Rivers of light wheelchair/ECV access

[disneydork]

I am trying to find out if anyone knows what the wheelchair access is like for Rivers of Light? We were wondering if it might be safer to do a dining package, and are wondering if the dining package area is wheelchair accessible? Thanks in advance for any info anyone has!

 

[mamabunny]

When you are going?

We are planning a quick trip down at the end of April, and have grabbed FastPasses. I'm hopeful that will work!

 

[gap2368]

@mamabunny when are you going and when do you have your FP for I am going down at the end of April too

 

[Hopefully]

I am interested in knowing about ECV access if having a ROL Dining Package as well. Inclines and stairs are a big problem for me, and pictures look like there are both.
We will be going in October

 

[GranJan]

We saw the Rivers of Light show last Tuesday. We had fast passes. There was a ramp that was fine with my ECV. If walking or using a rollator it might be difficult. The seating was good. It's right in front to the far right. I think the dining package section is on the opposite side of the fast pass section. An ECV came in late & was taken to the center but people on the lowest row had to move their feet so she could drive through. Anyone with an ECV should get there early. I wouldn't attempt it without a fast pass to insure you get HA seating. It seemed that the dining package seating may be better but I'm not sure unless I tried it to compare. I was happy with our seat. There was a few spots to park ECVs with a bench in between. My husband sat on the bench. I stayed in my chair since the bench was very tall.

 

[disneydork]

I just called Disney Dining and they told me that the dining package area is wheelchair accessible. I hope that turns out to be true.

 

[mamabunny]

@mamabunny when are you going and when do you have your FP for I am going down at the end of April too

I need to check on that - our adult daughter is setting everything up for this trip, and I haven't checked to see where everything is at just yet! LOL good thing I trust her completely!

I believe our Resort dates are the 24th through the 28th, but I need to find out which night she got the FP for ROL. We are meeting friends for ROL and she had to work around their schedule. Come to think of it, I'm not even sure which Resort she decided to land at - we were talking about everything from Pop to POFQ to OKW, Poly or WL...!

 

[Bete]

I know for other events scooters are allowed in the handicap section. Is this true for River of Lights? Or is it wheelchair only for the handicap section?

 

[gap2368]

I do not think anyone know for sure I am guessing you will be allowed to take your ECV in. There are a number of us going the end of April so we should know by then

 

[GranJan]

We were there 1st week of March & saw ROL. I use a scooter & there is space for them next to a bench for family to sit. We were seated in front on the far right corner. I assume there are other areas for scooters also. After the theater was full, I did see a woman in a ECV being led towards the center. People were having to move their feet back so she could get through, sadly some chose not to move their feet leaving her very little space to drive. I would get there early with a scooter. We were seated about an hr before the show. We had FPs & ask if there was plenty of space for ECVs. We were told if we were in line at the time given on the FP, we could be seated. I don't see how they could be sure of that not knowing how many with FPs would be in ECVs. For those able to walk, there is a ramp. Just to be safe, we got in line early so they seated us. It's beautiful so I didn't mind the wait.

 

[joxer1014]

First time in AK with a wheelchair. We have our FPs for ROL but would like to know if you have to line up at a different area even with the FP?

 

[gap2368]

I am not sure but I do know that at the end of April there is ( I think 3 of use going) so you will have a great report the last week of April first week of may

 

[GranJan]

Just ask one of the workers, they'll show you where to go & help get you seated. Just don't wait till the last minute. We ask where to line up & were seated early. There's plenty of beautiful scenery so it's not bad waiting. We had FPs too. Better to be seated early than wait in line. Plus it's easier before the crowd is let in.

 

[ashleypmo]

We will be traveling with our two children with Down syndrome, one of whom will be in a SN stroller, and the other will be in a regular stroller which we'll get a wheelchair pass for. Both are mobile and can transfer out of the strollers for attractions: they need them for safety reasons (DSDs, 11, is an elopement risk). Question: best strategy for RoL? Is there special designated wheelchair seating? DAS?
My son does best in his stroller while waiting in queue, but he needs to sit down closer in order to stay engaged with shows (he has some vision issues).

With Fantasmic, we tried sitting in the wheelchair section once, but it was too far back. I ***THINK*** last trip a CM let us get our seats early-- but I can't remember for certain. I feel like I remember them telling us to go to a certain entrance and we were able to get in.

With FotLK, they let us enter early, bring him into the theater in the stroller, and then park it along the back and sit in the front row.

Any insight into how RoL will handle this? What we should expect/ask for? Thanks!

 

[gap2368]

There is no DAS for ROL or there was not at the end of Feb. begging of March when I asked

I would FP unless he can wait in line. I know the end of April there will be a few of us there and can give you a better idea of what you can do.

 

[mamabunny]

Dingity-Dang I am excited about that FP!

@ashleypmo, what @gap2368 said is what we know for sure so far. Try to get a FP for ROL because so far it is our understanding that DAS will not be utilized there.

And keep an eye on this forum, because there's at least 3 different members here who will all be at WDW at the end of the month!

2 WEEKS! SO EXCITED! (sorry, that just popped right out LOL)

 

[gap2368]

Oh no @mamabunny it is two weeks from today for me too.

Ashleypmo when are you going to disney

 

[ashleypmo]

There is no DAS for ROL or there was not at the end of Feb. begging of March when I asked

I would FP unless he can wait in line. I know the end of April there will be a few of us there and can give you a better idea of what you can do.

Oh no @mamabunny it is two weeks from today for me too.

Ashleypmo when are you going to disney

Dingity-Dang I am excited about that FP!

@ashleypmo, what @gap2368 said is what we know for sure so far. Try to get a FP for ROL because so far it is our understanding that DAS will not be utilized there.

And keep an eye on this forum, because there's at least 3 different members here who will all be at WDW at the end of the month!

2 WEEKS! SO EXCITED! (sorry, that just popped right out LOL)

We leave in about 3 weeks!!! We're taking our DD and SIL for their honeymoon. This will be his first trip!

 

[gap2368]

We leave in about 3 weeks!!! We're taking our DD and SIL for their honeymoon. This will be his first trip!

well you should know what to expect all thought I do not think any of us have a wheel chair tage I am guessing they will treat it the same as a wheel chair, I think there might be some space closer to the front, but like I said easer get a FP unless you want to wait in a long line and if you need to sit up front get a FP

 

[DisneyOma]

I second (or third) the suggestion to FP+ this attraction - wheelchair seating is limited, and if you need down front wheelchair seating even more limited. Also see the CMs at the attraction to let them know your needs.

Edited to add - from google maps, it looks like most of the HC seating is front row, accessed by ramps. One side has more seating than the other, or else it's just not an updated photo, as there is construction stuff up around the area. There are a few balconies in the top rows that look like possible HC seating, or they could be staging areas.