An Update from Leap: Starting from July 24, 2023, Universal has introduced a fresh method for enrolling individuals with non-physical disabilities. You now have the option to sign up for the complimentary IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) on the web at AccessibilityCard.org or through the free IBCCES Accessibility Card mobile application, available for download on both Apple and Google Play stores. This registration process mirrors the one utilized by Six Flags and grants access for a year at multiple theme parks that use the IAC system. You can to complete your registration up to 48 hours prior to your visit and then meet with a team member to discuss your specific accommodations ahead of your arrival.
Most of the below information applies to Universal Studios Hollywood as well, but there are some slight differences. The attractions do vary. If you are heading to Tinseltown, hop over to our overview of the Universal Studios Hollywood Attraction Assistance Pass for the most up-to-date information about that park and its attractions.
Universal's Attraction Assistance Pass
For those of you who have utilized the Universal Orlando Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP), we're here to share some significant updates. Effective July 24, 2023, Universal has introduced a revamped procedure for accommodating guests with disabilities and non-mobility-related illnesses. Under this new system, guests whose disabilities make it difficult from queuing in standard lines are required to secure an International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) at least 48 hours prior to their planned park visit.
Undoubtedly, this marks a substantial change, that requires some preemptive planning on your part before your arrival. However, our frog team is dedicated to guiding you through the process and lending a helping hand. With this big change, we aim to streamline your experience and alleviate any concerns regarding assistance within the park. Keep in mind, once you've obtained the IAC, its validity extends for a full year. Here's all the essential information you need to be well-prepared.
Overview of Universal's Former Attraction Assistance Pass, Now IBCCES Accessibility Card
How Do I Register?
Enrollment for the complimentary IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) can be completed through two convenient avenues: online at AccessibilityCard.org or using the free IBCCES Accessibility Card mobile app, available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. To request an IAC card, guests must be at least 18 years old if registering for themselves. For guests under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian is required to initiate the registration process on their behalf.
When Should I Register?
To ensure a seamless experience during your visit to Universal Orlando, make sure to complete your IAC registration at least 48 hours before your intended date. Upon arrival, you will need to present your IAC to the Guest Services team. As the Halloween Horror Night season draws near, this serves as a timely reminder to register promptly if you're looking to utilize the IAC benefits during this anticipated event.
What if I Don't Register in Time for my Visit?
In the event that you are unable to complete your registration in advance, rest assured that you can still seek assistance. Reach out to Universal's dedicated Guest Relations team or visit any of the conveniently located Guest Relations spots within the theme park for further guidance. Upon entering the park, you'll find Guest Relations situated just to the right inside the park entrance, ready to address any inquiries you might have.
What Information Do I Need for IAC Registration?
For a successful registration process to secure attraction queue accommodations through the IAC, the following information is needed:
- A recent photograph of the cardholder, serving as identification.
- Contact details of the cardholder or the parent/guardian/support person responsible.
- Contact information along with a statement from a medical provider, government entity, or educational support professional pertaining to the specific accommodations being requested.
Upon completing the registration process and obtaining the IAC, you can proceed to Guest Relations. There, you can speak with a Universal team member to receive the relevant accommodations tailored to your needs.
Does Registering for IAC Guarantee Specific Accommodations?
While the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) is a valuable tool, it's important to note that it doesn't guarantee predetermined accommodations for attraction queues at Universal Studios. Once you fulfill the necessary criteria to IAC, a team member from Universal Orlando will reach out to either you or the cardholder. This communication will facilitate a discussion regarding the specific attraction queue accommodation requests prior to the planned park visit. It's worth emphasizing that, upon arrival, you will still need to visit Guest Relations to present your card as part of the process.
How Often Do I Need to Register for IAC?
The IAC card is good for one year and requires an annual renewal application for a new card. The benefit in this new system lies in its versatility, as the IAC can be utilized not only at Universal Orlando but also at other participating locations. This extends to destinations like Universal Hollywood and various Six Flags theme parks. For those who frequent theme parks or hold annual passes, the IAC proves to be a time-saving asset, streamlining the process. Here is a full list of current IAC participating locations.
Do I Get a Physical Card?
The card is accessible via digital download, with the option to print it as well. In the event that you misplace the printed version, don't worry. Simply log into your IAC registration and you can reprint or download the card whenever necessary.
What if I Have Questions About the IAC?
If you require assistance, feel free to dial 877-717-6543 to connect with a representative from IBCCES.
How does Universal's Attraction Assistance Pass work?
Leading up to the recent changes regarding the IAC, we've extensively covered the Universal Studios Orlando Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP), shedding light on its functionality within both parks — Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. With the transition underway, the frog team is diligently learning the new operational details of the IBECCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) within the park.
The details below pertain to the prior workings of the AAP, although we're committed to revising this information as we gather more insights about the new process. Once you're in the parks, the IAC might offer a comparable experience to the old AAP.
The former AAP was intended for guests with a cognitive or physical disability or condition that prevents them from being able to wait in a conventional queue. Universal's Attraction Assistance Pass allowed the person with disabilities and their party to wait in an alternate queue (such as the Universal Express queue) when times allow it.
How many guests may accompany the party member who is using the AAP?
The maximum party size depends on the park issuing the AAP and may have changed since your last visit. In Hollywood, three guests can accompany the AAP user, for a maximum party size of four. In Orlando, up to five guests may accompany the AAP user, for a maximum party size of six. If you are Hollywood-bound, hop over to our overview of the Universal Studios Hollywood Attraction Assistance Pass for more specific information for that park.
After I've received the AAP, what's next?
Head to your first attraction entrance and hand the pass over to the attendant. Depending on whether the wait time is less or more than 30 minutes, you'll either be directed to the alternate queue or receive a return time.
What happens if the posted wait time is more than 30 minutes?
If the posted wait time is 30 minutes or more, then the attendant will write you a return time on the pass. Once that time comes, you'll return to the attraction to ride and be directed through the alternate queue by a team member.
Can I have more than one attraction return time listed on my AAP?
No, you are only allowed one attraction return time on the pass. You have to use or forfeit your current reservation if you decide to get another one. However, if you don't need a return time because the posted wait time at an attraction is less than 30 minutes, then you can still experience that attraction without losing your return time for a different attraction. The pass is not valid for front-row seating on rides.
There may be rare exceptions to this rule, however. For example, at Universal Studios Florida, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts can get long lines (over two hours at times). If you have a return time for that ride and the line is quite long, a ride attendant may allow you to obtain another return time in the meantime before you have used the original ride's return time.
What if the park is extremely busy and crowded and I'm always waiting for return times?
Unfortunately, this will most likely happen if you go during peak times. We recommend also purchasing a Universal Express Pass. (Psst ... we now sell discounted Universal Express Passes!) Hop over to our guide to using Universal Express Pass for more hopful information on this pass. While you're waiting for your AAP return time for one attraction, you can use the Express Pass (at those attractions that offer it). This minimizes your time waiting in line.
Keep in mind, if you're staying on-site at a premier Universal Orlando hotel (Loews Portofino Bay, Universal's Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific), then you'll receive Universal Express Unlimited Passes for each registered guest as part of your hotel package. Guests who stay on-site at any of the Universal Orlando resorts (all of the above, including Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls, Aventura Hotel, Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites) receive one hour of Early Park Admission for select attractions at Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Volcano Bay. Undercover Tourist now offers discounts on rooms at all Universal Orlando hotels!
Guests who purchase a Vacation Package for Universal Studios Hollywood can enter the park up to 30 minutes early. You can check the park's early park admission status and attractions for Universal Orlando here.
You should still use Universal's Attraction Assistance Pass for those attractions that do not offer Universal Express, which includes Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
What if our child uses the stroller as a wheelchair?
While you are in Guest Services to talk about AAP, be sure to have your stroller documented as a wheelchair. That will allow you to take the stroller into queues that are accessible for wheelchairs.
How long is the AAP good for?
The AAP is issued for the length of your stay in Orlando and the date it is issued at Universal Studios Hollywood. However, if you're an Annual Passholder at Universal, then the Attraction Assistance Pass can be issued for up to 14 consecutive days.
What if the Attraction Assistance Pass doesn't meet our needs?
The AAP should cover most needs. If it is not working for you, speak with a supervisor at Guest Relations. Discuss your needs and explain why AAP isn't working for your family. A supervisor may be able to assist you further with a Guest Assistance Pass (GAP). With GAP, you may be directed to an alternate queue for more immediate boarding (most likely the Universal Express queue) at an attraction once the pass is presented to the team member. This service is much more difficult to receive than the AAP and takes some time. However, if it is clear the AAP is not accommodating your needs, then it might be worth the time and effort to ask for assistance. If you require immediate assistance, call 407-224-4233, option 4.
Whew - we covered a lot of information in this post! If you have any questions or experiences with Universal's Attraction Assistance Pass, we'd love to hear 'em. Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Overview of Disney's Disability Access Service Card
Related: Full List of Disability Access for Disney World Attractions
Keep hopping!
