Disability Card

[mlggator22]

I am coming to Orlando in July. At Disney, I need to use a DAS. I am not able to stand or sit upright for long periods of time. I have to change positions, sit/stand/walk - mostly walking is best. So I am ambulatory, but cannot stand for prolonged periods of time without the starting significant back pain.
I am trying to understand how Universal's system works. How do I get it and how is it used?
Would I need to also do the express pass if I have the disability card? This may help me decide which hotel to stay in.

Thanks for any input. I always get so stressed out when I have to use these things for the first time.

 

[macraven]

You might want to check out wc
Push ones or motorized ones

 

[ArielRae]

I am coming to Orlando in July. At Disney, I need to use a DAS. I am not able to stand or sit upright for long periods of time. I have to change positions, sit/stand/walk - mostly walking is best. So I am ambulatory, but cannot stand for prolonged periods of time without the starting significant back pain.
I am trying to understand how Universal's system works. How do I get it and how is it used?
Would I need to also do the express pass if I have the disability card? This may help me decide which hotel to stay in.

Thanks for any input. I always get so stressed out when I have to use these things for the first time.

I also use a DAS card at WDW. We got our first Universal “Attraction Assistance Pass” last year and plan to get one again for this Easter trip. We went to the guest relations inside islands of adventure to get ours. You can get one at any guest relations inside or outside the parks. They asked a couple question just like Disney does. The pass works that if the line is 30min or less they direct you to the Express pass line to ride the ride. If the line is longer then 30min they write down on the pass you where given a time to return to the ride to then enter thru the express pass line. You can only have one ride time that your waiting to use at a time. If you want to change the ride to a different ride let the Team member at the new ride you changed your mind and have them cross out the old ride time and add the new ride.

You can purchase an Express Pass or stay at a hotel that includes it to use in conjunction with the Attraction Assistance Pass but it is not required in order to get the pass.

Click on the highlighted link for more info from Undercover Tourist.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I am coming to Orlando in July. At Disney, I need to use a DAS. I am not able to stand or sit upright for long periods of time. I have to change positions, sit/stand/walk - mostly walking is best. So I am ambulatory, but cannot stand for prolonged periods of time without the starting significant back pain.
I am trying to understand how Universal's system works. How do I get it and how is it used?
Would I need to also do the express pass if I have the disability card? This may help me decide which hotel to stay in.

Thanks for any input. I always get so stressed out when I have to use these things for the first time.

I 2nd the PPer who mentioned looking into mobility options. Universal does not tend to approve disability passes for mobility-only disabling conditions. They were always more strict than Disney.

Barring that, I would look at staying in the onsite hotels that include Express Pass (or buying one if offsite). That will actually lead you to less waiting per day b/c you never have to wait to enter the express line, no matter what standby wait times are listed at.

 

[mlggator22]

I don't need a wheelchair and in fact a sitting in a wheel chair for an entire day would make my condition far worse. I have a condition in my lower back where one vertebrae is sliding forward over the other. Any position that would increase the arch in back makes my condition worse. Sitting in an upright position in a chair does this. When I sit at home for long periods of time, I have to raise my feet and legs way up to create a curve in my lower back (rather than an arch) and take the pressure off the sliding vertebrae. Prolonged standing can also aggravate it. Additionally, being in one position for a long time makes my back tighten and squeezes on the narrow opening where my nerves exit the spine and create painful neuropathy in my legs. Walking is really good for me because it helps to keep my back muscles loose. Sometimes when I am stuck in a line, I'll have one of my kids hold the spot while I pace back and forth just outside the line to keep my back loose. I often have to take breaks in the day at parks where I go to the nurses and stretch my back. Managed, it is a livable condition, but when it flares up it is extremely painful. I want to avoid that, as it would ruin my vacation.

 

[mlggator22]

Having the disability card rejected would definitely be a big problem for me. I wonder if I should just pay for the more expensive room.

 

[macraven]

The Attraction Assistance Pass sounds doable for you but you still may have to be standing in line wait in the express line.

Just depends how many peeps are ahead of you as it would be the ep line you would be in.

Are you good for waiting in line for 15 minutes as that is always possible if the park is full

Go to guest services in the park for the pass and they will be able to help you as much as possible.

They will figure out how they can help you make the best of your trip without the stress of very long waits.

Hope your time at universal is a great one!

 

[mlggator22]

Thanks for you input. I do have an unusual disability. I do not look disabled when I am walking around the park, so I do get looks from people when I use it. It stresses me out. I can usually tolerate about 25 minutes of standing before I need to moving and stretching. So short lines, I won't even need to use the card or DAS. But when lines start getting over 30 minutes, I just can't do it, not all day long and day after day.
I really appreciate everyone's input. It has helped me quite a bit.

 

[macraven]

The UO boards tend to be mellow, so you owe no one an explanation of your medical issues here.

Many people have invisible medical issues and all try hard to help each other out in this side of the Dis

We all play nice on the boards.

Guest services inside the park seem to have shorter lines to get your AAP

 

[mlggator22]

Thank you again. I didn't mean to come off as stressed about the boards. Not at all. Everyone's suggestions have been very helpful. I get stressed dealing with the park staff when trying to get a pass or when I get odd looks at when using my DAS/pass. Everyone here is great and I'm sure can relate to my feelings too.

These boards are the best!

 

[TwoMisfits]

I don't need a wheelchair and in fact a sitting in a wheel chair for an entire day would make my condition far worse. I have a condition in my lower back where one vertebrae is sliding forward over the other. Any position that would increase the arch in back makes my condition worse. Sitting in an upright position in a chair does this. When I sit at home for long periods of time, I have to raise my feet and legs way up to create a curve in my lower back (rather than an arch) and take the pressure off the sliding vertebrae. Prolonged standing can also aggravate it. Additionally, being in one position for a long time makes my back tighten and squeezes on the narrow opening where my nerves exit the spine and create painful neuropathy in my legs. Walking is really good for me because it helps to keep my back muscles loose. Sometimes when I am stuck in a line, I'll have one of my kids hold the spot while I pace back and forth just outside the line to keep my back loose. I often have to take breaks in the day at parks where I go to the nurses and stretch my back. Managed, it is a livable condition, but when it flares up it is extremely painful. I want to avoid that, as it would ruin my vacation.

While you may not need it, the parks will probably find that a mobility device accommodates your needs b/c you can push it or sit in it as you see fit. The parks might also suggest having your kids keep a gap in the line for you to walk back and forth as needed. All of these options are mobility-based options.

So, if getting rejected for your preferred disability accommodation will make the park undoable for you, I would suggest booking the more expensive room. That way, you're all set with no worries for vacation.