candle light processional at epcot.....

[kimbac3]

Is it hancappied accessible? Is there special seating or will I have to be in an aisle?
Any info would be helpful!
Thanks,
Kimba

 

[Cheshire Figment]

They do have wc seating available. They do NOT have seasting in the aisles as they are used for the processional part. However, the times I have gone with an ECV they have asked that if I were able to walk they would prefer that I park the ECV and use the rgular seating due to the limited wc spaces.

 

[Talking Hands]

Wheelchair spaces are very limited. I suggest getting the dinner package if you have a specific performance you wish to see. If you can transfer to regualr seat it is better. I have done both.

Since I also need the interpreters and they refused to seat me where I could see them the first time I went I now contact the gentleman in charge of setting up the interpreting and let him know that I will be using the wheelchair but will transfer to a seat. The year I could not he had a spot reserved for me where I could see both the narrator and the interpreter signing the music. Btw I went to see Marlee Matlin so the narrator was signing herself and the interpreter only did the music for her shows. Otherwise it really doesn't matter if I can see the narrator.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Kimba,

I went to Candlight in December 2000. I took the dinner package. Even those with dinner packages had to get in line, and wheelchair users with dinner packages went to the front of *that* line. As a result we were the second wheelchair party to be seated, midstage and about half way back. Just about an ideal position. There was a whole block of wheelchair spaces right in the middle of the theatre.

Assuming the pricing structure is the same as 2000, the dinner package is good value for the dinner alone, even if you don't show up for the concert. There was a discount on the meal, a discount on anything you bought at Epcot that day, and a lanyard and exclusive pin included in the package.

Andrew

 

[Talking Hands]

Andrew
A good spot for you as a hearing person in a chair but really a lousy spot for me as a hard of hearing person in a wheelchair. Same spot they insisted on placing me the first time I went to Candlelight Processional. Anyone with both issues should make arrangements before hands so they are sure to get a proper seat.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Originally posted by Talking Hands
Andrew
A good spot for you as a hearing person in a chair but really a lousy spot for me as a hard of hearing person in a wheelchair.

I don't have a problem hearing, and I don't know sign language, but the performance I attended was signed. The lady signing was amazing and I spent as much time watching her as the other performers. It seemed as if her signing went beyond just conveying the words. Her hand movements got bigger as the music got louder and her signing seemed perfectly in tune with the music. At the end of the performance she received as much, if not more applause than anyone else on the platform and that was from everyone, not just those with hearing problems.

I enjoyed her performance as much, if not more than the music. However, I had the advantage of being able to listen to the music and to the narrator whilst watching her. Because the narrator was on the opposite side of the stage from her, I can understand that someone with hearing problems would not be able to see the narrator and the lady signing at the same time.

Andrew

 

[Talking Hands]

Andrew,
It wasn't merely signed. It was interpreted!!! I have taken workshops on interpreting music and I really have a great deal of respect for the interpreters that do theatrical interpreting. It is a very difficult task. The ones at Disney have awesome skills especially the lady that is in charge of the actual choreographing the interpreting.

 

[SueM in MN]

I haven't seen the Candlelight Processional, but I did want to comment on interpretation. I have been lucky enough to see some theatrical sign language interpretation and it is not just communication, it is an art form. Very graceful and beautiful (as well as imformative).