A wheelchair/
ECV/disability 'party' is usually considered by Disney to be a total of 6 (5 plus the person with the disability). But, if it is very busy, they may limit the number because of space. On one very busy night, we were only allowed 2 people to accompany DD in the wheelchair viewing spot, even though our party was only a total of 5. That doesn't happen often, but it is a possibility.
This is a
link to the Epcot park map. The park map shows 4 Illuminations viewing areas for people with disabilities; they are marked on the map with a red rectangle with a white "I" and a wheelchair symbol.
1) The viewing areas that have been mentioned already are at the entrance to World Showcase and can get very busy.
Our experiences there have been the same as KPeveler has mentioned. Wheelchairs and
ECVs are lined up along the fence, placed closely together - in our experience almost touching. A second row of ECVs and wheelchairs are lined up close together right behind the first row. Depending on the number of children and their size, they may be able to be in front of your mom and grandma's wheelchairs or sitting on their lap. Because people behind need to see, they would not allow anyone standing who would block the view of the 'row' of wheelchairs behind them. The last time we were there, our DD's wheelchair was in the second row of wheelchairs and DH and I kneeled where ever we could fit.
Because that area is so busy, you will need to be there early and stay in place. It's difficult to tell how busy it will be - even if the park is not that busy, the handicapped areas may be, depending on how many people with disabilities are in the park.
2) There is another viewing area for disabilities between Canada and the United Kingdom. We have not used that one recently, so I can't comment on how they do it there. I would expect that if it is busy, they would also park wheelchairs in row.
3) The last viewing area is in front of Germany. We have used that area a number of times. It is generally not as popular as the others because the view is somewhat blocked by trees. It is usually not busy enough to have 2 rows of wheelchairs, but we have been there when there is a solid row of wheelchairs across the fence; some partly behind trees.
The World Showcase viewing areas are directly in front of the show area and are set up for the 'perfect' view'. That is why they are the busiest, both in the handicapped area and non-handicapped area.
BUT, Illuminations can be viewed from anywhere around World Showcase lagoon and you can generally find good viewing spots without using the handicapped viewing areas and without being in place as early as for the handicapped viewing area.
If you don't want to use the handicapped viewing areas, check out spots in mid-afternoon and early evening. Much of the show takes place from some barges that will be in place by mid-afternoon. As you walk around, look for places where you have a clear view of the barges; those spots will be a good place to view the show. Also, check into the way the wind is blowing - if it is blowing toward you, smoke from the fireworks will be blowing at you.
No matter where you view it, don't be in a hurry to leave. If you try to leave right away, you will be leaving in a crowd. If you wait a few minutes until the crowd thins out, you will be leaving with many less people. It will be a lot easier to get out and you won't have to fight the crowds. The first few (very crowded) buses will have left and there will be smaller groups to get onto the bus. If you drove, the first people out end up sitting in lines of cars waiting to get out. By waiting a bit, you will be able to get out of the park much quicker.
