Beginning July 24, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will be launching a new accessibility service and eliminating the current system, providing guests with a new way to request accommodations at certain attractions.
Currently, guests who are not able to stand in line for long periods of time are required to go to guest services on each day of their Universal trip. They then receive a card they can take to attraction entrances, where they get a return time comparable to the attraction’s current wait time.
Universal Accessibility Card
As of July 24, Universal will be utilizing the IBCCES Accessibility Cards, a.k.a. IAC. A QR code is already available at guest services in Universal Orlando Resort to register for an IAC. Guests can also visit AccessibilityCard.org to register. IBECCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Services) requests guests register 48 hours before their trip.
The program, which is completely free, is available at other themed parks and destinations, including Sea World and Six Flags.
Documentation Now Required
Individuals requesting the IAC card for themselves must be 18 years or older. A photo, basic identification information, a statement from a healthcare provider, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP or equivalent), documentation from a government entity, or something similar will be required in order to receive the IAC card.
This is a major difference from the previous accessibility card, for which guests did not need to provide documentation.
Accommodations Available
The accessibility card can be used by guests who cannot stand in lines for long periods of time, as well as to request other accommodations. Examples of the accommodations guests can select during the registration process include, but aren’t limited to:
- Accompanied by a service animal
- Auditory: Requesting alternative formats/guidance for auditory features
- Difficulty with gripping, grasping, or bracing: May need additional supports
- Sensitivity to lights/colors
- Sensitivity to noise
- Sensitivity to smell
- Sensitivity to touch
- Special dietary needs
- Wheelchair access or options required
After filling out basic information and selecting accommodations, users select the theme parks and destinations that they are planning to visit.
The final step of the registration process is providing documentation regarding their accommodations. This is required.
Guests can save and return to their application later, and edit details after submitting the application.
After completing the registration process, guests will receive a temporary digital card they can download or print while IBCCES reviews the documentation.
At the park, guests show their card to Team Members to request and receive accommodations. More information about how the program will work at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will be available at a later date.
As noted on the website, IAC does not guarantee entry to an attraction and any special accommodations or benefits provided are at the sole discretion of that attraction.
So that guests don’t need to continue applying or returning to guest services to receive a new card, the new IAC will be active for one year.
Will Disney Be Next?
Disability access is a difficult process to manage. Disney has been sued over disability access in the past.
Now that Universal, Sea World, and Six Flags are all using the same service for disability management, and that service requires documentation to prove the need for an accommodation, we wonder if Disney will be next.
Do you think Disney should require documentation for a skip-the-line disability accommodation like Universal now requires?