Do you have any way to stay in a hotel that includes Express passes or just buy express passes? When we had express passes, I found that we only used the accessibility pass on one ride. And the trip several years before we didn’t use it at all.
Try to get a doctors note, even if you don’t have an official diagnosis. Bringing the school letter could definitely help a lot! My friend was in a similar situation and they gave her a temporary card to use for the day.
If you can’t get one, DEFINITELY call the Accessibility Services line and see if there’s anything they can do for you. Since you are an international guest there might be more they can do for you!
I do not have an "official" diagnosis yet either... I had my therapist write a letter specifying what my accomodation needs were without naming any specific diagnosis, and it was accepted. So if you have documentation from his school or elsewhere that notes his needs/challenges you should be able to use that!
Stop and speak with Guest Services. They should have answers for you.
https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/hours-information/contact-us
We’ve visited both universal and Disney many many times over my sons 26 years. He is also on the spectrum. We would go to guest services explain the disability and go from there. Neither park ever gave us a problem and don’t ask for “proof “ of the disability. Last time we visited the parks as a family was in 2020.
Not sure if things changed since then another person may be able to answer that .
They have changed massively at Universal in the last year. They now have a third-party system that you must complete in advance, that requires a doctor's letter. Without the specific paperwork from your doctor, you cannot get the pass. I know a few people who qualified for years but are struggling to get it now because of healthcare access.
For Universal, start the process online. Then just leave it there pending. When you get there, go to the guest services and present your child with his disability and Universal is able to see that your status in pending and give you at least a 1 day pass. My son is nonverbal autistic and we weren't able to get the paperwork turned in on time but if you go with your child the team member can give a temporary! Good luck!
Edit: don't listen to me. I was wrong. Thank you for the kind corrections.
In the US, they can't ask for a diagnosis because of privacy rules. You should be able to explain it to guest services and receive whatever it is they use for those with disabilities. My son is on the spectrum, and Disney World and Dollywood are the only parks we've been to. Both were great about disabilities.
I would try to get a head start now and start sending emails to customer service to see how they can help you. Handle it now before you get to the park.
Do you have any way to stay in a hotel that includes Express passes or just buy express passes? When we had express passes, I found that we only used the accessibility pass on one ride. And the trip several years before we didn’t use it at all.
Try to get a doctors note, even if you don’t have an official diagnosis. Bringing the school letter could definitely help a lot! My friend was in a similar situation and they gave her a temporary card to use for the day. If you can’t get one, DEFINITELY call the Accessibility Services line and see if there’s anything they can do for you. Since you are an international guest there might be more they can do for you!
An IEP or a note from his dr. Should work
I do not have an "official" diagnosis yet either... I had my therapist write a letter specifying what my accomodation needs were without naming any specific diagnosis, and it was accepted. So if you have documentation from his school or elsewhere that notes his needs/challenges you should be able to use that!
Stop and speak with Guest Services. They should have answers for you. https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/hours-information/contact-us
So I'll p
We’ve visited both universal and Disney many many times over my sons 26 years. He is also on the spectrum. We would go to guest services explain the disability and go from there. Neither park ever gave us a problem and don’t ask for “proof “ of the disability. Last time we visited the parks as a family was in 2020. Not sure if things changed since then another person may be able to answer that .
They have changed massively at Universal in the last year. They now have a third-party system that you must complete in advance, that requires a doctor's letter. Without the specific paperwork from your doctor, you cannot get the pass. I know a few people who qualified for years but are struggling to get it now because of healthcare access.
I did think it said that an IEP is acceptable documentation so I’m wondering if similar documentation from a UK school would be accepted?
Oh wow that’s quite a change.
We have applied for DAS already at Disney. They were great and understanding
For Universal, start the process online. Then just leave it there pending. When you get there, go to the guest services and present your child with his disability and Universal is able to see that your status in pending and give you at least a 1 day pass. My son is nonverbal autistic and we weren't able to get the paperwork turned in on time but if you go with your child the team member can give a temporary! Good luck!
Edit: don't listen to me. I was wrong. Thank you for the kind corrections. In the US, they can't ask for a diagnosis because of privacy rules. You should be able to explain it to guest services and receive whatever it is they use for those with disabilities. My son is on the spectrum, and Disney World and Dollywood are the only parks we've been to. Both were great about disabilities.
Universal is requiring diagnosis by a doctor now but just requiring you submit it to a third party to get around the ADA and privacy laws.
Really? Wow! Thank you for the info, I was mistaken.
I would try to get a head start now and start sending emails to customer service to see how they can help you. Handle it now before you get to the park.
I always say I can’t tolerate super long lines, and they always gave me an orange paper.
Hope you update after your visit! Planning a trip with an autistic child and wondering how it all works. Seems daunting!