Universal now requiring documentation be sent to a third party for accessibility

[OurBigTrip]

Why would a physical disability require the pass?


It's a marketing ploy that is making tons of money off of people's disabilities. That should turn everyone's stomach sour, IMO.

As has been said multiple times, IBCCES is just verifying that there is a disability. Period. They aren’t making the decisions on the AAP, that will still be Universal.

 

[JLTraveling]

Why would a physical disability require the pass?

I don't have firsthand experience at Six Flags, but somebody said upthread that those parks are requiring the IBCCES pass even to bypass stairs, even if said person is in a wheelchair. We don't actually know yet if that will be the case with Universal or not.

But beyond that? Because there are an infinite number of physical disabilities, some of which can be accommodated by a wheelchair or other device, while others require different or additional accommodations. I've spoken about my father's spinal issues ad nauseam in this thread. He can't stand for very long, and he can't sit in a wheelchair or rollator. You can go back earlier in the thread to read my detailed explanation if you like. Universal's disability manager approved GAP passes for him years ago based on a stack of medical documentation. Now he has to get the IBCCES card, because everyone does, basically so they can note it in his file. But he'll get a new case number with his previous accommodations.

I know people tend to think of physical disabilities as cut and dried, and accommodated by mobility devices. But in the real world, it isn't that simple. And it isn't for someone else to judge whether a particular person is worthy, and the amount of judgment within the disabled community is just unreal.

 

[HopperFan]

I have been familiar with IBCCES for many years as we used to regularly have APs to our local Six Flags. I had explored it annually but always decided at last minute to not pursue it because DS does not ride the big rides there with the long switchback queues. But I did think from what I was told that a doctor's note and documentation directly addressing the park would be required.

So much has been learned via this thread, other online comments and discussions, other social media platforms. One thing was that IBCCES will take just about anything for approval so I didn't need to be concerned about the doctor's note - something I wasn't comfortable asking for since theme parks are not an important component in life. I already ask him to fill out multiple documents for important things. I've learned IBCCES is just what I consider somewhat pointless if they are giving it away like candy.

One thing I learned I'm honestly disappointed with ....

DS uses AAP. We had years where they attached it to his AP so we didn't have to visit GR but once a year. I think some of us have heard of the GAP, a more difficult pass to get but not really sure what it does. Since IBCCES has become involved, I am seeing more and more discussion online about the Gold AAP, I think this and GAP might be the same thing. It is being described as basically VQ Front of the Line Pass. Being escorted direct to load. Those who now get it are thrilled. At this point since it is being put out there as an option people are requesting and getting for things Disney might not even give a DAS ... between this and the IBCCES process being so lax are we about to see a big run on UO for assistance passes? Have they opened a can of worms? The publicity they are getting from this might actually increase the request for these two passes.

Anytime there is big news and discussions about disability assistance passes at theme parks I think we risk tipping the scales and possibly facing a reduction in assistance offered. So far I've found no documentation to suggest theme parks HAVE to offer more than the accessibility of their lines. What the parks do above and beyond (DAS / AAP) seems to be by their choice, not because they have to. My fear is as more and more ask for accommodations for more and more reasons we might see a breaking point. For us it would mean UO is out of the question and Disney will mean more budgeting for Genie+ which is inflexible and restrictive when dealing with "life issues".

I’m not sure it is a choice that will result in actual monetary gain, but at least I get the (potential) logic behind it now.

I highly doubt it will result in any gain at all in terms of ticket sales and park revenue. So not sure that would be a wise thought process if that is their reasoning. I have to think they have other reasons.

Universal has it's own market, it is more of an amusement park that is highly themed, more in line with a Six Flags market. It's not known for shows and entertainment like Disney and Dollywood. It's not a family style park that is friendly to all ages and desires like Disney and Dollywood. It doesn't have a balanced range of fun at the thrill end and at the non-rider end like SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. It is not a child focused park like Legoland and Sesame Place. Amusement/Theme parks vary greatly on what they offer and the demographics they appeal to.

This isn't like Royal Caribbean becoming Autism Certified so they can draw passengers from other equal product lines. Being certified (if they are even doing it) doesn't mean young families with children with high needs are going to now go - there likely isn't a lot of attractions they would go on to make the visit worth it. And families with older children & adults who would ride are likely already going if theme parks are their thing. Time will tell what their purpose is in engaging this company but right now I don't think it is obvious.

 

[lovingeire]

Question about submitting one page for the IBCCES card. My son has an IEP for autism spectrum disorder. This is obviously the easiest thing for me to submit. However, his diagnosis isn't mentioned until page 6 of his IEP. The first few pages are personal information (DOB, our address, parents' information, start and end date since we revamp yearly, etc, signature pages, disclosures, etc.). It seems silly to submit the first page with nothing other than DOB, start & end dates, and our address when his diagnosis is on page 6. Obviously, his name and DOB are on the top of each page. Should I submit page 6 which highlights his disability?

 

[voxparse]

I don't have firsthand experience at Six Flags, but somebody said upthread that those parks are requiring the IBCCES pass even to bypass stairs, even if said person is in a wheelchair. We don't actually know yet if that will be the case with Universal or not.

But beyond that? Because there are an infinite number of physical disabilities, some of which can be accommodated by a wheelchair or other device, while others require different or additional accommodations. I've spoken about my father's spinal issues ad nauseam in this thread. He can't stand for very long, and he can't sit in a wheelchair or rollator. You can go back earlier in the thread to read my detailed explanation if you like. Universal's disability manager approved GAP passes for him years ago based on a stack of medical documentation. Now he has to get the IBCCES card, because everyone does, basically so they can note it in his file. But he'll get a new case number with his previous accommodations.

I know people tend to think of physical disabilities as cut and dried, and accommodated by mobility devices. But in the real world, it isn't that simple. And it isn't for someone else to judge whether a particular person is worthy, and the amount of judgment within the disabled community is just unreal.

I don't have firsthand experience at Six Flags, but somebody said upthread that those parks are requiring the IBCCES pass even to bypass stairs, even if said person is in a wheelchair. We don't actually know yet if that will be the case with Universal or not.

But beyond that? Because there are an infinite number of physical disabilities, some of which can be accommodated by a wheelchair or other device, while others require different or additional accommodations. I've spoken about my father's spinal issues ad nauseam in this thread. He can't stand for very long, and he can't sit in a wheelchair or rollator. You can go back earlier in the thread to read my detailed explanation if you like. Universal's disability manager approved GAP passes for him years ago based on a stack of medical documentation. Now he has to get the IBCCES card, because everyone does, basically so they can note it in his file. But he'll get a new case number with his previous accommodations.

I know people tend to think of physical disabilities as cut and dried, and accommodated by mobility devices. But in the real world, it isn't that simple. And it isn't for someone else to judge whether a particular person is worthy, and the amount of judgment within the disabled community is just unreal.

Unfortunately, this is common in disability spaces. There is a lot of time and energy spent on who gets to be “in” and who doesn’t. It’s sad because we should be focused on lifting each other up. There a lot of reasons why this happens but it is too much to dive into here.

 

[JLTraveling]

DS uses AAP. We had years where they attached it to his AP so we didn't have to visit GR but once a year. I think some of us have heard of the GAP, a more difficult pass to get but not really sure what it does. Since IBCCES has become involved, I am seeing more and more discussion online about the Gold AAP, I think this and GAP might be the same thing. It is being described as basically VQ Front of the Line Pass. Being escorted direct to load.

GAP is not a front of the line pass. I knew someone who had one of those, but no clue what it was called. It could be the Gold AAP or something else altogether. Or maybe the new name for GAP is Gold AAP (we never had any reason to call it anything but GAP, but we've been doing this for a few years now). In any event, the three that I know of are AAP, GAP, and front of the line (whatever it's called). GAP is the midrange. And there could be others that I just never ran across.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

GAP is not a front of the line pass. I knew someone who had one of those, but no clue what it was called. It could be the Gold AAP or something else altogether. Or maybe the new name for GAP is Gold AAP (we never had any reason to call it anything but GAP, but we've been doing this for a few years now). In any event, the three that I know of are AAP, GAP, and front of the line (whatever it's called). GAP is the midrange. And there could be others that I just never ran across.

A front of the line pass like that is equivalent to their $$$ VIP tour and would provide a huge incentive to try to game the system (if it becomes widely known). Hopefully people who have it keep it quiet.

 

[JLTraveling]

A front of the line pass like that is equivalent to their $$$ VIP tour and would provide a huge incentive to try to game the system (if it becomes widely known). Hopefully people who have it keep it quiet.

Agreed. The lady I knew definitely didn't advertise it. I only found out because she was an HHN friend, and one night after Bill and Ted she asked if we wanted to do a house together. I was pretty surprised when she flashed a pass and the whole group got escorted directly to the entrance lol

 

[Disneychick13]

GAP is not a front of the line pass. I knew someone who had one of those, but no clue what it was called. It could be the Gold AAP or something else altogether. Or maybe the new name for GAP is Gold AAP (we never had any reason to call it anything but GAP, but we've been doing this for a few years now). In any event, the three that I know of are AAP, GAP, and front of the line (whatever it's called). GAP is the midrange. And there could be others that I just never ran across.

AAP makes total sense because it allows a person to wait somewhere outside of a traditional line. But GAP sounds like the equivalent of an express pass. I can’t see why this would ever be issued if that’s the case. And a front of the line pass? For make a wish kids sure but outside of that? Goodness.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Question about submitting one page for the IBCCES card. My son has an IEP for autism spectrum disorder. This is obviously the easiest thing for me to submit. However, his diagnosis isn't mentioned until page 6 of his IEP. The first few pages are personal information (DOB, our address, parents' information, start and end date since we revamp yearly, etc, signature pages, disclosures, etc.). It seems silly to submit the first page with nothing other than DOB, start & end dates, and our address when his diagnosis is on page 6. Obviously, his name and DOB are on the top of each page. Should I submit page 6 which highlights his disability?

If I was in that spot and not time constrained with an upcoming trip I’d just submit the first page, it could be the simple existence of the IEP is enough for their stamp of approval. If they deny it, then I would submit the actual issues page.

 

[gottalovepluto]

A front of the line pass like that is equivalent to their $$$ VIP tour and would provide a huge incentive to try to game the system (if it becomes widely known). Hopefully people who have it keep it quiet.

Obviously not if we’re already hearing about folks getting it who didn’t expect it.

 

[lovingeire]

If I was in that spot and not time constrained with an upcoming trip I’d just submit the first page, it could be the simple existence of the IEP is enough for their stamp of approval. If they deny it, then I would submit the actual issues page.

Thank you! We don't travel till December, but I'm a teacher so would like to get as much taken care of before going back to school as possible as I have a lot more free time right now then I will in the upcoming months.

 

[HereForHagrids]

AAP makes total sense because it allows a person to wait somewhere outside of a traditional line. But GAP sounds like the equivalent of an express pass. I can’t see why this would ever be issued if that’s the case. And a front of the line pass? For make a wish kids sure but outside of that? Goodness.

GAP is issued because not all rides have express lanes (Hagrid’s being the big one) and some people have struggles both with waiting in long lines and with getting a return time.

The Gold AAP is not necessarily front of the line access. You still get a return time and then you have to wait 5-15 minutes for a TM to be able to escort you. Often, you have to take a much longer route than the Express/GAP/orange AAP line, especially at HHN.

The gold pass is also not easy to get. I was given it after a bad incident in an HHN line where I needed to leave suddenly and struggled to get my mobility aid back out past the people. I had guests visiting and started sobbing because of the stress and the fact that we hadn’t been able to do anything all night due to crowds (it was about 10 and we had done early admission). I didn’t even know the gold AAP existed until they told me about it. I’ve heard that even if you ask specifically for it, GS is very reluctant to give it out unless they already have you one previously. They ask a lot more questions and guard it a lot more. Likewise with the GAP from what I’ve heard.

So I’m not sure the GAP or gold pass is really in any danger, especially with this new process. But I guess we’ll see.

 

[Evita_W]

IMO, when accommodations are such that they have the potential for large-scale negative impacts to business operations, then people should have to prove they need those accommodations.

Is this the best way to do it? I don’t know. But I’d be interested to see what you recommend, other than the current free for all.

The problem is there then becomes an underground network of "doctors" who will simply write a note for $20 or so to say whatever you need it to say. This happened when Disneyland used to require proof, only this was pre-internet, so they had physical locations, now it can be ordered online and had within seconds and it actually encourages abuse, not discourages it.

No system will ever be perfect, but there can be a better balancing act.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Thank you for sharing. Just the thought of going to my Dr asking for assistance for this is embarrassing the crap out of me for some reason. I’m going to keep reminding myself if my issues cause me to have an incident in line that would be dangerous and that’s a lot more important than being embarrassed asking for a Dr’s note.

Follow up

I saw my PCP today. There were vague mentions in my history of my issues so it wasn’t totally out of nowhere. No judgement about me wanting a letter for a theme park. I gave him all my history with my issue, he assembled the requested letter. I know I will be charged $35 for the visit later, not sure about the letter. Being my PCP of course his focus was on helping me with my issue. Among his recommendations was a medic alert bracelet, which embarrassingly had never occurred to me but is a very good idea. A quick google search and I’m seeing they have come a long way cute wise from when my grandma wore one!

Best of luck to any other adults out there feeling embarrassed about asking their Dr for a letter for a theme park visit

 

[JLTraveling]

AAP makes total sense because it allows a person to wait somewhere outside of a traditional line. But GAP sounds like the equivalent of an express pass. I can’t see why this would ever be issued if that’s the case. And a front of the line pass? For make a wish kids sure but outside of that? Goodness.

Because some people have medical needs that require one of those two passes. It really is just that simple And I assure you, they are not handing them out like candy. It takes a LOT of documentation.

 

[Ollivier]

AAP makes total sense because it allows a person to wait somewhere outside of a traditional line. But GAP sounds like the equivalent of an express pass. I can’t see why this would ever be issued if that’s the case. And a front of the line pass? For make a wish kids sure but outside of that? Goodness.

If you talk about the Gold AAP (yellow colored card). This is not an equivelant of an express pass. It is the same as a red AAP, you get a return time and wait outside the queue. The difference is that you do not go through the express queue when you have waited outside the queue. You get escorted to the loading area. So you do not wait in the express queue. It could still be a wait until a castmember is available to escort you, but again you are not in the queue at that point.

You can get direct acces when the wait time is lower then 30 min. This is the same for the red AAP.

 

[Disneychick13]

Because some people have medical needs that require one of those two passes. It really is just that simple And I assure you, they are not handing them out like candy. It takes a LOT of documentation.

What documentation? What medical needs? What determines if you require it? Who determines it? A physician? A theme park employee? How would you even know to ask for it? There is no metric for it. It is undefinable. It seems odd that some people are complaining about providing documentation if “a LOT of documentation“ is already required for anything other than the standard AAP. I don’t get it. I think more people are going to request this easier access pass and then It will go the way of the GAC. Just my opinion.

 

[lanejudy]

My guess is it's an added level of accommodation that is granted to individuals who don't find the standard accommodation meets their needs. At least in the past that has been the case. Whether that will continue -- who knows. I believe there's been at least 1 report online of someone receiving this accommodation during the conversation with UO after their IBCCES card was approved. Time will tell.

It's not up to any of us to say what should or should not be offered or to whom it's offered -- that is UO's decision.

 

[JLTraveling]

What documentation? What medical needs? What determines if you require it? Who determines it? A physician? A theme park employee? How would you even know to ask for it? There is no metric for it. It is undefinable. It seems odd that some people are complaining about providing documentation if “a LOT of documentation“ is already required for anything other than the standard AAP. I don’t get it. I think more people are going to request this easier access pass and then It will go the way of the GAC. Just my opinion.

I've said this before in this thread, multiple times as a matter of fact. Pre-IBCCES, my father was approved for GAP passes, based on documentation. What documentation? Reports from multiple doctors including specialists, along with MRIs, physical therapy reports, and post-procedure reports from several different medical procedures. Who approved it? Universal's disability manager. What was the role of the front-line Guest Services employees? To look up his GC code in the computer, see that said disability manager had approved that specific accommodation, and print out the passes. How did he know to ask for it? He tried the AAP. It didn't work for him. He went to Guest Services and explained that it didn't work and why. They told him there was a higher-level accommodation available, but that because it was considered "better" rather than "equal" access, he would have to provide medical documentation. He said OK. They gave him a phone number to reach the disability manager (or more likely his team, it was a few years ago, I don't remember exactly who he talked to). They explained exactly what he would need to submit, where to send it, and how long it would take to get a decision. When the decision was made, they called him back with a GC code and explained what to do to get the passes each time.

It's not an insurmountable obstacle. It's not undefinable. It's just something that, like most things involving a disability, requires time and effort. Is that "fair"? IDK, and it's not really up to me to say. Theme parks are free to set whatever standards they want, as long as they meet the minimums required by the ADA.

ETA: My dad isn't someone special who magically knows all the ins and outs of the process. We've met several people over the years who were also approved for GAP passes through exactly the same process. They managed to figure it out too.