Hi. Need more info on Universal GAP please

[sharadoc]

Hi. I have seen lots of info on the GAC at WDW and we used it on our last trip and it was an absolute lifesaver. It made the trip so wonderful for our DS with ASD.

We are thinking of going to Universal on this trip and want to make sure that we can get similar accomodations there. If so, does it work like the Disney GAC or how is it different? The post on the FAQ about Universal didn't address the autism/ASD issues at all.

Thanks so much for your help. Sorry if this has been asked before but I can't seem to figure out how to find it.

 

[SueM in MN]

There is not a specific GAC at Disney or at Universal for autism.
Both places basically look at what the needs are, regardless of the condition. That is in compliance with the ADA.

The information about the card at Universal in the disABILITIES FAQs thread is basically listing the types of accommodation/messages to meet needs that they provide. You would go to Guest Relations and explain the needs your child has (the same as at WDW). Then they will issue a card that fits those needs.
Many people have posted in the past that they used the Family Room GAC at Universal (I am on my iPod, so I'm not sure if that's the wording and I can't check) because it allows them a more private and less stimulating place to wait.

 

[sharadoc]

Thanks. I know that there is no specific card for autism. When we were in WDW in January, they were able to accommodate DS's needs and I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to spend $400 to walk in to Universal and find out that they couldn't accommodate him there. I know folks here are hesitant to promise anything, but I was hoping to find someone who had used one.

Yes, I know we can't bypass lines, and yes I know it won't get us on a ride faster - just making sure we don't have continual anxiety and meltdowns

I called and spoke to Universal's guest services and she said they could help him out, so I'm good with that. We're not looking for a free "pass" onto the rides - he really needs it so I wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to walk in, walk around and walk out because he couldn't do anything!

Thanks.

 

[SueM in MN]

No one has posted real recently about using a GAP at Universal with a person with autism, but people who posted in the past about their experience with someone with autism felt their needs were met very well.

In general, the group that has felt they were not treated well at Universal were people with wheelchairs who also had other additional needs. The experience reported by those people was that their wheelchair was accommodated with accessible lines, but the attitude ( and the words) were, "you already have aN accessible line and we are not required to provide anything else to you". Thus was even after explaining the additional needs and asking if there wad maybe somewhere out if the sun or in a more quiet location to wait.

 

[sharadoc]

No one has posted real recently about using a GAP at Universal with a person with autism, but people who posted in the past about their experience with someone with autism felt their needs were met very well.

In general, the group that has felt they were not treated well at Universal were people with wheelchairs who also had other additional needs. The experience reported by those people was that their wheelchair was accommodated with accessible lines, but the attitude ( and the words) were, "you already have aN accessible line and we are not required to provide anything else to you". Thus was even after explaining the additional needs and asking if there wad maybe somewhere out if the sun or in a more quiet location to wait.

Wow - that's tough!

I promise I will post my experience when we get back. I'm hoping that we won't really need major accommodations anyway since it should be less busy and WDW more crowded due to free dining

Thanks again.

 

[SueM in MN]

No one has posted real recently about using a GAP at Universal with a person with autism, but people who posted in the past about their experience with someone with autism felt their needs were met very well.

In general, the group that has felt they were not treated well at Universal were people with wheelchairs who also had other additional needs. The experience reported by those people was that their wheelchair was accommodated with accessible lines, but the attitude ( and the words) were, "you already have aN accessible line and we are not required to provide anything else to you". Thus was even after explaining the additional needs and asking if there wad maybe somewhere out if the sun or in a more quiet location to wait.

I just noticed ALL my typos.

That is what happens when you are on the DIS on an iPod touch while eating lunch at the desk at work while trying to read email on the work computer.

 

[Selket]

On a similar theme - is there a special pass you can purchase that *does* allow something like front of the line access at Universal and/or IOA? We may be spending a couple of days in those parks next summer.

I realize there is a difference between being accommodated and having to pay $$$$ but I'm just wondering if that option is available (to pay) which it is not at the WDW parks - and if that would keep us out of the lines and the heat by allowing a true FOTL access.

 

[sharadoc]

On a similar theme - is there a special pass you can purchase that *does* allow something like front of the line access at Universal and/or IOA? We may be spending a couple of days in those parks next summer.

I realize there is a difference between being accommodated and having to pay $$$$ but I'm just wondering if that option is available (to pay) which it is not at the WDW parks - and if that would keep us out of the lines and the heat by allowing a true FOTL access.

Yes - I have learned there is such a pass that you can buy. Have you read through the Universal/IOA board? There is a good FAQ and good info on there. I don't remember the cost, but I think it's somewhere around $25-$35. Someone on there posted that if you have a family of four, you should just stay on-site, rather than pay for the FOTL pass. With discounts, you can get a room for under $150 and get LOTS of perks for staying on-site (lots more than Disney gives you, I believe).

We're just learning about Universal so I can't be more help - sorry.

 

[Selket]

Yes - I have learned there is such a pass that you can buy.

Thanks for the info - I will start visiting that board and see what I can find out (trip is not for another year). That is a good tip to stay onsite.