Question about disabled viewing areas for MVMCP parade and fireworks

[2disneywego]

Hi Everyone,
Very fortunately for myself this is the first time that I will be visiting a WDW park while (hopefully) partially disabled.

On Sept. 29th, I had my left foot reconstructed. It had been crushed 2 years ago (today in fact) and was not set properly. I had bones and joints cut, pieces of bone removed and cut off, ligaments shortened and my big toe moved 1/2" over. The surgery went excellent and I seem to healing wonderfully. I'm off crutches and a cane, except for when I have to walk or stand for long periods of time.

I had bought my ticket for MVMCP for Dec. 15th long before my surgery was scheduled, figuring I'd grit my teeth through it like I'd been doing with everything else. I see my surgeon Monday and if he gives me the go-ahead, I really want to try going to MVMCP, since it's one of my absolute favorite events at WDW.

I don't believe I'll require a scooter, plus I live here, so I'm assuming they will all be rented by the time I get to the MK at 4 pm. I will be taking my cane as I know I'll be needing it at minimum by the end of the night.

I know there is a disabled viewing area at the train station, but that is very far away from where I want to be for the rest of the party. I usually avoid the first parade anyway. But, I do want to see the projections on the castle and the fireworks from the hub viewing area.

I can't sit on the ground at all since the surgery, so I have questions about the viewing area around the hub. Please excuse me if these questions have been already asked and answered in another thread or if they seem dumb or silly to some of you more experienced guests. (And, no, I am not being sarcastic) This board has made all of my trips so much more enjoyable over many years.

I will be going myself, driving and giving myself enough time to get from the parking lot to the gates before 4 pm. I have a fairly large (not heavy) cross body D23 bag to keep my hands free.

• Do I require a DAS since I'm using a cane?
• Is a DAS required to sit in the disabled viewing areas?
• Are there benches in the hub disabled viewing area to sit on?
• How far in advance do I need to arrive before the castle projections to get a seat facing the castle?
• Am I allowed to bring hot chocolate and cookies into the viewing area?
• If there is a bench to sit on, is there room for me to tuck my foot slightly underneath the bench? This is very important as it's so soon since the surgery I'll be in big trouble if someone trips, runs over, or sits on my foot. I want to try to keep out of other's way as much as possible.

I think that's all my questions so far. I'm sure some of your answers will trigger more questions in me.

After the fireworks, I intend to wait for the main crush to move down main street and then move over to Frontierland to watch the 2nd parade. Unless you think I just wait (and am able to wait) where I am for the 2nd parade.

Oh, already another question. I've heard that VoicePlay in Tomorrowland is not to be missed. Is that a standing-only entertainment, or are there places to sit and still enjoy them?

Oh, I will be busy most of the day Thursday, 12/3 and therefore after tonight's insomnia will be crashing early, so I probably won't be answering until Friday. I'm not going to be ignoring you, just didn't want you to think I was being impolite.

Thank you again for your help.
Carolyn

 

[gap2368]

• 1 Do I require a DAS since I'm using a cane?
• 2 Is a DAS required to sit in the disabled viewing areas?
• 3 Are there benches in the hub disabled viewing area to sit on?
• 4 How far in advance do I need to arrive before the castle projections to get a seat facing the castle?
• 5 Am I allowed to bring hot chocolate and cookies into the viewing area?
• 6 If there is a bench to sit on, is there room for me to tuck my foot slightly underneath the bench? This is very important as it's so soon since the surgery I'll be in big trouble if someone trips, runs over, or sits on my foot. I want to try to keep out of other's way as much as possible.

I think that's all my questions so far. I'm sure some of your answers will trigger more questions in me.

Carolyn

1 no you will not need a DAS and they will not give you one

2 no but I do not think they have the disabled spot for party but I could be wrong
3 I do not think so

4 I do not think there are sets near the coastal but I could be wrong

5 yes you can

6 I do not think so.


I think your best bet is to get an ECV since there are less people at the party they may have one if not get a wheel chair. this way you have a place to sit you can push the wheel chair to your spot to vier the projection show. maybe go over to the fast pass viewing area for the fireworks ( and no they do not have that available for the party) but as long ( and I was at kinda of 2 party this year) you are not right in the middle of the hub it is not that crowded and you can see 90% of the castle show but then you may be able to see all as I am short.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Do I require a DAS since I'm using a cane?
. . . a cane denotes a "mobility" issue
. . . mobility issues do not warrant a DAS
Is a DAS required to sit in the disabled viewing areas?
. . . the reserved area is a small plot for wheelchairs and ECV's
. . . there is no DAS area
Are there benches in the hub disabled viewing area to sit on?
. . . nope
How far in advance do I need to arrive before the castle projections to get a seat facing the castle?
. . . my best guess is 1-hour, but at least 45-minutes
. . . but, depends upon how many others line up early
. . . simply no way to tell
Am I allowed to bring hot chocolate and cookies into the viewing area?
. . . yep
If there is a bench to sit on, is there room for me to tuck my foot slightly underneath the bench?
. . . no
. . . benches in the area are almost non-existent
. . . a table at Casey's is the best bet for sitting, but requires sitting 1-1½ hours early
.
NOTE: As mentioned above, your best option is to rent an ECV.

 

[lanejudy]

Carolyn, that sounds like a painful injury and significant surgery. I'm glad you are recovering well.

There are very few benches throughout MK. It is highly recommended that if a guest will need a seat, they should use a mobility device that provides one. If you prefer to walk, a wheelchair would work as you could push it and then sit when needed. I'm not sure of availability of ECVs on party nights -- possibly fewer guests means more likelihood of getting one, but with a 4pm arrival there may not be any available. I believe you may be able to start with a wheelchair and be placed on a waiting list for when an ECV is returned. Another option for you might be a cane seat (a cane that also unfolds to a tripod seat). However, with concerns about your foot being out of the way, a cane seat might not prove to be a good option. A rollator is a walker with a seat, which might also be a good option for you.

Any benches I've seen (and again, few and far between), most had open space beneath so I think you could tuck your foot out of the way. But again, I wouldn't count on finding a bench when/where you wish to sit. And as others mentioned, benches are often "taken" well ahead of time by those willing to sit and wait.

DAS is not for mobility issues, and generally has not been in use during parties. Yes, there have been a couple reports of people using DAS during parties this fall but not many so I wouldn't count on it even if someone obtains one for non-mobility needs. More info about DAS is available in the first post of the WDW - Disability Access Service thread pinned near the top of this forum.

Good luck with your continued recovery and enjoy the party!

 

[gap2368]

I was told by a number of CM and one very high up CM ( the one person I talked to worked back stage, but had to come on stage to help me he was one of the few that come up with the DAS I also know another CM that worked on the DAS) that the DAS will only be allowed at the party/EMH for rides that normally have a long wait so 7DMT is the one I know and if there is an alternative entrance like space mountain.

I did not meant to send this thread in another direction

 

[2disneywego]

Thanks everyone for the great replies. I'll see what's available the day of the party.
I love crowd-watching while at MVMCP, and don't want to take an ECV away from a person who may need it more than me.
I had intended to get corn dog nuggets from Casey's Corner, and I am fine waiting if I'm sitting safe and out of the way. I won't take up a table, only need one chair and I'll be purchasing food there. I will happily sit and wait and watch all I can see while remaining "safe".
Thanks again for everone's help, much appreciated.

 

[gap2368]

you might want to rent a WC incase you can not find some where to sit then you will have a sit for sure. just a thought in case you need it