Walt Disney World|Wheelchair|Characters
Walt Disney World with A Wheelchair Characters, Parades & Fireworks
Meeting Characters When You're in a Wheelchair
This is one of the most magical aspects of a trip to Walt Disney World. While some of the other Guests may be inconsiderate the Characters are delightful!
There are a lot of great places to meet Characters at the Parks. My older daughter adores Characters, particularly princesses. We have been lucky enough to have Characters go out of their way to stop and say a special "hello" to her. Once, Jasmine & Aladdin stopped to spend several minutes with her as they were about to slip backstage. Jasmine even hugged her! My daughter grinned; I cried. That moment made every penny we'd spent on our Disney vacation worthwhile.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have been turned away from Character greetings if they were about to go on a break - just like any other Guest would be. I think it depends on the personalities involved.
I highly recommend that you go to the Character Spot in EPCOT. It is fully wheelchair accessible. You'll be able to see some of your favorite Disney characters (Mickey & Friends) in the comfort of an air conditioned environment. This is one area where you probably won't have to wait in the regular line, but you will wait at least a while. However, it's worth the wait! The Characters will all spend quality time with you giving hugs, passing out high fives & posing for pictures.
There are always Green Army Men to see in front of Toy Story Mania. We also like Sulley & Mike in Hollywood Studios - they are outside so it is hot, but the lines are typically short. Look for them behind the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground area.
Parade Viewing
Another good way to see Characters to watch the parades. There are so many great parades at the Disney World Parks! Which parades will you want to see? Read Disney Diva's parade review to decide.
All of the parade routes and some show areas have viewing places for Guests with disabilities. These areas are marked with the wheelchair symbol and are often at least partially shaded. These are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Spots fill up even earlier than regular parade viewing spots! I've seen people in these areas more than an hour and a half before a parade is scheduled to begin.
 |
| Note the gray traffic cone - there was only room for 2 wheelchairs. |
For the Disney Rocks show at Hollywood Studios there is a stage in front of the hat . A special needs seating area is marked with two gray traffic cones. To find a designated parade viewing area for individuals with special needs, pick up the disabled guest guide maps at Guest Services. The wheelchair areas are typically designated with a red P and the International Wheelchair Symbol.
There will be a Cast Member to make sure as many people as possible can fit. They limit the number of people who can accompany a Guest with a mobility impairment - don't expect to bring a party of 8 along with you. Typically, if you have more than a two or three others with you they will ask the able-bodied members of your group to move to another location.
Personally, we've only seen a few of the parades. The exception has been the parades at Hollywood Studios where we have often gotten prime viewing with little or no waiting. We've gotten great spots for the Pixar Parade. Once my daughter in a wheelchair was even invited up to "dance" with the High School Musical parade!
Where to Watch Fireworks When You are in a Wheelchair
Wheelchair access for the various fireworks shows varies by Park as well. Just like any other Guest, prime viewing spots fill up fast. You may want to get to your chosen spot an hour or more before the show starts.
If you want to see Illuminations in EPCOT there are roped off sections in both Future World & the World Showcase reserved for mobility impaired Guests. Look for these opposite the France & Germany Pavilions as well as across from Duffy the Bear. They have been in different places on our visits, but those are good places to start your search. Get there early! At 7:15 PM there were already Guests waiting in most of these spots on a recent visit.
I haven't found a special reserved fireworks viewing area in the Magic Kingdom. We've watched Wishes from the paths that run parallel to Main Street. Try the Rose Garden! (Added bonus: there is normally a Photopass photographer there who can take a picture of your entire group with the lighted castle in the background.) These spots aren't too crowded since most people stick to Main Street. There are a limited number of reserved seats at the top of the amphitheater for Fantasmic in Hollywood Studios. If you have companions with you they may have to stand unless you get there early enough for them to score some of the seats along the top row. Bring binoculars or a camera with a good zoom! (That's how I got this shot.)
Tip: Check out these other great fireworks viewing spots! They aren't reserved for wheelchairs, but they offer great views if you can get one of these spaces.
