First time at Universal - question on GAC

[MareSINY]

Hello Everyone

My family is taking a trip to Disney in a few weeks and we're planning to spend one day at Universal. This is a first for us, I haven't been since I was a kid and all they had was the studios.

My 7 year old niece is autistic and my 13 year old niece has an anxiety disorder. Do they offer any sort of guest assistance card at Universal? If they do, how does their program work?

We live in NJ and have season passes to Six Flags, we are able to get separate GAC's for both of my nieces. The 7 year old has no restrictions and can walk on any ride without waiting, the 13 year old has something similar to the DAS, she gets a time written on her card telling her what time to return. This works out great because she likes to ride the big roller coasters while her sister prefers the tamer rides. We're hoping for a similar program at Universal.

Thanks in advance for any knowledge you can bestow!

 

[SueM in MN]

There is more information in post 9 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board, but here is the basic information for Universal:

Universal/Islands of Adventure has GAP (Guest Assistance Passes), which work fairly similar to Disney's DAS (Disability Access Service).
You do not need a doctor's note. Just be able to tell them what assistance you need at Guest Services.
At each attraction, you will be able to enter right away if the wait is less than 30 minutes. For wait of longer then 30 minutes, you will be given a Return Time, similar to the standby wait time. When you return to the attraction when the return time has come, you will go in the a Express Pass line, which will be a shorter wait.

Both parks are ADA compliant and, as such, are wheelchair accessible. There is seldom a need for a separate line for wheelchairs as the wheelchair just goes through the regular line.
It's important to know though, Universal/Islands of Adventure do not allow power wheelchairs or ECVs in their lines/attractions.

Universal/Islands of Adventure does have an Express Card that guests can purchase or you can get by staying at a Universal hotel. That allows guests to use an Express Pass entrance to access attractions without waiting, but not all attractions have Express Pass.

VIP Gap (back door access--mostly for Make a Wish Kids or Give Kids the World)

 

[macraven]

the GAP works also with the rides that do not have express lines.
FJ is one of them.

show the GAP card to the TM at the line for assistance with the card.