Magical Fireworks Voyage and wheelchair?

[slkant]

Has anyone done the Magical Fireworks Voyage Grand Gathering? I've been told it is accessible for people in wheelchairs, but as always want to doublecheck, especially since Disney's own web site seems a bit vague about boats and accessibility issues. I use a Permobil power wheelchair and want to make sure I won't run into any unexpected problems either at the boat dock or on the boat. Thanks.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have been on, including one time with Judy when she was in an ECV. They will put down a ramp, similar to the one they use for the "Freindships". Once you are on board there is a parking area in the back. The aisle is fairly wide. In Judy's situation she was able to walk (with assistance) to the regular seating area to sit with the group. I'm not sure if they will allow you to park the chair in the aisle.

 

[slkant]

It's good to know the boat ride should be accessible, but I wish there was a way to not have to be totally in the back. I'll probably hang out in the back with a friend and let the rest of the family sit in a spot with optimal viewing. At least I can elevate and tilt my wheelchair.

How was the experience overall? I should have asked that question originally. Where is the dessert reception? How far is the reception from where the boat docks? I thought I read that it was a "stand and eat" sort of thing. Is this true? That would be a shame. Technically I can stand and do a little walking, but I can't stand around and eat unless there's a table where I can place me too. Granted, I'm doing the cruise less for the food and more because I think it will be a fun way for my niece and nephew to start their first Disney vacation.

 

[BroadwayGirl]

It's good to know the boat ride should be accessible, but I wish there was a way to not have to be totally in the back. I'll probably hang out in the back with a friend and let the rest of the family sit in a spot with optimal viewing. At least I can elevate and tilt my wheelchair.

How was the experience overall? I should have asked that question originally. Where is the dessert reception? How far is the reception from where the boat docks? I thought I read that it was a "stand and eat" sort of thing. Is this true? That would be a shame. Technically I can stand and do a little walking, but I can't stand around and eat unless there's a table where I can place me too. Granted, I'm doing the cruise less for the food and more because I think it will be a fun way for my niece and nephew to start their first Disney vacation.

The boats are accessible but they are limited as to how many wheelchair/ECV guests can be accommodated. It is EXTREMELY important to let your reservationist or TA know that you need disabled access as this is held in a separate inventory in their computer systems.

As far as the snack/beverage reception goes, it is my understanding that it is sort of a cocktail party environment. That may be where you are getting the "stand and eat" information from. But it is not required that you stand. If you use a wheelchair you will be able to stay in your chair without any problem for that portion of the evening. The location varies depending on activities and conventions at the resort - they will show it on the marquee in the lobby I believe.

 

[slkant]

Thanks. You raise a very good point. I will call right now to have them make special note of the wheelchair. I usually do that as routine, but in this case I was focusing on the fact that 4 members of our group have food allergies, including one person with a fairly extensive list of allergies and somehow forgot about my own disability. As far as food, my problem is that I have a more unusual disability. I can use my arms/hands, but range of motion is very limited so that I would only be able to eat/drink if I could place my food/drink on a table and then use a special fork (or straw for drinking). Because of the limited range of motion, I also stand to eat. So cocktail-type environments don't work well.