This article is your complete guide to the Universal Studios Disability Pass, also known as the Guest Assistance Universal Pass. As of 2023, guests now must obtain the disability pass through a third party to get an IBCCES Accessibility Card. Our guide is going to cover how to get an IBCCES Accessibility Card and what requirements you might need to get it!
We hope you find this post helpful. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation. This includes access to the cheapest Universal Orlando tickets, as well as FREE park plans to save up to three hours in the parks!
SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando, check out our Universal Crowd calendar!
Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar
As of July 2023, Universal no longer uses the Universal Attractions Assistance Pass, or AAP, which was available for guests who have a physical or cognitive disability or condition that prevents them from being able to stand in regular stand-by lines. Guests can no longer get accommodations on the same day from Universal; it is an advanced process that you must apply for before your visit.
Now, guests are required to obtain the IBCCES Accessibility Card, which is not issued by Universal but by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. Through this service, guests are required to provide medical documentation for their pass to assist with special needs. Please note that service animals are permitted into the theme parks for guests with animal assistance.
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Those who have mobility devices or are worried about the overall accessibility of Universal Orlando Resort may not need a Universal Guest Assistance pass. Universal Orlando Resort is mostly accessible to guests needing assistance in a wheelchair or ECV; therefore, if your only concern is mobility, you might not qualify. Each IBCCES Pass pass is given out case by case, and you will have to advocate for yourself and your abilities within the theme park-specific accommodations. Many medical conditions qualify for IBCCES cards.
Examples of Needs or Accommodations Requests
As of July 2023, you will need documentation to obtain the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) that Universal requires for a disability pass. This process requires guests to apply online through https://accessibilitycard.org/ and upload documentation to get approved for this card. Universal Orlando does not issue these, and this card must be obtained within 30 days of your visit to Universal Orlando.
You can register for the IBCCES Pass online at https://accessibilitycard.org/ and follow the simple directions to register and begin the process. Just make sure to do the IAC registration a full 48 hours before you leave (we would recommend a week) before your visit to ensure you get your digital disability pass. You may then present this pass at Guest Assistance or Ride Queues to use the accommodations from it.
For guests wondering what accommodations Universal provides beyond the IBCCES Pass, you can check here for all disability access FAQS.
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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? The answer is very! 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.
Universal Orlando Resort is ADA-compliant and very helpful to those traveling with a wheelchair, ECV, or other mobility devices. All Universal Orlando attractions, restaurants, restrooms, hotels, and walkways are wheelchair accessible with either ramps, elevators, or alternative entrances. When we visited Universal Orlando, we did not obtain a Universal Guest Assistance Pass and found no issues navigating line queues, attraction entrances, boarding vehicles, or finding assistance when traveling with an EVC.
The AAP card can help with special accommodations, so if you have any worries, make sure to apply.
As we mentioned above, no matter if there are stairs or not at a Universal attraction, there will be an elevator or an alternative entrance for guests with mobility devices or health-related issues. There will always be an attraction queue accommodation if it isn’t accessible, so don’t worry!
If you are concerned at all about stairs in attractions, speak with a Team Member working at that attraction. There may be certain logistics getting onto rides where you will be directed to an elevator to get on the correct platform for ride car loading. No matter what you need when it comes to your Universal Studios Disability Pass 2024, Team Members will be there to help.
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A: Yes, you can rent wheelchairs at the entrance of CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, and Islands of Adventure parks for daily rates.
A: Yes, you can rent scooters or Electric Convenience Vehicles at the same place you can rent strollers and wheelchairs at the entrances of either theme park or CityWalk.
Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.
If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando, check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals, which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks, be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!