Handicap viewing area for the castle fireworks show

[Claudia1]

We just used the handicap viewing area tonight at MK and I'm wondering if our experience tonight was a typical one. Our party of 6 had 2 ECVs and 1 wheelchair. We have used it twice before and loved how well managed it always was. Previously, we got there early and were in the front row. The CMs usually had the family to sit if in the front row and watched out for the back rows to provide for as clear as possible viewing for those who are seated in the back rows. Yes, it is impossible for everyone to see everything but they usually do a great job at keeping order and being fair.

The rules have always been simple and fair: 1) they allow up to 5 people per mobility device but they have to stay behind the device to allow viewing for the guest needing the service, 2) you can come and go as needed but one person has to stay there to hold your spot, and 3) the CMs usually monitor the standing guests in front and often tell them to be seated so the back rows of seated guests can see.

Tonight was different. A couple was in the very front row on that small fence wall in the front holding their spot. We were seated in the second row behind them. They didn't have a wheelchair or scooter but we assumed someone would come later with it or they had DAS. Not a big deal. Holding spots happens all the time.

About 10 minutes before the castle show started, 6-7 adults joined the party but no one had a mobility device. They stood the whole time, directly in front of us. This was different than a family standing behind mobility devices. It was a wall of adults. We could only see the spires of the castle and higher. (By the end of the day, standing for the show was not an option for the 3 of us although we tried for awhile.) Nobody told them to sit down or approach them. We decided not to say anything because at the beginning of show, one of them proposed to another. I didn't want to mess up their moment but we were celebrating, too. Our beloved DIL just finished intensive chemo and had a negative CT scan, so we were specifically there to watch her favorite show with her to celebrate that she was going to live. (She required the wheelchair for lack of stamina; DH and I use our own ECVs for physical limitations.)

I'm not being a Karen here. If I was I would have spoken up at the show and been a jerk. (Seriously, I had plenty of time and reason to speak up but I didn't want to mess up their moment.) I'm just wondering if this is typical. If so, we will be more diligent from now on to arrive very early to get the front row.

What are your experiences with the special viewing area? Any tips other than arrive very early to get in front? Am I missing something?

 

[ttintagel]

My experience has been that the procedure changes a lot. I assume it depends on the general crowd conditions on the particular night. I can't say I've ever had an experience exactly like the one you had tonight OR exactly like your two previous ones.

 

[MinnieMSue]

When I took my parents in wheelchairs I. February 2022 there was a solid wall of people standing in front row and they couldn’t see at all. The only good thing for me was that I was standing in the back and it was such a low crowd that I wasn’t all claustrophobic in the mix. But I felt terrible for my parents. It was there one time to see the show.

 

[Selket]

At the Epcot area near the boat launch there's a HC viewing area (behind one of the stores sort of) and it's so large you naturally get people who stand up behind their families who may be in mobility devices but the people behind them struggle to see. Fortunately I can usually stand up in one place long enough to see the show, so don't always use that area and just stand up when the show starts (in a non HC area). That's been my strategy for the most part. Otherwise I think you're right that you need a front row if you need to remain seated. I've found that the CMs do not limit those who can stand from standing in front of those in WC's.

I think if that happens again OP it's worth asking a CM if there's anything they can do. One issue I had at a parade, a huge group stood - all spread out - in front of a ton of people in WC's and the people who complained the loudest got moved. I do feel sorry for the CM's because its a touchy situation for them to handle.

 

[ttintagel]

The time that always sticks out in my memory was the time it was really crowded at the MK (first week in June). The CM was letting each person in a wheelchair bring two people into the area with them - one standing behind and one sitting in front. They were being strict about it, too.

And then one woman came in with about fifteen or twenty minutes to go. In addition to herself and her wheelchair, she had six children and one other adult, and she refused to let the other adult take some of the children and watch outside of the enclosure. The CM patiently explained over and over that there wasn't room, but she wouldn't budge. The CM eventually went and got their lead, and instead of backing them up the lead instantly caved. Not only that, he went and got free candy and popcorn for all the kids. The CM ended up having to turn two other parties away. And then the kids kept getting up and trying to run into the street during the parade, and throwing popcorn and candy at the floats while the two adults completely ignored them.

 

[MinnieMSue]

The time that always sticks out in my memory was the time it was really crowded at the MK (first week in June). The CM was letting each person in a wheelchair bring two people into the area with them - one standing behind and one sitting in front. They were being strict about it, too.

And then one woman came in with about fifteen or twenty minutes to go. In addition to herself and her wheelchair, she had six children and one other adult, and she refused to let the other adult take some of the children and watch outside of the enclosure. The CM patiently explained over and over that there wasn't room, but she wouldn't budge. The CM eventually went and got their lead, and instead of backing them up the lead instantly caved. Not only that, he went and got free candy and popcorn for all the kids. The CM ended up having to turn two other parties away. And then the kids kept getting up and trying to run into the street during the parade, and throwing popcorn and candy at the floats while the two adults completely ignored them.

Ugh I can’t stand people being rewarded for bad behavior. That makes my blood boil. That poor cast member.

 

[decheez]

From what i understand, the viewing area used to officially be only for mobility devices, but cast members would often let in those with other invisible disabilities. I used this area multiple times and am not using a mobility device. When I went back in May of 2022 they had made the viewing area larger and were much more organized. I approached a cast member again to ask if it was ok and she told me that it was now for all disabilities. Which I greatly appreciated since I always felt like I was doing something 'wrong' before but without having that area which is slightly less crowded, I probably wouldn't get to enjoy the fireworks from inside the park unless it was from extremely far away where there was little crowding. We had gotten there very early (just setting up the ropes), so I asked about how fast it fills up and she basically said that it can fill up quickly and if you're further back in the area there may be others standing in front of you which limits your ability to see. Nothing about any rules about sitting down. In fact she led me to a specific spot and told me I could stand at the front and my companion behind me. I've been in that area 5-6 times now, probably abut half in the front row and I've always stood with my companion standing either directly behind or beside me and nobody has ever asked me to sit down. I need a buffer from other people so it depends on the crowds. I also had a chat last May with a cast member while I was waiting for my companion to get back from grabbing a drink. I asked about how many were allowed in, since I sometimes saw large groups. She said that it's 'situational', so either she wasn't sure of the official rules, or it's left to the cast member's discretion.

So please remember that not everybody has a visible disability and unless it has changed since November (last time I used the area), Disney allows this.

 

[MinnieMSue]

From what i understand, the viewing area used to officially be only for mobility devices, but cast members would often let in those with other invisible disabilities. I used this area multiple times and am not using a mobility device. When I went back in May of 2022 they had made the viewing area larger and were much more organized. I approached a cast member again to ask if it was ok and she told me that it was now for all disabilities. Which I greatly appreciated since I always felt like I was doing something 'wrong' before but without having that area which is slightly less crowded, I probably wouldn't get to enjoy the fireworks from inside the park unless it was from extremely far away where there was little crowding. We had gotten there very early (just setting up the ropes), so I asked about how fast it fills up and she basically said that it can fill up quickly and if you're further back in the area there may be others standing in front of you which limits your ability to see. Nothing about any rules about sitting down. In fact she led me to a specific spot and told me I could stand at the front and my companion behind me. I've been in that area 5-6 times now, probably abut half in the front row and I've always stood with my companion standing either directly behind or beside me and nobody has ever asked me to sit down. I need a buffer from other people so it depends on the crowds. I also had a chat last May with a cast member while I was waiting for my companion to get back from grabbing a drink. I asked about how many were allowed in, since I sometimes saw large groups. She said that it's 'situational', so either she wasn't sure of the official rules, or it's left to the cast member's discretion.

So please remember that not everybody has a visible disability and unless it has changed since November (last time I used the area), Disney allows this.

We all know about invisible disabilities but it is a shame to have people standing in front of wheelchair guests especially an entire party of people standing in front of people who have to sit. I guess to have family with the wheelchair bound guests you are always going to have people standing in front of others but I feel bad that they do that. Personally with my claustrophobia I would prefer that area but I definitely would be in the back if I ever did use that space if I didn’t have a member of my group in a wheelchair. No way I could be comfortable knowing I was blocking their view. You did nothing wrong since they made you stand in front of wheelchairs but knowing how little my parents could see it makes me very sad that they do that.

 

[gap2368]

I have used this area a number of times each time has been a little different but the way I like it is where they put wheelchair ECV in the front two rows and people with just the DAS in the back leaning agents the fence.

 

[Claudia1]

So please remember that not everybody has a visible disability and unless it has changed since November (last time I used the area), Disney allows this.

I'm perfectly fine with that and I understand completely. I'm glad they made it official.

The time that always sticks out in my memory was the time it was really crowded at the MK (first week in June). The CM was letting each person in a wheelchair bring two people into the area with them - one standing behind and one sitting in front. They were being strict about it, too.

That was our experience the first two time we used it so I expected it to be the standard.

Thanks, everyone, for your input. I know it is an impossible situation but now I know that it's up to me to get there early if I don't want anyone standing in front of me, not the CMs or "the policy". Knowing how it works will make for a better, more manageable experience for our family in the future.