Attending Wishes Dessert Party with a Guest in a Wheelchair

[AlabamaBound]

I originally posted this question under the Disney Dining Reservations forum because there was a fair amount of activity regarding the Dessert Party going on, but since I have had no responses so far I've decided to repost it here.

I am going to Disney with my fiancé who is a full time wheelchair user. Based on some of the pictures I've seen of the viewing area for the Dessert Party, he wouldn't have an issue watching the show provided he is right near the railing. However, I realize that everyone will be looking for the perfect viewing location, and I'm just wondering how "pushy" people tend to be when looking for that spot (i.e. do people tend to rush to the railing and be "territorial" about their space? And is there a limited amount of good viewing space?).

It's not that we're looking for anyone to give up their spot or anything because I realize that everyone is paying for the view in addition to the desserts. It's just that I cannot justify spending nearly $60 on dessert for 2 people if there is a good chance that he will not be able to see the show clearly and easily.

Also, when I went to book it, it said that we have to pay in full at time of booking. I'm just wondering what the policy is if they cancel the dessert party based on poor weather? Would we get our money back without issue, or is it more a "sorry about your luck" type thing if it gets cancelled?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Edit: Since I originally posted this question, I went ahead and made the reservation just to make sure that we will have it if we decide to go. However, if most people think it will be a problem for him to be able to see the show easily and enjoy the experience, I will definitely cancel it.

I've been to Disney twice before with my family when I was younger (but this is the first time that I've been responsible for the planning), and my fiancé has never been before. I want it to be a really special trip for both of us, especially considering that we will also be doing a Disney wedding/honeymoon on this vacation

 

[mrsksomeday]

My boyfriend is a full time wheelchair user. I had the same concerns as you had, everything was fine. Did you note the wheelchair on your reservation? If not I would call in and modify it to reflect the chair.

I talked to the Cast Members as soon as we got there and made them aware of my concerns but no one got in front of us. Most people are considerate. I hope you have a great time.

 

[pugdog]

Do make sure they know about the wheelchair. They also pre assign tables so you would not need to worry about people getting in your way to much, little kids yes but not adults.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I went to the Dessert party in Jan. with my two children (9 and 6 at the time). It was a last-minute decision, they fill the tables based on when you book, so I figured we wouldn't have the best view. What happened was, my kids went up and stood at the rail--they were invited by the people sitting there to do so. I remained at our table--it's one thing for kids to move up, I didn't think it would be fair if I blocked someone else's view, KWIM? But, I could see just fine from the table, which was ~4 rows in from the railing.

As others have said, making the notation on your reservation about the wheelchair should help, but don't panic if you aren't hard by the railing, since you'll be able to see well regardless.

We'll be doing the dessert party again in Feb.--my youngest will be turning 8, so it'll be a nice treat. On that last trip, both kids said hands down, their favorite thing was the dessert party. Better than the pool, better than breakfast in the castle, better than getting to ride Big Thunder twice in a row without getting off.

 

[buffettgirl]

Really, it's going to be when you go. I was there last August and it was a VERY pushy situation. We were in the first row of tables and very quickly after seating, people were already staking out their spots at the railing. The table next to us had a girl in a wheelchair and no one really cared, they just shoved around her. It wasn't a good situation, at all.

 

[zippyzo]

We went in September with my dad who is in a wheelchair and it was fine. We were told when shown to out table that people would come a stand at the railings but dad found a space and we all had a fab view Of the firework. He didn't feel squashed in or anything. He has said he would do the dessert party again rather than stand with the main crowds.

 

[AlabamaBound]

Thank you so very much for your responses! I'm definitely feeling more reassured about the whole experience .

Also, I wanted to apologize for the delayed response to everyone's posts; my stupid laptop decided to die a day or two after I posted the original message, and this is the first chance I've had to get online and respond (using my mom's old desktop). I just don't want to come across as rude or unappreciative when people are taking their time to help me out. So, thank you again, and please know that I really do appreciate everyone's help .

 

[dawnhaze]

I see you already got answers - I was told that a wheelchair can be taken up to the railing, but an ECV can't. I'd note it on the reservation that someone will be in a wheelchair just so they're aware, but the view of the actual fireworks isn't too bad even if people are in front of you - the castle projection show is a bit hard to see though.

 

[AlabamaBound]

Thank you! He's in a manual wheelchair, and I have made note of it on all of our ADR's. However, having seen what I've seen working in the hotel industry, I'm going to call Dining Reservations directly as well just to confirm that it is noted on all of our reservations. Better safe than sorry . Not to mention the fact that we've had problems before with non-Disney reservations, so I prefer to make it abundantly clear that he is a full time manual wheelchair user in order to avoid as many issues as possible.

 

[zippyzo]

Thank you! He's in a manual wheelchair, and I have made note of it on all of our ADR's. However, having seen what I've seen working in the hotel industry, I'm going to call Dining Reservations directly as well just to confirm that it is noted on all of our reservations. Better safe than sorry . Not to mention the fact that we've had problems before with non-Disney reservations, so I prefer to make it abundantly clear that he is a full time manual wheelchair user in order to avoid as many issues as possible.

This would be a good idea as when we went in September we were questioned every time we checked in. We were also asked each time if he would be transferring into a chair and at one point looked at in disgust when we said he wouldn't as he is a full time manual wheelchair user. At some restaurants we were also put in inaccessible tables and my dad felt like he was a nuisance for those around him who then had limited space and when we were at a buffet he felt he couldn't go and get more food! We had it noted on our reservation too!