Up Front Seating at Shows - VI Daughter

[kjlc]

Our DD has a visual impairment - around 20/200 uncorrectable. She functions quite well under normal circumstances, but it's always helpful to be close at movies and stage shows.

Does anyone know how to make sure she can sit down front during any of the shows at any of the parks?

THANKS!

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Stop at Guest Relations inside any park and get a Guest Accomodation Card, know on the boards as a GAC. Explain to them your DD needs(she will need to be with you) you will be given a card that will help CM at attractions know what your DD needs are without you needing to explain it every time. More info on GACs is in the FAQ thread at the top of the page.

 

[angelbearmom]

On our last trip to DW 4 years ago I traveled with a friend whose daughter is visually impaired. She had that on her GAC. I don't think we had any trouble getting seated up front for most things we went to. Although my ds can see he has trouble focusing and doesn't see things well unless they're right in front of him so I plan to have that as a need for him as well when we go in Sept. From what I can remember we just made sure that whoever was seating us knew of her VI. Hopefully that will work for you as well.

 

[mrsksomeday]

Also make sure you don't wait until the last minute to get into a show. Arrive early to make sure you can be accomodated. Have a wonderful time!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Besides what was already written, there are some links to past threads in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread that will be helpful to you.

Also keep in mind when using the Guest Assistance Card for front row seating that sometimes you may be sitting with the people using wheelchairs if there is wheelchair seating in the front. In other shows, the only wheelchair seating is in the back, so you won't be going with the people using wheelchairs.

 

[LisaBi]

Also be aware that for some shows front row is NOT good - specifically Finding Nemo comes to mind. The front rows are actually forward of the front of the stage on the sides. Beauty and the Beast is one of the best - it is a WONDERFUL show and they have plenty of seating reserved in the first three rows for wheelchairs as well as guests with other needs. Also beware of Fantasmic - you don't want to be too close or you'll get wet. We've only sat in the back (wheelchair area) there.

 

[robyng]

Our DS is VI and his GAC card was marked that he needed to be seated near the front. We made sure to arrive to shows early and found a CM immediately to show the GAC and explain DS's needs. Often we were escorted into the shows first so my DS would be assured a seat he could see from (within 10 feet).

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I disagree with the comment about Fantasmic! I absolutely love the front row for Fantasmic! I sit there every time and only occasionally get wet. There's a pretty good distance to the stage from even the front row, so if you sit too far back and you have a VI, I imagine it would be really hard to see. If you are concerned about getting wet (which only happens if the wind is blowing a certain direction) you can always wear ponchos or bring a towel.

 

[lowie]

try to make sure that the CM understands that front isn't as good as front and center. many times with DH we are let into a show only seconds before the crowd and then they want you to move to the end of the aisle.

my best tip for VI peeps is to make sure to bring your white cane, this really helps a lot with crowds and you'll have less explaining to do.