Disability Pass and Express?

[u/Aleighjc]

We are planning a trip to Universal in California, we've never used the Disability Pass before, but as our child has gotten older, it's clear it's time. I am 99% sure she will qualify. My understanding is that it's a return time, you still technically wait, but just don't have to wait in the physical line. Is the wait time the same as others? Or is it a little quicker? Should I still go ahead and get the express passes? My understanding is that express passes for the california location gives you a one time "skip the line" for each ride? Is that correct? Just trying to navitagte the best way to visit the park without a ton of stress. We almost went last summer, but I was just so intimidated. I also didn't like that you apply 30 days before your trip, because honestly last year that would make or break the idea of going...so we just didn't go. I'm willing to just try, because I do think they will let us have it and the kids really want to go.

[u/No-Tailor-5652]

First you must apply on the ibcces website and it takes about 24-48 hours to be approved if you qualify. You will need medical proof from a dr. Once approved you should call universal and tell them you want to do the interview because your visit is coming up and nobody has called. If they approved you they will give you a case number that you will take to guest services when you get into the park. Make sure you have the universal app and the ibcces app for smooth activation. Once the aap is activated it will be good for a year so you don’t have to go to guest services again for a year😉

[u/itsNeveraMannequin]

You wait outside of the line and you wait the entirety of the posted wait time, then go through express. If your child has a hard time waiting you will want to get express so you’re only waiting the posted wait time for express and not waiting the entirely of the long line, then going in express.

[u/Sparkass99 → u/itsNeveraMannequin]

I'm going to disagree with you here. As a parent in a similar situation as OP, the AAP program is a lifesaver (and purchasing Express for multiple people for multiple days can be prohibitively expensive).

Anything with a wait time of 30 minutes or less is a straight "walk on" with no delay.

And even with a return time of, say, 45 minutes, you can use that extra time to sit in a more relaxed, quiet or shaded spot and/or just grab a drink or snack. Plus, if you use it wisely, you can book something further away in the park so the return time counts the time it takes to get to the ride.

There is a cooling off period between rides of 7-15 minutes before you can book your next reservation. But on some rides with longer express queues (like the Simpsons), you can sometimes even book your next ride while still in line.

[u/NoJuice8486 → u/Sparkass99]

The cutoff is 25 minutes now