Is Their Handicapped Seating Available At the Candelight Processional at Epcot?

[DonaldsGrl103]

Hey Everyone,
This will be our first year ever going for xmas and like I said before its a surprise trip for my mom and disabled brother who hasnt been to disney in over 6 years so I want to make it special. We do want to attend the CP on Xmas Day at 5 pm so we want to know if their is special seating for the disabled and how long before should we go. We will get a GAC card since my brother cant be exposed to heat too long, has hearing and vision problems also and has a severe case of Cerebral palsy. So any help is appreciated and if anyone knows about fantasmic in MGM studios with the seating please let us know.
Thanks again and happy holidays

 

[dclfun]

Xmas day will be packed. I'd suggest the dinner package to have priority seating. Guests in that line including disabled guests in that line will enter first. There is no longer a separate line for guests travelling in wheelchairs- it's "first come, first served". There is limited disabled access seating up front and some in the back, but during a busy time there might not be enough for everyone who needs it. Unfortunately a GAC doesn't give you priority access and the wait will be very long unless someone can hold your place in line. I don't mean to discourage you- just pointing out the realities. ---Kathy

 

[brady961]

i went to the 5pm show last night. we got in line around 3:30p and were some of the first few in line. but if hadn't gotten there then would have been way back in line.

we did have someone in our party that didn't stand in line with us until around 30min before they opened allowing ppl to enter.

im on a scooter but able to transfer out using forearm crutches. so i didn't stand in line that long. only about two benches were there for ppl to sit on while waiting.

one suggestion is once you enter ask a CM to sit in front of the sign interpretaor sp?. its usually the third row from the front on the right side (looking at the stage). that area is roped off for those with hearing impairments, but they also use that and the second row roped off for other special needs. so be sure to speak with a CM about your needs. they will do what is possible to accomadate your party.

so have someone get in line very early while the others go sit inthe America pavilion outside tables under umbrellas. then when about time to enter, have everyone join your party. speak with a CM about your needs even before you enter if possible. im sure something can be done to assist and accomadate everyone.

best of luck

 

[dclfun]

While I'm sure they would try to accomodate anyone with special needs, the problem is that there are lots of parties with guests in wheelchairs and with special needs and they no longer give a priority as they can't- there are just too many people who need accomodations- so it's pretty much "first come, first served". Kathy

 

[Chuck S]

For Christmas Day, I would definately concur with dclfun, and try to book a CP Dinner Pkg for the priority seating. My Mom is in a wheelchair for the parks, after 3 hip surgeries. We go in relatively off-peak times (we're going next week), but even so, the wc seating for CP is limited, and they ask people to transfer out if possible. Even with a dinner pkg, on Christmas Day be prepared to get in line fairly early. If it is like past years, as you are facing the stage, Dnr Pkg folks line up on the left side of the theater, stand-by on the right.

Be aware that much of the seating area is uncovered, only the closed few rows have protection in case of rain, and if it gets really windy, that "protection" is almost worthless.

 

[JudithM]

I agree that on Christmas Day I would have a dinner package. Two reasons ... 1. you have a dinner reservation/priority seating, & 2. you will in the line for Candlelight Processional that gets in first (before standby guests).

We went to the Candlelight Processional last Monday, & got right in in the standby line, but remember I wasn't there on a holiday. I think you will be happier all around with the dinner package.

 

[SueM in MN]

I have not been to CP, but one of the things I remember reading from last year is to make sure that it is on your PS for the CP Dinner package that you have a wheelchair. There are only so many wheelchair spots available.

 

[DonaldsGrl103]

well everyone we booked the CP Package for xmas day and hope it turns out wonderful!! Thanks for everything

 

[dclfun]

I hope it turns out wonderful too- what a great way to spend Xmas day! Kathy

 

[JudithM]

Don't you get Gary Sinise as your speaker? That would be cool! Enjoy!!

 

[DonaldsGrl103]

Thanks everyone Yes Gary Sinise will be the speaker

 

[freemore]

I know it will be more crouded Christmas Day...but last Thursday dh and I on ECV's were escorted to handicap places about 10 minutes after we got in line, there was only a short line just before the program started. We must have been very lucky!! It was very beautiful. We were especially impressed with the woman who signed for the deaf (don't know what that is called). I found myself watching her most of the time. She was so graceful and watching her while listening to the narrator was a beautiful experience. We went at 5:00, Epcot got much more crouded after dark. Lene

 

[SueM in MN]

We were especially impressed with the woman who signed for the deaf (don't know what that is called). I found myself watching her most of the time. She was so graceful and watching her while listening to the narrator was a beautiful experience. We went at 5:00, Epcot got much more crouded after dark. Lene

You're right, it is called "signing". It is very beautiful.

 

[Talking Hands]

You're right, it is called "signing". It is very beautiful.

The person doing the signing is called an interpreter. The ones for Candlelight are exceptional. Unless they added to them this year there are only 4 that do it. 3 women and 1 man (2 last year). I recently took a workshop on theatrical interpreting and the work needed to prepare in immense. I really admire these interpreters.

 

[dclfun]

I admire them too, Lisa, and having them there at the Candlelight not only enables those who are hearing impaired to enjoy the show, but they enhance the show for everyone and also enlighten people about that method of communication. I was there last night with Jim Caviezel- what an amazing performance! Kathy