Paint the Night with a wheelchair

[Zbugz]

My wheelchair-bound dd and I are doing one day at DL, and our top priority is seeing the Paint the Night Parade. We will be there on Thursday, Feb. 4th., and there is only one parade on the schedule: 7 p.m. I don't expect it to be super busy. I am hesitant to try the designated ECV/Handicapped spots, as they are often overfilled and not that great.

How far ahead should we grab a spot on a "curb" to ensure my daughter can see? Anywhere along the parade route is fine. We don't need a prime spot for the fireworks afterwards.

I'd appreciate any suggested strategies, including the reserved dinner options.

TIA, Zbugz

 

[Angel Ariel]

We used the designated handicapped section for PTN in november, and actually thought it was very well positioned to see the parade. It's by the exit of pixie hollow, and when the parade starts at small world (first showing), each section of the parade stops to do its small dance bit pretty much right there.

We got there not long before the parade started, so we were back a bit in the section (3 rows or so). I think if we had gotten there about 45 mins prior to the parade start we would have been more up front, if not front (in the reserved handicapped section).

For other curbed areas, we saw people getting curbside spots for the 430 christmas fantasy parade and staying in their spots until PTN. I got the impression from the boards that that was not unusual, and had been happening with the regular daytime parade also.

 

[Zbugz]

Thanks, Angel Ariel, that is very helpful. Were all in your party able to see well enough from the third row back?

 

[Angel Ariel]

Thanks, Angel Ariel, that is very helpful. Were all in your party able to see well enough from the third row back?

The rest of us were able to stand, and we had no problems seeing over everyone in front of us. In fact, pretty much everyone in front of us was seated also. We were really the back of the area, so us standing wasn't impeding anyone else's view (I actually stood right in front of the sign that designated the area the handicapped viewing, and it was taller than I am ). Here are some photos that sort of show the area (sorry, I zoomed in more than out, so this is the best I've got for showing the seating

This one was taken looking towards it's a small world (where the parade started)

This one was taken looking towards the castle/Hub (as the parade went past us)

This gives you an idea of where the "performances" from each section of the parade started relative to where we were.

It really was a fantastic location. I looked at our photos and it looks like we got to our spot around 8:26 or so and the parade got to the location around 8:50. IIRC, the parade start time at small world was 8:15.

ETA: I was corrected below that the start time for PTN is appx 8:40 pm, so it only took about 10 mins for the parade to reach us from small world.

 

[Zbugz]

Wow, you rock! Thanks so much. I am leaning towards saving the $122 I'd spend on a Blue Bayou dinner and going for the wheelchair area.

 

[chicagoshannon]

We were in that same area in early December. It worked out really well and there was only one other wheelchair family there.

 

[Malcon10t]

It really was a fantastic location. I looked at our photos and it looks like we got to our spot around 8:26 or so and the parade got to the location around 8:50. IIRC, the parade start time at small world was 8:15.

It only takes the parade about 10 mins to reach the castle area. The parade usually goes off about about 8:40p.

 

[Angel Ariel]

It only takes the parade about 10 mins to reach the castle area. The parade usually goes off about about 8:40p.

Ah, then my timing with when we got in place was right (time stamps from photos), but I misremembered the start time for the parade. Thanks! I'll edit my post to reflect that.

 

[NiceOneSimba]

Last weekend, the parade was at 8 and the fireworks were at 8:40. I think it varies depending on time of year.

 

[Zbugz]

Last weekend, the parade was at 8 and the fireworks were at 8:40. I think it varies depending on time of year.

Yes, and for the beginning of February they are at 7:00 and 7:40.

 

[Malcon10t]

Last weekend, the parade was at 8 and the fireworks were at 8:40. I think it varies depending on time of year.

Yes, but if the parade was passing the castle at 850p, as the poster noted, the parade stepped off at IASW at 840p. I'm sorry, my post sounded like I was saying it always starts at 840p. That wasn't my intent. Over Christmas, they had a PTN parade at 640p also. It can vary weekly. Check the guide for the times.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Yes, but if the parade was passing the castle at 850p, as the poster noted, the parade stepped off at IASW at 840p. I'm sorry, my post sounded like I was saying it always starts at 840p. That wasn't my intent. Over Christmas, they had a PTN parade at 640p also. It can vary weekly. Check the guide for the times.

It was passing us outside the exit of pixie hollow (at the handicapped section) at 8:50, so yes, it probably started at 8:40ish. Which, once you said it, sounded familiar..not sure why I thought it was 8:15

But yes, for anyone reading, check the times guide..times will differ depending on the time of year. I was just giving the time stamps to give an idea of what time we arrived at the section (and what seats we were able to get then), what time the parade started, and what time it arrived at our location to help the OP figure out when it would be best for them to arrive.

 

[cinder-ellah]

Can you tell me if you can stay in that area for the fireworks and how the view is ?

 

[Angel Ariel]

I would not stay in the area we were seated for fireworks as you won't see much of anything. I would either walk down to small world and watch them from that area, or walk quickly around the matterhorn back into the hub and try and find a space in the hub.

 

[cinder-ellah]

I would not stay in the area we were seated for fireworks as you won't see much of anything. I would either walk down to small world and watch them from that area, or walk quickly around the matterhorn back into the hub and try and find a space in the hub.

Thank you for the info.