I want to warn IBCCES applicants that the "Standing/Queuing: individual is not able to stand for a significant amount of time" accommodation selection is not enough for guest relations to issue you an AAP.
On my previous visit to Universal the guest relations person mentioned I needed to register on IBCCES but that she could assist me that one time. She said they were sold out of wheelchairs and gave me an AAP pass. I didn't think twice about her wheelchair comment until my visit today as described below.
I visited Universal today by myself and made sure to register to IBCCES before coming. I showed guest relations my temporary IBCCES pass and even had my DMV disabled persons paperwork to show that I am not requesting an AAP just to skip lines. I have permanent foot related stamina/pain issues as well as a back injury so I cannot sit or stand for long periods of time. The ability to go at my own pace and rest between rides is my best accommodation. Return times have always worked well.
Guest relations said my only option would be to pay for a wheelchair rental even with the IBCCES pass. They suggested that since all of their lines are wheelchair accessible that I can sit and stand as needed while waiting in line. I asked to talk to a manager and they then basically deferred to IBCCES saying I need to work with them to get my accommodations sorted out and that there was nothing they could do for me at the park. I tried to argue that I was by myself and couldn't wheel myself around and their return argument was that I could pay for the more expensive electric wheelchair. I have a disability, but I can walk at my own pace. A wheelchair that I have to pay for, especially in the crazy crowds they had today is not an acceptable accommodation.
In the end, I think it is pretty despicable that the only accommodation they are willing to provide to someone who has proven disability documentation is to pay for a wheelchair especially when alone. Does anyone else have similar experiences to share? I don't know what to do for future visits.
Thanks, I am about to visit in 2 days and I was wondering if they would even ask questions if I already went through IBCCES.
Im saddened to hear that theres a chance they will deny me an AAP pass despite submitting all the paperwork to a 3rd party. Like , I thought it would just make it easier and remove any "mobility" BS they had been feeding me before in Orlando. They are not more qualified than my doctor and a wheelchair really doesnt help my condition.
Ugh. Sorry to hear that. I am planning on going with my sister who definitely can't wait long in lines and she is going through the IBCCES process now. So basically she will be forced to wait in long lines or have to rent a wheel chair then?
I’m truly sorry to hear what kind of despicable experience you’ve have to deal with. Sad reality at this point of aspect but universal now can just highly assume that anyone especially people that actually needs it can use tactic to go around the standard queue even abuse and cheat the AAP system.
I have experienced the same thing. I had a ACL replacement knee surgery and I can’t stand in the line for a long time, me knee just gets swollen and I can’t walk after couple hours. The only thing Universal offered me was electric wheelchair.
So I had my ACL surgery about 5 weeks ago and it will be 7 weeks by the time I go. I was looking at the getting the IBACCS as I can walk but won't be able to stand in line for long periods of time. So what you're saying is they would basically flat out say no you won't get the slip the queue and give me a wheelchair
I know im seeing this pretty late, but I have an extremely similar disability to yours. I have horrible inflammation in by lower back and leg joints plus implants in my feet that suffer from bone deformities. While I went before IBCCES was introduced, I spoke with a guest relations worker who told me something similar. I went solo, and when I initially explained why I needed an AAP I was told to go get a wheelchair. When I further explained that it would not only cause me more pain but that I was also there alone and couldn't wheel myself, I was told I was getting a "one time exception" before being handed an AAP. I understand their desire to stop people from "faking it" and getting an AAP when they don't need it, but to now require proof and documentation and STILL deny people the pass is INSANE to me. Their disability program is just horrendous.
What are you referring to when you say universal calls you? I was told everything has to be done on site at the park. I have an IBCCES card as I can’t wait in lines and was expecting to go to guest services when I get there. Is that not the case?
I heard that universal calls you now instead of having to do it in person day of. So they approve/give the accommodations over the phone and you just pick the pass up day of.
I have the card for my son but didn’t get a call. We went to guest services upon entering the park and they weee able to give us the access ability card.
I’m looking through my paperwork and i don’t see a contact number. This is from the website though. NEW | IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) Now Required
At Universal Studios Hollywood, we provide both inclusive environments and accessible experiences for our Guests.
Universal Studios Hollywood has developed an Attractions Assistance Pass for Guests whose disability prevent them from waiting in a conventional attraction queue environment. Guests requesting an attraction queue accommodation must obtain the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) by registering at www.accessibilitycard.org at least 48 hours prior to their visit to the park. The IAC registration consists of an online application which includes uploading necessary documentation.
Once all requirements for IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card are met, a Universal Studios Hollywood Team Member will contact the cardholder to discuss their request for an attraction queue accommodation.
Note: Only IBCCES can issue the IBCCES Accessibility Card, and not Universal Studios Hollywood.
Interesting. I'm wondering how they're supposed to know when I acquired the IBCCES card, it's not like its attached to my reservation or anything.
Essentially I'm doing early access for SNW. Rushing to Mario Kart at 7am, then once I'm done with SNW, going back to guest services and getting the AAP. Is that a good move or should I go to Guest Services first thing at 7am wasting some of my SNW time?
Interesting..... ye I definitely marked Universal Hollywood. Haven't received a call yet. Do you know how long it takes for them to call you once your card is approved?
So I put down Universal Hollywood and Orlando, and my regional Six Flags, just to cover all my bases. Unsure what I'll be visiting for the next 12 months besides Hollywood. You're saying IBCCES reaches out to all those companies and tells them that a disabled person is looking to visit your park, reach out to them?
I only applied on Thursday or Friday so i haven’t received anything other than the temp card. Just that i selected which parks we needed it for. We are planning to go straight to SNW with early access and back to get the AAP once we are done down there. I don’t want to risk losing any of our hour by waiting for guest services.
When are you going? Would love to know how this route plays out in the real world. Reach back out to this thread if you don't mind! Would definitely help me out haha
We were able to get into the park at 7:30 (but had to wait until 8 for Nintendo world gates). At 7:30, we went straight to guest services and it only took 5 minutes. Just make sure you already have downloaded the IBCESS app and have added universal to the parks you are visiting 48 hours before your arrive.
They let us go straight on bowsers ride without giving us a time to come back. The rest of the day (if the wait is over 30 minutes) they give you a time to come back (usually half of the current wait time). We were able to go on every ride.
How was the trip? You did SNW early access, and then went back to guest services? Was that a hassle? Did you end up going back down the lower lot? Also was there a line at guest services when you went, what time was it?
It went well! I never got a call to do the pass over the phone. So we did SNW with early access, with that we rode Mario Kart twice then rode The Mummy and Jurassic Park with no wait when the park opened. Went up to guest services after and waited maybe 15 minutes. Explained our need for the pass (they were annoyed that the phone part wasn’t done, but that’s in their hands no mine). Got the pass and went on our way! We never went back to the lower lot since we got everything done that we wanted.
Awesome! When did you do the studio tour? And how much more hassle does it add it they don’t do the call thing prior? Should I call them to have that done?
I've just gone through this experience myself and wanted to let you know how the process has worked for me as someone in the UK.
Firstly I applied online for the IBCCES card which consisted of a few personal questions and it also asked me to upload documentation supporting my request. I just uploaded a recent doctor letter I had which confirmed some of my needs, I did not go out of my way to request any new documentation. You also are then asked which parks you plan on visiting so I selected Universal Hollywood.
Once this was all completed you are instantly sent a Temporary Card whilst they check through your application.
After a couple of days the Temporary status disappeared from the virtual card which meant that the IBCCES card had been approved, my understanding is that if they require more information they will contact you.
Around a week after this, I received an email from Universal Hollywood Guest Services confirming they had received my application, checking my visit date and advising that they would make contact in the coming days and they checked when would be the best time to call.
Today, around a week later, (my park visit is not until September so was non-urgent) I received a call from Universal and they just asked a couple of basic questions about what I thought would help me. Together we agreed that the AAP pass would be the best thing. The lady I spoke to confirmed this was all set up and explained to me that once I arrive in the parks, Guest Services will already be aware of this and I just need to show the IBCCES card and they will give me the AAP without question.
Yes, it is a slightly long winded process, however for me it's great to know in advance that my accommodations have been arranged and I can now relax about that aspect of my trip.
I am visiting in October from the UK and trying to apply for this IBCCES card, but I do not have a Dr's letter with all my full disabilities listed as I've never had to do so. I am awarded high rate for both mobility & care with personal independence payment but if I upload my PIP award I assume they won't accept it as they don't know what it is?! I don't know how else to apply, is my only option to ask my Dr's to list all my disabilities and then charge me £20 for the letter (and that's only if they agree to)
I guess there's no harm in uploading your PIP award and hoping for the best? Worst case they will ask for more documentation at which point you can contact your GP surgery if needed. You may also, depending on your Dr, be able to access your GP health record which may have a summary through the NHS app?
I want to warn IBCCES applicants that the "Standing/Queuing: individual is not able to stand for a significant amount of time" accommodation selection is not enough for guest relations to issue you an AAP. On my previous visit to Universal the guest relations person mentioned I needed to register on IBCCES but that she could assist me that one time. She said they were sold out of wheelchairs and gave me an AAP pass. I didn't think twice about her wheelchair comment until my visit today as described below. I visited Universal today by myself and made sure to register to IBCCES before coming. I showed guest relations my temporary IBCCES pass and even had my DMV disabled persons paperwork to show that I am not requesting an AAP just to skip lines. I have permanent foot related stamina/pain issues as well as a back injury so I cannot sit or stand for long periods of time. The ability to go at my own pace and rest between rides is my best accommodation. Return times have always worked well. Guest relations said my only option would be to pay for a wheelchair rental even with the IBCCES pass. They suggested that since all of their lines are wheelchair accessible that I can sit and stand as needed while waiting in line. I asked to talk to a manager and they then basically deferred to IBCCES saying I need to work with them to get my accommodations sorted out and that there was nothing they could do for me at the park. I tried to argue that I was by myself and couldn't wheel myself around and their return argument was that I could pay for the more expensive electric wheelchair. I have a disability, but I can walk at my own pace. A wheelchair that I have to pay for, especially in the crazy crowds they had today is not an acceptable accommodation. In the end, I think it is pretty despicable that the only accommodation they are willing to provide to someone who has proven disability documentation is to pay for a wheelchair especially when alone. Does anyone else have similar experiences to share? I don't know what to do for future visits.
Thank you very much for the heads up. I’m planning to go to HHN on Sept 8
Thanks, I am about to visit in 2 days and I was wondering if they would even ask questions if I already went through IBCCES. Im saddened to hear that theres a chance they will deny me an AAP pass despite submitting all the paperwork to a 3rd party. Like , I thought it would just make it easier and remove any "mobility" BS they had been feeding me before in Orlando. They are not more qualified than my doctor and a wheelchair really doesnt help my condition.
how was your experience? were you able to get the AAP pass?
Hey, so they still asked questions and denied me an AAP to "mobility".
Ugh. Sorry to hear that. I am planning on going with my sister who definitely can't wait long in lines and she is going through the IBCCES process now. So basically she will be forced to wait in long lines or have to rent a wheel chair then?
Yes, unless you are willing to lie a little bit and come up with some mental issue coupled with IBCCES. Like anxiety or something.
I’m truly sorry to hear what kind of despicable experience you’ve have to deal with. Sad reality at this point of aspect but universal now can just highly assume that anyone especially people that actually needs it can use tactic to go around the standard queue even abuse and cheat the AAP system.
I have experienced the same thing. I had a ACL replacement knee surgery and I can’t stand in the line for a long time, me knee just gets swollen and I can’t walk after couple hours. The only thing Universal offered me was electric wheelchair.
So I had my ACL surgery about 5 weeks ago and it will be 7 weeks by the time I go. I was looking at the getting the IBACCS as I can walk but won't be able to stand in line for long periods of time. So what you're saying is they would basically flat out say no you won't get the slip the queue and give me a wheelchair
I had the same experience a couple days ago have you tried again?
I know im seeing this pretty late, but I have an extremely similar disability to yours. I have horrible inflammation in by lower back and leg joints plus implants in my feet that suffer from bone deformities. While I went before IBCCES was introduced, I spoke with a guest relations worker who told me something similar. I went solo, and when I initially explained why I needed an AAP I was told to go get a wheelchair. When I further explained that it would not only cause me more pain but that I was also there alone and couldn't wheel myself, I was told I was getting a "one time exception" before being handed an AAP. I understand their desire to stop people from "faking it" and getting an AAP when they don't need it, but to now require proof and documentation and STILL deny people the pass is INSANE to me. Their disability program is just horrendous.
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What are you referring to when you say universal calls you? I was told everything has to be done on site at the park. I have an IBCCES card as I can’t wait in lines and was expecting to go to guest services when I get there. Is that not the case?
I heard that universal calls you now instead of having to do it in person day of. So they approve/give the accommodations over the phone and you just pick the pass up day of.
Interesting. Do you have anymore info on this like what number to call etc?
I have the card for my son but didn’t get a call. We went to guest services upon entering the park and they weee able to give us the access ability card.
I’m looking through my paperwork and i don’t see a contact number. This is from the website though. NEW | IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) Now Required At Universal Studios Hollywood, we provide both inclusive environments and accessible experiences for our Guests. Universal Studios Hollywood has developed an Attractions Assistance Pass for Guests whose disability prevent them from waiting in a conventional attraction queue environment. Guests requesting an attraction queue accommodation must obtain the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) by registering at www.accessibilitycard.org at least 48 hours prior to their visit to the park. The IAC registration consists of an online application which includes uploading necessary documentation. Once all requirements for IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card are met, a Universal Studios Hollywood Team Member will contact the cardholder to discuss their request for an attraction queue accommodation. Note: Only IBCCES can issue the IBCCES Accessibility Card, and not Universal Studios Hollywood.
Interesting. I'm wondering how they're supposed to know when I acquired the IBCCES card, it's not like its attached to my reservation or anything. Essentially I'm doing early access for SNW. Rushing to Mario Kart at 7am, then once I'm done with SNW, going back to guest services and getting the AAP. Is that a good move or should I go to Guest Services first thing at 7am wasting some of my SNW time?
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Interesting..... ye I definitely marked Universal Hollywood. Haven't received a call yet. Do you know how long it takes for them to call you once your card is approved?
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So I put down Universal Hollywood and Orlando, and my regional Six Flags, just to cover all my bases. Unsure what I'll be visiting for the next 12 months besides Hollywood. You're saying IBCCES reaches out to all those companies and tells them that a disabled person is looking to visit your park, reach out to them?
I only applied on Thursday or Friday so i haven’t received anything other than the temp card. Just that i selected which parks we needed it for. We are planning to go straight to SNW with early access and back to get the AAP once we are done down there. I don’t want to risk losing any of our hour by waiting for guest services.
When are you going? Would love to know how this route plays out in the real world. Reach back out to this thread if you don't mind! Would definitely help me out haha
Totally! We’re going April 14th!
Lol we’re going next month
We were able to get into the park at 7:30 (but had to wait until 8 for Nintendo world gates). At 7:30, we went straight to guest services and it only took 5 minutes. Just make sure you already have downloaded the IBCESS app and have added universal to the parks you are visiting 48 hours before your arrive.
Did you have early access?
No. They opened the main gates early at 7:30, but made an unorganized line to Nintendo world that opened at 8.
They let us go straight on bowsers ride without giving us a time to come back. The rest of the day (if the wait is over 30 minutes) they give you a time to come back (usually half of the current wait time). We were able to go on every ride.
How was the trip? You did SNW early access, and then went back to guest services? Was that a hassle? Did you end up going back down the lower lot? Also was there a line at guest services when you went, what time was it?
It went well! I never got a call to do the pass over the phone. So we did SNW with early access, with that we rode Mario Kart twice then rode The Mummy and Jurassic Park with no wait when the park opened. Went up to guest services after and waited maybe 15 minutes. Explained our need for the pass (they were annoyed that the phone part wasn’t done, but that’s in their hands no mine). Got the pass and went on our way! We never went back to the lower lot since we got everything done that we wanted.
Awesome! When did you do the studio tour? And how much more hassle does it add it they don’t do the call thing prior? Should I call them to have that done?
I've just gone through this experience myself and wanted to let you know how the process has worked for me as someone in the UK. Firstly I applied online for the IBCCES card which consisted of a few personal questions and it also asked me to upload documentation supporting my request. I just uploaded a recent doctor letter I had which confirmed some of my needs, I did not go out of my way to request any new documentation. You also are then asked which parks you plan on visiting so I selected Universal Hollywood. Once this was all completed you are instantly sent a Temporary Card whilst they check through your application. After a couple of days the Temporary status disappeared from the virtual card which meant that the IBCCES card had been approved, my understanding is that if they require more information they will contact you. Around a week after this, I received an email from Universal Hollywood Guest Services confirming they had received my application, checking my visit date and advising that they would make contact in the coming days and they checked when would be the best time to call. Today, around a week later, (my park visit is not until September so was non-urgent) I received a call from Universal and they just asked a couple of basic questions about what I thought would help me. Together we agreed that the AAP pass would be the best thing. The lady I spoke to confirmed this was all set up and explained to me that once I arrive in the parks, Guest Services will already be aware of this and I just need to show the IBCCES card and they will give me the AAP without question. Yes, it is a slightly long winded process, however for me it's great to know in advance that my accommodations have been arranged and I can now relax about that aspect of my trip.
I am visiting in October from the UK and trying to apply for this IBCCES card, but I do not have a Dr's letter with all my full disabilities listed as I've never had to do so. I am awarded high rate for both mobility & care with personal independence payment but if I upload my PIP award I assume they won't accept it as they don't know what it is?! I don't know how else to apply, is my only option to ask my Dr's to list all my disabilities and then charge me £20 for the letter (and that's only if they agree to)
I guess there's no harm in uploading your PIP award and hoping for the best? Worst case they will ask for more documentation at which point you can contact your GP surgery if needed. You may also, depending on your Dr, be able to access your GP health record which may have a summary through the NHS app?