Wow it was quick to renew the Attractions Assistance Pass at Universal, so relieved

[LuvOrlando]

We are headed to EPIC, IOA and Universal in a few months and I was super worried about inviting my whole family and then struggling to keep up if I didn't get granted support. Today as I was finalizing things I called to see what I should expect with renewing the Attractions Assistance Pass through IBCCES and discovered there is nothing I need to do at all at this point.... whew so relieved.

So in Nov 2024 I went to Universal and IOA and back then I went through the IBCCES process of getting the Attractions Assistance Pass officially in October 2024. When I went to get the paper and all I noticed there was an expiration date of a year but that I could renew before it expired so I dropped a note in my calendar and went through the process back in September 2025. Meanwhile I was waiting for some other communication and started to get nervous that I missed a communication for a new note from my Dr to upload or some other sort of requirement. Last night when I called I was informed all is well, I have an active Attractions Assistance Pass. Oh my goodness, the relief I was thinking I'd end up being a spectator, I feel so much better I might add a few days

 

[LuvOrlando]

Had a followup call and the sweet people at Universal explained a few things about how the Attractions Assistance Pass is expected to work with our 5 day muti-park passes that I'll share because it made me nervous at first. I am so appreciative that the people I spoke with were patient. In my app there is a section at the bottom called Attraction Queue Accommodations that has tabs to explain how to use the AAS, a second tab shares what attractions are eligible and a third tab will show me what my return time will be once I start using it.

First, and it sounds like a good thing, their Attractions Assistance Pass is now digital and in the App so no more paper and pen.
Second, they need all the ticket numbers for everyone in my party who might accompany me to be recorded within my app so they are discoverable if and when we meet up to something together.
Third, even though they recorded the ticket numbers of my family I was told their tickets actually stand independent of mine so they can come and go as they want. This got a little confusing because I purchased all the tickets as Christmas gifts but I do not want to keep all the tickets, they all need to be independent. From what I understand my individual family members will be able to attach the tickets to their own app accounts with the QR code on the paper tickets I will print out or they can use the paper tickets at the gate. When they get to the gate they will have their photos taken so each person is identifiable for their tickets and associated with my app, which makes sense. They explained that if my group was bigger than the allowed amount things might work a bit differently but since there are only 5 of us things shouldn't be too complicated.
Fourth, I can select an AAS ride for the park I am in as soon as I enter that park and I can add family members to my party as long as the family member either shows up with me or entered the same park earlier. So I can't go to a park and make a selection while family is outside of the same park.
Fifth, I should expect a bit of a buffer between me arriving for an attraction and being free to pick a second attraction.

Hopefully this goes smoothly, I'm super excited to see what new stuff is happening at EPIC and to enjoy all the new rides with the entire family, the park looks beautiful.

 

[Keladry84]

Had a followup call and the sweet people at Universal explained a few things about how the Attractions Assistance Pass is expected to work with our 5 day muti-park passes that I'll share because it made me nervous at first. I am so appreciative that the people I spoke with were patient. In my app there is a section at the bottom called Attraction Queue Accommodations that has tabs to explain how to use the AAS, a second tab shares what attractions are eligible and a third tab will show me what my return time will be once I start using it.

First, and it sounds like a good thing, their Attractions Assistance Pass is now digital and in the App so no more paper and pen.
Second, they need all the ticket numbers for everyone in my party who might accompany me to be recorded within my app so they are discoverable if and when we meet up to something together.
Third, even though they recorded the ticket numbers of my family I was told their tickets actually stand independent of mine so they can come and go as they want. This got a little confusing because I purchased all the tickets as Christmas gifts but I do not want to keep all the tickets, they all need to be independent. From what I understand my individual family members will be able to attach the tickets to their own app accounts with the QR code on the paper tickets I will print out or they can use the paper tickets at the gate. When they get to the gate they will have their photos taken so each person is identifiable for their tickets and associated with my app, which makes sense. They explained that if my group was bigger than the allowed amount things might work a bit differently but since there are only 5 of us things shouldn't be too complicated.
Fourth, I can select an AAS ride for the park I am in as soon as I enter that park and I can add family members to my party as long as the family member either shows up with me or entered the same park earlier. So I can't go to a park and make a selection while family is outside of the same park.
Fifth, I should expect a bit of a buffer between me arriving for an attraction and being free to pick a second attraction.

Hopefully this goes smoothly, I'm super excited to see what new stuff is happening at EPIC and to enjoy all the new rides with the entire family, the park looks beautiful.

Thanks for sharing! There's not a whole lot out there on the expectations as they've made some tweaks to the program over the last months. I have a case number that was assigned two years ago and have kept the IAC card current since then, but with the tweaks I'm now nervous when I finally go back if they will honor the approved accommodation or make me do the interview again, so have been following people's experiences pretty closely. (I've already been through 2 renewals of the IAC and still had my approved/attached UO case number work for picking up the paper AAP on trips after those, but I'm just not sure if that will change at all with the tweaks they've been making and move to digital).

I have one question regarding the electronic AAP that I haven't seen anything regarding anywhere (other than AI on Google which I don't trust): If the ride goes down during your return time, what happens? Does it flip to an anytime redeemable express lane like DAS at Disney, or something different? I know it might not occur while you are there, but if it does, would you be willing to report back and share with us what happened?

 

[LuvOrlando]

Thanks for sharing! There's not a whole lot out there on the expectations as they've made some tweaks to the program over the last months. I have a case number that was assigned two years ago and have kept the IAC card current since then, but with the tweaks I'm now nervous when I finally go back if they will honor the approved accommodation or make me do the interview again, so have been following people's experiences pretty closely. (I've already been through 2 renewals of the IAC and still had my approved/attached UO case number work for picking up the paper AAP on trips after those, but I'm just not sure if that will change at all with the tweaks they've been making and move to digital).

I have one question regarding the electronic AAP that I haven't seen anything regarding anywhere (other than AI on Google which I don't trust): If the ride goes down during your return time, what happens? Does it flip to an anytime redeemable express lane like DAS at Disney, or something different? I know it might not occur while you are there, but if it does, would you be willing to report back and share with us what happened?

I will totally share my experience while I'm there.

 

[Kerr84]

My daughter gets the GAP at universal.... I wonder if it will be electronic or if we still need to go to guest services?

 

[LuvOrlando]

My daughter gets the GAP at universal.... I wonder if it will be electronic or if we still need to go to guest services?

I was told there is no need for me to go to guest services since it is now digital and so no paper to pickup.

Maybe consider giving a call to confirm everything is in order since the whole system is new and they are still sorting things out. When I called I needed to talk to a few people to get things ironed out.

 

[Kerr84]

I was told there is no need for me to go to guest services since it is now digital and so no paper to pickup.

Maybe consider giving a call to confirm everything is in order since the whole system is new and they are still sorting things out. When I called I needed to talk to a few people to get things ironed out.

I'm talking about GAP not AAP.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I'm talking about GAP not AAP.

Are you saying there is another pass called a GAP pass in 2026 that is unrelated to the AAP?

 

[Kerr84]

Are you saying there is another pass called a GAP pass in 2026 that is unrelated to the AAP?

Yes. It works basically like an express pass. We always have to pick it up at Guest Services the first park day. I’m wondering if it is now virtual or if they maybe aren’t going to offer it anymore?

 

[LuvOrlando]

Yes. It works basically like an express pass. We always have to pick it up at Guest Services the first park day. I’m wondering if it is now virtual or if they maybe aren’t going to offer it anymore?

I had a pass in 2024, I don't really remember the name of the actual bit of paper but I guess you could say it worked like you describe. I provided a Dr note at the time through the IBCCES. I did go to the special counter near the entrance with my family members to get a little slip of paper on the first day in a park that I needed to carry around in a lanyard in order to be accommodated. This slip of paper was marked with return times and initialed by employees. Whatever it was called then that I had is now digital, it sounded as if I was extended the same accommodations for this trip. In order for you to get the fastest answer you can look up their Accessibility Information page and if the info is not there call the number provided on that page, as I did. SInce this is still new it was a little confusing but everyone was very nice, helpful and patient.

​

 

[lanejudy]

Are you saying there is another pass called a GAP pass in 2026 that is unrelated to the AAP?

Yes, Universal has 2 levels of accommodation passes. Most receive the AAP which is similar to DAS in that you get return times. Some with different needs are offered a GAP which is more like Express Pass. Still others get another level accommodation with an escort to the front of the line.

 

[Kerr84]

I had a pass in 2024, I don't really remember the name of the actual bit of paper but I guess you could say it worked like you describe. I provided a Dr note at the time through the IBCCES. I did go to the special counter near the entrance with my family members to get a little slip of paper on the first day in a park that I needed to carry around in a lanyard in order to be accommodated. This slip of paper was marked with return times and initialed by employees. Whatever it was called then that I had is now digital, it sounded as if I was extended the same accommodations for this trip. In order for you to get the fastest answer you can look up their Accessibility Information page and if the info is not there call the number provided on that page, as I did. SInce this is still new it was a little confusing but everyone was very nice, helpful and patient.

​

That’s the AAP.

 

[LuvOrlando]

For people out there, like me, who are unfamiliar I just watched a video on these passes. There is the AAP an acronym for Attractions Assistance Pass, which I have that I think will help me enough to manage park days in the cool weather of late winter. There is also another tier of assistance. The GAP described appears to be an acronym for a Gold Access Pass that seems to work where once your return time is reached you get a cast member to escort you to the loading area directly so there is minimal waiting. I can understand this being necessary for some so it is good there is this level of support available.

 

[Kerr84]

For people out there, like me, who are unfamiliar I just watched a video on these passes. There is the AAP an acronym for Attractions Assistance Pass, which I have that I think will help me enough to manage park days in the cool weather of late winter. There is also another tier of assistance. The GAP described appears to be an acronym for a Gold Access Pass that seems to work where once your return time is reached you get a cast member to escort you to the loading area directly so there is minimal waiting. I can understand this being necessary for some so it is good there is this level of support available.

No, GAP does not get the assistance to the front. GAP enters the express anytime.

 

[LuvOrlando]

No, GAP does not get the assistance to the front. GAP enters the express anytime.

Since I had no idea what this is nor even was I even aware this was an option, and you seem to be familiar would you kindly share an online source explaining because this is really muddy for anyone not familiar?

Your effort and contribution could really help people who might benefit but don't know there is something better for them.

This has gone back and forth a few times and you still seem to be making corrections so a clear, cut and dry post would hopefully eliminate any possible misunderstanding, which would be fantastic. Thanks

 

[lanejudy]

Since I had no idea what this is nor even was I even aware this was an option, and you seem to be familiar would you kindly share an online source explaining because this is really muddy for anyone not familiar?

Your effort and contribution could really help people who might benefit but don't know there is something better for them.

This has gone back and forth a few times and you still seem to be making corrections so a clear, cut and dry post would hopefully eliminate any possible misunderstanding, which would be fantastic. Thanks

My understanding is the AAP is the primary accommodation, the one most guests will be granted. The GAP and a higher level with escort cannot be requested, rather once the guest explains their need(s) which is granted is determined by US staff. Therefore there isn’t anything officially posted explaining the differences.

 

[LuvOrlando]

My understanding is the AAP is the primary accommodation, the one most guests will be granted. The GAP and a higher level with escort cannot be requested, rather once the guest explains their need(s) which is granted is determined by US staff. Therefore there isn’t anything officially posted explaining the differences.

There must be some guideline since it exists and other people seem to know about it, it all very secret squirrel and frankly would have stayed that way if I didn't keep getting corrected. There really is a whole lot of "No that's not it," on this thread. If people can point and define what it isn't then people should be able to say what it is with equal ease.

 

[lanejudy]

Not secret, just not publicly posted since again the AAP is granted the vast majority of the time. I’m not sure why anyone needs documentation of how each works unless using it, at which point it will be explained.

1. First level is AAP and very much like DAS — receive a return time, go do something, return and enter.
2. Second level is GAP which allows access to the Express Pass queue anytime.
3. Highest level has an escort to the front of the queue.

My understanding is that requesting anything other than AAP will not get a higher accommodation as it must be offered.

 

[OurBigTrip]

There must be some guideline since it exists and other people seem to know about it, it all very secret squirrel and frankly would have stayed that way if I didn't keep getting corrected. There really is a whole lot of "No that's not it," on this thread. If people can point and define what it isn't then people should be able to say what it is with equal ease.

It’s not secret squirrel to the only people that actually need to know about, i.e., the guests to whom it is offered by Universal.

It’s been explained what it is - it works like an express pass in that guests with a GAP can enter the express line immediately, without needing a return time. In other words, it works like the old Disney GAC for guests who had the green arrow.

 

[Kerr84]

Since I had no idea what this is nor even was I even aware this was an option, and you seem to be familiar would you kindly share an online source explaining because this is really muddy for anyone not familiar?

Your effort and contribution could really help people who might benefit but don't know there is something better for them.

This has gone back and forth a few times and you still seem to be making corrections so a clear, cut and dry post would hopefully eliminate any possible misunderstanding, which would be fantastic. Thanks

I think lanejudy already answered you with the types. I didn't know about GAP until Universal offered it to my daughter, but like she said, you can't request it. They have to offer it. I think they would be highly suspicious of someone asking for a specific pass. All someone can do is explain their needs and try the accommodation they offer them. If for some reason it doesn't work, then they can talk to guest services and explain what isn't working.

I think they don't advertise it for a reason and when we first got it, I tried to do research on it and it was extremely difficult to find anything, so I can't direct you to a website. I was just wondering if GAP changed, but I saw a different post where someone was offered GAP since the changes, so now I know they are still offering it and should honor it.

AAP - Get a return time, wait it, then go through express. (now card or online)
GAP - Go through express anytime
Gold AAP (I don't even know if they still call it this?) - Get a return time and then get escorted to the front

I wasn't trying to upset you either. You just wrote a few things that weren't correct, so I was letting you know what the GAP did. Sorry to offend you.