American Gardens Theater

[only hope]

Hello everyone. I will be going to Disney for the first time since developing a chronic illness that makes it impossible for me to walk all day. I purchased a second-hand transport chair for less than the cost of one days scooter rental that I use for long outings. I was a passholder for many years before Covid started so I am familiar with WDW in general.

I will be attending concerts one day to see one of my favorite bands during the Flower & Garden festival and I’m a planner so I’m trying to figure out the best way to get seating that accommodates my needs. I have no problems transferring but I also can’t stand for long periods, so if I transfer to a regular bench and the people in front of me stand I won’t be able to see. I also need to be in the shade during the concert as being in the sun for a prolonged period triggers symptoms. I’m thinking that even though I can transfer it may be best to stay in the chair to hopefully be able to see even if people are standing? I know only the front rows are covered by the canopy- does anyone know if those rows are for dining packages only? What would be the best way to get a shaded seat with a clear view?

On an unrelated note, are there any shade solutions for both the chair user and
the pusher? My mom, who is going with me, has used her own umbrella in the past to stay shaded due to preference, and I was fine. Now I need the shade more than she does but I feel bad that she may have to go without due to my new needs. I’ve tried looking for some sort of apparatus on Amazon to attach to the chair to hold an umbrella but I’ve only seen a few and none had good reviews.

 

[MinnieMSue]

One thing to note is when the person sitting in the wheelchair is holding an umbrella overhead even very close to their head the pusher cannot see clearly in front of the chair. I found that out when taking my parents in wheelchairs. Sorry I do not have a lot of experience in the theater to assist in that aspect of your question.

 

[lanejudy]

Could you wear a large floppy hat and SPF clothing? That might work to protect you from the sun better than a umbrella.

 

[ttintagel]

Requesting to be seated in a certain section of any show to accommodate a disability is completely up to the discretion of the Cast Member on duty. I’ve had mixed results, myself.

 

[only hope]

I hadn’t considered an umbrella blocking the view of a pusher, thanks. Unless I can find some other solution I guess we both have to go without shade. Hoping it won’t be terribly hot and sunny. Someone should invent a good shade solution for chair users and their pusher. A floppy hat with a wide brim may help, I’ll have to test that soon. I hope I can be seated in a place I can see and not be in the sun, the concert is the only reason I am even going to Disney.

 

[tobikaye]

So, saw that you found what was probably the wheelchair umbrella clamps on Amazon, but that they did not have good reviews. Maybe check out stroller umbrella clamps as an alternative. Plus you might want to check actual online medical stores. I was looking a couple years ago and found some decent reviews there. I just cannot remember which ones.