Recent experience with Universal?

[Katiegrose]

We have not done Universal since I think 2012 or 2013. We used whatever Assistance Card they had back then, and while I appreciate that Disney has gone automated, I am fine going from ride to ride for times. I have done the IBCCES application and working through that right now (we arrive mid-September). Aside from this, what is the current program like? We are still DAS users even with the new rules. I don't want to divulge too much, but just curious for basic level information here, like assuming no issues with the IBCCES approval, do we still see Guest Services etc? Thanks for anyone who can help!

 

[Keladry84]

We have not done Universal since I think 2012 or 2013. We used whatever Assistance Card they had back then, and while I appreciate that Disney has gone automated, I am fine going from ride to ride for times. I have done the IBCCES application and working through that right now (we arrive mid-September). Aside from this, what is the current program like? We are still DAS users even with the new rules. I don't want to divulge too much, but just curious for basic level information here, like assuming no issues with the IBCCES approval, do we still see Guest Services etc? Thanks for anyone who can help!

Universal should reach out to you through email to find out when you are going to the park and a good time to do a phone call. They will then call you to discuss your needs regarding lines, and if approved for the AAP you'll be given a case number. Sometimes they might issue the case number without a phone call if they can tell you would fit their parameters based on info they got from IBCCES. Not that a valid IBCCES card does not mean automatically that you will be approved for the AAP.

Then you take your IBCCES card, ID, and case number to guest services at the start of your trip, and they will issue you the physical card to use during the trip. It will be valid for the length of your tickets (or 12 days if you have an AP).

Most people get the standard AAP, some might be issued a higher level of accommodation. The standard AAP functions like this:
- standby wait time 25 min or left: immediate entrance to express line
- standby wait time 30 min or more: return time = to standby minus appx. 15 min. When you come back you go to the express line
- you can't have more than one wait time on your card at a time, but you usually can enter a ride with the aap and an active wait time if the standby is less than 25 min (they don't usually open the card to check, just wave you through)

Do note that depending on your needs/difficulties re lines that the express lines might also occasionally be problematic. There are some rides that I have had to leave the express line, either because of the current length or circumstances in the line, and occasionally ones that I can't do at all due to their design. When I've ran into difficulties even in the express line, I've been able to access the ride by coming back at a quieter time and/or using single rider.

 

[gottalovepluto]

... you take your IBCCES card, ID, and case number to guest services at the start of your trip, and they will issue you the physical card to use during the trip...

Do you have to print the IBCCES card off or can you show it on your phone for this part?

 

[Keladry84]

Do you have to print the IBCCES card off or can you show it on your phone for this part?

I show mine on the phone. I think they actually prefer that because the printed version could actually be expired (ie. and old copy).

 

[cocofan]

How long before a trip does Universal normally call? We will be there Sept. 13th and I haven't heard anything yet. We've had our dd's IBCCes card and number for a while now. I'm wondering if I should reach out to them next week or the following one if I haven't heard anything.

 

[ZJ5/9D47]

Do you have to print the IBCCES card off or can you show it on your phone for this part?

It must be on your phone and they make you pull it up in front of them live so they know it’s not altered and fake. This requires a smartphone and internet access. Any time you need a new card you must again show the live, current card from their website or app.

 

[cocofan]

It must be on your phone and they make you pull it up in front of them live so they know it’s not altered and fake. This requires a smartphone and internet access. Any time you need a new card you must again show the live, current card from their website or app.

Ohhh, thanks for letting us know this. I took a pic of her card thinking that would be enough. I wouldn't have been able to log in as I didn't have the app and had no idea what my password. Now I am prepared and downloaded the app and looked up my password. Thank you so much!