Traveling With Special Needs pt-4

Navigating Disney World and Universal Orlando with a Special Needs Child

Indulge in the magic of Disney World and the cinematic wonders of Universal Orlando with your specially-abled loved ones. Join us as we uncover the fourth installment in our series—providing you with effective tips for navigating theme parks smoothly. If you wish to see our previous sagas of general travel wisdom, pre-trip planning, and en-route meltdown solutions, be sure to uncover them in our earlier blog posts.

Disney World - The Land of Magic Where Accessibility is no illusion.

-Disney's Guest Assistance Pass - This can either be applied for in advance (between 2 and 30 days before your visit) online; or in person at any Guest Services location at any of the parks.  To do this online, use your My Disney Experience App and follow the prompts.  Note that the person you are applying for must be there in person with you and there may be a long wait time.   The advantage of doing it in advance is that you get two DAS Passes per day made prior to your arrival.  So, if you go this route, be prepared with up to four choices of attractions you would like to get as well as times.   To do this in the parks, you must have the person you are requesting the DAS Pass for with you at the time you are requesting it.  Waiting until you are in the park to request it, you do not have the prearranged Das Passes, and must use the App to select all.

Note - All my Guests get a pdf with a full explanation of how to use the DAS Pass once they are approved for it. (I do NOT coach on how to apply or CHEAT they SYSTEM!) This is a service I reserve for my Guests that pay my planning service fee.

Benefits of the DAS Pass are a shorter wait time and personalized service while maintaining discretion for the entire family.

-Lightening Lanes (formerly called Fast Passes) - This is the old standby for short wait times at Disney.  While it has undergone a major renovation since the pandemic, as well as a few price increases, it can be a marvel for guests with disabilites if they are willing to pay for it.  And when that one ride is a make or break for the whole trip. the cost of the Individual Lightening Lane is well worth it!

-Companion Restrooms - These are scattered across the parks and are easy to locate on your My Disney Experience app.  They provide extra space and are adapted for Special Needs.

Castle as seen from Ferry on approach

Universal Orlando: Cinematic Adventure for Everyone

-Attraction Assistance Pass - This is administered through a third party, IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards).  The easiest way to get started is by downloading the IBCCES app onto your smart phone and uploading the information that it asks for.  Once you are approved, the approval is sent to Universal and you will be sent an email.  That email will ask for when you are visiting.  You will recieve a phone call very close to your visit (usually within a week of your visit).  

After this phone call you will get a number and your card will be attached to the app.  You show that to Guest Services and they will prepare your AAP and explain how it works.  

Because of the misuse of the system, you can no longer go to Guest Services and request a Assistance Pass.  This  misuse of the system is rampant and creates a serious problem as our special needs kids reach adulthood and aren't able to advocate on their own.  (Stepping off my soapbox)

-Express Pass - This is by far the best way to navigate Universal Orlando! At the time of this writing, there is only one attraction that it does not work for.  It basically cuts the posted wait time at least by half.  No preplanning required.  You want to Ride VelociCoaster and the wait time is 40 minutes, you show your Express pass and your wait time is closer to 20 minutes or less.  

There are two ways to get the Express Pass, one is to purchase them.  You can purchase them in your package, when you purchase your tickets, or the most expensive way is to purchase them in the park.  Just know that in busy times, they do run out.  Only a set number are sold per day.  Also know that the price goes up depending on how busy the day is.  I've seen them at $300+ per person at the gates last October.    By far the lleast expensive way to get Express Passes is by staying at a Premier Resort.  These Unlimited Express Passes are included in the price of your room for everyone staying in your room.    Magic Math is my specialty!
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-Quiet Spaces - Universal offers quiet zones where families can take short breaks from sensory overload.

Attraction Assistance Pass

The wonder and excitement that theme parks provide should be accessible to all.  At JMorris Travel, we believe that books must be written, stories should be shared, and adventures should be embarked upon. no matter how they may look to the outside world.  So, pack your bags, let's celebrate the uniqueness in all of us, and create magical footprints in the sand - because everyone deserves magic!