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

[SteveMouse]

And unless they are a medical provider, payer, or healthcare clearinghouse (we know they are not a government agency), they are not a HIPAA-covered entity, The services they provide in this program aren’t for doctors or other HIPAA-covered entities. If they were, it would be a Business Associate of each provider and a very specific agreement would need to be agreed to between the covered entity and the Business Associae.

 

[figmentfinesse]

I just wanted to jump on here to share a recent experience. I have seen all over the internet people being denied a pass for “bathroom needs” as they are now telling people that’s no longer a qualifying concern for the pass. My husband’s card changed from temporary to permanent yesterday, but he called Universal Orlando today because our visit is tomorrow. Wait time was about an hour when we called at 5:30.

Once someone picked up, he said he had no issues getting it for access to the bathroom. I asked him what level he was issued. He said nothing was mentioned on the level, so I assume it was just the standard one, which is all we need. I don’t think he would even want to use Gold since the attention it may draw.

I am super relieved. Express is sold out and I was concerned we wouldn’t be able to do any houses.

 

[HopperFan]

Tried to link but haven't been able to make it work ...

USA Today has a large article about the new Universal process. Goes over process, IBCCES, documents that can be submitted, other parks using it, how easy and quick response both from IBCCES & Universal and IBCCES approved does not guarantee any assistance from Universal.

Finished with story of woman with Crohn's who was approved by IBCCES and NOT approved by Universal (she bought Express). USA Today contacted Universal about it and they said accommodations vary by disability but that IBD guests may leave the line and rejoin their party with TM assistance.

USA TODAY ~ "Travelers with disabilities need this card for accommodations at some theme parks"

 

[SueM in MN]

Tried to link but haven't been able to make it work ...

USA Today has a large article about the new Universal process. Goes over process, IBCCES, documents that can be submitted, other parks using it, how easy and quick response both from IBCCES & Universal and IBCCES approved does not guarantee any assistance from Universal.

Finished with story of woman with Crohn's who was approved by IBCCES and NOT approved by Universal (she bought Express). USA Today contacted Universal about it and they said accommodations vary by disability but that IBD guests may leave the line and rejoin their party with TM assistance.

USA TODAY ~ "Travelers with disabilities need this card for accommodations at some theme parks"

Interesting that in the article, a spokesperson from IBCCES said
“The program prioritizes accommodation-related information over specific diagnoses, aiming to streamline and ease in-person park experiences.”...."“Currently, in order to receive an Accessibility Card, some documentation related to the accommodations is needed,”

But, the accommodation information is coming from the person registering and isn't linked/verified with the 'proof of disability'. Also, I've read multiple things where someone submitted an IEP and was told they needed to submit a page of the IEP with a diagnosis. On the other hand, people were approved by submitting a doctor letter that said only, 'John Doe has a disability' or a copy of their handicapped parking permit.
I tried to see if I could get the link to the article to work, but it redirects to a subscription page. I was able to read it by going to the US TODAY website and search for it

 

[prettypatchesmsu]

I got my call from Universal, and missed it as I was in the doctors office. Ugh. They left a voice mail with a case number, so I called back and waited about 30 minutes on the phone. I was offered the regular AAP at first, but was able to ask and answer additional questions, talk through suggestions, held on the phone again, and they offered the gold aap. My concerns were the length of time for the express lane waits during HHN with my disabilities. We had express last year and had to skip some as the express was too long. They did ask if leaving line and being allowed to rejoin my party would work, and it will not for me. We are a party of two and if I become overwhelmed or have a meltdown I would be basically nonverbal and would need my companion so there would be nobody to rejoin. I also am scared of the idea of rejoining the line by myself, having to work my way past other people in the line. I don’t think I could handle that situation if they didn’t escort me. So I’m happy to try the gold aap and see if this works better for me than the express pass did last year. I am glad Universal got back to me, and the TM seemed to try very hard to offer various options and suggestions. I think it’s just having to explain your situation so the TM can work with you on what will work.

I did have a question, are there places to get the house return times other than the actual line? Like separate places set up through the park etc?

 

[ToxicRoyalty]

I got my call from Universal, and missed it as I was in the doctors office. Ugh. They left a voice mail with a case number, so I called back and waited about 30 minutes on the phone. I was offered the regular AAP at first, but was able to ask and answer additional questions, talk through suggestions, held on the phone again, and they offered the gold aap. My concerns were the length of time for the express lane waits during HHN with my disabilities. We had express last year and had to skip some as the express was too long. They did ask if leaving line and being allowed to rejoin my party would work, and it will not for me. We are a party of two and if I become overwhelmed or have a meltdown I would be basically nonverbal and would need my companion so there would be nobody to rejoin. I also am scared of the idea of rejoining the line by myself, having to work my way past other people in the line. I don’t think I could handle that situation if they didn’t escort me. So I’m happy to try the gold aap and see if this works better for me than the express pass did last year. I am glad Universal got back to me, and the TM seemed to try very hard to offer various options and suggestions. I think it’s just having to explain your situation so the TM can work with you on what will work.

I did have a question, are there places to get the house return times other than the actual line? Like separate places set up through the park etc?

I have my call coming up and your experience has given me a lot of reassurance about how it's currently going, so thank you for sharing!

I've heard about two separate places being set up to get return times, but I haven't seen any photos of them/solid info about them or anything, so I think the most reliable possibility right now is still going to house lines for the return times. They don't have anything like the blue umbrellas at Disney, and my guess is anything set up for return times might come and go depending on crowds and where they need TMs, so even if it is happening throughout the event, it might not be there certain nights.

Without being able to get return times in the app though, I do hope they try to add in places to get return times for any line, as I think they're super helpful in a lot of situations.

 

[keishashadow]

I got my call from Universal, and missed it as I was in the doctors office. Ugh. They left a voice mail with a case number, so I called back and waited about 30 minutes on the phone. I was offered the regular AAP at first, but was able to ask and answer additional questions, talk through suggestions, held on the phone again, and they offered the gold aap. My concerns were the length of time for the express lane waits during HHN with my disabilities. We had express last year and had to skip some as the express was too long. They did ask if leaving line and being allowed to rejoin my party would work, and it will not for me. We are a party of two and if I become overwhelmed or have a meltdown I would be basically nonverbal and would need my companion so there would be nobody to rejoin. I also am scared of the idea of rejoining the line by myself, having to work my way past other people in the line. I don’t think I could handle that situation if they didn’t escort me. So I’m happy to try the gold aap and see if this works better for me than the express pass did last year. I am glad Universal got back to me, and the TM seemed to try very hard to offer various options and suggestions. I think it’s just having to explain your situation so the TM can work with you on what will work.

I did have a question, are there places to get the house return times other than the actual line? Like separate places set up through the park etc?

Interesting

Haven’t heard of this being an option

I've heard about two separate places being set up to get return times, but I haven't seen any photos of them/solid info about them or anything, so I think the most reliable possibility right now is still going to house lines for the return times.

Heard =
Social media, such as FB?

Unless the various GS locations are offering (generally a long line for them); can’t say I saw any sites

 

[ToxicRoyalty]

Interesting

Haven’t heard of this being an option

Heard =
Social media, such as FB?

Unless the various GS locations are offering (generally a long line for them); can’t say I saw any sites

Exactly that, specifically comments in the UOAP group right after the program was introduced. I remember it was right around the first weekend of HHN, so I wonder if it was something they trialled and quickly got rid of.

 

[prettypatchesmsu]

From my conversation with the assistance TM, it seems like their default is the regular AAP. They didn’t really acknowledge the existence of another pass at the beginning. Then if you express concerns they ask about you leaving line and rejoining your party. She explained it as the TM at the lines entrance would give you a paper slip to rejoin your party. But she stated they probably wouldn’t be able to escort you back through the line to your party. So basically you’re on your own making your way all the way back to your party group past all these people in line. Which seems daunting at the least as you what, brandish your “paper” saying it’s okay to cut past them. Also, if you’re a party of two and I need my companion with me to even exit the line, there’s nobody to rejoin.

 

[keishashadow]

From my conversation with the assistance TM, it seems like their default is the regular AAP. They didn’t really acknowledge the existence of another pass at the beginning.

Our experience was different. Long standing orange pass. Had no idea they offered anything else

When the conversation occurred with the TM, nothing was discussed from our end as to a specific pass type

They asked why an accommodation was needed and, actually interrupted (in kindly manner) and said she didn’t need to hear anything more…said the gold was what should’ve been issued prior

Interestingly, indicated if it didn’t work well, to reach back out to them. Not clear as to what that meant, maybe other passes are offered

RE alternate return time issuance sites…

will be back on 10/7. Will ask at GS when we update additional family & report back.

 

[Gentry2004]

From my conversation with the assistance TM, it seems like their default is the regular AAP. They didn’t really acknowledge the existence of another pass at the beginning. Then if you express concerns they ask about you leaving line and rejoining your party. She explained it as the TM at the lines entrance would give you a paper slip to rejoin your party. But she stated they probably wouldn’t be able to escort you back through the line to your party. So basically you’re on your own making your way all the way back to your party group past all these people in line. Which seems daunting at the least as you what, brandish your “paper” saying it’s okay to cut past them. Also, if you’re a party of two and I need my companion with me to even exit the line, there’s nobody to rejoin.

What happens if you leave the line and your party reaches the front of the line while you are gone? What happens if you don't know how long you will be gone and it could be a long while?

 

[AnneK]

I just returned from 10 days at Universal, several nights spent at HHN and my first time using the Gold pass. The Gold pass made such a HUGE difference in the quality of my trip, and we gladly renewed our APs because of it. I was able to use the escorts as needed (you don't HAVE to use one), so some rides like Hagrids, The Mummy, Gringotts and the Hogwarts Train I was able to eliminate those triggering queues and pre-shows.

For HHN it was a godsend. We did one night with Express and the Express queues were a nightmare for almost half the houses. We waited 45 minutes in the Express queue for The Last Of Us and I only barely made it through, mostly by sitting on the ground (gross) when I could and my party making a buffer around me. Using the escort instead was a much better experience even if it meant we only got to do two or three houses per night due to the long return times.

Not once did I ever have to wait for an escort, they always had someone nearby ready to go. All escorts were very friendly and never made me feel like an inconvenience. As a 40+ year old woman who looks normal on the outside, I'm always hyper aware of being judged, but all of the Universal TMs went above and beyond to make sure I was taken care of.

A+++ experience overall.

 

[prettypatchesmsu]

What happens if you leave the line and your party reaches the front of the line while you are gone? What happens if you don't know how long you will be gone and it could be a long while?

Yes, it’s not very well thought out. I would have no idea when I would be able to return. I had the same thoughts.

 

[PatMcDuck]

HI all, our trip is not until February, and I was going to request my (adult) son's doctor for a letter to submit. He has a DMV placard but not sure that is relevant documentation. His situation is complicated.

I have been reading many pages here but can't find what is the difference between gold and regular assistance card? We had a card last year, but it was before this newer process began. I suspect we could need a higher level of accommodation but maybe regular would be ok for us, I just don't understand the difference?

Thanks and sorry if this was answered, I just can't find it, and you all seem to know what it is already.

oops I just found a Youtube explaining it and I think regular is probably still ok for us. (Hopefully)! Sorry for dumb question.

 

[prettypatchesmsu]

Not sure where else to ask this, but how does the AAP work for Nightmare Fuel? Or does it. I’ve never seen the show so I don’t know how lining up works.

 

[AnneK]

It does work for Nightmare Fuel, but you will want to arrive early as it fills up fast. You will be placed in the front two rows on the floor, which for us was WAY too close and not a great spot to watch the show from. We opted to just enter with the regular crowd.

 

[prettypatchesmsu]

It does work for Nightmare Fuel, but you will want to arrive early as it fills up fast. You will be placed in the front two rows on the floor, which for us was WAY too close and not a great spot to watch the show from. We opted to just enter with the regular crowd.

Okay, that sounds very close. How is the wait in the regular line? Do we need to line up early to get a seat or can we show up at almost time. Don’t really care where we sit.

 

[AnneK]

We always went to the first show at 8pm because everyone else is busy doing the houses. Got in line 30 minutes before showtime and got excellent seats in the middle halfway up. For the later shows you will need to get there much earlier, as they fill up FAST when folks are ready to take a break and sit down for a show.

 

[MinnieMSue]

So I applied for this first or second day it was available and eventually got an email asking when I am coming and I told them my October dates. Never a call after this so I tried to call today but got a recording they weren’t taking calls and to try again later. So I replied to that email because I wasn’t sure what to do at this point. We have single use express passes which for the most part meets our needs and it probably will only be a few things that cause issues and I told them that in the email but I wasn’t comfortable telling them my actual needs via email. I did have a case number on my card in the app which confused me because I have not talked to anyone from universal but assumed it was for whenever they eventually talk to me. Universal replied to my email and said they approved “1 APP for future visits” and to give them my case number and my id and show the IBCESS card when I enter the park. I am assuming this is similar to when you go when universal has not contacted you and you get a one trip exemption but they approved it ahead of time instead of in the park. I just don’t understand why they never contacted me when they have contacted pretty much everyone else who applied when I did it seems like anyway. I guess I will find out next week.

 

[MinnieMSue]

Question when I go to pick up the APP does the other person going have to go in too? I would prefer she not but if she needs to that is fine too. Just wanted her to not have to wait in line and maybe get us some food