Tell me about the handicapped viewing areas for Fantasmic, fireworks and WOC

[cathicool]

We are a family of 5 going to DL the last few days of Sept. My son is 9 and has a few issues- he will use his stroller as a wheelchair (we will get the GAC), has sensory issues, autism, etc.
I made ressies at the Wine Country Trattoria with the WOC pkg. But didn't make any "ressies" for fantasmic (son also has multiple food allergies, so the dessert party doesn't work for us).

I am wondering about the viewing areas for handicapped patrons. We have been to WDW a few times and there is always space roped off and we stay together and watch the parades, fireworks, etc. There has never been an issue at WDW. Is it the same at DL? We don't want to be seperated and it would be really hard to maneuver my son thru large crowds b/c of the sensory issues, so we would need to be in an area "not so crowded", hence the need for the handicapped viewing section.

TIA!

 

[skiingfast]

Take a look at these two links they will have maps of the areas showing where the HCA areas are.

Fanstasmic (F!) superthread

WoC Superthread

For Fireworks it a bit tricky. There are many areas that tend to be on the edge of the viewers along the areas kept open so people can walk. Some of these places get very crowded. Some get semi obstructed view from the walkers passing in front of you. For the best view make sure you have a clear view of the castle and Matterhorn.

 

[Malcon10t]

The Fantasmic! viewing area is on the water down by the raft launch. There is no specified area for fireworks viewing. Your best bet might be to try and watch from the area around IASW. It is louder, but fewer people around.

 

[cathicool]

What is IASW?

 

[skiingfast]

What is IASW?

It's a small World.

From there you can see some of the show, but it's tricky to get an unobstructed view of Tink flying and some other show elements. There are projections shown on IASW that are the same as on the front of the castle so it can work as a fare alternative. But it may be hard to pay attention to the whole show because the fireworks are far to the side and not over IASW, so you have to look in two directions or three.

 

[cathicool]

It's a small World.

From there you can see some of the show, but it's tricky to get an unobstructed view of Tink flying and some other show elements. There are projections shown on IASW that are the same as on the front of the castle so it can work as a fare alternative. But it may be hard to pay attention to the whole show because the fireworks are far to the side and not over IASW, so you have to look in two directions or three.

Thank you!
Still trying to wrap my head around this! Seems so much "easier" at WDW.... I guess it is just because it is so familiar to me.

 

[Nonsuch]

I made ressies at the Wine Country Trattoria with the WOC pkg.

Handicap WOC seating has been changing over the summer. The Handicap areas have benches and open space for wheelchairs. These areas were located at various levels in each colored section, but have all been moved to the back.

On September 2, benches and space for wheelchairs were located within the Preferred Dining area. This is an excellent location
The area was marked off with tape on the ground rather than the typical rope and poles, so this area might be a temporary experiment. It always seemed odd that there was no Handicap seating within Preferred Dining, so I hope a permanent location is assigned.

Arrive at the WOC area early (before 8PM for a 9PM show), and request to be pre-seated.

The Preferred Dining Handicap Area is shown in Purple

 

[Nonsuch]

We don't want to be seperated and it would be really hard to maneuver my son thru large crowds b/c of the sensory issues, so we would need to be in an area "not so crowded", hence the need for the handicapped viewing section.

Go to City Hall to make arrangements for Fireworks. There are seating areas in the hub and at the train station. Your entire party will be able to sit together
Remember to make arrangements in advance (I recommend the morning).

 

[cathicool]

Go to City Hall to make arrangements for Fireworks. There are seating areas in the hub and at the train station. Your entire party will be able to sit together
Remember to make arrangements in advance (I recommend the morning).

Thanks for this idea! I will definitely do this. Also, thanks for the map and the info for WOC. The map gives me a really good idea as to the where and the how...really appreciate our info!

 

[HydroGuy]

Handicap WOC seating has been changing over the summer. The Handicap areas have benches and open space for wheelchairs. These areas were located at various levels in each colored section, but have all been moved to the back.

On September 2, benches and space for wheelchairs were located within the Preferred Dining area. This is an excellent location
The area was marked off with tape on the ground rather than the typical rope and poles, so this area might be a temporary experiment. It always seemed odd that there was no Handicap seating within Preferred Dining, so I hope a permanent location is assigned.

Arrive at the WOC area early (before 8PM for a 9PM show), and request to be pre-seated.

The Preferred Dining Handicap Area is shown in Purple

Thanks for the update! Is the HC area in PD just for PD handicapped guests or for all guests?

 

[Nonsuch]

Thanks for the update! Is the HC area in PD just for PD handicapped guests or for all guests?

I did not ask the cast member monitoring the area, but I think it is dedicated for PD. I was the first person to enter the PD area, this HC area was empty.