WALT DISNEY WORLD WITH HEALTH CONDITIONS: Boat Transportation Including Accessibility Info.

The Hard Rock Live is the live performance theater located at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. This theater is embedded in the outdoor dining, shopping and entertainment complex built around the hotel. It's a popular location for locals and tourists alike. We recently visited to see Jim Gaffigan, a comedian and a favorite of ours. Here's what we observed about the venue.

Parking: At this time (April 2010) the hotel is breaking ground for a new parking garage, so a large number of spaces are blocked off, including all of the ground level handicapped spaces. The remaining spaces tdo not have a wheelchair accessible path to the theater or hotel. Also, they're a fairly long distance from the theater.

There is a parking garage with very few handicapped spaces. There are elevators near the handicapped spaces. Then non-handicapped spaces are very tight, and there's no safe walkway to get to the elevators in a wheelchair or ECV (electric convenience vehicle) from those spaces.

Those with claustrophobia might not like this parking garage. It's kind of strange with it's oddly low ceilings, tight diagonal parking spaces and one way only driving lane. If you get behind another car that's slow or waiting for a space, you're blocked and can't move until they move. There's no possibility of passing another vehicle.

Valet is available and we recommend it for those with wheelchairs, ECV's or mobility issues. It's currently $10, or $20 for preferred valet. This is right next to the outdoor entertainment complex, however it's still a good walk to the theater. If you need to unload or put together an ECV or a wheelchair, they'll allow you to pull to the side to do this.

The Theater: Exterior doors are manual only. The theater entry way, halls and the theater itself is brightly lit. Once the show starts of course, the theater darkens. There are ramps leading down to the main floor level, and there are elevators and stairs going to the upper levels.

The main level is easily accessible and there are wide aisles. However it's not possible to transfer from a wheelchair to an inside seat. Those in wheelchairs or ECV's choosing main level seats should choose an aisle seat or a first row if you plan to transfer. Once you transfer, someone in your party will have to park the wheelchair or ECV along the side wall, or you can do it if you're able. The rows are long, so a seat deep in the row can be a fairly long walk.

All seats on the main level are folding chairs with padded seats, and a thin, padded strip that's just above waist level for an average sized person. The seats are on a flat, level surface, and the stage is raised. While you may have your view blocked by a tall person sitting in front of you, most people will be able to at least see the top half of an adult of average size on stage. Chairs are bolted together, so people of large size may find the seating challenging. People of tall height will have a better view, but will block others. People of small size may find their view blocked. Those sitting up front will have to look upwards to see the show.

Special handicapped seating areas are located on the on the back rows on the upper levels. There are folding chairs and cut out areas for wheelchairs in these sections. The upper levels are situated stadium style, and non-handicapped seats are theater-style padded seats. Those sitting on the upper levels will have to turn their heads to the side to see the stage.

Bathrooms are accessible.

We found the sound to be excellent, clear and comfortable.

Smoking: Since this theater and resort is located on an Indian reservation, the Florida smoking laws don't apply here. However there is no smoking in the theater. Those who are sensitive should know that smoking is permitted inside the hotel. In the evening when we just passed by the hotel doors, they opened and we could see visible, thick clouds of smoke coming from inside to the outside. The smell was very strong. Smokers are actively lighting up outside in the entertainment complex outdoors as well. However being in the outside air helps.

We've found that earlier in the day there is much less smoking going on because the crowds are much lighter. If you're sensitive but you wish to enjoy the hotel, the gambling and it's interior restaurants, go as early in the day as possible. While you'll still be exposed to smoke, it's likely to be less intense.

Food & beverages: After entering Hard Rock Live, you'll find snack stands selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks including candy, popcorn, pretzels and chips. Food items are pre-made, so special dietary requests are not likely to be fulfilled.