DCA - New WOC handicapped sections. 1st time wheelchair for Grandma.

[5ne5chalmer5]

My extended family of 7 is taking my 81 year old grandmother to Disneyland. She hasn't been there for over 30 years, and this will probably be her last trip ever. We are renting her a wheelchair at the park because she can't stand for extended periods and tires easily.

WOC moved all their handicapped sections to the very back of the seating area a few weeks ago. I'm not crazy about being in the back. Are there benches in the very front anymore? Can we just get in line an hour early with her and wheel to the front of the normal viewing area then transfer her to a bench (or even just stay in the chair)?

I am also a little worried about our party size. With 7, will they split us up for Fantasmic, or to go on certain rides? She won't be going on anything that requires a FP. I'm mainly concerned about Fantasyland. What would the procedure be for a party of 7?

We are going August 24 & 26. Thanks!

 

[KPeveler]

You can still sit in any section with a wheelchair - all are accessible. They just don't have any areas marked for wheelchairs except in the back.

You may be split up for some rides, especially in Fantasyland, but a lot of CMs are willing to work with a party of 7 (since the usual max is 6 - you can stop by City Hall for more info).

Also, for Fantasmic, only the person with the wheelchair will be allowed to sit along the front railing. For the first show, it is not uncommon to have 2 or 3 rows of wheelchairs - the other six people will be required to sit behind

 

[5ne5chalmer5]

Thanks for the reply! Definitely helping lower my stress level. Have you seen the show from the new handicapped section? Opinion?

 

[Dan1]

Also, for Fantasmic, only the person with the wheelchair will be allowed to sit along the front railing. For the first show, it is not uncommon to have 2 or 3 rows of wheelchairs - the other six people will be required to sit behind

Hi,

KPeveler,
It will be just me and my DD next spring. It has been a long, long time since we were at Fantasimic (or any of the firework / laser night time shows) so I can't recall the seating arrangements.

My DD does get jumpy at loud noises but is OK if I am right beside her.


Are you saying that we won't be able to sit together to watch Fantasmic?

Perhaps there's a link to a few pictures of the w/c seating area at Fantasmic that you know of which I could see?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Dan1]

Hi,

KPeveler,
It will be just me and my DD next spring. It has been a long, long time since we were at Fantasimic (or any of the firework / laser night time shows) so I can't recall the seating arrangements.

My DD does get jumpy at loud noises but is OK if I am right beside her.


Are you saying that we won't be able to sit together to watch Fantasmic?

Perhaps there's a link to a few pictures of the w/c seating area at Fantasmic that you know of which I could see?

Thanks,
Dan

As well, I'm curious about how close I would be able to sit if my DD is in the w/c seating area.

Thanks again,
Dan

 

[SueM in MN]

Hi,

KPeveler,
It will be just me and my DD next spring. It has been a long, long time since we were at Fantasimic (or any of the firework / laser night time shows) so I can't recall the seating arrangements.

My DD does get jumpy at loud noises but is OK if I am right beside her.


Are you saying that we won't be able to sit together to watch Fantasmic?

Perhaps there's a link to a few pictures of the w/c seating area at Fantasmic that you know of which I could see?

Thanks
Dan

The information in this thread is about Disney's California Adventure and Disneyland.

Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studio in WDW is in an amphitheater with benches for seating. The back row of seating has space for wheelchairs to park and small benches to the side of the wheelchair spots for a companion to sit next to the wheelchair. Parties with wheelchairs and ECVs are shown to their seats by a CM. Let the CM know that you need to sit right next to your daughter. Seating for any other members of your group will be directly in front of the wheelchair.
This is a photo from my wdwinfo photo album showing the Fantasmic at WDW.

The painted boxes are wheelchair/ECV parking spaces. The small benches between the painted boxes are the companion seats. The right half of the small bench is the companion seat for the wheelchair spot on the right; the left half of the bench for the wheelchair spot on the left.
The 2 benches in front of the wheelchair spots is for other guests in that party.

If you go to post 3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there is a link to a thread about Fantasmic.

The handicapped viewing areas for parades and Illuminations at WDW are marked on the park maps.

There are handicapped viewing areas for parades and Illuminations, but they do become crowded. The usual arrangement is to place all the wheelchairs and ECVs very close together all along the rail. You would be able to stand behind your daughter's wheelchair.
In the VERY busy spots ( like at the entrance to World Showcase for Illuminations and in front of the castle for MK parades ) they do usually have several rows of guests using wheelchairs and ECVs. In that case, you should let the CM know that that you need to be right by your daughter. They should be able to place you somewhere that is possible, but you probably will need to kneel or sit on the ground during the actual show so people behind you can see.

For Illuminations, many people just find a spot along the water to watch. Just park the wheelchair along the railing and stand next to it.

For daytime parades, be aware that some of the handicapped viewing areas are in full sun.

 

[Dan1]

Thank you very much, SueM

Dan

 

[KPeveler]

And just for future reference - I am pretty sure they do not separate parents from children, especially if you just mention to the CM that you need to stay by her. I can do okay on my own, but there are plenty of people who cannot have their parent/attendant/person too far away from them. They would probably ask that only one person be with her, though, so if there was a large party, they would ask you to split up.

 

[Dan1]

They would probably ask that only one person be with her, though, so if there was a large party, they would ask you to split up.

Understandable.

This trip its just me and DD.

Thanks,
Dan