Universal Studios and metal detectors - worth the visit?

Hi! I'm Lauren, I'm 23 years old and live in the UK. I have Long QT syndrome and had an ICD fitted 4 years ago (it hasn't needed to pace or shock me at all in this time).

My boyfriend and I are considering visiting Florida later this year. Having been to Universal Studios as a teenager (before my ICD was fitted), I would absolutely love to go again. I am already aware that the newer rides use magnetic brakes which may or may not be problematic for me. However, my main concern is with the metal detectors at the main entrance. I'm worried that as soon as the staff realise I have an ICD they will whisk me off somewhere only to tell me that I'm not permitted on any of the rides. I understand they do this for insurance reasons but I also find this slightly unfair as they don't know anything about my condition and I am far more likely to know what I am able to do than they are.

I was wondering if anyone with an ICD/pacemaker had visited the park recently and whether they had been given restricted access after going through the metal detectors?

4 Comments

Worry

by The real Patch - 2018-02-17 18:49:46

The only time you need to worry about the brakes on rides is when they don't work. Go have fun

Metal detectors

by LondonAndy - 2018-02-17 19:36:34

Assuming that they are the same kind of metal detectors as used at airports, I go through those all the time, without triggering either their alarms or causing my pacemaker any problems.  I always carry my pacemaker ID of course, but have never had to show it.  My pacemaker is about 3 years old and is MRI conditioned.  I would be happy to test the rides for you ;)

walk on through

by Tracey_E - 2018-02-18 20:19:42

I have had annual passes at Universal/IoA so many visits. I used to tell them about the pacer at security. They never restricted what rides I could be on. Usually they just waved me around, sometimes they pulled out the wand. When I got a new one two years ago, my doc said just walk on through, that I wouldn't set it off, which is what i do now. I've never set it off or had a problem. 

The only one I avoid because of the pacer is Hulk. 

 

Magnetic Brakes

by donr - 2018-02-20 03:48:58

Or Maglev vehicles.  Don't sweat them, either.  I have ridden on them w/o problems (PM only).  They are designed such that nearly all of the magnetic field id captured by the braking system.  If it were not the brakes wpuld be worthless.  Just do't lie on the floor w/ your chest on bottom & you'll be OK.

Donr

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