GAC for Fantasmic and WOC?

[Luv Bunnies]

My DS16 has Asperger's and is very sensitive to being touched and bumped by people he doesn't know. We've never gotten him a GAC because he's able to comfortably stand in lines as long as family members buffer him from the "strangers." The last time we saw F! was 2007 and he had a hard time standing in a crowded area, especially with people going back and forth to their saved areas for snacks, restroom breaks, etc. He would be fine if everyone stayed put, but we know that's not realistic! We skipped F! in 2009 because he didn't want to deal with the crowd.

We're going again this July and would like to try F! again and see WOC. If we get a GAC for our son, where would the viewing areas be for each show? Will they be less crowded or just more accessible areas for those in wheelchairs or ECVs? If it's an accessible area but still tends to be shoulder-to-shoulder, then we will skip it. However, if the areas will be more comfortable for him, we might want to try it. I would appreciate any experiences or advice! Thanks!

 

[Disney Dreams]

There is an area for F! that is to the far right as you look at the river. There is no seating, it is standing room only, plus wheelchairs and ECVs. How crowded it gets just depends upon the night. Is he tall enough that he could stand behind others there and near the rope at the back? Would that help as no physical person would be standing directly behind him? (Although there could be people walking behind him.)

HTH a little,
Dreams

 

[Reddy]

I know F! at WDW there is no special treatment - you sit in the crowd (stand in line with them unless you are in a wheelchair - wheelchair people get the top row)

you can ask & see if they would do something for you but don't get your hopes up

no idea about WOC

 

[iheartdisney]

I have no experience with a GAC, butr some tips in general...
The general viewing area for WOC os pretty packed. Our "secret" place that we found is underneath the Silly Symphany Swings. A CM will come along (or you can) turn the benches around to face the water, and it it like your own private viewing box. The only downside is that you do have a "backside of water" kind of view, and you can't see the orbs at all. But my kids prefer that to the cattle call of getting a fastpass!

Fo F! if you can get the the sitting area early enough to lay your big blanket out against the rail, and be assertive about folks encroaching on your blanket, you can make kind of a buffer between your family and the rest of the crowd. You would have to be there at least 1.5 hours early, and make sure to leave at least one person on the blanket, or someone will be nice enough to fold your balnket up for you! I saw that happen a few times, the family of 5 comes meandering up 10 minutes till showtime and can't find their blanket. duh!

 

[Disney Dreams]

I know F! at WDW there is no special treatment - you sit in the crowd (stand in line with them unless you are in a wheelchair - wheelchair people get the top row)

you can ask & see if they would do something for you but don't get your hopes up

no idea about WOC

Fantasmic! seating at WDW is very different than at DL. There is not an arena at DL like there is at WDW. There is no ability to save spots prior to show time at WDW like you can at DL. And so much more. They are not comparable.

- Dreams

 

[jdb in AZ]

You don't menton where you'll be staying at DLR. Would it be possible for you to stay at Paradise Pier with a view of WOC? The music will be on your t.v.

We saw F! from the handicapped area at DLR and it wasn't too crowded. But this was off-season. We had blue WOC fastpasses and the handicapped area had benches your DS could sit on. Assuming you get there early enough to claim one.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I don't know if doing the Fantasmic Dessert Seating is an option for your family & finances.....but this is always a good option. They go 3 rows of chairs in each section. When you check in....you can always request the back row.....they're pretty roomy & keeps the people that are wandering back & forth far enough away to not bother you.

As for WoC......every "colored" section has a handicapped seating area. You would still need a FP for one of these areas. You can get the free ones from the FP machines up by GRR, order the picnics or do the Dining Package. These areas can fill up as well, but I know we were in the Dining Package one & there were 3 rows of benches. I stood at the back of the section & there was plenty of "space" to not feel crowded.

 

[DahliaRW]

I agree that the F! dessert option will probably get you the best view with the least amount of interference for your ds, if it's in your budget. The handicap section is way to the right and I can't imagine the view is all that great that far off center.

 

[nunzia]

I agree that the F! dessert option will probably get you the best view with the least amount of interference for your ds, if it's in your budget. The handicap section is way to the right and I can't imagine the view is all that great that far off center.

I agree with this also if it's possible for your family. You sit in your own chair and have your own little space, so it's ideal. That said, my son and his family, whose oldest has Aspergers, sat in the smoking area of the dock to Tom Saywers Island and did fine..it's a different view but very cool in its own way.