Illuminations Viewing Areas

[BuzzandWoodyMom]

Can someone tell me where the roped off handicap viewing areas are for the Illuminations show at Epcot?

 

[ladyjubilee]

Can someone tell me where the roped off handicap viewing areas are for the Illuminations show at Epcot?

This maps shows them http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/epcot.htm

I would mention that the area near the UK is VERY close to the fireworks...uncomfortably so. We had a lot of cinders falling on us, and the display was so intense we had to leave the area.

 

[BuzzandWoodyMom]

Thank you for that info. My Dad is going with us in November and he uses a cane, and we are actually going to be trying out his new cane that has a seat attached. I know he would not be able to stand for that long to get a good viewing spot for Illuminations and if he is seated on his cane "seat" he probably won't be able to see over the crowds.

 

[zaksmom]

We like to use the ones at Showcase Plaza. Great view of the globe. It's almost right in front of you. After it is over, you are closer to the exit. We have also liked the one in front of Germany. There is a bench there that family members can sit.

 

[BuzzandWoodyMom]

Thanks so much for the info

 

[dasan]

This maps shows them http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/epcot.htm

I would mention that the area near the UK is VERY close to the fireworks...uncomfortably so. We had a lot of cinders falling on us, and the display was so intense we had to leave the area.

We were at Epcot on Aug. 14 right in front of UK and the fireworks were
not close to us at all. It was a great view from that location and not busy.

Perhaps they changed locations from when you went.

 

[SueM in MN]

We were at Epcot on Aug. 14 right in front of UK and the fireworks were
not close to us at all. It was a great view from that location and not busy.

Perhaps they changed locations from when you went.

The fireworks have been shot off from the same place for many, many years.
They are shot fom barges on the water - sort of in the middle of the water. During the afternoon, they pull barges that have been loaded with fireworks into place in an area kind of lined up with the entrance to World Showcase ( but far into the water). Look for the location of those barges for an idea of the view from different areas. You will also see another barge with a globe on it docked near the American pavilion. That will move into position between the other barges during the show.

The barges are far enough out in the water that embers/cinders should not be a problem. What can change is the wind and which way smoke is getting blown since smoke is very light and can carry a long way.

The handicapped viewing areas can get very crowded - and can even be crowded when the parks are not that busy; it depends on how many people with special needs are there using the spots on that day. Since many people with disabilities choose to come to WDW during non-peak times, there can be many guest with disabilities even during the quite times of year.

For example, these are things we (along with others) have encountered:
- the area by the entrance to World Showcase can be so busy that there are 3 lines of guests with mobility devices, closely packed together and lined up one row behind the other with space for other familia members only if they can kneel down next to the wheelchair or ECV.

- the area by Germany already filled to capacity when we arrived an hour before Illuminations was to begin.

Since the barges are centrally located, most areas around World Showcase have a good view. If you find the handicapped viewing spots are too full or not in a location you like, there are many spots along the fence surrounding the water that still will give a good view.

 

[DvcDoc]

I agree with Sue. We were there last week and found a spot along the fence just between the Friendship dock and Mexico that let me pull my ECV right up to the fence. The view was perfect for the whole show.