Universal Orlando Disability Guide
Complete Universal Orlando Disability Guide
Universal Orlando Disability Accommodations Overview
Universal’s Accommodations And IBCCES Information
IBCCES Registration Policies & Information
- You must be 18 or older to register, for those under 18 a parent/guardian can register on their behalf
- You will need a recent photograph of the cardholder for identification.
- Contact information for the cardholder or the parent/guardian.
- Contact information and a statement from a medical provider, government department, or educational support professional on the accommodations being requested
- All information is submitted using a secure online form. Should an IAP be approved your details will be passed to Universal who will arrange a call ahead of your visit
- Being accepted for an IAC does not automatically entitle the holder to one of Universal’s accommodations. A Universal team member will contact you prior to your visit to discuss accommodations
IBCCES Registration Information
AAP Or GAP?
Universal’s Passes Explained
Should Universal approve an accommodation request, they will discuss the process of picking up and using the cards in the resort.
Unlike Disney, Universal uses physical cards that must be shown to ride attendants ahead of entering the queue and boarding areas. There are 2 levels of accommodation.
The Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) is most commonly used. The more restrictive Guest Assistance Pass (GAP) is issued only when the accommodations of the AAP cannot fulfil the holder’s needs.
The AAP allows virtual queuing outside of the physical attraction line, on presentation of the pass to the queue team member. If the queue is under 30 minutes, you are allowed to enter the Express Pass queue straight away. If the standard queue exceeds 30 minutes, you will be given a return time equivalent to the standby time, and you will be allowed to enter the Express Pass queue.
A Guest Assistance Pass has more immediate access to the boarding area, usually through alternative entrances and exits without using the Express Pass queue.
One thing to note with the AAP is that Express Pass wait times can be up to half the posted standby wait time, Holders of the AAP must wait in line with other Express Pass holders for their turn to ride.
Mobility Issues In Universal Orlando
mobility accommodations
Although not quite as strict as Disney, Universal has been cracking down on disability passes that are handed out purely for mobility reasons.
If you are refused and offered a return to queue option, you can still cut your wait by purchasing an Express Pass.
All Universal's queues are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for hire, plus a limited number are available at attraction entrances for free.
Alternative Accommodations
Wheelchair/ECV Hire
Attraction Queue Re-Entry
Neuro Diverse Conditions In Universal Orlando
Neurodiverse Accommodations
Although there is no guarantee, Universal remains more accessible for neurodiverse conditions than Disney World.
Bear in mind that Universal's passes have 2 tiers, and the easier pass to obtain (AAP) will still include some queueing through the Express Pass line. Without the need for reservations, times can fluctuate throughout the day, and in some cases, be as high as half the posted standby wait time. For shorter waits, try first thing in the morning or later in the day when the parks are less crowded.
Alternative Accommodations
Attraction Queue Re-Entry
Sensory Supports
Quiet Areas/Rooms
Visual Impairment Needs In Universal Orlando
Visual Impairment Accommodations
Universal's range of accommodations for visual impairment needs lacks behind Disney slightly, but the usual array of material is available.
Stationary Braille & large print maps are available at Guest Services in each park.
All accommodations are complimentary, but some may require a small refundable deposit.
Accommodations
Stationary Braille Maps
Braille Scripts
Large Print Scripts
Deaf & Hard Of Hearing Needs In Universal Orlando
Deaf & Hard Of Hearing Accommodations
Universal Orlando has a wide range of accommodations to help those who are deaf or have a range of hearing loss needs navigate and enjoy the parks.
All accommodations are complimentary, but may require a small refundable deposit.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is offered free of charge for select shows. Email your request to [email protected] no later than 14 days prior to your arrival so a Universal team member can contact you to confirm arrangements.
Accommodations
Sign Language Interpretation
Assistive Listening
Video Captioning
Written Scripts
Prosthetic Limbs In Universal Orlando
Prostheitc Limb Policies
Due to the dynamic nature of many of Universal Orlando's ride systems, prosthetic limbs must be either secured or removed completely before experiencing certain attractions. A full prosthetic limbs list is available on the Universal Orlando website and is also detailed in the Ride Safety Guides, which are available for download elsewhere on this page.
Accommodations
Check With Ride Attendants
Check Ride Safety Guides
DownloadableIn Universal Orlando
Queue Re-Entry
Universal has been increasingly offering attraction queue re-entry as an option for those guests who may need to exit for any reason. (ie, a bathroom break or overstimulation). The remainder of their party waits in line, and they will be allowed to meet up nearer the loading area.
Speak to a team member for more information as policies may differ for each attraction
Stroller As A Wheelchair
Buggies and pushchairs are not allowed in any attraction queue without first being labelled as a Stroller As A Wheelchair for those guests who use their buggy as a mobility aid in lieu of a traditional wheelchair.
Cards can be obtained from Guest Services at the front of the parks. You will need to show this at each attraction to take your pushchair to the loading area.
Child Swap
Most attractions in Universal Orlando have designated Family Rooms, so if your child is too small or chooses not to ride an attraction, they can wait with a family member in the room. Once finished, the second adult can head ot the attraction without waiting in the full queue. Ask team members at each attraction for the location of the family rooms.
Single Rider
Queue lines have become an integral storytelling and immersive element of Universal's attractions. Many of the attractions have single rider lines, allowing guests to have a shorter wait if they are prepared to ride alone and don't mind missing some elements of the main queue.
Quiet Rooms
Quiet rooms provide a non-stimulating, calm space for guests. There is no need to pre-book, but you may have to wait for the room to become vacant. Guests are encouraged to keep to a 30-minute time limit to allow the rooms to be used by anyone who needs them.
There is a quiet room in Production Central in Universal Studios and in Epic Universe next to Ministry Of Magic.
Universal Orlando
Attraction Queue Access Services
Universal’s assistance passes are just one part of their accessibility program. More information on each of these accommodations is available in the Ride Safety Guides available above and from the Universal Orlando website.
Information on further accommodations for deaf and hard of hearing, plus visual disabilites and more is available by hovering over on of the icons.
In The Parks
Using AAP & GAP Passes On The Day
Choose An Attraction
Both Universal Accessibility passes are only available by visiting an attraction to get a return time from the queue Team Member. You can’t use the Universal app.
Return At Your Alotted Time
If the queue is 30 minutes or less, you are generally allowed to enter the Express Pass queue straight away. If the wait time is over 30 minutes, you will be given a return time to enter the Express Pass queue.
Enjoy The Attraction
This is where Universal’s passes differ. AAP pass holders will need to join the Express Pass queue for a shorter wait time before they experience the attraction. GAP pass holders will be escorted to the attraction load area without waiting in the Express Pass queue.
Enjoy Another Experience
Some attractions have long return times so you may be able to experience a different attraction or show without much wait. Check the Universal app for current wait times.
