fireworks and wheelchairs

[Wade Shrader]

I appreciate all the information on the web that has "analyzed" the different viewpoints for watching the fireworks show at DL. And let me say up front, that Disney in general does a great job of accomodation for my 2 boys with cerebral palsy in wheelchairs. They have really given us some true magical moments by the special attention that CM's give to us.

We have figured out the best place for a person in a WC for Fantasmic; on the back row, up against the ropes. This works because everyone in front of us sits down. DL also has great places for us to watch the parades.

But what about the fireworks? It is always a true fight for my sons to watch the fireworks. We've gotten close to the castle, and away from it, and it has worked ok, but I'm constantly fighting with people to protect my children's view. The problem is that people always seem to come and try to stand in front of my boys. I can't imagine someone standing in front of a child in a wheelchair so that their view is blocked, but it happens almost everytime we're there.

Does anyone have some advice about this? Places that might work with good viewpoints? Any CM's out there with advice about how to handle people like this? Thanks in advance.

W

 

[Pir8girl]

Why not check with City Hall when you first arrive at DL. Ask them what you should do. Possibly there is a special spot just for WC folks. It's sad that people have to be so rude, but it happens. Unfortunately, some people seem to have left their common sense and manners at the gates.

I briefly mentioned this in a thread about shoes. Last year after the fireworks, a woman pushing a stroller rammed into my 5-year-old son, not once but several times, running over his foot. Of course he was wearing sandals. She knocked him down and kept going. Other people saw her and yelled out to her to stop. But she either ignored us all or was oblivious.
I approached a CM asking for first aid info as my son's foot was bleeding. The CM was very rude and arrogant and was only interested in sitting on a nearby post.
His response: This kind of thing is commonplace when there are so many people at the hub. So in other words, I should expect that DL can't handle crowd control.
I was stunned by the stroller woman's behavior and saddened by the CM's response. Never in all my trips to DL have I been treated with such disregard. Of course I wrote a letter, with his name but nothing ever came of it.

So point being, find out in advance so that you can plan a safe spot for your son

 

[Amy&Dan]

I would really recommend seeing the fireworks back by Its a Small World. My fil is in a scooter (congestive heart failure) and it never fails that someone will stand in front of him without noticing he is there. Even standing is hard for him, especially since Remember is like 18 minutes long. If you go back by Its a Small World, it is much less crowded. You miss the projections on the castle and Tinkerbelle's flight, however they have very cool projections on the structure of IASW that are incredible. They have a rope they put across the walkway to block off IASW and Toontown and you could literally wheel your sons right to that rope and have a great view. There is also an elevated area right there with some benches that is nice. Just get as close to the roped off area (i.e. as close to IASW), stay on the same side of the walkway as IASW and you will have a very good view. And much less crowds to deal with! I actually prefer to see them back there, even when fil is not with us! Another good thing about this location is that it is manned by cm's who are there to explain to people why IASW is closed. They will make sure your sons have a good view and they also frequently play games with the kids before the show starts.

 

[boosmom96]

The problem is that people always seem to come and try to stand in front of my boys. I can't imagine someone standing in front of a child in a wheelchair so that their view is blocked, but it happens almost everytime we're there.

My DD (9) has CP and is in a wheelchair, so I know exactly what you mean!! It is truly amazing to behold the gall of some people! (I'll step off my soap box now!!)
Unfortunately, DL does not have specific handicap viewing set aside for the fireworks. I've asked several times. It's easier to watch them from IASW but, if I remember correctly, you miss alot of the projections. Another option may be to take the last (4th?) 50th Anniversary Tour. This ends with special reserved seating at/near the Main Street train station. I don't know if it is wheelchair accessible or not. Good Luck!