DAS Parade or fireworks viewing area not just for wheelchairs and ECVs?

[HappyGal]

Is it possible for my daughter with crowd/touching sensory issues (we've already registered for DAS) to view the fireworks or parade from the same place designated for wheelchairs and ECVs?

 

[lanejudy]

The HA areas for parades are very crowded - they line up the wheelchairs/ECVs elbow-to-elbow. Companions stand behind or maybe sit in front. I recommend grabbing your own spot early, maybe next to or backed up to any kind of “barrier” (trash can, wall, etc.) and use the members of your party to give some space.

I’ve never used HA areas for fireworks; they may work for you.

 

[gap2368]

Is it possible for my daughter with crowd/touching sensory issues (we've already registered for DAS) to view the fireworks or parade from the same place designated for wheelchairs and ECVs?

as of my last trip in April. I was able to do both viewing area and I do not have a mobility device. I has similar issue to your DD and the areas work perfect for me. I am given as much area as a wheelchair ECV user so it is just enough room no one is touching me ( I am on the small side)

 

[HappyGal]

as of my last trip in April. I was able to do both viewing area and I do not have a mobility device. I has similar issue to your DD and the areas work perfect for me. I am given as much area as a wheelchair ECV user so it is just enough room no one is touching me ( I am on the small side)

Did you have difficulty accessing?

 

[HopperFan]

We have never gained access to fireworks viewing, asking several times, was told mobility devices only.

We had used for the parade but were told if it gets crowded one person can stay with DS and rest would need to leave and if they got lots of mobility devices we might have to leave. We decided we would just stake out a spot early and sit where no one would ask us to leave. We usually took a spot next to a trashcan so we could prevent anyone from encroaching on his space.

You might do fine but have a backup plan. On the ground CMs have the final word.

 

[gap2368]

Did you have difficulty accessing?

I have never had problems with access

 

[SueM in MN]

The HA areas for parades are very crowded - they line up the wheelchairs/ECVs elbow-to-elbow. Companions stand behind or maybe sit in front. I recommend grabbing your own spot early, maybe next to or backed up to any kind of “barrier” (trash can, wall, etc.) and use the members of your party to give some space.

I’ve never used HA areas for fireworks; they may work for you.

We have only used the HA areas for fireworks at EPCOT, but have used HA parade areas at all parks with our daughter who uses a wheelchair.
Our experience is the way lanejudy mentioned- wheelchairs/ECV and other mobility devices lined up elbow to elbow across the front of the viewing area, with others behind. Usually one person behind in the space right behind the mobility device and the rest of the group farther back.
The purpose of the area is to give people who must remain seated a place where they can view without anyone standing in front of them. Also, because Main Street at MK has curbs, it can become dangerous to have a mobility device parked on the sidewalk where they could possibly get pushed over the edge of the curb.

We have never gained access to fireworks viewing, asking several times, was told mobility devices only.

We had used for the parade but were told if it gets crowded one person can stay with DS and rest would need to leave and if they got lots of mobility devices we might have to leave. We decided we would just stake out a spot early and sit where no one would ask us to leave. We usually took a spot next to a trashcan so we could prevent anyone from encroaching on his space.

You might do fine but have a backup plan. On the ground CMs have the final word.

This is the most common experience I’ve seen posted for people without a mobility device, so I would definitely have a backup plan.
Also be aware that some of the HA viewing areas fill up very quickly after they open, so you may need to be there right when it opens, which is usually about an hour before the event.
I don’t know if the CMs in the areas are using readers to check on DAS status, but unless they do, there is no way to check if the person has DAS.

 

[HopperFan]

The HA areas for parades are very crowded - they line up the wheelchairs/ECVs elbow-to-elbow. Companions stand behind or maybe sit in front. I recommend grabbing your own spot early, maybe next to or backed up to any kind of “barrier” (trash can, wall, etc.) and use the members of your party to give some space.

And this is the purpose for parade viewing, to allow those in chairs to have a view. If they allowed us - without a mobility device - we were aware that we might be asked to stand in back row or leave. It just made no sense to not shift our efforts to get a spot where DS could sit on front row/curb and we used a trashcan on one side to protect him and the rest of us on other side and behind him.

This is the most common experience I’ve seen posted for people without a mobility device, so I would definitely have a backup plan

While DS does not have a mobility device, he is very clearly disabled. If we were refused then I imagine those who do not present with issues may also have a problem.

Also be aware that some of the HA viewing areas fill up very quickly after they open, so you may need to be there right when it opens, which is usually about an hour before the event.

On each occasion we attempted to use the fireworks area, we arrived WAY early to the point there might be only a couple people there. We were not asking for front row, back is actually better. We were looking for a safer area without crowds. Every time we were told no without a mobility device.

 

[decheez]

Is it possible for my daughter with crowd/touching sensory issues (we've already registered for DAS) to view the fireworks or parade from the same place designated for wheelchairs and ECVs?

I'm an adult with sensory issues and I've used the HA spots at MK multiple times (maybe 5-6) for fireworks and have never been turned away. I've only ever had 1 or 2 people with me though. When I went this past May, they had a much larger area roped off (the whole walkway front to back unlike years past) and were way more organized then I've seen previously. They had everybody spaced out in rows and it was much nicer and I didn't feel so crowded. I went through my spiel and mentioned I know I don't qualify because of 'mobility' issues but was hoping I could get in. That CM actually told me they've changed the rules and it's not just for mobility any more, but any disability. Now I don't know if she was just saying that to make me feel better, or if there actually was a change. I'm hoping they're as organized my next trip in 2 weeks because it was so much nicer than years past where there were so many people packed into a small area it was really not much different than out in the masses.

 

[gap2368]

it's not just for mobility any more, but any disability.

I was told the same thing in April, I have used the area a number of times too, probable 15 times at lest at the MK.

I used the one at EPCOT once with no problems in fact I got there before a CM was there, they asked some other people to leave ( I did not hear what the CM said if they asked if they had a disability or if they told then it was for mobility disability) when the CM got there. they never said anything to me. I guess it was because I was wearing my ear protectors as the band in Canada was playing

 

[keishashadow]

Also be aware that some of the HA viewing areas fill up very quickly after they open, so you may need to be there right when it opens, which is usually about an hour before the event.

this cannot be stressed enough IMO.

We were not asking for front row, back is actually better. We were looking for a safer area without crowds. Every time we were told no without a mobility device.

wow, sorry to read. I thought non mobility guests were generally directed to the back of the accessible viewing areas.

Know of those who could benefit but, skip using the areas because of the (over) crowding.

When I went this past May, they had a much larger area roped off (the whole walkway front to back unlike years past) and were way more organized then I've seen previously. They had everybody spaced out in rows and it was much nicer and I didn't feel so crowded

nice to hear, hope they keep that policy up!

In the past @ the MK have observed phenom of a relatively last minute influx of people that join some ECV guests shortly before parade/FW Start

they wind up crowding out and often blocking the view of those behind them (that likely thought they were holding down a nice view).

strikes me as it’s likely quite difficult for CMs to monitor the situation when it’s busy & dark

 

[MinnieMSue]

In the past @ the MK have observed phenom of a relatively last minute influx of people that join some ECV guests shortly before parade/FW Start

they wind up crowding out and often blocking the view of those behind them (that likely thought they were holding down a nice view).

strikes me as it’s likely quite difficult for CMs to monitor the situation when it’s busy & dark

We were second wheelchair row with my parents for MK fireworks and they had a pretty good view. Just before the show started they allowed a standing row in front of us - idk if they were all wheelchair families for the wheelchair row in front of us but it was a solid row of stand iv people. My parents could not see the castle at all and even a lot of the fireworks. It was their second ever and last ever trip and it was so disappointing. I have no idea why they allowed all those people to come in and block an entire row of wheelchairs like that

 

[keishashadow]

Just before the show started they allowed a standing row in front of us

That is sad to read. I do think they need to address this in some fashion.

my thots as to options, none of them would be palatable to everyone I realize:

*If an ECV adult wants first row…then they should permit 1 adult guest who is to stand behind the ECV/WC to accompany them in that spot. children, also permitted. Remaining others in the party could be easily be directed to a specific nearby overflow section

*I assume there is no DAS for FW viewing, prebooked or otherwise. Maybe there should be for at least one section Of current area?

*Perhaps employ a wristband sort of thing when entering the area So people don’t slip in right beforehand. Have seen people angrily engage others, never a good idea.

Disney is the master of crowd control, if they really felt this was an issue, could address it handily, actually put written policy in place, then enforce it.

 

[Tiberella626]

Our son is very sensory sensitive and is a DAS user. We attempted MK DAS fireworks in May 2022 about 90 min early and we're told it was full but the wonderful cast members said go to Casey's and stand by the garbage can, shortly they will put tape on main street and you can snag a spot right on the tape so no one is behind you or in front of you depending on what side you prefer. This is ideal! We did get a front row to a few firework altercations but that's just part of the "enchantment" right?!

 

[SueM in MN]

That is sad to read. I do think they need to address this in some fashion.

my thots as to options, none of them would be palatable to everyone I realize:

*If an ECV adult wants first row…then they should permit 1 adult guest who is to stand behind the ECV/WC to accompany them in that spot. children, also permitted. Remaining others in the party could be easily be directed to a specific nearby overflow section

*I assume there is no DAS for FW viewing, prebooked or otherwise. Maybe there should be for at least one section Of current area?

*Perhaps employ a wristband sort of thing when entering the area So people don’t slip in right beforehand. Have seen people angrily engage others, never a good idea.

Disney is the master of crowd control, if they really felt this was an issue, could address it handily, actually put written policy in place, then enforce it.

All ECV and wheelchair users are directed to park in the front row. In our experience, we have always been told that one person can stand right behind the wheelchair and the rest of our group would be able to stand further back in the area. We’ve heard other people told the same thing, plus that a small child or 2 can stand or sit in front of the wheelchair as long as they stay in the ‘space’ of that wheelchair and don’t block anyone else’s view.
Our group is usually only 3 (2 plus our wheelchair user), but when we have had more in the past, we were told that the other members of our group might be asked to leave if the area got too full.

Our son is very sensory sensitive and is a DAS user. We attempted MK DAS fireworks in May 2022 about 90 min early and we're told it was full but the wonderful cast members said go to Casey's and stand by the garbage can, shortly they will put tape on main street and you can snag a spot right on the tape so no one is behind you or in front of you depending on what side you prefer. This is ideal! We did get a front row to a few firework altercations but that's just part of the "enchantment" right?!

Some of the areas actually fill up within a few minutes of opening, so it may be a long wait in the area if you do get in

 

[Selket]

My experience (last trip Dec. 2021) was a lot of people standing behind the wheelchairs...and I mean a lot of people - a wall of people. If you're behind a row of mobility devices it is hard to see unless you can stand. Of course I have posted about my Halloween parade experience in 2019 at the MK that had a row of standing older teens spread out along the first/front row. Everyone near them was very upset with them and I know they were allowed in due to an invisible disability because of their back and forth yelling with people yelling at them. They blocked the view of so many people it was a little ridiculous. CM's weren't on their top game that night trying to manage it either.

If you need to remain seated I'd aim to arrive very early for a front row. If you can stand and need to have some space I hope there is some room behind those seated which will also give you a good view. At fireworks shows (vs. parades) for the MK when I was in the HC area and stayed seated I always had people eventually stop in front of me on the walkway - lol!

With a mobility device - if my knees are doing ok and I can stand for the show - I just go and wait in the general public viewing area and stand up when the show starts. I realize OP isn't using a mobility device but for those who do and can stand for the show - it's really so much easier and you don't have to arrive as early - and saves spaces for those who need the HC area.

 

[nurseberta]

I do not have first-hand knowledge but I have read on other posts that the Festival of the Fantasy Parade now offers G+ viewing if you book a LL. If you have DAS, you should be able to book a return time and use it. Reportedly there is an area behind Walt and Mickey's statue to enter.

 

[DisneyOma]

I do not have first-hand knowledge but I have read on other posts that the Festival of the Fantasy Parade now offers G+ viewing if you book a LL. If you have DAS, you should be able to book a return time and use it. Reportedly there is an area behind Walt and Mickey's statue to enter.

DAS is based on an attraction having a standby wait time, isn't it? Does this spot have that?

 

[nurseberta]

DAS is based on an attraction having a standby wait time, isn't it? Does this spot have that?

hmmmmm, not sure, i have not down it but I was assuming if you could get a G+ for it then you could get a DAS for it

 

[SueM in MN]

DAS is based on an attraction having a standby wait time, isn't it? Does this spot have that?

hmmmmm, not sure, i have not down it but I was assuming if you could get a G+ for it then you could get a DAS for it

Some shows don’t have a posted wait time, but you can still get DAS. (If there is a posted wait time, it’s often just the time until the next show starts).

Shows are different though than fireworks and parades - shows have set numbers of seats/accessibility spots that can be occupied.
Parades and fireworks are just open spaces that they let people into until the area is filled. I suppose they have some ‘maximum capacity’ number in mind and do DAS based off of that. But, capacity would vary based on the type of devices and their size.
Or maybe, if there is a Genie+ location, it might mare more sense to allocate some of the spaces there for DAS.