:
You can call Walker Mobility (407-518-6000) anytime from Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., for assistance. This can help you with last-minute questions or issues you’re experiencing with your rental. Their warehouse is open every day, starting at 7 a.m.
There is no penalty for cancellations within 48 hours of your rental date. Rental cancellations within 24 hours of your delivery time are subject to a $35 fee.
#5. Scooterbug
Scooterbug has four wheelchair types available. The differences come down to the width, weight, and carrying capacity (how much you weigh). They also have a pediatric wheelchair option for kids.
You can also add accessories like a bag hook and bottle holder.
Wheelchair pickup and drop-off:
ScooterBug delivers wheelchairs to over 300 hotels in the Orlando area. You will set up the delivery and pickup when you book. In most cases, you won’t have to be present when the wheelchair is delivered. It will be waiting for you upon arrival.
Contact them directly for options if you are staying at an Airbnb or other vacation rental.
Check out these articles for info about other Universal Orlando rentals:
8 Questions to Consider When Renting a Wheelchair at Universal Orlando:
As you review the best Universal Orlando wheelchair companies above, make sure that you consider the questions below.
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How much does my wheelchair cost to rent?
- Make sure to get a quote for the entire length of your visit, along with any extra accessories, damage waivers, or other fees.
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What is the carrying capacity of the wheelchair?
- How much do you weigh, and how much can the wheelchair safely hold?
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How wide of a seat do you need?
- You will generally find wheelchairs with seats between 18 to 24 inches wide. Make sure to select a wheelchair that fits you so you are comfortable!
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How is the wheelchair delivered to you? And what are the options for returning the wheelchair?
- These options change depending on where you are staying and your personal preferences. If you have specific questions, please get in touch with that company directly for assistance.
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How far in advance can you rent a wheelchair?
- During busy times at Universal Orlando, such as Spring Break, it can be hard to secure a wheelchair rental. Make sure you book one as soon as you can!
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Do you want a powered/electric wheelchair?
- These types are more expensive, but nobody has to push you!
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What is the company’s cancellation policy if your plans change?
- You can typically expect a full refund, but it has to be requested a certain number of days before you arrive.
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Do any freebies come with your wheelchair rental?
- Such as ponchos, cup holders, shade canopies, etc.
What questions do you have about the BEST Universal Orlando wheelchair rental companies?
Please leave a COMMENT below, and I promise to find you an answer. 🙂
Also, if you have ever rented a wheelchair at Universal Orlando, please let us know the company and your experience.
