handicapped illuminations viewing

[smidgy]

now that the Fast Pass area for illuminations is in the world showcase plaza, does anyone know if there is still handicapped viewing there? or do we need a FP for a wheelchair in the world showcase plaza? and could he get in front? or have to stand behind people standing.

I know there are other wheelchair areas around the lagoon, but viewing directly in front (world showcase plaza) is the best way my husband with low vision can see the show)

 

[SueM in MN]

I can't say from recent experience, but this is still correct as far as I know.
The Fastpass viewing area has been the World Showcase area between the 2 shops as you enter the World Showcase. From what I know, it's been that area since at least 2015.
The designated handicapped viewing areas in the World Showcase area have always been the areas along the water just in front of the shops to the boat dock on each side of the Fastpass area. We did not use either of them when we were at WDW in April, but I did see the signs there.
The park map I pulled this screenshot from is dated 5/16, so it's recent. It was posted on the wdwinfo.com site.
If he can't get into one of those areas, the Canada handicapped viewing area is the next closest. It's not as 'front and center' as the ones right in front, but its still pretty close.

If you do choose to get Fastpasses, I would suggest getting there as soon as possible after the start of your Fastpass time. Maybe someone else knows, but I don't know if they have any designated handicapped viewing areas in the Fastpass area.

 

[smidgy]

thanks so much! last year we got a FP and were able to stand in the 2nd row, so my husband could see it pretty well (low vision) but this next trip I'll be pushing him in a wheelchair since he had 5 spinal fusions in nov.

 

[dismom57]

There is a handicap area in the FPP area, towards England and right at the edge of the lagoon. It was more central than the regular HC area. When we used, one person could stand with DS and others had to remain back about 6 feet. But they did not need a second row for HC viewing so everyone move up. It was an excellent view.

 

[elmoandzoey]

There is a handicap area in the FPP area, towards England and right at the edge of the lagoon. It was more central than the regular HC area. When we used, one person could stand with DS and others had to remain back about 6 feet. But they did not need a second row for HC viewing so everyone move up. It was an excellent view.

This. We had FP+ for Illuminations early May and when we got in, they told us they had a handicapped section to the right (the side England is on, but not as far out as England ). We first went there but because my kids had to stand in the back and not directly behind me so they could fit in 2 rows of WCs, we opted to go to the regular viewing area instead. If you are ok of possibly not standing with your DH, it's a great view. If you need to stand with your DH, be prepared you may not be able to unless he's in the second row.

 

[SueM in MN]

This. We had FP+ for Illuminations early May and when we got in, they told us they had a handicapped section to the right (the side England is on, but not as far out as England ). We first went there but because my kids had to stand in the back and not directly behind me so they could fit in 2 rows of WCs, we opted to go to the regular viewing area instead. If you are ok of possibly not standing with your DH, it's a great view. If you need to stand with your DH, be prepared you may not be able to unless he's in the second row.

You can see it on the map above - it's between Canada and the U.K., closer to the UK.

There are also the two I mentioned that are closer to the Fastpass area.

 

[ButterflyEffect]

Which one of the viewing areas should I go to with my dd if I need to stay with her in her wheelchair, it would mean we couldn't stay if I can't be right with her. Thanks!

 

[wilkeliza]

Which one of the viewing areas should I go to with my dd if I need to stay with her in her wheelchair, it would mean we couldn't stay if I can't be right with her. Thanks!

Your best bet would be the UK or Italy area. However most of the areas will let the entire family stay when it is a group with kids. It is up to the CMs but the Epcot map does say parties up to 6 so the person in a wheel chair plus 5 others. It depends on how crowded it is that day though if those rules change.

 

[SueM in MN]

The only ones likely to be an issue would be the ones right near the entrance to World Showcase. Those are frequently the most crowded and often have 2 rows of wheelchairs.

They usually have the guests using wheelchairs parked close together along the fence overlooking the water.
The rest of your group would be behind you.
In general, 5 guests may accompany one person using s wheelchair or other mobility device, but they may limit that if it is especially busy. You will always be allowed


Many people with mobility devices choose not to use the handicapped viewing areas for Illiminations. You can just park yourself by the fence anywhere along the World Showcase Lagoon. Other members of your family can serve as 'buffers' next to and behind the guest using a wheelchair.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

best way my husband with low vision can see the show)

1) Get to the viewing area of your choice WELL before show time.
2) The area is reserved, but the actual spots are not.

 

[elmoandzoey]

You can see it on the map above - it's between Canada and the U.K., closer to the UK.

There are also the two I mentioned that are closer to the Fastpass area.

Oh I didn't talk about the area between Canada and England. The OP I quoted was talking about FP+ so I just shared my experience with FP+ in an ECV. The one in Showcase Plaza on the map towards the Canada side (but still in the Plaza) was only accessible with FP+. The handicapped area towards Mexico in the Plaza wasn't open when we were there (week before 5/16) as that area was the dedicated dessert party area.

 

[SueM in MN]

Oh I didn't talk about the area between Canada and England. The OP I quoted was talking about FP+ so I just shared my experience with FP+ in an ECV. The one in Showcase Plaza on the map towards the Canada side (but still in the Plaza) was only accessible with FP+. The handicapped area towards Mexico in the Plaza wasn't open when we were there (week before 5/16) as that area was the dedicated dessert party area.

That's really odd
I wonder if Fastpass was not offered for the dates of the map?
The date on the bottom of the map was 5/16

 

[elmoandzoey]

That's really odd
I wonder if Fastpass was not offered for the dates of the map?
The date on the bottom of the map was 5/16

I'll see if I can find my Epcot map from that week and look what was listed on there. I just know the handicapped spot towards Canada was not available to people without FP+ because there was a couple trying to get in and they were told they had to go to one of the other spots as they didn't have FP+.

 

[smidgy]

I'll see if I can find my Epcot map from that week and look what was listed on there. I just know the handicapped spot towards Canada was not available to people without FP+ because there was a couple trying to get in and they were told they had to go to one of the other spots as they didn't have FP+.

I'll be very interested in your search results.. thanks!