Where are the EVC reserved spots for parades/fireworks?

[disneypolybride2008]

Hi, at the Magic Kingdom, where is the reserved ECV section for parades and fireworks? How many of their guests can go in the reserved area also?

Thanks!

 

[KPeveler]

I am not quite sure about the answer to your question, but at Illuminations my three family members could come in with me, but they all had to sit on the ground to watch the show. I am not sure about in the MK, but in Epcot, they will have to sit on the ground (so the second row of wcs can see). That was difficult for my mom, so next time we will find another place to go... Hope someone here has an answer for you...

 

[toocherie]

someone must have ESP because I was thinking of this question this morning, but wanted to know about ALL of the parks. Is there a map or something the Cms give out that tell you where the ECV parking for parades is at each park?

 

[Talking Hands]

MK 3 areas for the parades, none for the fireworks Hub across from Guest services, Castle to right in center area, Liberty Square across from Hall of the Presidents. This last one is shared with interpreting for the deaf for the 3pm parade on Mon and Thurs
Epcot At least 3 areas I know of for Illuminations entrance, Germany and I think Mexico
Studios several areas for wheelchair Interpreting for deaf is a separate area in front of Time Board for afternoon parade on Sun and Wed
AK at least one area for wheelchair in front of Creature Comforts Interpreting for the deaf is nearby to the left of Creature Comforts on Sat

 

[Cheshire Figment]

There is no reserved spot in MK for fireworks, but I have my own "secret spot" that I will only provide by PM.

 

[SueM in MN]

The locations for parades and Illuminations are marked on the park maps. How many can stay with you is opartly dependent on how busy it is. Since they line up wheelchair and ECVs along the front of the area, you will likely be standing behind if tjhere is only one row or sitting on the ground if there arev2rows.

 

[phisigprincess]

Ask the CMs when you get in the park. And if they don't know or give you an answer that you don't think is right, ask another.

We had our first ECV experience last week and we used the handicap areas for Illuminations, Spectro, and Block Party Bash. For Illuminations we were in Germany. The CM said he could let about 2 other people in to the area - that was fine, because the rest of us just stood next to it. For Spectro we were on the center of the hub facing the Rose Garden. All 6 of us watched it from there. For the Block Party Bash, they reserved the spot in front of Sounds Dangerous.

All were great spots and it paid to ask the CMs where they were located.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's a link to the park map for Magic Kingdom.
Look for the P by a wheelchair symbol along the red dotted line that marks the parade route. There is one on Main Street in front of the train station, in the hub in front of the castle and Liberty Square area sort of across from the Paddleboat.

Here's a link for the map to Epcot.
The Illuminations viewing spots are around the WS waterway. Look for the Red I with a wheelchair symbol next to it. There are 2 at Showcase Plaza right as you enter WS. There is one between Canada and the UK. The last is the one that phisigprincess mentioned in front of Germany.
For Illuminations, there are many good spots along WS besides the actual wheelchair spots. Before it gets dark, you want to look for the barges sort of in the middle of the water, sort of near where the number 21 is on the map. During the show, a large globe will move between the barges and the show will be centered there. If you have a clear view of the barges, you will have a clear view of the part of the show that is on the ground. Also, be aware of which way the wind is blowing. If it is blowing toward you, the smoke from the fireworks will blow toward you too.

Here's a link to the AK map
The red dotted line shows the parade route and the P with a wheelchair symbol shows the viewing spots. They are all shaded, although you can't tell from the map.

And, finally a link to the Disney Hollywood Studios Map.
There are 2 viewing spots, in front of the Sorceror's Hat. The Block Party viewing spot that phisigprincess mentioned is near Mickey's hand on the map.

All these maps are the regular park maps and you can pick them up at almost any shop or cart in the park.

 

[kimsuenew]

Here's a link to the park map for Magic Kingdom.
Look for the P by a wheelchair symbol along the red dotted line that marks the parade route. There is one on Main Street in front of the train station, in the hub in front of the castle and Liberty Square area sort of across from the Paddleboat.

Here's a link for the map to Epcot.
The Illuminations viewing spots are around the WS waterway. Look for the Red I with a wheelchair symbol next to it. There are 2 at Showcase Plaza right as you enter WS. There is one between Canada and the UK. The last is the one that phisigprincess mentioned in front of Germany.
For Illuminations, there are many good spots along WS besides the actual wheelchair spots. Before it gets dark, you want to look for the barges sort of in the middle of the water, sort of near where the number 21 is on the map. During the show, a large globe will move between the barges and the show will be centered there. If you have a clear view of the barges, you will have a clear view of the part of the show that is on the ground. Also, be aware of which way the wind is blowing. If it is blowing toward you, the smoke from the fireworks will blow toward you too.

Here's a link to the AK map
The red dotted line shows the parade route and the P with a wheelchair symbol shows the viewing spots. They are all shaded, although you can't tell from the map.

And, finally a link to the Disney Hollywood Studios Map.
There are 2 viewing spots, in front of the Sorceror's Hat. The Block Party viewing spot that phisigprincess mentioned is near Mickey's hand on the map.

All these maps are the regular park maps and you can pick them up at almost any shop or cart in the park.

Awesome Sue! Thank you!

 

[DancingBear]

Bumping this up to ask if certain of the designated viewing areas are generally less crowded than others. My guess would be that Frontierland at MK and Germany at EPCOT are generally less crowded than the other spots at those parks.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

Am I correct in that it is not mandatory to use the HC areas as long as the ECV or WC doesn't get in the way of foot traffic? Does anyone know of any specific sections at MK and Epcot that would be out of the way but still have a good view?

 

[blondietink]

We have tried all the wheelchair areas in all of the parks and have not liked them for one reason or the other. At MK, they are all very crowded and don't exactly have good viewing. Many times the wheelchairs/ecv's have been two rows, with walking guests standing behind the 2 rows of wheelchairs. At times, many people have gotten very pushy in this environment and very rude. At Epcot there are usually either trees in the way or are too close to the fireworks, although we do love watching from the wheelchair area right in front of the lagoon before entering world showcase. It's a bad place for pictures, though. Be careful of the wind direction anywhere at Epcot as you can easily get smoked out. AK is crowded but the wheelchair spot right before the bridge going into Asia is pretty good. At HS with the new parade format, it is more of a non-moving show so we are not thrilled with that parade any more. Much too loud for my DS with Autism, even though he wears hearing protectors.

Over the last 8 years we have found much better parade viewing spots than the wheelchair areas. But, you have to get there early and be willing to wait, especially at MK. Yes, you can just pull up your wheelchair or ECV anywhere along the route that is either empty or have people sitting on the ground in front of you. We have found the best fireworks viewing at MK is right in front of the castle inside the circle or right in front of the popcorn stand on the outer rim of the circle.

 

[mechurchlady]

Am I correct in that it is not mandatory to use the HC areas as long as the ECV or WC doesn't get in the way of foot traffic? Does anyone know of any specific sections at MK and Epcot that would be out of the way but still have a good view?

That is correct. As long as a guest is not past the ropes or curb or blocking traffic then they may watch from that spot. Don't move the trash cans though as those are used as markers for the float drivers. Not sure where an out of the way place would be for the parades.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

Thanks blondietink and mechurchlady . I didn't know the trash cans were used as markers for the parades. I see people letting their children move them all of the time. You learn something everyday. LoL Thanks again!

 

[mechurchlady]

Clarification: The trash cans as markers is for those places where there are no obvious curbs. DCA is one place that CMs were very adamant about the no moving trash cans. If you are on a parade route you might be told not to move them for that reason. East coast and west coast are at times different.

I remember at both coasts seeing people told to move their stroller past the rope because they stuck into traffic. Just because something is available does not mean you have to use it. A fond memory of fireworks at Epcot was being parked next to a bench in the back of a path that was next to the water's edge. It was not handicapped marked but I had the best time with strangers and the best view possible.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

I remember at both coasts seeing people told to move their stroller past the rope because they stuck into traffic. Just because something is available does not mean you have to use it. A fond memory of fireworks at Epcot was being parked next to a bench in the back of a path that was next to the water's edge. It was not handicapped marked but I had the best time with strangers and the best view possible.

So basically the same rules apply to ECV/WC as to standing viewers. Stay on the curb, behind the rope, and don't block the sidewalks. I got it. That sounds like a terrific place you had there at Epcot. I hope I can find something similar. Thanks for the help.