The attractions do vary. On days that the Virtual Queue system is being used for attractions, you will actually not use your Disability Pass at Universal Studios for those specific attractions Instead, you use the Virtual Line system to reserve your spot in the line, which will give you a return time to get onto the ride. For most attractions, you will be using your Guest Assistance Pass at Universal, which will be scanned at the queue entrance, and a Team Member will direct you to the correct area. Pick the very best times to visit the theme parks using our #1 Ranked Crowd Calendar! At Universal Orlando, a guest with the Universal Accessibility Pass can have up to 5 other guests accompany them on attractions. I had no problem at disneyland paris as i had my blue badge but i dont think that counts in usa. This is the pass given to people who have a disability or medical condition that makes waiting in long lines. (Psst we now sell discounted Universal Express Passes!) We hopped along with him on his trip to Universal Studios Hollywood to learn about the process of acquiring and using the AAP card. We have personal experience with how accessible Universal Orlando Resort is, and we feel that we had an easier time traveling at Universal than we did at Disney. As a single person wit mobility issues, Universal's policy is to difficult for me to use. So, what exactly is the Guest Assistance Pass at Universal? So, what are the requirements for the Universal Studios special needs pass? ESA is a payment you could get every 2 weeks to help with your living costs. If you're unsure about the ability to bring your mobility device into the parks, try calling Guest Services in advance at 407-224-4233 (press option 5 for More Guest Services Options, then press option 2 for Accessibility Accommodations Information). So, there is not a set list of requirements you have to meet to qualify for the Disability Pass for Universal Studios, because every case is different! Universal assigns the AAP on a case-by-case basis, so once you arrive, we'd suggest hopping by Guest Relations to see what options are available to best meet your needs. Based on two current questions, unseen disabilities seem to cause many guests anxiety about how parks will view their requests for assistance passes, i.e. Luckily, most theme parks are making accommodations so that everyone in the family can still enjoy the fun on vacation! For example, in order to keep our family together I was planning on having him and my other young child stay in the queue with us and wait with either myself or dad in the family waiting/child swap area while the others are on the attraction. This means that, if you receive a reservation at one attraction, then choose to get a second reservation at another ride without having used your first, you forfeit the earlier reservation. Typically, you do not need to present medical paperwork - you just need to explain how the AAP would be beneficial for you. Using the AAP greatly improved the quality of our vacation and were thankful to Universal for maintaining this program for families like mine. Universal Orlando Resort is mostly accessible to guests needing assistance in a wheelchair or EVC, therefore, if your only concern is mobility, you might not qualify. They have quiet spaces for all neurodivergent conditions. With the Universal Attractions Assistance Pass, you can only use it on one attraction at a time, so once you complete your ride, you can head to the next! Since these passes will have to be shown often, they were designed to fit in the convenient and easy-to-use standard plastic pockets of Universal lanyards that are worn by many guests. While the Universal Studios Disability Pass is a wonderful tool to make a theme park trip less stressful and more enjoyable, how accessible is it? In Orlando, up to five guests may accompany the AAP user, for a maximum party size of six. Recommended Reading: Can You Get Disability For Ibs. I have breast cancer and am currently under going chemo therapy and I my niece wants me to come with her for her birthday. How does theUniversal's Attraction Assistance Passwork? To be frank if everyone with mobility issues got a disability pass that would be half the people in the park. So I brought out our AAP and we were immediately walked to the front of the line and brought in to the next show. Any lines over 30 minutes and you will be issued a return time. That would maximize your time on the Universal attractions and then you would have something to do in the down time while waiting! Present your AAP to the greeter at the attraction that you would like to experience. You may call Universal Guest Services ahead of time to arrange accommodations within 30 days of your visit (or you could stop by Guest Relations once you're at the park). Guests should use their discretion when determining whether they should get a DAS Pass for themselves or a loved one. The first thing you need to know about being disabled at Disney is the Disability Access Service . Universal Orlando Resort is mostly accessible to guests needing assistance in a wheelchair or EVC, therefore, if your only concern is mobility, you might not qualify. Should I Get the Guest Assistance Pass at Universal Studios 2023? The biggest benefit of being able to use AAP was not having to stand in the hours-long queues for several attractions that currently do not have an Express line. They are not legally allowed to ask for any sort of medical proof, but if you're comfortable with sharing, it certainly wouldn't hurt to bring along. Once at Guest Relations, you will be paired with a team member to discuss you or your family members accessibility needs such as sensitivity to loud noises or other circumstances that might not be suitable to wait in the standard queue. The longest attraction line we waited in was 20 minutes." Unfortunately, this will most likely happen if you go during peak times. We recommend requesting accommodations for the most severely impacted family member; these are often enough to cover the needs of anyone in the party. My husband has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia. To do this, you must meet the requirements in #1 and #2 listed below. C'est possible. They will then determine if you qualify for Universal Studios disability pass and you can go from there. Weve all gone together to get the pass before, but its been hard because sometimes theres a big line at guest services. Related post:Ultimate Comparison of Universal Endless Summer Resort : Surfside or Dockside? While the Guest Assistance Pass is offered to Universal guests at no cost, there are times when you might consider purchasing an Express Pass along with the AAP. Our reviews include exclusive Frog Family trip-planning tip & insights. From there, the Team Member will make the decision if you qualify for the Universal Guest Assistance Pass. |, The Ultimate Guide on When to Use Express Pass at Universal Orlando, The Very Best Times to Visit Disney World in 2023 and 2024, The Very Best Times to Visit Universal Orlando in 2023 and 2024. I was wondering if anyone knew if universal do a pass like disney do for those who struggle to queue. Just seeing if you have experienced that, or is it more like Disney, get you assigned wait time and go through a shorter line when that time comes? This will largely depend on how crowded it is the day that you're going. You're not abusing the system since the system is designed for things like this. He is 11 years old and certainly does NOT want anybody to know about his issues. They helped us use the four 'iKiosks' around the park. Fortunately, theme parks have been modifying their attractions and offerings to be able to accommodate guests who require special assistance with their visit. The pass is not valid for front-row seating on rides. If you get the AAP pass at Universal do you still need to purchase the Fast Pass? Whew - we covered a lot of information in this post! When your return time comes, present your Guest Assistance Pass to the Team Member at the entrance of the queue and you will be directed to the alternative entrance. I have type 2 diabetes, can I get one of these passes and do I need a letter from my doctor. At Guest Services, they issued me a special disability pass and a rider's guide for people with disabilities. Hi my son is profoundly deaf in both ears he can't speak or hear. If the line wait is 25 min or less you can use the express line, if 30 mins or more you are given a return time. They are not legally allowed to ask for any sort of medical proof, but if you're comfortable sharing, it certainly would not hurt to bring along. A: No, with the Universal Studios Disability Pass you can only have one return time for an attraction at a time. That means, up to 6 people can be on one Disability Pass and will be directed to use the alternative access entrance for each attraction. OurUniversal Orlando Crowd Calendaris the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. If you have any concerns that are not met, you can ask for a supervisor (who may be better versed in accommodating disabilities) or revisit with the entire group if needed. Universals Animal Actors: Show lenght 20 Min. Not as helpful as the Disney parks !! Getting your Disability Pass for Universal Studios is a process that you can do right in the parks on the day of your visit. You have to use or forfeit your current reservation if you decide to get another one. We have expert Customer Service agents to help with any questions. Universal Orlando, Just click this link to get your Quote, Planning a Universal Orlando Trip? Do you know if the AAP is offered for Universal Halloween Horror Nights? You May Like: Do 100 Disabled Veterans Pay Sales Tax On Vehicles. A: Yes, Universal Orlando Resort offers the Guest Assistant Pass which allows guests who qualify to use an alternative accessible queue for attractions or be given return times to cut out having to stand in long lines in the regular stand-by queue. How many guests may accompany the party member who is usingthe AAP? Not sure Lakro's advice is accurate. Is there a way to get a pass prior to the visit so we can skip the line at guest services? There may be rare exceptions to this rule, however. Possible questions may be: How long is your loved one able to wait in line? My husband has PAD and neuropathy due to diabetes and can not stand for more than 15 or 20 minutes max and the only thing they offered was a wheelchair for me to push..well I can not push him in a wheelchair due to back issueswe did not renew our passes and won't be going back..will stick with Disney. This includes access to the. For more accessibility information visit Universals website: Recommended Reading: How Much Is Disability In Tn. It is important to note that the Virtual Queue system varies by day, by attraction, so always check on the Universal Orlando app for Virtual Queues on the day of your visit. It does not fold nicely (it is huge and only folds over at the hip area) and is 32lbs. "We booked our trip based on the crowd calendar and it was spot on! But to help fully understand the Universal Guest Assistance Pass, lets go through the process. The majority of the queues will not accommodate the ECV and he would need to transfer to a manual wheelchair (provided at the ride entrance) or walk. The phone number is 407-224-4233 - press 5 for "More Guest Services Options," and then press 2 for "Accessibility Accommodations Information.". Universal'sAttraction Assistance Pass (AAP) works similarly to the Disneyland Disability Access Service (DAS) or Disney World's Disability Access Service, although AAP still uses a paper system, whereas DAS has gone digital. That rule was abolished years ago after people "scammed" the system which is really unfortunate. Pteranodon Flyers is probably the lowest capacity ride in the entire resort, thus it consistently had 90 minute waits throughout the duration of our trip. Universal Studios Hollywood Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) for Invisible Disabilities Our friend Adam falls into the category of special needs that aren't visible to others. They will then determine if you qualify for Universal Studios disability pass and you can go from there. Contact should be made within 30 days of your arrival date, either by phone or by sending an email to . Sign in. The pass is only any good if you go on rides and even then it only helps with the queueing portion. He can walk short distances to sit but he would need his wheelchair, if we got off and walked around the other park. The pass is a card with a barcode, the date it is valid, the guests name and the party size on it; it has lines on the back for return times to attractions. When you first get the pass, you can explain why you cannot wait in a standard queue, but they do not require any personal information. Is this possible, or do we all have to be there? People can face trouble standing in a long line due to their disability. I came with a drs letter and was told by public relations to rent a wheelchair if I had a problem. This means that, if an attraction participates in the Virtual Line system, you will use it rather than your Attraction Assistance Pass. The AAP allows the party member with disabilities and a limited number of people in their group to wait in an alternative queue that is much shorter than the regular queue if the posted wait time for the attraction is less than 30 minutes. In order to get a DAS pass, the person needing one must go to Guest Services in the Park and have the pass activated along . This includes access to the cheapest Universal Orlando tickets, as well as FREE park plans to save up to three hours in the parks! If you're heading to the Universal Orlando Resort, this post has answers to some of the questions you might have. That is because Volcano Bay uses the TapuTapu virtual line system which keeps guests waits reasonably low for those needing assistance. (If you can't meet #2, then you must meet #3 to have a valid disability for anxiety claim.) They also limit the number of people allowed to I believe six (5 plus the person that is disabled). The Disney Disability Pass, is a free service provided by Disney for anyone who cannot wait in a traditional line. Universal Studios Hollywood. If your special-needs child uses a stroller, make sure you request documentation in Guest Services to use the stroller as a wheelchair in the parks, which will allow you to take your stroller into the queues wherever they are accessible to wheelchairs. If you have any questions or experiences with Universal's Attraction Assistance Pass, we'd love to hear 'em. How does the 2023 Universal Studios Disability Pass Work? So you still have to wait just not physically in a line. Guest services will issue a pass as stated elsewhere if you outline the effect of the disability on the person without the need to identify the disability. Im not sure if this is normal as this was the only attraction with a long line where we werent given a return time. Unfortunately, we don't know of any disability (or caregiver) admission discounts at this time. Universal's disability pass (attraction assistance pass) is only able to be used at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, not at Volcano Bay. They will place the wheelchair on the train (they also transport personal strollers this way too) and then have it waiting for you out on the train station when you arrive on the other side. Universal assigns the Attraction Assistance Pass on a case-by-case basis, so we'd suggest hopping by Guest Relations once you're inside the park to see what options are available to best meet your son's needs. Save time and money on your next Walt Disney World vacation with The Park Prodigy. (s23). ? Ridiculous i asked for a manager and they said exactly the same thing as if it was a script they had all been told . All rights reserved. So you still have to wait just not physically in a line. We will have a brace on and I was wondering if she would qualify for a GAP? However, if you're an Annual Passholder at Universal, then the Attraction Assistance Pass can be issued for up to 14 consecutive days. If your disability creates a barrier for you to wait in lines, then the disability pass is exactly what you need. Yes, AAP can be used during Early Park Admission! Note: the disability pass program described below is specifically intended for guests or their families who are visiting Universal with intellectual and select physical and learning disabilities. Disney is much better than universal in the sensitivities when it goes to disabilities! You do not have to give Universal a diagnosis, but you will have to advocate for yourself and state the accommodations that would mitigate you or your family members experience in touring the parks. May be worth looking at parks which are certified autism centres - I believe (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? My daughter who is nine, has what would be referred to as high functioningAutism. Receiving help for a party member with a disability at a theme park can be stressful and frustrating. That will allow you to take the stroller into queues that are accessible for wheelchairs. Then it is electronic and tied to the park ticket. Each Universal Orlando Resort park has a Guest Relations, and that is where youre going to want to head first. Theme parks bring joy to millions of people a year, but can be very stressful and overwhelming to guests who live with a disability and are thinking of traveling to Orlando. Auditory processing issues/Sensory issues: Here is where it can be an issue if your child has a real problem with either of there areas. Hello. When programs like the AAP or DAS become frequently abused, it hurts those who truly need it. What if the park is extremely busy and crowded and I'm alwayswaiting forreturn times? Compare predicted crowd levels by day up to 1 year in advance! My problem is issues for standing in line for long periods of time. Handy tips for filling out Md disability pass online. You will not be issued a pass for mobility issues, they will provide a free wheelchair. Universal Orlando Resort is ADA compliant, and very helpful to those traveling with a wheelchair, EVC or other mobility devices. Yes, it is. #2. Your pass will have a unique barcode with the guests name, date of use and amount of people in the party. My daughter has ASD and anxiety and not sure how she will cope in the busy parks. Many people have some kind of disability that makes their health condition worse if they wait in a . Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation. Once it is your time to return, present your AAP to the team member at the ride, and you will be directed to the alternative-queue entrance. #1. Thanks, You could actually call Universal Guest Services ahead of time to arrange accommodations within 30 days of your visit (or you could stop by Guest Relations once you're at the park). Be sure to visit Guest Services when you arrive so that they can discuss your best options. Will your experience in the parks be impacted by the access, or lack of access, to the AAP? Universal Express at Universal can help you skip lines, as sometimes the return times with AAP can be long. We are headed there next month and my son has a wheelchair but it does not have the transit connections. Yes! I suffered a stroke in 2018 as a result i cant walk for long and cant stand still at all as my leg gives way, am i likely to get the disability pass? If we rent a EVC for him would that make him ineligible for a AAP? Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits which can help save you up to three hours in the parks! 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