How do you handle peak days?

[BehindTheTheme]

Luckily I have connections(Gate A access) on the inside i dont remember the last time I went to the park even at peek season(with hour waits on most or higher) and waited  more than 20 min. Usually waiting on the next tram is my longest wait. Just like it was said earlier a simple wheelchairs, walkers or crutches with a brace will allow you to use the Wheelchair accessible lines.

 

[TriFlux]

The only time I tolerate long lines is when I'm on the ride for the first time, and that it is a fully themed queue. I like to take my time to see the work that is put into the theming and get myself into the story of the ride. You just can't do that when other eager guests are behind you while you're trying to look around when all they wanna do is go on the ride.

 

[Jon Fu]

The only time I tolerate long lines is when I'm on the ride for the first time, and that it is a fully themed queue. I like to take my time to see the work that is put into the theming and get myself into the story of the ride. You just can't do that when other eager guests are behind you while you're trying to look around when all they wanna do is go on the ride.

Plus, that's the time to film entire queue videos - unless you arrive very early.

Then even, if you pursue the latter, you might get noticed by employees.

 

[Jon Fu]

MiceChat has a great article about the Guest Assistance pass in place at Disneyland: http://micechat.com/26813-disney-guest-assistance-card-gac/

I really hope people use Universal's program based on proper merits, but I guess that's not always the case.

 

[Allen The Actor]

They work differently at Universal and Disney, but still similar. Ill tell you this though: there's less abuse of that system at Universal it's not as known as in Disneyland

 

[Miss Betty Juice]

They work differently at Universal and Disney, but still similar. Ill tell you this though: there's less abuse of that system at Universal it's not as known as in Disneyland

That's why the lines in DCA are wider, so wheelchairs can fit in them and there's less reason to use priority access. It lessens the amount of people who abuse it and makes the ADA lawyers happy.

 

[Allen The Actor]

Well legally all new rides and parks in CA have to be wheelchair accessible anyway. But trust me Adri, there's still a bunch of abuse in DCA as well. Not as much as Disneyland, but crazy enough that management noticed and had to implement a new system for Radiator SpringsRacers.

I do find it interesting though that USH didn't make the normal line for Transformers wheelchair accessible. You gotta go through Gate A. Same with the Mummy. Interesting choices.

 

[Miss Betty Juice]

Well legally all new rides and parks in CA have to be wheelchair accessible anyway. But trust me Adri, there's still a bunch of abuse in DCA as well. Not as much as Disneyland, but crazy enough that management noticed and had to implement a new system for Radiator SpringsRacers.

I do find it interesting though that USH didn't make the normal line for Transformers wheelchair accessible. You gotta go through Gate A. Same with the Mummy. Interesting choices.

Yes, they're already considered accessible so long as there is a way for wheelchairs to get into the ride, whether through a special front entrance or however. But when DCA was built they made sure the front main standby lines were all wheelchair accessible so that there's no need for a separate entrance is what I mean. 

 

[Allen The Actor]

No I get what you mean. I just meant I find it interesting how Disney's new rides make an emphasis on having wheelchair and standard guests going through the regular queue, but Universal with the Mummy and Transformers, it has wheelchair go through Gate A. I just found that interesting

 

[William]

I always get the Guest Assistance pass. I get somewhat anxious, overwhelmed, and (quite frankly) unbearable to be with when I have to wait in long lines! Miss Betty - I'd DEFINITELY recommend getting one of these the next time you head into the park. They definitely help with the overwhelming crowds, and they'll give you return times when the regular wait time is 30+ mins. The only downside is that you've got to get a new one every time you visit the park, but that definitely beats waiting in those ridiculous lines. They're also good for up to 6 people in your party, so bringing family is always an option 

 

[smoaT]

I always get the Guest Assistance pass. I get somewhat anxious, overwhelmed, and (quite frankly) unbearable to be with when I have to wait in long lines! Miss Betty - I'd DEFINITELY recommend getting one of these the next time you head into the park. They definitely help with the overwhelming crowds, and they'll give you return times when the regular wait time is 30+ mins. The only downside is that you've got to get a new one every time you visit the park, but that definitely beats waiting in those ridiculous lines. They're also good for up to 6 people in your party, so bringing family is always an option 

Don't we all?? shouldn't the Guest Assistance Pass be for like really special situations not the "ugh I get angry waiting" type of thing?? just saying...

 

[William]

In my opinion? Definitely not. Its purpose is to accomodate those who have high stress and anxiety levels at theme parks (or anywhere, for that matter). I just think that in a matter of time, a lot more people are going to figure out about it and abuse the privilege and spoil the experience for everyone. Disney has that same issue and they're doing an odd job of trying to stay on top of it.

 

[Allen The Actor]

^ I do agree to a point. Usually it's reserved for people with a form of autism or other disabilities, but for some reason Universal has been pretty good about giving the Time Return GAC pass to anyone, be it you have a sprained ankle to a mental disability. I hope it doesn't get abused too much. Some people can't visit the park without it, so if you gotta use it, be fair

 

[William]

^ I do agree to a point. Usually it's reserved for people with a form of autism or other disabilities, but for some reason Universal has been pretty good about giving the Time Return GAC pass to anyone, be it you have a sprained ankle to a mental disability. I hope it doesn't get abused too much. Some people can't visit the park without it, so if you gotta use it, be fair

Amen! 

 

[Miss Betty Juice]

I will make the case that social anxiety and panic attacks are legitimate disabilities, though. They tend to not get taken seriously. but universal respects then more than Disney. I had a panic attack on the clock at Disney and rather than help me, management seemed more concerned with standing in front of me to block me from view of guests. I was reprimanded for having an attack in a public area, because you know, Disney thinks you can totally control when and where your attacks will happen.

On the other hand, when I had an episode at universal, the staff members who saw me asked if I needed water or to be escorted to a quiet place to sit or lay down, and seemed to genuinely care and be understanding when my friend told them what had happened.

I'm really glad that USH is at least making the effort to include other mental ailments under their assistance category.

 

[William]

I've had a not-so-great experience with Disney's First Aid, as well. One of my very good friends was having a severe panic attack in California Adventure and they treated it like nothing. When I ran to go get help, they treated me like I was making a big deal out of something so simple. Whenever I get a Guest Assistance pass at Universal, the ladies in there are always so warm and welcoming. One of them even recognizes me every time I walk in!   I can deal with boarding rides alone (though it is sorta depressing!), but being in a line (alone or not) is just tough for me. The whole Guest Assistance thing is pretty low-key in USH compared to Disney, though.

 

[Allen The Actor]

I definitely agree Adri. It's nice that USH recognizes social anxiety and panick attacks as legit issues and helps you out. Disney has a FANTASTIC GAC program, but unless you know your way around the system or know what to say, they're hesitant about giving you the proper card. Maybe it's cuz Disney actually uses FastPasses as is and USH doesn't? Also, there's lots of abuse at Disney of the system. So its understandable.

But yeah, I'm really glad at what kind of effort USH gives and that they're lenient. Definitely get a GAC next time you're at USH, Adri

 

[smoaT]

I don't mean to belittle anxiety as an issue, but if you are having this attacks you should see someone that can help you with that...it's not pretty... so see someone that can help you... unless you are already seeing someone... I am actually converned for you, like if it is a big issue in your life...

 

[Allen The Actor]

^ Having certain anxiety attacks isn't something you can get help with. You can learn to control it a bit, but you need to understand that certain disabilities are different for everyone.

 

[William]

Exactly - anxiety and panic attacks cannot be controlled whatsoever. When they come, they come, and if Universal ever wants your business again, they've gotta know how to deal with that kind of a situation (and thankfully they do!).