Question on view from wheelchair area for kids in group?

[kungaloosh]

Hi Everyone,
Thanks to a ruptured disc that has reherniated 3 times and an upcoming disc fusion surgery I will be in a wheelchair for my upcoming trip to WDW. I found a great post from a while ago that listed the attractions that you can stay in your wheelchair for and the one's you need to transfer and that's going to be very helpful. Today I have a question because I've been thinking about my group.
DH and I are traveling with 2 dear friends and their 8 year old DD and our 7 year old niece. I was thinking about the shows where the wheelchairs can go right in and park in a designated area. Are there any shows where I should have our friends take the 2 girls and sit apart from us so that the girls will be able to see better? This is their first time and I want them to have the best time possible and be able to experience everything to the outmost.
I appreciate any ideas on this. This forum has been so helpful to me getting ready for this trip and the new experience of being in a wheelchair.

Thanks,
Cathy

 

[momhmmx2]

Cathy, So sorry to read about your injury!

The biggest advice I can give is to rent an ECV!!! Your family will thank you!

I can't remember how many miles it is the avg person walks at Disney a day, but I remember it being a lot! And to have to push someone the entire time would be exhausting.

I had to rent an ECV for one of my trips due to ankle surgery and it was well worth the cost for myself to have my own independence (not relying on others to push me) and my family didn't have to push!

Oh and to answer your original question..never had an issue with the kids being able to see!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Three different situations.

1. Rides where there is a separate entrance for people in wheelchairs or ECVs. These are normally limited to the disabled person plus up to five more.

2. Shows normally will have spaces designed for two chairs with seating for a few people on either side. Normally the row directly in front is reserved for additional peoples who are accompanying the disabled Guest.

3. Parades with reserved areas the chairs/ECVs are right up to the rope wheel to wheel. Other (often limited number) of people with them must stand behind the chair.

 

[LisaBi]

I would have them separate at VOTLM, Mickeys Philharmagic, and Indiana Jones. Those all have w/c in the back and they could probably see better closer up.

For BATB you can usually request to go down front....but I wouldn't do it with a wheelchair - just an ECV...long steep ramp.

AI and FOTLK have w/c in front.

I know there are more shows, but those are all can think of right now.

 

[lanejudy]

You likely would need to split up. Many of the w/c seating areas only allow for 1 or 2 companions to sit immediately with the person in the wheelchair (or ECV). Others may be able to sit nearby or elsewhere. Most of the w/c seating at shows is in the rear, though not always.

At parades, again you should expect to split up if you wish to use the w/c reserved seating areas; depending on crowd levels and demand for the reserved section, they may only allow the w/c person plus 1 other - as a family of 3 our family was allowed to have 1 sit in front and another stand behind. My family has actually found that we prefer other viewing areas (not reserved) and we simply arrive early enough to claim our spot along the curb. We send someone for snacks/drinks, sit and have a rest break while waiting for the parade.

Regular rides, the w/c + 5 others in the party will be allowed to use the accessible entrance, so you should all be able to stay together.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[mayaflysmama]

Not sure if they are interested in Disney Jr show, but seating there is in the back for w/c. This is actually a better place to sit since everyone sits on the floor and it is hard to see the stage if you are too close. You could always all wait together then the girls could just sit in front of you. If you get to the parade sites early enough you can sit in the w/c area and they can be along side you outside the ropes that way they can still be in front and see, but you will still be together. We have seen people do this for the Illuminations viewing areas also when there is a larger group.