Complete Guide to Universal Disability Pass 2024

Complete Guide to Universal Disability Pass 2024

universal-studios-disability-pass

Complete Guide to Universal Disability Pass 2024

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

What is the Universal Disability Pass?

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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.

What has changed from getting the AAP Versus the IBCCES Card?

  • Documentation Requirement: Universal Studios has partnered with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to manage the documentation process for disability accommodations. Now, before receiving the Attractions Assistance Pass (AAP), guests must provide documentation from a medical provider, government agency, or educational support professional detailing the need for accommodations. This step replaces the previous in-park medical verification process and is essential to complete before visiting the park.
  • Applying for the Pass: To obtain an AAP, guests must first register for an Individual Accessibility Card (IAC card) through IBCCES. The IAC can be created online, and guests will need to upload their documentation. Once reviewed and approved by Universal, the IAC remains valid for one year, allowing guests to reuse it for subsequent visits without needing to repeat the process. It’s crucial to complete this step in advance to avoid delays on the day of your visit.
  • Using the AAP at the Parks: Upon receiving the AAP at the park, guests will be issued a physical or digital placard that includes their name, party size, and a barcode. When visiting attractions, if the standby wait time is 30 minutes or less, guests can enter the Express Pass line immediately. For longer wait times, a return time matching the current standby wait is issued, enabling guests to enjoy other parts of the park in the meantime.
  • Pass Limitations: The AAP can only be used for one attraction at a time. During peak seasons, return times may still involve some waiting due to high demand and long lines. To enhance the experience, some guests choose to combine the AAP with a purchased Express Pass, allowing for more flexible and quicker access to multiple attractions throughout the day.

Related post: The Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando Rides

What are the Universal Disability Pass Requirements?

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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

  • Cannot stand in line for a long period
  • Requires ride harness or other supports
  • Sensory sensitivities
  • Wheelchair access
  • Physical disabilities or mobility restrictions
  • Require visual assistance or guidance
  • Special dietary needs

Do you need a doctor’s note to get the Universal Orlando Disability Pass?

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.

How to Get the Guest Assistance Pass at 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.

Related post: Guide to Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando with Free Shuttle

Is Universal Orlando Resort Accessible?

Universal Studios Orlando in one day

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.

What happens if there are stairs needed for entering or exiting a ride queue?

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.

Related post: Ultimate Comparison of Universal Endless Summer Resort: Surfside or Dockside?

Universal Studios Disability Pass FAQ

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Q: Can you rent a wheelchair at Universal Studios?

A: Yes, you can rent wheelchairs at the entrance of CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, and Islands of Adventure parks for daily rates.

Q: Can I rent a scooter at Universal Studios?

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.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

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.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

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! 

 

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Nik Chapman

Nik Chapman is the executive editor and one of the main content creators for The Park Prodigy blog and social media pages. With a lifelong love for Disney and Universal, Nik immersed herself in the Orlando area for three years to fully indulge in the magic of the theme parks. In between going to the parks and creating content for The Park Prodigy, Nik also hosted a Disney themed podcast with her two best friends and helps run multiple Disney-themed social media accounts which help over one million people per year. Drawing from their experience as a local Florida resident, Nik brings a unique perspective to the world of theme parks.