Everything You Need to Know: Universal Studios’ Attraction Assistance Pass

Long lines, crowded spaces, and loud noises are not anyone’s favorite part of a day at Universal Studios, but these things will make the day impossible for some guests. If this is you or someone you’re traveling with, Universal Studios has policies to help guests who need accommodations in the traditional queue enjoy their day at the parks.

What is the Attraction Assistance Pass, AAP?

The Attraction Assistance Pass is Universal Studios’ policy that allows guests to use the accommodations they need to experience attractions at the parks. The AAP card is one of the accommodations available if you require assistance with wait times.

Basically, it’s a reservation. While you wait for your return time, you can be in a more open or comfortable space, making your physical wait time more manageable. When you head back to the ride at your return time, you can use the Express Pass Lane. This does not give you immediate access to the attraction, but you spend the majority of the wait virtually.

The AAP is a physical card. One side has your name, the dates it is valid, the number of guests, a question about an alternative if there are stairs, and a bar code that is scanned at each attraction when using the AAP. The back side has a grid printed on it for return times.

Universal’s Built-in Accommodations

Universal has a couple of built-in accommodations that do not involve a pass. All of the queues are wheelchair accessible, and anytime you are struggling, you can leave and come back to join your friends and family. This is frequently called a return-to-queue policy, and it is the accommodation offered if you require frequent restroom visits or have trouble standing in line.

The IBCCES Card Can Make the Process Easier at the Parks

In July 2023, Universal Studios introduced the IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) for any guest needing the Attraction Assistance Pass. This used to be a requirement, but now it is a tool to help make the process easier.

Guests with an IAC will speak with a Universal Team Member on the phone before they arrive, allowing you to do this privately and save time in the parks.

This accessibility ID card is completely free, and we have all the details about how to apply and what you need: see Applying for the IBCCES Accessibility Card.

To get the card, you will be asked for documentation and contact information from a medical professional or school system indicating the accommodations you need at the parks. Give yourself at least 48 hours before you visit the parks to apply for the IAC card.

Be advised you should receive an email from Universal within 24 hours before your first park day. If you do not receive the email and your IAC has been processed, you should call Universal’s ADA Assistance line (407)224-4233, and they will complete the process for being pre-approved for your AAP. The IBCCES does not guarantee you qualify for the AAP; there are medical conditions the IBCCES confirms that are not reasons that qualify you for the AAP accommodation.

Arriving at the Parks

When you arrive at the park, stop by the Guest Services booth inside the park. The booth outside the gate does not process AAP cards. Universal Studios Orlando’s Guest Services is just inside the entrance to the right, and Islands of Adventure is close to the Marvel area on the left. If you have a current IAC, there is a dedicated line to pick up your card.

As they prepare your Attraction Assistance Pass, AAP, you will need to have everyone visiting the park with you, and they must all have their tickets.

The Team Member will explain how the accommodations work and how long the AAP is valid. Typically, it is valid for your length of stay or up to 14 days. If you have an IAC and have spoken with the Accessibility team, the accommodations are permanent, and you just need to pick up a new card.

Scheduling and Arriving for Return Times

To get a return time, visit the attraction’s entrance and look for a Team Member with a clipboard. Ask them for a return time and hand them the card. They will write the attraction’s name, the time you arrived, the current wait time, and the time you may return. The last cell on the grid will remain blank until you return.

The guest with the AAP does not need to be present to receive a return time, and you don’t need to bring your group. You can send a runner for this task and let everyone else hang out where they are comfortable.

When it’s your time to ride, go to the attraction’s entrance and look for the Team Member with a clipboard, they will validate your pass. You will need everyone in your party who is riding the attraction to be together. You may not arrive before your return time, but you can arrive anytime after, as long as the park is open. After your time has been validated, you’ll be directed to the Express Pass Lane. Keep the card out because it will be scanned multiple times while you’re in the queue.

If the attraction requires a locker, the AAP card will activate the lockers, you don’t need your ticket. This tip will help you not lock the pass in the locker; yes, I’m speaking from experience.

Once you have experienced the attraction, you may get a return time for another attraction. You can not have more than one active return time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our resort room came with an Express Pass. Can I still get accommodations with the Attraction Assistance Pass?

Yes, you can use the Express pass and the AAP together.

Can I use the Attraction Assistance Pass at Volcano Bay?

The AAP is not available at Volcano Bay. Please use the virtual queue system that is available to all guests.

Do I make a return time if the wait is 25 minutes?

If the current wait time is under 30 minutes, often, the team member at the entrance will direct you and your party directly to the Express Pass Entrance. However, you may be directed to the standby queue.

I use an ECV to get around at the parks; do I need the Attraction Assistance Pass?

The AAP is designed for guests with disabilities that prevent them from tolerating the traditional queue, which typically does not include mobility issues. Contact Universal’s Guest Services if you need specific clarification.

My resort room offers me Early Entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Can I get an AAP return time during that time?

Yes, you can make a return time for a Harry Potter attraction. Team Members will not be available at the other attractions during that time.

Can I ride another ride while I wait for an AAP return time?

Yes, you can eat, visit with characters, ride a different ride, shop, or just hang out in a comfortable space while you wait for your return time.

Have you used the AAP program at Universal Orlando? Do you have questions? Let us know in the comments!