No More Express GAP?

[JLTraveling]

Hi all...I generally consider myself a Universal expert, having worked for the parks off and on from 1992-2006. But I spent this summer traveling and came back to find myself utterly confused. Hoping someone can clear this up.

My dad has a number of chronic illnesses. He's had an AP forever, and since his condition deteriorated in 2005, he's been in the system for Express GAP passes. He could get up to six (depending on party size that day) during the day, and two at HHN.

Since we got back into town, he's been given something called an Assistance pass. It's a red and white card, and at attractions with more than a 30 minute wait, he's given a written time to return and use the Express line. According to Guest Services, this card has replaced all variations of GAP. From anecdotal evidence that I've read, the card is effectively "frozen" while waiting for a return time, so he can't use it somewhere else in the meantime.

Is this correct?!?! There's now a "one size fits all" system in place? I don't want to get into a "whose disability is more important" or "accessible doesn't mean extra privileges" argument. Different people have different health conditions and different needs, and I'm a huge advocate of everyone getting the assistance that most closely fits their needs. This new system, frankly, does not fit my father's particular needs at all. And I'm positive that he's not the only one.

This is heartbreaking to me. I've been a massive champion of Universal for years. But this feels like a money grab, forcing disabled people who don't fit into this narrow definition of "access" to spend money they don't necessarily have on paid Express passes. Able-bodied people have the choice. People like my father don't. So, sadly, if this is correct, it looks like Universal may be largely off the table. We'll spend more of our time and money at Disney, where we have the GAC with the arrow stamp.

 

[phamton]

According to Guest Services, this card has replaced all variations of GAP. From anecdotal evidence that I've read, the card is effectively "frozen" while waiting for a return time, so he can't use it somewhere else in the meantime.

Yes and no.

If someone can't stand in line, then the red GAP card is given thus they don't need to wait in line. Someone who has health problems doesn't necessarily need a fast pass to skip the wait time. They need to be able to sit down or eat, etc. instead of standing in line. So essentially his place is saved in line and he can return at that time. He can't skip the lines. That is equal but not preferred access. If you need preferred access, then you can still buy express passes. There are still some GAP passes for terminally ill children, etc. that do allow them to skip the wait time.

 

[JLTraveling]

Yes and no.

If someone can't stand in line, then the red GAP card is given thus they don't need to wait in line. Someone who has health problems doesn't necessarily need a fast pass to skip the wait time. They need to be able to sit down or eat, etc. instead of standing in line. So essentially his place is saved in line and he can return at that time. He can't skip the lines. That is equal but not preferred access. If you need preferred access, then you can still buy express passes. There are still some GAP passes for terminally ill children, etc. that do allow them to skip the wait time.

Phamton, I was really hoping you would weigh in on this, because I truly do respect your opinions here. I also understand that you are not in charge of making this particular decision, only explaining and enforcing it. So I really hope that I don't sound inflammatory toward you, because I do not mean it that way at all. My issue is with the policy itself.

That said: My biggest problem with this comes from exactly what you, yourself, stated. "If you NEED preferred access, then you can still buy express passes." Emphasis in that statement is on NEED. For able-bodied people, it is a choice. For those with certain chronic illnesses, it is a need. My father went through the verification system that was previously in place, and had his Express GAP personally approved by Bret Hyler. There was a waiting period of approximately two weeks and documentation WAS required.

It is a bit of a slap in the face to those who truly NEED additional access to suddenly be denied something that was previously provided. I don't care to go into the details of my father's conditions, or those of the one or two other people I know who had this particular type of pass in the system, but in certain instances the new system simply does not meet the need.

I am glad to know that there are still GAPs available for terminally ill children, as one of my immediate thoughts was what would happen to them. But are you telling me that there is no interim level at all now? It's either terminally ill with VIP access or this new assistance pass? That's what bothers me. There needs to be at least one interim level, similar to what Disney provides with the various GAC stamps.

 

[JLTraveling]

OK, problem resolved. Dad called Guest Services and spoke with a coordinator. Apparently there was a mix-up on his record, and someone else's "disqualified" ended up on his. The coordinator was able to trace the chain of events and straighten things out. So Dad's properly back in the system now.

Thanks again, Phamton!

 

[phamton]

As soon as i read that he had been approved by Bret, then I knew there must be a mistake when your dad wasn't given his usual express GAP. I'm glad it worked out for you. Yes, there are certain conditions that do warrant an express. But if a disability is just that they can't stand or wait in long lines, then the red GAP card will work great for them. If it's a stamina issue and you can only stay at the park a couple of hours or so before tiring out, then you might need an express GAP.

Oh, and I wasn't offended at all and I hope you weren't offended by my response either. Hopefully, you could see that for some disabilities, they don't need an express GAP although I am sure most would want one. The GAP is supposed to address the need and not necessarily the want. Obviously, your father needs a GAP express and I'm glad that it was taken care of.

 

[pixeegrl]

I sure do wish all comments and questions could be handled this well! We are not taking another trip for awhile but I still like to come by and just read the boards every once in a while and boy do you come across some interesting reads! Just want to say how polite and well mannered this conversation was lol !!!! Sorry to hijack your thread
P.S. Glad everything was straightened out with your dad!