Which Nighttime Show w/ wheelchair?

[Metsoskil]

DFIL and DMIL will be joining us for a few days on our Aug. trip. DMIL uses and ECV and has a serious heart condition (may need a transplant) She can't stand or walk very much. When speaking to them today, they expressed interest in going to 2 of the 3 nightime shows with us (Spectro/Wishes, Illuminations, and Fantasmic). My questions for you are:

1. Do any of the shows have special seating for those with disabilities?

2. If we were to do the Fantasmic Dining Package, would it be easier than standing in the regular line for the show?

3. Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

 

[janiejake]

1. Do any of the shows have special seating for those with disabilities?

Illuminations at Epcot does have designated areas. They are posted during the day, so you can see where they are. They are a couple spots around the world showcase lagoon, and the time you can set up residence there is posted. Check them out during the day, as some spots are better than others, as far as visual distractions. IMHO, the one up front, near the two giftshops is the best. The advantage to being at the on the other side of the lagoon, though, is that once the show is over, you can take your time leaving the park, and the crowds will dissipate by the time you stroll/roll to the main entrance. Unless you have the advantage of being at an EPCOT resort, and then you'll be able to leave via the International Gateway, and all will be good.

I know the other parks have designated areas also, but I am not familiar with those.

 

[mechurchlady]

All shows, parades and fireworks at both WDW and DLR have designated disabled spots. Guests who remain in their wheelchair, stroller, ECV or powerchair will miss out on some of the effects of 3D shows like Bug's Life.

It is highly recommended that disabled guests camp out and get an even better viewing spot. At DLR the disabled seating is on the far east side so that the guests cannot see straight on to the front of the stage thus it is better there to camp out and get a good spot.

 

[maroo]

I wouldn't do the Fantasmic seating, because you are going to have to be in the back for that show anyway....

That was the only show that we felt like we were pushed to the back...the rest we got GREAT seats!

 

[SueM in MN]

With a wheelchair or ECV, you would be able to use the handicapped viewing areas. All of the viewing areas are marked on the map for that park (for MK, they are marked with a red P and a wheelchair symbol. For EPcot, they are marked with a red I plus an wheelchair symbol. I agree with the other poster that it is a good idea to check out the spots ahead of time.
For Spectromagic, the handicapped viewing areas are:

1. In the hub in front of the Train Station on Main Street - this can be very busy to get out of after the parade, so stay put for a while until after the crowd comes thru. If you want to watch Wishes, you are going to have to fight the crowd to get up near the castle.
2. In the hub in front of the castle near the walkway to Tomorrowland by Cosmic Rays - this is a nice spot and not as hard to get out of as the Train station hub. If you want to watch Wishes, this puts you close to the castle.
3. Liberty Square near Liberty Tree Tavern - a good spot and not usually as busy as the castle.

There are no handicapped viewing areas for Wishes - the assumption is that since the fireworks are in the air, you will be able to see (and there will be people in the 'road'. One good spot is the walkway near Crystal Palace. There is a fence there so you can get close to the fence and not have anyone in front of you.

We have used all the handicapped viewing spots for Illuminations at various times. They are:

1. In Showcase Plaza, just as you enter WS from Future World (this is the one janiejake mentioned). It has a very good view, but can be quite crowded and can be hard to get out of. The last time we used it, there was a double row of wheelchairs - one behind the other and family members stood behind the wheelchairs.
2. Between Canada and the UK - check the wind direction since this one is sometimes in the path of the smoke from the fireworks.
3. Between Germany and Italy - this is the one we have used most because it is usually not very crowded and there is not a crowd of people trying to get out. It also doesn't usually get smoke. Some people don't like it because there is a tree right in the middle of the area along the water that does block your view to some extent.

For Illuminations, we have had very good luck with just finding a spot to park DD's wheelchair along the water. Since there is a fence all along, no one can get in front of you like for parades. There are some barges in the lake by midafternoon that will be a big part of the show. Just pick out your spot ahead of time to have a clear view of the barges and you will have a good spot.

We have never used the Fantasmic dining package. The advantage of it is that you can arrive a little later and still get a spot. Currently, there is some construction going on that apparently is affecting the usual entrance for Fantasmic. THe dinner package has been using the regular entrance and just being directed to one side. I'm not sure when this will change.