This article is your complete guide to the Universal Studios Disability Pass, also known as the Guest Assistance Universal Pass. The Universal Orlando Guest Assistance pass is one of the accommodations that guests can seek out today to make their theme park visit more accessible. 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. With the Universal Studios Guest Assistance Pass, guests can either wait in an alternative queue or be given a return time depending on how long the wait for the attraction is.
Now, guests are required to obtain the IBCCES Accessibility Card, which is not issued by Universal, but the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. Through this service, guests are required to provide medical documentation for their pass.
For Universal Orlando Resort, the Guest Assistance Pass can only be used in the two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure Park. That is because Volcano Bay uses the TapuTapu virtual line system which keeps guests waits reasonably low for those needing assistance.
Related post: The Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando Rides
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 accommodations.
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.
Related post: Guide to Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando with Free Shuttle
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 so 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 that Universal provides beyond the IBCCES Pass, you can check here for all disability access FAQS.
Related post: Guide to Spending One Day at Universal Islands of Adventure
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.
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. 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?
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 breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.
If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out our Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits that can help save you up to three hours in the parks!
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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