Fantasmic and Wheelchair Seating...

[Lydia91]

We will be traveling with my mom in a wheelchair during our visit to WDW.

I am wondering if the Fantasmic package is needed in terms of making sure we have good seating for her? Any thoughts on the wheelchair accessible seating in the Fantasmic theater would be greatly appreciated. I am also a little concerned that the accessible seating might be upfront where I understand you can get splashed by the production which my Mom would not enjoy...

Thanks!

 

[rebeccaariel]

If I'm not mistaken, the last time I was at Fantasmic I saw that the wheelchair seating is right at the top, which is where you get the best view and easiest exit anyway. Someone correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[SueM in MN]

There are a few spots at the front, but the whole back row of the seating area is for wheelchair and ECV seating. THis is across the entire row, including the Fantasmic dinner seating area.
The back row is spaces for wheelchairs/ECVs to park, separated by small benches with space for one person to sit next to each wheelchair/ECV. The rest of your party will be directed to the 2 rows in front of the back row. Those are designated seating for those guests plus guests with disabilities who have transferred out of their wheelchair/ECV. It is also used by guests with Guest Assistance Cards who might need to be in that area (autism, someone who can't go down stairs, etc.)

For exit, I STRONGLY recommend just staying put and letting the majority of other guests leave before you try to leave. Leaving before the show ends means you will miss the end and the faster moving groups will catch up with you anyway. Waiting 10-15 minutes to leave means you will not be in the closely spaced mass of people, but will be in small groups with space between you.

 

[bandit90]

The wheelchair seating is right at the top with a pretty good view and no getting wet. I've done Fantasmic with my grandma in her wheelchair with and without the package and never had a bad seat. Just make sure to get there early enough and you should be fine.

 

[Lydia91]

Thanks very much!

 

[dburg30]

They do a good job of keep people out of those seats and saved for those that need them, but I will ask WHEN are you going? Right now showing up 45 minutes before hand probably even 30 minutes you'd be ok, but as the holiday approaches, take into account time to get there early enough for WC seating.. We were in the maleficent section and there were lots past us open, but then all the sudden, it was like a ECV / WC convention showed up and they got filled pretty quickly..

 

[LisaBi]

Be aware that the wheelchair area and companion seats fill to capacity even during slow times. Last trip (late Jan) we got in and settled...DS in wheelchair and me on bench next to him. Then I went to get some snacks, and came back to find the bench fully occupied (there was room for two people). DS doesn't have the verbal/social skills to tell them that his mom was sitting there. So if you get up, make sure your seat is saved!

 

[Bete]

We go with the F! package and we are paying out of pocket for it; no dining plan this time, either. I just feel safer having it. I don't feel there's enough wheelchair spots available considering the size of the outside theater. I feel you don't wait as long to get your seating, either. You get a special way of getting in which is not the mainstream way and it's nicer. I'd say this saves you about 15 minutes time. You get to be on the right side as you are facing the theater. I feel this is the better side for exiting. If you plan on leaving right after the show this is closer to exiting the park. Because, we have seen the ending before we even leave early to beat the crowd. This helps with the transportation, too. For your info most of the wheelchair seating with the F! package is off center, but a good view.

If you don't want the package then I would plan on at least an hour ahead to be in the mainstream line. Again, I rather be safe and wait a little longer than to be turned away. Maybe, others can chime in, but I don't believe they accomodate everyone in a wheelchair that shows up. If it's at capacity that's it.

There was one time we were the last one to get wheelchair seating with the package. The place was jammed and we weren't even late or anything.

We're going during the Christmas season most of the time, but not the very week and we are always happy that we did the package. The packages get sold out quickly; so, this has to tell you something in my opinion. MaMa Melrose is probably the best place for a package. Brown Derby is too high price for us. Hollywood and Vine is okay. If all that was left was the Brown Derby and I was paying out of pocket I think I would skip the show.

 

[SueM in MN]

We go with the F! package and we are paying out of pocket for it; no dining plan this time, either. I just feel safer having it. I don't feel there's enough wheelchair spots available considering the size of the outside theater. I feel you don't wait as long to get your seating, either. You get a special way of getting in which is not the mainstream way and it's nicer. I'd say this saves you about 15 minutes time. You get to be on the right side as you are facing the theater. I feel this is the better side for exiting. If you plan on leaving right after the show this is closer to exiting the park. Because, we have seen the ending before we even leave early to beat the crowd. This helps with the transportation, too. For your info most of the wheelchair seating with the F! package is off center, but a good view.

If you don't want the package then I would plan on at least an hour ahead to be in the mainstream line. Again, I rather be safe and wait a little longer than to be turned away. Maybe, others can chime in, but I don't believe they accomodate everyone in a wheelchair that shows up. If it's at capacity that's it.

There was one time we were the last one to get wheelchair seating with the package. The place was jammed and we weren't even late or anything.

We're going during the Christmas season most of the time, but not the very week and we are always happy that we did the package. The packages get sold out quickly; so, this has to tell you something in my opinion. MaMa Melrose is probably the best place for a package. Brown Derby is too high price for us. Hollywood and Vine is okay. If all that was left was the Brown Derby and I was paying out of pocket I think I would skip the show.

We have been there in a not terribly busy time when we arrived about 50 minutes before show time and were the next to last group that could fit with an occupied wheelchair. We ended up getting the very last spot in the theater of the far left (facing the stage).
Once those spots are filled, they are filled. There may be some possibilities for guests who are able to park their wheelchairs and transfer to a regular seat.

But, again, once the spots are filled, there are no more and guests with wheelchairs or ECVs may not be able to stay, even if there is still general seating. If there had not been a spot for an occupied wheelchair when we got there, we would have had to leave without seeing the show.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

Sue is so right about leaving. Getting a WC or scooter through that crowd is a nightmare. We waited a good 15 minutes to exit and still had to go through alot of people. You really have to be patient. LoL When we did this show I was put in the back of all the rows and it was a great place to view. However the CM instructed all of my family to sit way down front. Nowhere near where I was. I really didn't want to see the show with strangers so I politely asked another CM if I could move to a place where my family (at least my DH) could sit nearby. She was wonderful and actually pushed my chair farther down and had my entire family sit in the row right in front of me. Much more enjoyable.