Hi, Ashley! Thanks for bringing your question to planDisney!
First of all, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's cancer diagnosis. I think it's wonderful that your family is going to be able to spend some time together at Walt Disney World Resort. I'm sure that this trip is going to bring all of you some much-needed joy during this difficult time. It's my pleasure to help you with some of your vacation planning details so that you can just relax and focus on making magical memories with your dad.
Disability Access Service (DAS) is an accommodation intended for Guests who, due to a disability, have trouble waiting in a traditional queue environment. If you'd like to register your dad for DAS, you have a couple of options. You may choose to pre-register for DAS via a live video chat with a Cast Member. To do so, click on this
Registering for Disability Access Service (DAS) link and scroll down until you see the "Ready to Chat with a Cast Member?" heading. Here you can review and accept the Terms and Conditions, and once that's taken care of, you can click on the "Request Live Video Chat" button. Please keep in mind that the DAS pre-registration video chat must take place within 2-30 days of your theme park visit. Also, your dad must be present to speak to the Cast Member during the video chat.
If you would prefer to register for DAS in person once you arrive at Walt Disney World Resort, it is a quick and easy process. Just head to
Guest Relations once you arrive at one of the theme parks, and the Cast Members there will be able to get everything set up for your family.
Since your dad will need a wheelchair during your visit, I recommend you look over the information on Walt Disney World Resort
wheelchair rentals. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at all of the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. If you would prefer to have a wheelchair available for your entire trip, you may want to consider renting from a third-party company. On the wheelchair rental webpage linked in this paragraph, you'll find the contact information for ScooterBug, Disney's featured provider for stroller, ECV, and wheelchair rentals. Many third-party rental companies are able to deliver a wheelchair to your Disney Resorts Collection Hotel for you to use throughout your vacation.
I'm so glad to hear that you have reservations booked for
California Grill. The food at California Grill is delicious, and the views of Magic Kingdom Park are spectacular! You'll likely be finished with your dinner long before the
Happily Ever After fireworks begin, as they are scheduled for 9:00 p.m. on the night of your reservation. However, Guests who dine at California Grill earlier in the evening should hold onto their receipt. You can show the Cast Members at California Grill's check-in podium your receipt from earlier that day to be readmitted to the restaurant to watch the fireworks from the observation deck.
Please know that I will be thinking of your family and hoping that your dad's surgery is successful. If you have any other questions about your upcoming trip, please don't hesitate to ask. Wishing you a magical vacation!
Samantha