Wish Trip! Seating for Visual Impairment and other questions

[Andrina]

Hello DIS pals!
I just love this website. I used it to plan my last trip almost 10 years ago! But I think that was when it was basically in Dave's basement ha ha it is so much different now!

We are going on a wish trip the week after Easter-yes, I know crowded--but with two high schoolers this was the only time we could go. We are excited!

I have some questions please about the best way to get seating for the nighttime events--my daughter is cortically visually impaired --but she will really love the lights and sounds of the evening shows--Illuminations, Fantasmic, Spectro etc. I have asked our wish coordinator specifically about the Spectro as her wish was to be in it--but that is not going to work. She is in a wheelchair but can easily transfer to a seat. Do you have some tips on the best way to secure the best views? Also-where do I go to see if someone wants to share an Illuminations cruise?

Thanks for the help!

 

[dmbfan]

When we went on my son's MAW trip last March, we were able to sit in the wheelchair section ( however he has a special needs stroller that we use as a wheelchair).

There is also a wonderful sub form here for MAW trips...please go check it out and introduce yourself....

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2356343

 

[jmartinez1895]

MAW will give you a special card that will tell the CMs what accomidations your child will need. I would assume they will allow you and your family to see the shows from the handicap viewing areas. Be sure to try and get to the areas early ( like an hour before if it seems very crowded) to ensure that you have a spot. Also for fantasmic, if they ahve a second showing the night you are ther it should be less crowded than the first.

 

[SueM in MN]

Your daughter will get a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) thru Make a Wish that will allow accommodations for her needs, but she would not need that to use the handicapped viewing areas for the parades since she has a wheelchair.
The viewing area are marked on all the park maps and I would suggest you check them out ahead of time so you can choose the one with the best view.
THe advantage of using the viewing spots is that you won't have to worry about someone trying to sneak in front of her or anyone hitting into her wheelchair. They can fill up fast though, so you may need to get there up to an hour before the parade.
Here are some things to think about:

Spectromagic is a parade in the street, so the wheelchair seating will not give you any better or closer view than just finding a spot by the curb along the parade route.
I would advise you NOT to use the one at the castle circle area, which is on the inside of the circle. The parade comes around the corner of the circle and you can really only see it when it is right on front of you.

Illuminations has the closest viewing in the area right as you enter World Showcase. That also tends to get the most crowded and we have been there when they had wheelchairs lined up 2 and 3 deep in the viewing area. For that reason, we usually just find a spot along the fence surrounding the water. After Illuminations is over, don't walk out right away. Let the crowds clear and your way out will be much easier. It will also allow your DD to see all the lights in the different areas without people blocking her view.

Fantasmic has wheelchair seating along the top row of the amphitheater. There are a very few wheelchair spots at the front row, as close as possible to the action. I'd suggest you stop in Guest Relations early in the day and explain your needs for Fantasmic to see how they would suggest you get her needs met.
If you do sit in the front row, bring something along to protect yourself from water spray. Part of the show involves movies projected on a screen of fine mist. If the wind is blowing toward you, you can get quite damp.