Universal Studios Attraction Assistance Pass for Autism and How it Works

Edited July 13, 2023

Lights, Camera, Action! We finally made it to Universal Studios Hollywood! This was my daughter's first time visiting and also our maiden voyage using the Attraction Assistance Pass (formally known as their Guest Assistance pass). My daughter who is nine, has what would be referred to as "high functioning" Autism. We frequently use the other amusement parks disability systems, but this one I totally went in not knowing how we would fair. If you are wondering if your child with autism could benefit from their accommodations, I have a break down and some tips on getting you through the park while enjoying all the movie making magic to be had along the way. 

July 13, 2023 NEW: NEW | IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) Now Required

Guests requesting an Attractions Assistance Pass for queue accommodation must obtain the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) by registering at www.accessibilitycard.org at least 48 hours prior to their visit to the park. The IAC registration consists of an online application which includes uploading necessary documentation.

Once all requirements for IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card are met, a Universal Studios Hollywood Team Member will contact the cardholder to discuss their request for an attraction queue accommodation.

Note: Only IBCCES can issue the IBCCES Accessibility Card, and not Universal Studios Hollywood.

• The IAC card is good for 1 year following the registration date and can be updated/renewed as many times as needed.

• The IAC card is a free resource to help individuals with cognitive disorders or physical impairments identify helpful accommodations when visiting certified attractions.

• Examples of needs or accommodations requests include but are not limited to:

  • Cannot stand in line for a long period of time

  • Requires ride harness or other supports

  • Sensory sensitivities

  • Wheelchair access

  • Physical or mobility restrictions

  • Require visual assistance or guidance

  • Special dietary needs

First things first, visit Guest Relations located within the entrance of the park on the right. Express your concerns or limitations and if it is deemed their accommodations are a good fit for you, you will be issued one of 2 passes depended on your mobility. Both passes are good only for the day and will need to be reissued if returning another day. TIP: Keep your old one and this will make getting a new one much simpler on your next visit.

• Return Time Card: This pass will accommodate up to 4 guests. Present this pass to any Team member at the entrance area of the attraction you are looking to ride and if the conditions require, you will get a time to go back to the ride as to not wait within the rides queue. This pass is used if you don't have a stroller. Here's the great part! If the rides wait time is 30 minutes or less, you will be boarded right then and there. Anything over, you get a return time.

• Stroller As Wheelchair: This pass will accommodate up to 4 guests and allows you to use your childs stroller as a wheelchair entering through the rides designated handicap line. It is not necessary to take the stroller into the ride/attraction queue to use this pass in most cases but to be issued one you will need a stroller. Utilizing this option not only keeps your child comfortable but is a more secure way of transporting all of your belongings.

Getting on a ride: You will be asked how many in your party, your card will be scanned and you will be guided to the boarding area or given a return time if the wait is more that 45 minutes normally. If you do take the stroller up to the boarding area it will be relocated to a holding area ready for you after exiting the ride.  I'll say if you have the stroller as a Wheelchair Card, it will be the only one you need in my experience, trumping the Return Time Card. 

Where to enter the rides: Look for the Express lane sign located at the entrance of all attractions. I can't stress enough how impressed I am with the amount of staff Universal has on hand. Look for the designated handicap sign for boarding or simply ask a team member. You can always find one in front of the attraction. The great part about their handicap entrances, you are not going against the flow of people exiting as you do at most amusement parks with their disability pass, I loved this!

Where to queue for shows: Enter the Express Lane, show your pass and you will be directed where to sit. You can do this 10-15 minutes ahead of the show time to get priority/handicap seating before the doors open to the rest of the park guest. This option is good for the Animal Actors Show, Special Effects Show and the Water World Show. In using this option you avoid the major crowds of the regular line queue and find an appropriate seat in case you need to leave early.

Auditory processing issues/Sensory issues: Here is where it can be an issue if your child has a real problem with either of there areas. 

• Auditory/ Sensory Issues: It is loud at Universal, every ride, attraction, the crowds, there is no escaping it. Easy fix, If your child has a sensitivity to this, bring their noise cancelling headphones and you will be fine. My girl wore hers the entire day and did great!

• It would be easier to say which rides didn't have some amount of water featured on them. From a little mist like on The Simpsons Ride to a huge splash like on Jurassic World, there is water involved on almost every ride it seams. As for the 2D rides, my daughter had zero issues with them, I on the other hand did experience slight motion sickness on several. Some rides have very intense sounds, movements and some are very dark and can be scary. If you are concerned about any of this refer to the Universal Rider's Guide . It has a complete description of each ride and attraction along with their ride height requirements and info on transitioning from wheelchairs.

Sensory Play Areas: Need a break from the fast pace of the rides and the park? Stop into one of these two places and decompress for a few.

• Super Silly Fun Land: Got a Minion lover? Head to this seaside carnival straight out of the Despicable Me Movie and get your water fix! With more than 80 water-play features your kiddo is bound to get soaked. Don't worry mom and dad, there is a dry zone nearby. Located across from the Minions ride exit.

• Dino Play for Kids: Step into this Jurassic themed playground where kids can explore, play and learn while getting their yayas out. Located directly next to the entrance queue of Jurassic World attraction to the right.

Tips on making the most of your visit:

• Bring a stroller if you can. Strollers are also available to rent (single or double)

• If it's your child's first visit, prime them by watching videos to prepare them for the rides and shows and to get a feel if they have nerves regarding any of the attractions.

• Bring noise cancelling headphones if needed.

• Get to the park early to enjoy less crowds for a few hours.

• The escalators between the upper and lower park levels are very high and the incline very steep. There is an elevator where you can catch a tram if needed to travel between the levels. It is located to the right before the escalators.

• Get your tickets in advance to avoid the ticket booth lines and to save a few bucks.

• There is a security check before entering so bring only what you need. Plastic beverage containers are okay, no glass. Snacks are fine too.

• Go directly to Guest Services upon entering the park to get your Attraction Assistance Pass if you couldn’t pre registered.

• If you feel you will be limited as to the time you can spend in the park, make a plan of must do's and then add from there.

• Download the park app for showtimes, wait times and to locate attractions within the park.

• Get the City Pass if you can, it's almost the same cost as a one day ticket and allows you to break up your visit and not rush it . Most of our kids can't stay long due to over stimulation, sensory issues or exhaustion so this is a great option that won't break the bank.

• Handicap parking is conveniently located directly in front of the Main Gate/ Security check in area, just know it fills up very quickly. If that area is full the Frankenstein parking structure is a great backup option.

• Special event meet and greets: The Attraction Assistance Pass works for these! Just find a cast member and show them your pass.

• Separate entrance for shows, early seating just show your pass to a cast member at the entrance.

Child Switch Program: Have a little one too young to ride your favorite attraction? Take advantage of their child switch program, which allows one member of your party to wait in a designated area along with any children who are unable or unwilling to participate.

Our experience overall: I was beyond impressed! The system works extremely well. I can compare it to the old GAC at Disneyland less the rampant abuse it was experiencing. Our wait times were very minimal, the queues were not crowded and there were many team members along the way to guide us to the rides boarding. We visited on a very crowded Saturday and got on all the rides within minutes of lining up. A great thing about Universal Studios is their ride queues, they are large, move relatively fast and are very entertaining making the wait to board much less boring.

With so much to see and do we can't wait to go back and explore more. We really loved hanging out in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Check out my post below to get tips on what to see there if you haven't visited yet.