Disabilities at US/IOA

[XxDisneyMagicXx]

Hello,
Last year at Disney we got a pass for my son who has autism, so that he would have better waiting areas/less waiting times for the rides. It was a lifesaver!
Do they offer this at us/ioa?
I didnt see anything on their websites.
Thanks!

 

[Fan2CSkr]

I know they do offer what you have described. Give them a call.
http://www.universalorlando.com/pi_gs_ada.html
If you need additional information please contact the Guest Services office at (407) 224-4233 or write to the following address:

Universal Orlando Resort
Attn: Guest Services
1000 Universal Studios Plaza
Orlando, FL 32819

 

[Fan2CSkr]

I did a search and phamton has some very helpful info: There is also Universal info on the disabilites board.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=798029&referrerid=&highlight=universal+studios

phamton - Universal has GAP (Guest Assistance Passes). You do not need a doctor's note just be able to tell them what assistance you need at Guest Services.

Both parks are ADA compliant and, as such, are wheelchair accessible. There are several types of GAP offered:
Stroller as a wheelchair (you an take your stroller right through the line without transferring to a wheelchair)
Show GAP (Special seating at shows--usually right up front)
Stairs GAP (for those rides that have stairs in the queue, you can use the elevator)
Familyroom GAP (where you wait in an airconditioned room with a few other family members while the rest of your family goes through the queue--then you join them at the front of the line)
Express GAP which is esentially like a fast pass at Disney all day (6 people maximum)
VIP Gap (back door access--mostly for Make a Wish Kids or Give Kids the World)

I find Universal very accomodating for kids with Autism/Aspergers.

 

[XxDisneyMagicXx]

I guess the only thing I am concerned about is it is hard to visibily tell my son has autism/aspergers by just looking at him. Disney didnt ask a second question but I have read universal likes to "look" at the child. Do I need medical proof?

 

[phamton]

They may ask to see the child, not to determine if he has autism, but just to determine that he is with you. You don't need medical proof. Just let them know what his needs are.

 

[dsmom]

We went last Dec. for the first time with our autistic 8 year old son. He was treated SOOO much better at Universal than at disneyworld. Every single person we encountered went out of their way to help our son enjoy his stay. We had so much fun we are headed back in three weeks( and in Oct and in Dec....)

 

[XxDisneyMagicXx]

Okay! Thanks a bunch. Last year at Disney they did give us a GAC card that did get him on some of the little kid rides without a wait. The other rides we got on by the exit because my FIL is handicap and in a wheelchair. He wont be with us this trip so Im hoping to avoid some lines with my ds. He can wait maybe 10 minutes tops and then its a bad, bad situation. With his medication he cannot stand outside in the sun for long periods of time either so Im hoping that if we do have to wait in long lines they can give us an alternitive waiting place.

 

[dsmom]

when do you plan on going? Our son is also on med. for epilepsy and can not be in the hot sun at all. We live here in Florida but avoid the parks in July and august as it is just too much for him. I know what you mean about the waiting - that is my sons biggest issue. I was pleasantly surprised when we were there last Dec. we waited no more than a minute or two for any of the rides( I guess we picked a great time to visit?)