Comments on: Special needs are Universal: A review of how we can help disabled families, visiting the parks with cystic fibrosis, First Aid locations

By: OrlandoInformer

OrlandoInformer — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 12:49:51 +0000

In reply to FloridaGirlzz. @FloridaGirlzzThank you for your comments -- I thought they were insightful and offered a new perspective for us.

By: FloridaGirlzz

FloridaGirlzz — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 00:00:50 +0000

I have to defend the new-hire a little, I was once there. If they’re acting as Gate Keepers its because Universal trained them like that. During training they scare you with all the rules and fine print. When you’re new, you don’t know which rules you can ‘bend’ nor how closely your decisions are being monitored. Its takes a few months’ experience to learn which rules they aren’t as strict about.
In relation to Janine’s comment: I’m sure new hires are told to recommend Express Passes instead, because that’s what makes Universal big money. Abuse of the disability system is the whole reason Disney changed theirs; so to avoid losing unnecessary money, I’m sure they train their guest service reps to be strict about the attraction passes.
And Debi is right, the nicer you ask, the better your chances are. Think of it as them doing you a favor instead of doing their job. Ask nicely, smile. Try to prove to them that you’re not trying to get them in trouble etc. Also, if its an issue of policy, you will most likely never be able to speak to the person that made the rule. Those come from very high up corporate. So, PLEASE don’t take it out on the poor kid at the window.

By: iamdollie

iamdollie — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 20:04:58 +0000

In reply to Mick Williams. Thanks, Mick! I hope you have a great time!! If you need any other help, please contact me.

By: iamdollie

iamdollie — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 20:02:51 +0000

In reply to Janine Isles.

Janine, I’m sorry you had this experience, but I honestly felt the park was undergoing some
sort of, what I call “hiccup” where the disabled were
concerned. We also had some problems that year, which I addressed as soon
as things happened. Did you ask to see a supervisor? Personnel cannot
read doctor’s notes, but I have in the past put one on the counter and that
seemed to work. Keep your cool and ask for the next person in
charge. Advocate for your child and explain the situation with your
child and why they need anhttps://orlandoinformer.com/wpold/universal/guest-assistance-passes/.
And if that doesn’t work, ask to speak with the ADA supervisor.
Smile. It works wonders. Sometimes, as I wrote above, it’s a matter
of a new hire acting as “gatekeeper”.

By: Janine Isles

Janine Isles — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 19:16:09 +0000

When I took my daughter in 2012 ( who has Down Syndrome and uses a wheelchair) they just told us to buy fast passes. Was very disappointed. If you can’t get a doctors letter will proof of disability suffice?

By: Mick Williams

Mick Williams — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 18:53:17 +0000

thhanks for the answers to my questions, i am now booked up for arrival on the 25th feb 2014, and i will of course give you feedback like you asked on the park for other people with special needs, thanks again to debi

By: Perfectlittlebuttons Sheree

Perfectlittlebuttons Sheree — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 17:35:21 +0000

We were on hols with my disabled son in October and universal were fab. He was also in a wheelchair but everyone was very helpful. Seaworld i will never go back to. They could be doing with going to universal and getting tips Hopefully will get back next year but universal all the way xx