Disability fireworks viewing at Epcot

[Selket]

It’s so frustrating-I’m not going to push around a rollator all day so I can sit when needed (which is only if I have to stay still) they don’t even allow you to bring little portable chairs

You probably know this, but the lines for rides may be difficult because there's sometimes not much room to walk while you're waiting. For the fireworks shows, if dessert party or dinner seating is offered with fireworks views that might work well for you if you have the $$$. You could also consider bringing a rollator and parking it for when you don't need it and retrieve it for fireworks, etc.

 

[DisneyOma]

How soon does the area open? I can sit there for awhile but I will have to leave to use the restroom. I'm lucky I can just leave my walker and walk to the restroom and back. I can't stand for very long. I'll let the CM know.

There really isn't much seating available at EPCOT that isn't tagged for restaurant guests, so you might want to think about switching the walker for a rollator? That way, you'd always have a seat

It’s so frustrating-I’m not going to push around a rollator all day so I can sit when needed (which is only if I have to stay still) they don’t even allow you to bring little portable chairs

Just picture everyone bringing little portable chairs, and sitting all over the place when they wanted to. Where do you put the chair when you go on an attraction? Where do you put it when you go in to dine? Imagine everyone having a little portable chair, and you'll understand why they can't be brought into the parks.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

WDW's stance is "if you need a seat bring it with you." DAS does not offer access to seating. That's why stamina needs are often lumped with mobility and recommended to rent a wheelchair or mobility device. WDW has removed benches around the parks over the years, making it very hard to find a seat without entering a dining establishment. In my experience, any available seating that is good for parades or fireworks will be taken a good hour prior as people claim those spot early.

I definately noticed that in EPCOT in the WS in particular. I got chatting with an elderly gentleman pushing his wife in a wheelchair who had been going for decades. He said the same thing. It makes it very difficult to get around the park without a break off your feet.

I went to the F&W in October and was miserable. I need to get off my feet ocasionally and there was simply no where to sit. I spent a lot of time on the walkway between FW and WS and it was back to the hotel after a 2-3 hours. For our NYE trip I bought and took a rollator. I had the best days in the park ever! So glad I did it but it was a lot of stress to travel with it but so worth it. I spent the entire day in EPCOT.

That's why I was asking about the fireworks spots. I don't mind waiting an hour but I certainly can not stand in one spot for an hour.

 

[Dis Dragon]

When we went in February we had someone that can't stand for long periods of time. We had went before to one of the areas and they allowed her to sit on the bench, but not the rest of our party which was fine - they were the concern. This time around they refused to let her sit on a bench in that area because it was reserved for ECV's and Wheelchairs... We ended up sitting on the benches in front of the Canada stage till the show started and just caught whatever we could. It's kind of crazy finding a spot right now, it makes me miss Illuminations more because it really didn't matter where you were.

 

[Selket]

When we went in February we had someone that can't stand for long periods of time. We had went before to one of the areas and they allowed her to sit on the bench, but not the rest of our party which was fine - they were the concern. This time around they refused to let her sit on a bench in that area because it was reserved for ECV's and Wheelchairs... We ended up sitting on the benches in front of the Canada stage till the show started and just caught whatever we could. It's kind of crazy finding a spot right now, it makes me miss Illuminations more because it really didn't matter where you were.

I posted a couple of years ago about a group of people in the MK parade viewing area in front of the castle who were standing in front of those sitting in mobility devices but none of them had a mobility device or mobility concerns. I suppose it makes me wonder how the cast member knows they (or anyone) has a problem where use of that area would help them if they don't have a mobility device? Or did they change their policy to exclude those people? Or maybe this is just Epcot? I don't remember seeing a bench in the disability viewing area in Epcot where I was but I didn't traverse the length of it.

Perhaps next time your friend would consider a rollator with a seat. She could park it with strollers when not needed and this would give her a way to sit anywhere. If she can stand up for the fireworks she could get a spot anywhere and sit and wait until the show started - so if people stand in front of her it wouldn't matter if she can stand long enough to watch the show. Or of course she could enter the disability viewing area and watch from there - definitely gives options!

 

[Dis Dragon]

I posted a couple of years ago about a group of people in the MK parade viewing area in front of the castle who were standing in front of those sitting in mobility devices but none of them had a mobility device or mobility concerns. I suppose it makes me wonder how the cast member knows they (or anyone) has a problem where use of that area would help them if they don't have a mobility device? Or did they change their policy to exclude those people? Or maybe this is just Epcot? I don't remember seeing a bench in the disability viewing area in Epcot where I was but I didn't traverse the length of it.

Perhaps next time your friend would consider a rollator with a seat. She could park it with strollers when not needed and this would give her a way to sit anywhere. If she can stand up for the fireworks she could get a spot anywhere and sit and wait until the show started - so if people stand in front of her it wouldn't matter if she can stand long enough to watch the show. Or of course she could enter the disability viewing area and watch from there - definitely gives options!

She's unfortunately too proud to use any type of mobility device. Walking around the parks is very leisurely when she's with us, it's almost a chore to slow down that much. My kids basically walk ahead find a place to sit and then wait for us to catch up...