Universal Studios GAC?

[SARMTY]

I searched the Universal Studios forum, but could not find any information, so I hope it is OK for me to ask here.

Does anyone know anything about a GAC for Universal Studios? My Nephew is in a wheelchair (Autism, CP, scoliosis) and we normally get him a GAC at Disney. This trip we are going to spend one day at Universal (we bought 1 day/2 park tickets through our local military base) and I wanted to know if they offer any type of GAC.

Thank you!

 

[Figment1964]

We went to their guest services and explained what our needs were for our son (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and they were able to provide a card that worked for what his needs were. I see you're only going for one day, but in case you do go more than one day, you'll want to know that you do have to go to guest services every day you're in their parks.

It worked just like the GAC at Disney for us.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, Post #9 is about Universal and has some useful links.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[jenn-n-okla]

I was wondering that too. Glad to know they have one similar. Do you know if you have to have their paid fast pass to work with it? I think it is crazy DH paid for those for the 2nd day of our trip there. One day with kids and then one day without.

 

[Figment1964]

I was wondering that too. Glad to know they have one similar. Do you know if you have to have their paid fast pass to work with it? I think it is crazy DH paid for those for the 2nd day of our trip there. One day with kids and then one day without.

We did not have the paid FOTL passes and got our assistance card.

 

[dclfun]

Just as an FYI, Universal staff will tell you that their lines are all fully accessible to a w/c and that everyone can be accomodated with a w/c in a regular line. If someone has other issues besides being in a w/c then you'll need to discuss those, but if you go in expecting to get a GAC because of w/c use you'll be given that response. You won't need to purchase FOTL passes but the disabled guest must be also going on the attraction.---Kathy

 

[SueM in MN]

Just as an FYI, Universal staff will tell you that their lines are all fully accessible to a w/c and that everyone can be accomodated with a w/c in a regular line. If someone has other issues besides being in a w/c then you'll need to discuss those, but if you go in expecting to get a GAC because of w/c use you'll be given that response. You won't need to purchase FOTL passes but the disabled guest must be also going on the attraction.---Kathy

That was our experience at Universal, the CMs saw DD's wheelchair and even though we explained she had other needs not met by an accessible line, we got the "our lines are totally wheelchair accessible; we are not required to provide anything more than that"). I have been told that CMs at Universal have been retrained to make sure that they consider other factors. I have not been back to Universal to check it out.

If you follow the same information that is in the disABILITIES FAQs thread for WDW, you (theoretically) should be OK. As Kathy pointed out, the GAC will only apply when the attraction is one the person it is issued to is going on.
But, if you want to make sure that you have quick access, the only way to do that is to purchase the FOTL card. The GAC is meant to give access, not quicker access.

 

[SARMTY]

Thank you so much for all the information.

Can someone please explain what a "FOTL" is? It sounds like it is something to purchase - if so, how much is it? And is that per person or for the group? My nephew has a very hard time waiting in crowds, so it sounds like if they won't allow an alternate waiting area, we will need to figure something else out.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

FOTL is Front Of The Line. They call it "Express Pass" and there are two ways to get this at Universal.

One is it is free if you are a Guest at one of the resorts on Univrsal's property.

The other is a cost of approximately $50 per day per person in addition to the park entry.

Their web site says there is a separate Express Pass line at attractions, and that the wait is usually less than 15 minutes.

 

[BillSears]

Are the FOTL entrances wheelchair accessible? I hate to spend the cast on the FOTL pass then find out that I have to use the normal entrance.

 

[phamton]

Are the FOTL entrances wheelchair accessible? I hate to spend the cast on the FOTL pass then find out that I have to use the normal entrance.

Yes, the express entrance to the rides are wheelchair accesible. Some of the rides do have stairs though and you will be directed to the elevators but you will still be in the express entrance. You will enjoy staying onsite with FOTL.

 

[SARMTY]

My sister just got off the phone with Guest Services at Universal. They told her they have several levels of "unadvertised" accomodations for autism and wheelchairs. They told her that she should bring her son into Guest Services and they will help her figure out what accomodations are needed for him to enjoy their parks.

 

[jencav5]

The only problem with Universal is that they only allow the person plus 3 guests. My son is autistic and we have 5 total in our family, so this doesn't accommodate us the same as it does at Disney. Last time we were in Florida, we just stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel for a couple of days, which made it easy, but when we were in Hollywood, we had to use their pass and just take turns or get lucky with a nice cm!