Last weekend we took Ethan to see his second Disney on Ice show. Technically it should have been his third, but unfortunately we had to leave Ethan with nanny when we went to see the Princess and Heroes show in 2012 as Ethan had chicken pox.
This show was going to be Ethan’s first experience of sitting in a seat and watching a show for over an hour since his diagnosis. This did concern us as Ethan doesn’t sit still so we called the 02 disabled access line to see what they could offer us. We were offered seats in the disabled area of the arena so that we could have a space for Ethan’s buggy, therefore meaning that we had the ability to keep him still if required. I knew it was going to be quite far away from the ice which was also a concern as we didn’t know if the show would be able to hold Ethan’s attention from that distance. You don’t know if you never try so we decided we would go. There are disabled areas closer to the ice but I was told that only one parent would be able to sit with Ethan, however on the day we could see groups of three sitting together in these areas.
We left our house a little later than we normally do to get to the 02 so when we arrived we made our why to our seats right away. At the entrance they do a bag search and they spotted the iPad, another tool used to keep Ethan in one place, and I was told we couldn’t use this to take photos. Cameras and phones are fine but not iPads. I must admit this is something I totally agree with as it’s one one of my biggest bug bears sitting behind someone using the camera on a iPad. How can you watch the show behind one of those?!
Our allocated seating area was perfect for us, but we did have to explain why we didn’t put the buggy in the buggy park a few times. That’s autism for you an invisible disability. This was our view.
What a fantastic show and great photos! It’s lovely to hear that Ethan was transfixed and enjoyed it so much which hopefully paves the way for more shows for him to enjoy! Thanks for linking up and sharing your fun with Country Kids.
Thank you. I’m so happy with how he did but I think the show was so good it would have been able to hold anyones attention ;0)
Wow, it looks like an amazing show!
It was fantastic. Loved every minute :0)
Sounds like a spectacular event and so glad Ethan enjoyed himself.
He really did love it, so glad we gave it a go :0)
so glad you enjoyed it. I know what you mean about sometimes having to try things out – we are the same with my son and sometimes he totally surprises us and copes really well, other times it is a disaster but unless you try you won’t know. Lovely photos – looks magical xxx
We always say lets try and if we have to leave, we have to leave. It’s not the end of the world but I know I would rather try something than be stuck in unable to do anything together :0)
I have been wanting to take the kids to see this for ages – but I am going to wait until next Christmas I think! 🙂 x
It’s a great day out, I’m sure they will love it x
Wow, what a lot of pictures! We all know that you go because you love it 😉 glad to hear Ethan had a fab time, it’s always worth the looks and comments for that. We had front row (not disabled) seats when I went to similar 2 years ago with Sasha, but even being so close to the action couldn’t persuade her to stay so I spent practically the whole time in the foyer with her on the ipad – the show was too noisy for her, even with headphones on! Hey ho, some you win, some you lose 🙂
I am so glad you all enjoyed it, and it is good to know that the O2 do have provision for the disabled. Your photos are fantastic, thank you for sharing.