GAC type card at Universal?

[tink fan]

We are considering a trip to Universal to see Harry Potter.

Does Universal offer a card similar to Disney's Guest Assistance Card. If so, could you give me more information about it. I have a child with autism who has difficulty waiting in regular lines (too many people close by, too much stimulation, etc).

 

[SueM in MN]

They do have a card similar to the Guest Assistance Card. I can't post a link right now, but there is information on the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.
The first post in the thread is an index that tells where to find information.

Even with the Universal version of the Guest Assistance Card, you will want to do some investigation and try to go at the least busy time. I have not been they yet because from what I read it still sounded too busy when we went in October. From what I have read, the area is quite small and congested. You may find that just walking around is too close for your child. You will want to check out if there are days or times to avoid because the GAC won't help with general busyness.

 

[JLTraveling]

No. They don't. They used to, but it's been "discontinued." They have a card that's exactly equivalent to Disney's Fast Pass. You take it to an attraction. They write down a time to come back and use the Express line. You cannot use it anywhere else until the time expires. That's it. That's the new one size fits all disabilities pass. But you're welcome to pay for a regular Express pass, if that does your child any good /sarcasm.

 

[crashbb]

No. They don't. They used to, but it's been "discontinued." They have a card that's exactly equivalent to Disney's Fast Pass. You take it to an attraction. They write down a time to come back and use the Express line. You cannot use it anywhere else until the time expires. That's it. That's the new one size fits all disabilities pass. But you're welcome to pay for a regular Express pass, if that does your child any good /sarcasm.

Sorry, I'm confused, what's wrong with that system? The GAC at WDW isn't supposed to shorten wait time (as has been said many times here), it provides a way to ride without standing in a crowded line.

It sounds like Universal's system does exactly that - families can wait in whichever spot is best while waiting for the appropriate time. If there are rides with no lines (or short lines) you can even ride them while waiting (giving you an advantage over those who stand in the full line).

It seems better than a previous system where part of the family had to wait in line and the others (i.e. the person with a disability) could join when they got to the front. This didn't work if you were a small group or if being separated would cause stress.

I am, of course, assuming that if any of the lines are not mainstreamed there is still a way for people in wheelchairs (or similar) have a way to get onto the ride.

 

[SueM in MN]

I just verified with someone and they still have the different types of Guest Assistance Cards listed in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

The 'get a time and come back later' card is one way to provide accommodations. As was pointed out, the idea is to give equal accesss (i.e. someone who can't wait IN the line, can wait somewhere else), not to shorten wait times.

 

[JLTraveling]

I apologize if I misunderstood the original question. Since the OP specifically asked about a GAC-type pass at Universal, I shared the latest information (based on what they're actually doing IN the parks based on having been there asking lots of questions nearly every day for the past month). If the OP doesn't need anything more than Fast Passes, then I'm surprised that she mentioned a GAC. If Fast Passes work for her child, then yes, the new AAP at Universal will work. But that's the ONLY thing they're actually giving out now according to multiple Guest Services agents and supervisors (unless it's a Wish trip).

 

[cm8]

I apologize if I misunderstood the original question. Since the OP specifically asked about a GAC-type pass at Universal, I shared the latest information (based on what they're actually doing IN the parks based on having been there asking lots of questions nearly every day for the past month). If the OP doesn't need anything more than Fast Passes, then I'm surprised that she mentioned a GAC. If Fast Passes work for her child, then yes, the new AAP at Universal will work. But that's the ONLY thing they're actually giving out now according to multiple Guest Services agents and supervisors (unless it's a Wish trip).

thanks for some info

 

[crashbb]

I apologize if I misunderstood the original question. Since the OP specifically asked about a GAC-type pass at Universal, I shared the latest information (based on what they're actually doing IN the parks based on having been there asking lots of questions nearly every day for the past month). If the OP doesn't need anything more than Fast Passes, then I'm surprised that she mentioned a GAC. If Fast Passes work for her child, then yes, the new AAP at Universal will work. But that's the ONLY thing they're actually giving out now according to multiple Guest Services agents and supervisors (unless it's a Wish trip).

Okay, I guess I'm just confused about the GAC at WDW then (we only need an accessible way in, in the past - next trip we are taking my nephew who will need help with waiting in lines). It's been stated over and over again that the GAC doesn't reduce wait time or eliminate the need to go through the line, it just provides a different place to wait which *sounds* exactly like what Universal is offering. I was pretty much expecting ot do what Universal offered when we go to WDW in May. Obviously the GAC does do more than provide a different place to wait. Given that, I do now get what you are saying. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Whilst I agree that the GAC isn't supposed or intended to shorten the wait time in some instances we find it does.

As an example when we presented our card at EPCOT last year we rode Soarin and Test Track within 15 minutes when it would have been an hour in the regular queue.

Universal only give you a GAC , or express pass (as that's what it looks like) for the day of your visit, so you have to apply for a new one each time you go, though the process is quicker as they have your details already.
Unlike at Disney where the pass is valid for your vacation.

In addition if trying to beat the queue's it is always best to get there early, that said Universal are notorious for not opening all their rides at 9 am.

 

[Mike Bartenhagen]

We are considering a trip to Universal to see Harry Potter.

Does Universal offer a card similar to Disney's Guest Assistance Card. If so, could you give me more information about it. I have a child with autism who has difficulty waiting in regular lines (too many people close by, too much stimulation, etc).

Not sure when you are planning on going but my wife and daughters were there last Thursday and said it was packed, everything in the HP area was shoulder to shoulder. They said there were long lines just to get in the stores, the wand store was an hour wait.

Mike

 

[SueM in MN]

To clear up some possible confusion......
Many people assume a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) at WDW is one thing that always gives the same type of 'thing' as accommodation.

It is not and never has been. The GAC at WDW is a card with some general basic information printed on it, including that it is not meant to shorten waits in line. It also has printed information that suggests using the Fastpass system if guests want to avoid waits.
The card also includes a space for a stamp which tells CMs some general information on what to do to meet the needs of the guest who has the GAC.
The stamp placed on the card will be different for different guests, depending on what their needs are.

There is more information on Guest Assistance Cards at WDW in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which is located near the top of this board or you can follow the link in my signature to get there.

Since the question has been answered, I am closing this thread.