As someone living with Crohn’s Disease, I used to think travelling with Crohn’s to theme parks was off limits. The thought of queuing for hours with unpredictable bathroom needs whilst trying to keep my teenage children entertained filled me with anxiety. However, my recent trip to Universal Orlando in October 2024 completely changed my perspective, thanks to their Attractions Assistance Pass (AAP). I want to share how this service has transformed our family holidays, making Universal Studios rides and attractions accessible for visitors with Crohn’s, especially through options like the Universal Express Pass for Crohn’s.
Living with Crohn’s often feels like navigating a theme park with a broken map—you’re constantly planning bathroom escapes and worrying about long waits that could spell disaster. But Universal Studios Orlando has rewritten the playbook with a service that turns anxiety into accessibility. Here’s how my trip changed from a “never again” to a “can’t wait to go back.
IBCCES Universal Disability Pass: Essential Updates and Application Process
Humans are creatures of habit, often sticking to the familiar out of fear of the unknown—especially when managing a chronic illness. But here’s the good news: the IBCCES system is designed to replace uncertainty with predictability, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Before I share my personal experience, there’s some crucial information about the application process for obtaining a Universal Studios disability pass for Crohn’s. The IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) system was launched in July 2023, and it’s essential to understand how it works:
The Application Timeline
- Register within 30 days of your planned visit
- Complete your registration at least 48 hours before arrival
- To apply for the IAC Universal Disability Pass (IBCCES Universal Disability Pass), visit AccessibilityCard.org. This system helps guests with conditions like Crohn’s access accommodations across Universal Studios Orlando parks.
What You’ll Need for Your Application
- A recent photo of yourself for identification
- Contact information
- Supporting documentation from a medical provider, government entity, or educational support professional
- You won’t need to disclose your specific medical condition or diagnosis
Understanding the Process for Universal’s Attractions Assistance Pass
Note that receiving an IAC doesn’t automatically guarantee a Universal Studios pass for Crohn’s, but it opens up a discussion about your access needs. Once your IAC is approved, a Universal team member will contact you to discuss appropriate accommodations for your visit.
My Experience with the AAP Universal Studios Disability Pass for Crohn’s
The process starts before you even pack your bags. Here’s my step-by-step guide based on my October 2024 visit:
- Visit AccessibilityCard.org
- Download their app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (you’ll need this to display your digital card later)
- Complete the registration process
- Wait for a phone call to discuss your access needs
- Once approved, you’ll receive an email with your reference number
During the phone call about your access needs, be honest but remember you don’t need to share your exact diagnosis. The staff are understanding and want to help make your visit comfortable.
Getting Your Universal Orlando Disability Pass at the Park
When you arrive at Universal Studios Orlando, your first stop should be Guest Services – look for the blue sign indicating Universal’s accessibility pass pick up. Bring your reference number that you would have been emailed after your phone call and show your digital card on the app. In my experience, the process took about 10 minutes, and the team members were incredibly helpful.
How the Universal Orlando Attractions Assistance Pass and Express Lane Work for Crohn’s
Think of the AAP as your personal “golden ticket,” but instead of chocolate rivers, it opens up a stress-free journey through Universal’s rides and attractions.
Based on my recent experience, here’s how to navigate Universal Studios rides with Crohn’s:
For Rides with Short Queues (Under 25 Minutes)
For rides with short queues (under 25 minutes), the Universal Studios Express Lane is your go-to. Show your Attractions Assistance Pass (AAP), available with the Universal Orlando disability pass, to the team member at the entrance.
- Head straight to the Express Lane, which is especially beneficial for those with Crohn’s managing their wait times.
- Show your AAP to the team member
- Join the queue
For Popular Rides with Longer Waits
- Find the team member with a clipboard at the ride entrance
- They’ll give you a return time based on the current queue length. In my experience it was shorter than the current advertised wait time
- When you return, use the Express Lane
- Show your AAP to the team member
- They’ll scan your pass and ask for your party size
If you’re using the AAP Universal Studios Disability Pass, your return time will typically be shorter than the posted queue time. This ensures a smoother experience for visitors managing conditions like Crohn’s.
Real Wait Times from My October 2024 Visit
Here’s what I experienced with the AAP:
- Velocicoaster: About 25 minutes via Universal Studios Express Lane using the Attractions Assistance Pass (AAP).
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: Similar 25-minute wait
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster: Less than 5 minutes
The best part? These times were significantly shorter than the standard queue waits, which often exceeded 90 minutes, providing a more accessible experience for those using the Universal Studios Express Pass for Crohn’s.
While a 25-minute wait might seem long to some, it feels like an express highway compared to the gridlock of a 90-minute queue. It’s not just about saving time—it’s about preserving energy and peace of mind, which are priceless when you’re managing Crohn’s.
Planning Your Day at Universal Orlando with Crohn’s
Essential Pre-Trip Preparation
- Download the Universal Orlando app before your visit to easily navigate Universal Studios attractions for Crohn’s.
- Familiarise yourself with the park map
- Note that toilets/bathrooms/restrooms are plentiful and clearly marked on the app
Managing Your Energy
I’ve found it best to tackle the bigger attractions earlier in the day. The AAP means you can take breaks when needed without feeling like you’re losing valuable queue time.
Tips from My Experience
- Morning Strategy: Head to popular rides like Velocicoaster first – even with the AAP, queues are shorter early in the day. Morning rides aren’t just quieter—they tap into our innate “fresh start effect,” where we’re more motivated and energetic. Use this momentum to tackle big attractions like Velocicoaster early, leaving your afternoon free for gentler rides or breaks.
- Return Times: The team often gives you a return time slightly shorter than the posted wait time – in my experience, about 10 minutes less
- Express Lane Access: Once you’re in the Express Lane, you might still merge with the main queue at some point – but don’t worry, it moves quickly
Universal Parks with Crohn’s: What to Know
Having visited both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, I can confirm that the AAP system works seamlessly across both parks. With Universal’s Epic Universe opening soon, this system will be especially valuable for accessing new attractions without the stress of extended queues.
Volcano Bay Accessibility: Navigating with Crohn’s and Disability Pass Options
At Universal’s Volcano Bay, a disability pass like the AAP isn’t necessary. Instead, the TapuTapu system provides similar benefits for visitors managing conditions such as Crohn’s, offering an accessible way to navigate the park without long waits. With TapuTapu, all guests can reserve their spot in a virtual queue for rides and attractions, allowing them to explore the park or relax while waiting. This convenient system is particularly beneficial for visitors with Crohn’s or other conditions that make standing in line challenging, as it minimises time in queues and helps make the experience at Volcano Bay more comfortable and accessible for everyone.
TapuTapu is a masterstroke of design, combining gamification with convenience. By letting you ‘queue’ virtually, it removes the pain of standing in line—an innovation that’s as thoughtful as it is simple.
Looking Ahead: Universal’s Epic Universe for Crohn’s Visitors
While the new Epic Universe remains a mystery, I’m betting Universal will apply the same accessibility magic. After all, they’ve proven that theme parks don’t have to be “survival of the fittest” but a joyful space for everyone.
Additional Theme Park Resources
Planning more theme park visits? The SeaWorld Ride Accessibility Program is just one of the many systems I’ve navigated to make theme park experiences more manageable. If you’re visiting the UK, my complete guide to the Merlin Ride Access Pass covers Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Legoland, and Chessington.
Frequently Asked Questions About Universal Studios Passes for Crohn’s
If you’re planning a trip to Universal Studios Orlando and need an accessibility solution, the IAC Universal Card and Attractions Assistance Pass (AAP) are your best options. These passes help visitors with conditions like Crohn’s access rides via the Universal Studios Express Lane without the stress of long waits.
In my experience, the team members are understanding. They’ll typically still let you ride. This is particularly helpful for guests with Crohn’s who might need extra time at the parks.
Yes, the pass allows up to five members of the same party to ride at the same time.
Yes, you’ll need separate return times for different attractions, but you can hold multiple return times.
The IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC Universal) is valid for one full year from approval, making it an excellent option for visitors planning multiple trips to Universal Studios or other IBCCES-participating locations.
The IAC Universal Disability Pass is not needed at Volcano Bay due to the park’s TapuTapu system. TapuTapu offers a similar virtual queue experience, allowing visitors with Crohn’s or other conditions to minimise time spent waiting in line.
Final Thoughts on Universal Parks and Accessibility for Crohn’s
The Universal Attractions Assistance Pass has genuinely transformed how my family experiences Universal Orlando parks. What used to be an anxiety-inducing challenge is now an enjoyable family adventure. For anyone with Crohn’s considering a visit to Universal Studios, know that these accommodations make it not just possible, but properly enjoyable.
Remember, everyone’s Crohn’s journey is different, but with proper planning and the right support systems in place, we can still enjoy thrilling theme park experiences with our families. The key is knowing what help is available and how to access it.
Have you used the Universal Attractions Assistance Pass with Crohn’s? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
How was your experience with the que at Hagrid’s? Were you escorted to the front of the que for your return time?
Universal told me that I can return to the single rider que, but that can be as long as the regular.
The wait time was 90 mins, so I went to the attendant under the umbrella, who gave me a return time for 75 mins later. When we returned, we used the express lane, which shares the single rider line until it splits. From there, we stayed in the express lane and joined the regular queue near the end, waiting about 20 mins before boarding. The ride was awesome!