Is a DAS more difficult to get than Universal AAP?

[Gentry2004]

My husband's issue is relatively recent and we've haven't been to Disney since he's had it. However we have been to Universal and he did not have any issues getting their AAP card. Reading all of the issues folks have been having at Disney, I'm wondering if Disney DAS (under their new stricter-seeming system) is harder to get than Universal? What have other people's experiences been? It is not a mobility issue.

Thanks.

 

[Lesley Wake]

I think it all just depends on who you get to make the decision. With Disney I just said a couple words and he immediately said, ok, good, and got it set up. With universal I had to go more into depth, but I still got it set up (I called in advance so I wouldn’t need to describe in person and will just pick it up at the parks)

 

[lizw47]

No, it's not difficult at all. I pre-registered virtually, I spoke to the woman, said only a few words to her about my condition and she said I was qualified for a DAS. It took less than five minutes. I thought I'd have to explain my condition more but I didn't, she was very kind and gave it to me without much explaining on my part. I think actually that Disney is very generous and will give the DAS pass to most people. I'm not sure what you're referring to with "issues folks have been having at Disney" but the only real hassle I had is waiting to virtually register. Is it annoying? Yes. Does it take hours on end? Yeah. Is it worth it? I think so. Anyway, in my experience, the DAS is not difficult to get at all. I'm also going to Universal next week, but I have to wait until I get there to get the pass.

 

[lizw47]

I think it all just depends on who you get to make the decision. With Disney I just said a couple words and he immediately said, ok, good, and got it set up. With universal I had to go more into depth, but I still got it set up (I called in advance so I wouldn’t need to describe in person and will just pick it up at the parks)

Yes this was exactly my experience! I didn't even need to explain my diagnosis. Just said a couple words, and they said ok, you're qualified, and set it up, and asked if I had any questions

 

[SueM in MN]

Yes this was exactly my experience! I didn't even need to explain my diagnosis. Just said a couple words, and they said ok, you're qualified, and set it up, and asked if I had any questions

Just for clarification - the Cast Members don’t want or need to know your diagnosis. People with the very same diagnosis can have very different needs.
What is important to be able to discuss briefly is what/how issues related your disability prevent you from waiting in the regular line.

 

[elledubs]

I think it all just depends on who you get to make the decision. With Disney I just said a couple words and he immediately said, ok, good, and got it set up. With universal I had to go more into depth, but I still got it set up (I called in advance so I wouldn’t need to describe in person and will just pick it up at the parks)

Hi Luke— for Universal— haven’t been there since they opened!! How do I get AAP without a lot of trouble. I’m in same situation. I don’t like to talk about my sons negative qualities in front of him. From my research I thought you just have to wait until you get in the park, then stand in line at guest services just inside the park. Universal is very scary for me!!

 

[Susi]

Hi Luke— for Universal— haven’t been there since they opened!! How do I get AAP without a lot of trouble. I’m in same situation. I don’t like to talk about my sons negative qualities in front of him. From my research I thought you just have to wait until you get in the park, then stand in line at guest services just inside the park. Universal is very scary for me!!

When we've gone to Universal, we go straight to guest services right by the entrance. I've brought my child up with me and kind of moved to the side a little way from my child and gave the reasons why it's difficult to wait in line.

 

[SueM in MN]

Hi Luke— for Universal— haven’t been there since they opened!! How do I get AAP without a lot of trouble. I’m in same situation. I don’t like to talk about my sons negative qualities in front of him. From my research I thought you just have to wait until you get in the park, then stand in line at guest services just inside the park. Universal is very scary for me!!

You don’t need to catalog your child’s ‘negative qualities’. What they are interested in is how is waiting in the line challenging for him?

 

[GinnyBear's_mom]

I prefer to use the guest services location inside the park at Universal for a few reasons- it is air conditioned, a bit more private and the line is usually smaller. The one outside the park by ticketing is a bit crazier. I had heard stories that Universal's pass was a bit harder to get but the process was the same as Disney's. If you have another adult with you, perhaps have them stand with your son while you request the DAS. At some point they will need to see your son in order to issue the pass.

 

[GinnyBear's_mom]

And if you do get Universal's AAP card, make sure to hold onto it. If you go back on another trip it is easier to renew the card than to get one in the first place. Show guest services the old AAP card and the renewal process will be easier.

 

[Lesley Wake]

Hi Luke— for Universal— haven’t been there since they opened!! How do I get AAP without a lot of trouble. I’m in same situation. I don’t like to talk about my sons negative qualities in front of him. From my research I thought you just have to wait until you get in the park, then stand in line at guest services just inside the park. Universal is very scary for me!!

I had emailed them and then they gave me a number to call: 407-224-4233, option 5. You can call within 30 days of your trip and after explaining and being approved they will give you a reference number. So you can go right to guest services and use that number so they will give the AAP without having to explain in person. I appreciated that a lot!