Universal - "fast pass" available for autistic children?

[gvpaul]

We are planning on going to Universal Studios in June with our 7 year old autistic son. We did Disney last year for the first time, and by taking a letter from his doctor, we were able to get a fast pass to all of the rides. Does anyone know if Universal offers this option? I haven't seen much information regarding Universal and special needs children.

Thanks!

 

[loadsapixiedust]

Universal have a GAP (Guest Assistance Pass) very similar to the Disney GAC for those who need special accommodations at attractions. It is not a fast pass as such but may allow you to wait in a quiet area or in a seated waiting area or use an alternate entrance or the express line depending on the attraction. CM's will direct you if you show the pass. Ask for one at Guest relations, these are dated and only valid on the day of issue.

 

[robin09]

We are planning on going to Universal Studios in June with our 7 year old autistic son. We did Disney last year for the first time, and by taking a letter from his doctor, we were able to get a fast pass to all of the rides. Does anyone know if Universal offers this option? I haven't seen much information regarding Universal and special needs children.

Thanks!

We just got back last month from Universal. The GAP (Guest Assistance Pass) was wonderful for us. You go to guest relations each day and request one (bring back your old one and they will reissue). No Doctors note needed at all. This allowed us to go straight on most of the rides at both Islands of adventure & Universal Studios! Our DD8 has aspergers and adhd, noone ever questioned us needing it! You should be very happy with the service they give you!

 

[phamton]

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email guest services at:
guestservices@universalorlando.com Or call guest services at: 407 224-4233 Press option 9 to speak to a Guest Service Coordinator.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We have an autistic son and he gets stressed out waiting in queues as he doesn't understand what he is waiting for.

We use the GAP (like an express card) on every visit to Universal.

Joshua loves the ET ride but will not queue for the show bit at the beginning with Steven Spielberg, So we tell the CM's and are escorted straight to the ride area instead. Joshua goes on this ride 3 or 4 times, anyway it keeps us all cool for 1/2 an hour.

We have the same problem with Shrek too, the 20 mins + pre show bit at the beginning. If we could bypass that and just go and sit down near the exit for Shrek I think we would be ok. My DH and I have to see Shrek seperately, which is quite a wait outside with Joshua.

When we went on the Jaws ride we showed the GAP to the CM and were told to use the express lane instead, the usual queue was very long. This was great as we only waited 10 mins instead of 45 mins. Joshua was stress free, and so were we.

this is Johnnys DW

 

[Hook's Girl]

We are planning on going to Universal Studios in June with our 7 year old autistic son. We did Disney last year for the first time, and by taking a letter from his doctor, we were able to get a fast pass to all of the rides. Does anyone know if Universal offers this option? I haven't seen much information regarding Universal and special needs children.

Thanks!

Just for the record, the Disney equivilent is not a fastpass. It allows you alternate access for the disability, which is usually the fastpass line.

 

[Dis1978]

Hi GVpaul.
This GAC business is confusing. My aspie son willl have severe problems waiting in either the line or an alternate waiting area. So it won't really be of any benefit to us if he just gets to wait the same amount of time but away from people.
Did you manage to go on the same ride several times or did you only get one go like with regular fast pass? My son likes to go on some rides over and over.
Also I was told that we do not need to specify my son's actual condition on the dr's note just that he has a medical condition that makes waiting difficult. Is this the case or would it be best to specify autism?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hello

At Universal my DH was given a personal card from Kevin Huff - Director of Special Needs, his e-mail address is guestservices@universalorlando.com
I would send him your question, I'm sure he will reply. It just gives you peace of mind before you go.
On the Universal Express GAP entry card it states " The pass is entitled to provide reasonable accomodation during your visit. It is not intended to provide immediate access. Please present pass at attraction greeter. Additional designated accessible entrances may be provided for guests". We found that some CMs were more helpful than others.

At WDW we were not asked the ins and outs of our sons condition, but what we wanted from the GAC - so we just said that DS gets stressed queuing and that we use his pushchair as a wheelchair, so they stamped it onto the card for us. We were given a list of alternate entrances for rides too. Very helpful staff.

Have a great time
This is Johnny's DW