Princess Breakfast at Walt Disney World EPCOT - Akershus in Norway

We have been to the Princess Breakfast at the Norway Pavilion three times. Obviously, we like it. This is the first year we don't plan to go. Sadly, I think the girls are past their Princess stage.

You will need to pay for park entrance to eat at the Norway Pavilion. If your reservation is before the official park opening, you will be met (as a group with others eating at the same seating) by a guide who will lead you back to Akershus.

It is a long walk! Be prepared for about 1/3-1/2 a mile trek. Wear comfortable shoes. If your little princess is in her gown, complete with tiny plastic high heels consider having her wear sneakers or sandals until you get to the restaurant.

The dining room at Akershus is wheelchair accessible. We've never had a problem getting Amanda seated at a table. They tend to put us in a corner so we don't block traffic, but the princesses never miss us!

There is no waiting area inside the restaurant. Instead you will stand around outside until your group is "announced" by a page. It is fun to hear "The Royal McGrath Family" be called out.

Its usually a hot wait. You can kill a little time in the shop,The Puffin's Roost. There is a Kidstop inside so your kids can color a paper Duffy the bear and get the Norway stamp. There is some nice merchandise in the shop -it's not all trolls! There are beautiful straw Christmas ornaments and nice clothing. Amanda got a great dress last year. (It's the navy polo she's wearing in all of these photos)

The food is good,but not great. There isn't a huge amount, either. Make sure that you fill up on items from the buffet. Your server will bring a platter of bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs and potato casserole to your table as well as any beverages you order. Anything else you want can be found on the buffet. There are several types of fruit and pastries as well as a few other items such as cold sliced salmon. One nice note, you can ask your server for to go cups and you can start your day in the park with a "free" drink in hand.

The reason to go to the Princess Breakfast is to see the princesses! When you walk in you will be photographed with one of the princesses (often Belle in her yellow ballgown). Your photo package is included in the price of the meal and will be delivered to your table while you eat.

At the start of the meal there is a "princess processional" when all of the princesses enter and the children are invited to parade around the restaurant with them. Neither of my girls have ever been interested in doing this, but it looks very cute.

 

 

The princesses walk through the restaurant. visiting each table and talking to the guests. Different princesses appear at each meal. During the three times we've eaten there we've met:

• Belle
• Mulan
• Jasmine
• Ariel
• Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
• Cinderella
• Snow White

Yes! I love the Princesses as much as my girls do.

 P.S. If you don't want to splurge for a Princess meal - or just can't get enough of them! - you can search the WDW site for character meet and greets. Just select Entertainment and click on Princess and the Park you'll be visiting. You'll see where the various Princesses can be found.

Around and Between Walt Disney World Parks

I have a passion for Disney World that makes most of my friends laugh.  I'm not exactly sure why I love it so much. I think mainly because it is exquisitely organized which appeals to my OCD nature.

My first introduction to WDW was not as a park guest but as a participant in a Disney training course for human resource managers. It defined the way I view Disney World to this day.

I learned how carefully designed and controlled the environment is from the inside (technically from the underground). I was taken through the tunnels where Cast Members dress and take their breaks. I saw where the cookies are baked - and the vents that shunt the steam to strategic sites to enhance Guests' appetites. While admittedly manipulative, you have to admire the marketing mastery.

I made it a personal mission to find a piece of trash on the ground during my stay. I didn't see one. Partly because in designing the Parks Walt Disney observed other parks and discovered that a person will only walk 30 paces before dropping a piece of trash. Therefore, there are trash cans spaced roughly every 30 steps throughout the parks. And, for those guests who can't even walk 30 steps without littering there are omnipresent Cast Members on the lookout for errant wrappers and bits of paper.

One of my favorite aspects of Walt Disney World is the wonderfully designed free transportation system within and between the Parks and Resorts. For detailed information about wheelchair access please see  my previous transportation post.

The Friendship boats in EPCOT will take you across the lake between Future World and the World Showcase. They save you about 1/3 of a mile of walking and are a nice way to see the World Showcase. However, even though they are air conditioned they can feel stuffy & hot. I prefer to sit in the open back area when I can.

The Walt Disney World Railroad is a nice, open air ride between the worlds of the Magic Kingdom.

I didn't find the Main Street entrance until my third visit. Turns out that you have to go upstairs in the train station to actually board the trains at the entrance. There is a ramp for handicap access.

The train stops in Fantasyland behind the new Casy Jr. Splash & Soak Station and in  Frontierland by Big Thunder Mountain.  Again, this can save you a half mile or more of walking, depending on where you ride.

I love the futuristic feel of the monorail. It's a cool (air conditioned!) way to get to EPCOT or the Magic Kingdom from the parking lots. It's also a way to get between the two Parks without getting back into your car. To get to Epcot, from the Magic Kingdom, you need to take the Express Monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) and then switch to the Epcot Monorail.

 

 

 

What I love most are the boats. Taking the ferry to the Magic Kingdom takes my breath away every visit. I love seeing Cinderella Castle across the water. It builds up the anticipation in a way that the monorail just can't.

You can also take the Ferry back to the TTC and then hop the monorail to EPCOT.

Most people don't realize there is a comprehensive boat system that runs between several of the Parks as well as many of the Resorts. I think the boat ride is the best way to move between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios - and you don't have to get in your car. All you have to do is exit EPCOT from the International (back) gate in the World Showcase. It's between the United Kingdom and France Pavilions. If you’re used to parking in the main lot or arriving by Disney Monorail or bus then you've probably only entered through the main entrance. 

Here is the map of the water route between EPCOT World Showcase and Disney Hollywood Studios. It's an easy, air conditioned, wheelchair accessible 40 minute trip between the two Parks. You can walk the distance in the same amount of time - if you don't have young kids with you , or you aren't pushing a wheelchair.

The boats do make several stops. If you like you can get out at one of the resorts along the way for a snack, a meal or a quick tour before heading on to the next Park.

This is the best overview of the boats within the Walt Disney World Resort that I have been able to find. Download a Disney Boat Route Map. Thank you, ExploringWDW.com!

Bus is the only way to get to Animal Kingdom from the Resorts or other Parks (other than by car.) I'm sure this is because Animal Kingdom was built long after the rest of the Parks and surrounding areas had been developed. While I don't care for the inclusion of buses, they run regularly, are wheelchair accessible and free.

Sidewalk Chalk Countdown to Walt Disney World

Sidewalk Chalk Countdown to Walt Disney World

The Disney movie Mary Poppins came out the year I was born (now you know how old I am!). My mother loved the original P.L. Travers books so its no wonder that when I was old enough to go to the movies this is the first movie I ever saw. (We didn't have blu-ray in the dark ages, you know.) So, with a tip of my hat to one of Burt's odd jobs my daughter and I made a series of sidewalk drawings to count down an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World. It was an impulse project so we used dry chalk. If you plan on doing this, soak your chalk ahead of time for a few hours. You'll get lovely, vibrant colors that will last - and no dust!

We started by numbering the squares on our front walk.

I drew the outlines for some of our favorite Characters.

My daughter helped to color them in.

I started with Pluto - my favorite!

Cinderella Castle got a colorful makeover courtesy of my daughter.

We finished (as all good days at Disney do) with fireworks.

We had a great time playing count down to Disney games!

Now, if only we could jump into the Castle picture like Burt & Mary did - we'd already be at Walt Disney World!

Can I Get the Disney Dining Plan if I'm not staying at a Disney Resort?

Disney Dining Plan

You've probably heard a lot about the Disney Dining Plan. Maybe you know someone who has been to Disney World with the Dining Plan and come back raving about it. You, however, are staying with friends or relatives, so you have to ask,"Can I get the Disney Dining Plan if I'm staying somewhere else?"

In a word, NO. According to the official Walt Disney World website, "Disney dining plans are options available exclusively to Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels with Magic Your Way Vacation Packages."

There are pros and cons to this,my friend.

Con: Most people with the Dining Plan try to maximize their table service credits by using them for the most expensive meals available - dinners and Character Meals as well as Signature Meals & Dinner Shows. What this means for you if you aren't on a Dining Plan: Dinner reservations at any Character Meal or well-known Table Service restaurant are going to be very hard to come by. (Trust me, I've been in your shoes & tried.)

Pro: This frees up reservations at great restaurants for lunch! Character breakfasts and lunches are also fairly easy to get. And, even better for you - these are the least expensive restaurant meals.

We had no problems getting reservations at the Princess Breakfast at Akershus and lunch at Sanaa on short notice. Check out the menus - lunch & dinner entrees are often very similar so you won't be missing out on the famed specialities of the house. You'll just be getting them at a lower price.

Nine Dragons

Another upside - anyone with the Dining Plan probably wants to use their Counter/Quick service or Snack credits for lunch. You avoid the crowds at these places if you chose a Table Service restaurant for lunch. No waiting in long lines with hungry kids at lunchtime. And you get to eat in air conditioned comfort! We walked into Nine Dragons at EPCOT and were seated immediately for lunch.

Pro: At dinner the opposite is true. Many people are eating at table service restaurants so you can eat at the less expensive (and less crowded) Counter & Quick Service Restaurants without long lines. And that means you have more time for rides in the cooler evening hours!

Con: You have to budget for your meals and pay for them every day. It can be hard to look at a $150 bill for a Character breakfast. Paying for the combined package removes some of the sticker shock. It's a bit like removing a band aid - you just rip it off and are done.

Sunshine Seasons

I know - you're worried that not having the Dining Plan may cost you more money and one of your goals to staying off property was to save a little money. Here's my comparison:

OPTION A: STAYING AT A DISNEY REOSRT
Right now (May 2012) the estimate for a 6 night stay in a Family Suite at the Disney All Star Music Resort with Magic Your Way Plus Dining was roughly $4,500 (not including taxes) for our family of four (2 adults, 1 junior, 1 child). The costs will vary somewhat according to the ages of your children. Kids under 3 are free (but don't get any meal credits). Children 10 and over are counted as adults and priced accordingly.

There are undoubtedly a few incidental expenses even with the Magic Your Way package. For instance, alcoholic and speciality drinks as well as most photo packages aren't included in the Dining Plan. Somehow, I bet most people end up paying for a few extras even if they are on the Dining Plan.

Sushi at the Kona Cafe

Tips aren't included in the price of the Dining Plan package. After a meal the receipt will show the credits someone on the Dining Plan used for that meal as well as "Guest ID" which is "Gratuity and other charges not covered by the Disney Dining Plan, charged to room." Most bills include a small card describing the suggested gratuity - typically 18-20%. Let's say the parents each order one alcoholic drink per dinner at $8-10 per glass. For a family like ours tips & drinks over 6 nights would add about $175-250 to the cost of dining. So the total is probably over $5,000 for the trip when you include taxes.

Staying at a Disney Resort gives you lots of amenities - a beautiful lobby and pools, on site restaurants and shops, proximity to parks or park transportation. You also get special services like delivery of any park purchases to your resort so you don't have to carry bags all day or worry about your souvenirs being stolen. You can use the Disney Magic Express so you don't even have to rent a car if you fly. And, of course, you can take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours that allow you to arrive early or stay late at a particular park.

Personally, I love the idea of a Magic Your Way plus Dining Plan. Its essentially an "all inclusive" option for your vacation. You don't have to worry about pulling out your wallet as many times during the day. You can focus on finding the ultimate souvenir without concern about maxing out your credit card. You don't have to cook, wash dishes or make your own beds. If you enjoy eating out and can eat the amount of food served at a Disney dinner then you are probably getting your money's worth.

Sanaa

OPTION B: STAYING IN A RENTAL HOUSE
We rented a three bedroom house with a private pool for $805 for six nights (not including taxes). We have to pay for our Park tickets separately ($1,049) so we're up to approximately $2,000 with taxes. If you are staying off property you probably plan on eating a few meals wherever you are already. We will eat one meal a day at the house - probably breakfast, but it might be dinner. The question is can we eat, drive and park for less than the $2,500+ difference?

Parking was $14 a day. You only have to pay once per day - just hold on to your receipt. So for 6 days estimate $84. Assume $150 for groceries and another $150 for gas. Our main meals tend to be lunches - which average about half of what dinners cost. Assume we spend $400 on table service meals - and another $250 on quick service meals and snacks. I estimate our total meal & parking costs to be about $1,000. Our grand total comes to roughly $3,000. We have to expend more effort driving, parking, etc. but we save about $2,000 by staying off property and paying for meals a la carte. That's almost enough for another trip!

So, ask yourself which is more important for the trip YOU are planning - saving money or immersing yourself in all that is Disney?

Front hall - rental house

Walt Disney World with a Wheelchair - Part 5 Rides

Walt Disney World with a Wheelchair

Getting on the Attractions (Rides)

Disney attractions fall into several categories when you're in a wheelchair: those you can stay in your chair for, those you must be in or transfer to a manual wheelchair for and those you must be able to transfer into a regular seat. In some cases you may need to transfer from your ECV to a manual wheelchair. And in some instances it may just prove impossible to access an Attraction. Cast Members are not permitted to assist with transfers, so if you can't transfer independently or with the aid of a member of your party, you'll need to skip that ride. It's a little complicated, to say the least. Before heading to the Parks you can search the Attractions at Walt Disney World Resort web site by entry requirements (i.e., "Wheelchair and ECV accessible".)

There is a wheelchair accessible Swan on the Carousel

There are 138 Attractions (rides) in the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney categorizes rides ranging from "Must be Ambulatory" to "Wheelchair and ECV Accessible" - and a number of transfer options in between. If you can't transfer comfortably you will need to do some advance planning to see what you can and cannot do at each park. You can check accessibility on the Disney website or you can download the Accessibility Guide for each park.

The percentage of fully accessible rides is truly amazing! There are only three Attractions that fall into the "Must be Ambulatory" category (all in the Magic Kingdom):

• Tom Sawyer Island
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority
• Swiss Family Treehouse

I know of four rides (although there may be more) where you must transfer onto the regular attraction seat. These are:

• Maelstorm
• Mission: Space
• Soarin'
• Spaceship Earth

That means that roughly 95% of the Attractions are fully accessible! Remember that in Disney-ese Attractions include the shows, parades, etc. - not just rides.  All of the various shows have wheelchair access. You will be typically be asked to park in the back row to avoid obstructing others' views, but the view is still good.

There is a wheelchair boat on Its a Small World

You can definitely get on most of the rides. You may have to wait for a wheelchair accessible boat or car. Rides that I know have wheelchair boats include Its a Small World and the Jungle Cruise in the Magic Kingdom. Newer rides actually have pieces that can be swapped out to accommodate an ECV or wheelchair. The first time I saw this was on ToyStory Mania. It was pretty impressive to watch the Cast members remove part of the ride and swap in another section.

Step in to seat on Dumbo

If you are in an ECV you may have to transfer to a manual wheelchair for some rides. Disney Cast Members are typically very good at politely asking if you can transfer. Waiting for a special vehicle may take a while, but transferring directly to the ride can be harder than you might imagine. It's rarely a simple step into a ride on the same level. Some of the rides have multiple steps up or down (Jungle Cruise). Others have awkward or dark space that you need to step into like Dumbo or Magic Carpets of Aladdin.

Step down into Jungle Cruise boat

Disney Cast Members aren't allowed to help with transfers. This is intended to protect your privacy. Therefore you need to travel with someone who can help you make these transfers if you can't walk independently.

We always help our daughter but as she gets bigger some of the rides become harder to access. We actually had very good luck transferring her on a seat for Spaceship Earth as the loading area is sort of a moving sidewalk that moves with the cars. We were able to push her chair right onto the ramp and help her in at her pace. On the other hand, Magic Carpets of Aladdin at night (in the dark) was nearly impossible.

Remember Disney isn't all about the rides! There are wonderful shows, parades, fireworks and dining experiences that are all accessible. Even if you avoid the traditional rides entirely you can still have a great time at Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World with A Wheelchair Part 4 Dining

Disney Dining When You're in a Wheelchair

Table Service Restaurants
Dining can sometimes be a challenge if you don't plan ahead. Many Disney restaurants are crowded and hard to maneuver with a wheelchair - particularly Character Meals where everyone is moving around more than normal. For instance our daughter once was asked to transfer into a regular chair at Akershus during the Princess breakfast. Her wheelchair was safely stored and returned to us at the end of the meal.

Also, due to the need for extra space you may not get the prime views that the restaurant is famed for. If you want a good seat or the view the restaurant is known for make sure to ask for it before you are seated! Otherwise you will most likely be stuck out of the way.

Don't count on there being room for a wheelchair in a table service restaurant if you try to walk in! When you can, make advance dining reservations and be sure to specify that you will have a Guest in a wheelchair dining with you. Hopefully if Cast Members know about your needs ahead of time that they won't try to seat your party in a booth or a hard to reach corner.

You can (and should) make reservations for Character Dining, Dinner Shows and Signature Dining. If you've used a travel agent to plan your trip they can also give you insights on restaurants and make your dining reservations for you. The service is free!

You can call 407-WDW-DINE yourself for reservations if you want. Cast members are always happy to help you with reservations. However, its just as easy to create your own reservations online.

After you chose your restaurant and time you will get a screen labeled "Guest Information". This will include the restaurant, time, number in your party, etc. You will need to fill in a phone number that you can be reached at while on vacation. Next - and most importantly!- click on the box to the left of where it says "I have special requests or a food allergy."

Once you have checked that box, another window will open allowing you to specify any common food allergies as well as the fact that you will be need wheelchair accessibility. Not only do we request wheelchair access, we have two food allergies to contend with so I always start here. If I have any other special requests I can follow up with a call to WDW-DINE. Don't be afraid to try booking your own dining reservations on line. It's easy!

We tend to eat light so we only have one or two table services meals per visit. We've eaten at Sanaa, Akershus, Nine Dragons, Cape May Cafe and Kona Cafe with no problems.
What about Quick & Counter Service restaurants?
There are lots of options when it comes to dining at Walt Disney World. How do you handle the places where you can't make a reservation? If you are on the standard dining plan chances you have one quick service meal, one snack and one table service meal per person per night. If you are paying for your meals out of pocket, you probably still don't want to make every meal a table service meal.

Not all Quick service restaurants are equal when it comes to wheelchair accessibility. Some counter-service locations have narrow lines delineated with rails that aren't wide enough for a wheelchair. You will need to send someone for food or contact a host or hostess for assistance. Our typical strategy is to send one person to place the orders, pay and carry the food as some of the places we're tried can't accomodate even a manual wheelchair.

Focaccio Sandwich at Starring Rolls - great if you can make it through the chair maze!

For instance, Starring Rolls Bakery in Hollywood Studios has great sandwiches, but the area is a little corner, which you have to navigate a series of tables and heavy metal chairs to get to. It's a lot of work but worth it for delectable bakery goods. An easier choice in the Backlot Express which is crowded, but roomy enough to navigate without much problem. The hardest part will be finding a free table!

In the Magic Kingdom Cosmic Ray's has a lot of seating, but railings separating the lines so again you will probably have to ask someone else to order. Casey's Corner has good food & a few outdoor tables, but the indoor seating is bleachers (super cute sports theme) so not accessible. We all love the Kiddee Cones at Plaza Ice Cream Parlour but it has such a narrow line that it won't accommodate a wheelchair. One of us waits in line and orders the cones while everyone else waits outside

An easier place to get ice cream at the Magic Kingdom is Storybook Treats. It is an outside location with a small covered waiting area. They have yummy soft serve cones, sundaes and shakes.

At EPCOT in Future World we tend to go for the Electric Umbrella as it is quick; however the lines are impossible with a wheelchair. You'll need to split up to place your order. our We've also eaten at Sunshine Seasons. It can be very crowded! Its cafeteria style so again, its a good idea to leave the person in a wheelchair gaurding your table while some one else picks up the food. A great option is to try the various snack carts around the World Showcase. You can order food and find a shady spot under a tree or by the lake to eat.

I can't say that we've eaten at every Quick/Counter Service restaurant or snack cart. I wish I could give you a detailed list of your best choice when it comes to accessible casual dining, but it's nearly impossible. So much depends on the size of your wheelchair or ECV, whether you are traveling alone or with companions, your own food preferences...

For a complete list of Quick Service Restaurants, go to the Walt Disney World website. All I can say is that if you want to eat somewhere and find that you can't access it with your wheelchair, flag down the nearest Cast Member and politely explain the problem. Most Cast Members will be happy to help in anyway they can - from getting the host or hostess for you or even carrying your meal if you can't. Just be nice and ask - you might be amazed by the magical response!

Walt Disney World with A Wheelchair Part 2 Getting Around

Walt Disney World with A Wheelchair

You're At WDW - Now what?

Getting Around the Parks
Disney does a lot of things right when it comes to accessibility. They have ample disability parking. They provide ramps into all forms of transportation from the boats at EPCOT to the trains at the Magic Kingdom. There are lifts on the buses. There are companion bathrooms.

Much of the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT were built before the Americans with Disabilities Act. Navigating Walt Disney World pushing a stroller is tricky. Navigating pushing a wheelchair is even harder. The streets and pathways are crowded. The lines are long. It's hot. Disney has ramps into almost every ride and restaurant, but there are still steep ramps, hills and long distances to contend with as well as the crowds.

Don't try to push a wheelchair down the center of Main Street in The Magic Kingdom - stay on the sidewalks or travel through the shops. There are a series of grooves in the pavement intended for the various Main Street Vehicles that will catch your wheels. Also, The Magic Kingdom has very few curb cuts - and they aren't painted white - so you may have to bump over a curb. The Cast will wave glow sticks if you're about to crash off a curb during a night parade. In all of the Parks Guests may block curb cuts-especially around parade times!- not realizing that you have no other way on or off the sidewalk.

What is a Guest Assistance Pass?

Once you have a way to get around the next thing you will need is a Guest Access Card (GAC). If you are in a wheelchair the Cast Members are supposed to help you find an alternate entrance to rides, etc. and you don't necessarily need to get a GAC.

In our experience its best to take the few minutes at the beginning of your first day to stop by Guest Relations and get a Guest Access Card (GAC), particularly if you are using a non-standard wheelchair like a Convaid or other adult stroller. Guest Relations will provide you with an GAC as well as a tag for your Convaid that says "May Use Stroller as Wheelchair." You only need to get the GAC once - its good at every park for the length of your visit or for up to three months with an Annual Pass. The card is valid for the holder and up to five companions.

Notice the red sticker on her Convaid stroller

The Guest Assistance Pass is typically an alternate entrance pass. On many rides you will wait in the same line as any other Guest - the only difference being that when you get to the end you will enter through a gate rather than a turnstile (just like at the entrance to the Parks.) For instance if you don't have a FastPass for Toy Story Mania you will be sent to the StandyBy Line - at the end there is a gate to accommodate a wheelchair. At many popular Attractions such as Dumbo, Aladdin and Disney Junior Live on Stage you'll wait in the regular queue; there is no alternate access.

On other rides the alternate entrance will bring you to a separate loading area. This is the case at Spaceship Earth. If you enter through a separate entrance, a number of people from the regular line will board the ride, then a few from the alternate access line will be allowed on, in repeating sequence. A GAC will not necessarily get you on to the rides any faster. Your best best is to split up into small parties of two as they place those faster than larger groups on popular rides, regardless of which entrance you use.

Tell Guest Relations if you or your child can’t wait in line for medical reasons (heart condition, autism, etc). They may be able to provide you with a pass that will provide other accommodations such as allowing you to wait in a separate area.

Alternate Access line at Spaceship Earth - about 60 people ahead of us

When you can - use a FASTPASS! (If you aren't sure how to use your Fastpass, please follow the link.) A GAC is not a replacement for a Fastpass. Go ahead and get your Fastpass for the ride or attraction and return at the stated time. You will be escorted to the alternate entrance and admitted.

Also, be prepared to hear some grumbling from other Guests who think you are getting special privileges using your GAC. We've occasionally heard some ugly comments from other Guests. Try to remember that everyone is hot and many people are impatient. If they see you entering through another door they naturally think you are getting ahead of them in line.

There are amazing shows, parades, tours and special experiences you can enjoy that don't have any kind of barrier to entry - try to see Dream Along with Mickey in the Magic Kingdom! It's performed on an elevated stage in front of Cinderella Castle and everyone has equal access to "good spots."

Walt Disney World with A Wheelchair Part 3 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.