UPDATE: RECEIVED FOLLOW UP CALL
I applied for this program yesterday for my son.
Facts:
-I used the first page of his most recent IEP.
-The IEP page I uploaded said nothing about his needs, just had the diagnosis of Autism and Speech Language Disorder
I received a call just now from "Universal Orlando." I had checked off the Universal Hollywood box, as that is where we have passes to (as locals). It came from a 407 area code.
The gentleman I spoke with said he wanted to discuss my son's needs in relation to the application I filed with IBCCES yesterday, for accommodations at Universal Hollywood. He asked me if we could record the conversation. He asked me to verify my name and address. He asked me "Is this request for accommodations due to a disability?" He then asked me to explain why my son needs accommodations with waiting in lines, without mentioning a diagnosis. This was very similar to the conversation you have in the parks, currently, at Guest Relations. I talked about my son's issues and difficulties with having to wait in extended lines all day long.
Once I was done, he thanked me for explaining the issues my son has and then asked me if I was familiar with the "old attraction assistance pass." I told him we had recently become annual passholders and had used it for the first time in March. He then told me "based on what you explained about your son, we would like to offer you something better." He then told me he would be granting us something called the Express Access Pass, which would give us immediate access to the express line for all rides, and entry through the exit for any rides that do not have Express Pass lines at them. He said this pass is "different and better than what we used to offer." He then asked if I was familiar with the designated "quiet areas" in the parks. I am not, so he told me about them, and then explained about the Rider Accessibility guide that can be found online which has more information.
He then explained the logistics of how this will work:
He issued us a Case Number. We are to use this case number on our visits over the next year. The case number lasts as long as the IBCCES pass is valid. When it expires, you have to renew the IBCCES card and have a new conversation over the phone to discuss accommodations again.
We take the case number to Guest Relations and present the digital IBCCES card and they will issue us the pass for the day, no more discussion required.
The pass is good for one day (for a one day ticket or annual pass). It is good for length of stay if you have a multi day pass. Since we have annual passes, we will have to visit Guest Relations each visit to obtain the pass, but it should take no time at all, since we will simply present the ID card and case number each time.
The case number is good at all Universal Parks for the year, so if we somehow decide to go to Universal Orlando, we can use it there as well.
Of note, I was told "if this pass doesn't work out for your or meet your son's needs adequately, you can return to Guest Relations and they can offer other options." So, I don't know if everyone will get this same type of pass, as it seems they have more than one option, which makes sense. Disney ALSO has more than one type of DAS, although they don't advertise that. I only know because my friends son has a much different version than the one most people get. There are levels.
Anyway, thought this information would clear some things up for everyone.
I applied for this program yesterday for my son.
Facts:
-I used the first page of his most recent IEP.
-The IEP page I uploaded said nothing about his needs, just had the diagnosis of Autism and Speech Language Disorder
I received a call just now from "Universal Orlando." I had checked off the Universal Hollywood box, as that is where we have passes to (as locals). It came from a 407 area code.
The gentleman I spoke with said he wanted to discuss my son's needs in relation to the application I filed with IBCCES yesterday, for accommodations at Universal Hollywood. He asked me if we could record the conversation. He asked me to verify my name and address. He asked me "Is this request for accommodations due to a disability?" He then asked me to explain why my son needs accommodations with waiting in lines, without mentioning a diagnosis. This was very similar to the conversation you have in the parks, currently, at Guest Relations. I talked about my son's issues and difficulties with having to wait in extended lines all day long.
Once I was done, he thanked me for explaining the issues my son has and then asked me if I was familiar with the "old attraction assistance pass." I told him we had recently become annual passholders and had used it for the first time in March. He then told me "based on what you explained about your son, we would like to offer you something better." He then told me he would be granting us something called the Express Access Pass, which would give us immediate access to the express line for all rides, and entry through the exit for any rides that do not have Express Pass lines at them. He said this pass is "different and better than what we used to offer." He then asked if I was familiar with the designated "quiet areas" in the parks. I am not, so he told me about them, and then explained about the Rider Accessibility guide that can be found online which has more information.
He then explained the logistics of how this will work:
He issued us a Case Number. We are to use this case number on our visits over the next year. The case number lasts as long as the IBCCES pass is valid. When it expires, you have to renew the IBCCES card and have a new conversation over the phone to discuss accommodations again.
We take the case number to Guest Relations and present the digital IBCCES card and they will issue us the pass for the day, no more discussion required.
The pass is good for one day (for a one day ticket or annual pass). It is good for length of stay if you have a multi day pass. Since we have annual passes, we will have to visit Guest Relations each visit to obtain the pass, but it should take no time at all, since we will simply present the ID card and case number each time.
The case number is good at all Universal Parks for the year, so if we somehow decide to go to Universal Orlando, we can use it there as well.
Of note, I was told "if this pass doesn't work out for your or meet your son's needs adequately, you can return to Guest Relations and they can offer other options." So, I don't know if everyone will get this same type of pass, as it seems they have more than one option, which makes sense. Disney ALSO has more than one type of DAS, although they don't advertise that. I only know because my friends son has a much different version than the one most people get. There are levels.
Anyway, thought this information would clear some things up for everyone.