Harmonious viewing with DAS

[connie254]

Is there a viewing area for Harmonious that can be used with DAS? I remember there was a long time ago with Illuminations.

 

[PatMcDuck]

There is a wheelchair section, we used that, did not show our DAS. It was a great spot and not overly packed. We got there about 45 minutes and did find a spot on the railing, with me standing behind my son in chair. It was a last minute whim in our case. It is behind the stores as you enter WC from Futureworld, the store closer to Canada. Kinda across from that new bathroom.

 

[gap2368]

I am a nine wheelchair user and I used the area a few months ago

I do not think it was the same spot the pp said it was over kinda cose to Canada

 

[HopperFan]

DS is a non wheelchair user with a DAS and obviously disabled.

We have been refused numerous times in EPCOT even though just 2 of us.

If you don't have a wheelchair, have a backup plan in case.

 

[HashberryOTG]

I think when it comes to fireworks it's more about an area for wheelchairs, as those individuals are forced to remain seated. It allows them a space where they can actually see the show. It's less about DAS itself.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I think when it comes to fireworks it's more about an area for wheelchairs, as those individuals are forced to remain seated. It allows them a space where they can actually see the show. It's less about DAS itself.

Exactly, and that makes perfect sense.

 

[lanejudy]

I think when it comes to fireworks it's more about an area for wheelchairs, as those individuals are forced to remain seated. It allows them a space where they can actually see the show. It's less about DAS itself.

And in fact the areas reserved for wheelchairs may not be appropriate for someone with DAS depending on their needs. It may be too crowded, too loud, too busy, too long a wait, etc.

 

[SueM in MN]

I think when it comes to fireworks it's more about an area for wheelchairs, as those individuals are forced to remain seated. It allows them a space where they can actually see the show. It's less about DAS itself.

Exactly.
Trying to view fireworks in a wheelchair in the ‘regular’ areas doesn’t work very well.
We’ve tried it with our daughter when we were too late and the accessible viewing areas were full. I scooted myself down to see what she could see - because of people standing in front of us/her, including people with children on their shoulders, she could only see the tops of a few of the higher fireworks.

The CMs usually have guests using wheelchairs and other mobility devices park very close together (nearly touching) across the front of the viewing area with room for one person to stand behind them. Sometimes there are 2 rows of mobility devices and the CMs may ask the people standing to go to the back of the area or kneel in front of/behind the mobility device.
Our experience is that some of the areas fill up about an hour ahead.

And in fact the areas reserved for wheelchairs may not be appropriate for someone with DAS depending on their needs. It may be too crowded, too loud, too busy, too long a wait, etc.

I agree with everything lanejudy wrote

 

[SueM in MN]

Specifically for Harmonious, it can be viewed from anywhere around World Showcase lagoon.
There are fences all along the water, so many people find it works well to have the person who needs more ‘space’ right along the fence and have the rest of the group alongside and behind so no one can come within the ‘bubble’ they created.
You can look for a possible spot during the day - just look for all the barges and decide what kind of view it would give.
It will be busiest and most crowded the closer you are to the World Showcase entrance or the International Gateway between France and the UK. Also keep in mind that the terraced areas by Italy and France are often roped off for use by parties.
If you don’t care about being right up by the water, the bridges by the Odyssey Building (near First Aid and Baby Care) give a pretty good overview and are usually not crowded. If it’s too noisy, you can also retreat into the restrooms right there.

When leaving, we always wait 10-15 minutes before even trying to leave. The first part of the crowd usually starts walking out before the show is even over. Waiting a few minutes means a leisurely walk with a few people instead of a hectic walk with the crowd. And, if you are using the buses, the first packed buses will likely already have gone