Visiting Walt Disney World with Hearing Disabilities

 

Visiting Walt Disney World with Hearing Disabilities

Disney World is accommodating for guests with hearing disabilities. Here are a few of the services provided to make your trip as magical as possible!  The official Walt Disney World Resort Website offers additional information including specific attraction accommodations.

 

At the Resort

In order to make a resort safe and comfortable for anyone with hearing disabilities, communication kits can be requested. These kits include:

• door knock and phone alerts
• phone amplifiers
• bed shaker notifications
• a strobe light smoke detector
• text typewriter phone

If you need these accommodations, you can ask for them at the time of your reservation.   Additionally, you can call to update your reservation at any time prior to your trip. You can also make requests at the time of your arrival, but it is easier on you and on the cast members at the resort if you make requests before your arrive.

Walt Disney World Resort Dining

When dining at Walt Disney World Resort, inform your server about your hearing impairment.   Subsequently, they can provide assistance if needed.   Restaurants offer visual menus.  In addition, some venues are equipped with hearing assistance devices.

Assistive Listening/Handheld Captioning Device

Visiting the parks at Walt Disney World with a hearing disability may seem to present a challenge, but Disney has a special handheld device that allows guests to fully experience the park. This handheld assistive listening device can be picked up at guest relations in each park. There is a $25 deposit that is fully refundable upon return of the device. This device can be used throughout the park for descriptive services and/or sound amplification. The device is apparently easy to use. It uses wireless signals to identify where you are in the park and amplifies the sounds of the attractions around you. The screen on the device has the capability to transfer attraction audio into text format on the device.

Disney recommends that guests bring their own headphones or induction loop – the devices have a standard headphone jack.

Also, select attractions and shows have captioning devices that can be borrowed.  Ask cast members for details.

Sign Language

Professional Sign Language interpreters are available at Walt Disney World on a limited basis. This is provided at specific live theme park shows on certain days, as follows:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Tuesdays and Saturdays
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Sundays and Wednesdays
• Epcot: Fridays
• Magic Kingdom: Mondays and Thursdays

This schedule is set each week, and guests can find the complete schedule in advance by e-mailing WDPRsignlanguageservices@disney.com and while on site by visiting a Guest Relations location.

Additionally, sign language interpretation is available by requests for select special events and dinner shows, including the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue and Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour. These requests should be made at least 14 days in advance by calling (407) 824-4321 or by e-mailing WDPRsignlanguageservices@disney.com.

Closed Captioning and Reflective Captioning

Most screens at Walt Disney World are equipped with closed captioning services. If you are at an attraction and cannot find a screen with closed captioning, ask a cast member about the service. Screens with this capability are typically marked with the black “CC” closed captioning symbol.

Reflective captioning is available at some Walt Disney World shows. This service utilizes text projected onto a clear screen so that guests can watch the show and read the text at the same time. Ask a cast member before the show to see if this service is available for the performance. You can also call ahead if you know you want to utilize the reflective captioning tool.

Visual Guides and Maps

Disney offers visual guides and maps.  Maps and guides can be found at park entrances, gift shops, Guest Relations, and at other areas throughout the parks.  The maps often include information about accessible attractions and where to find captioning services. Additionally, you can download maps or guides from the official Disney website before your trip.

My Disney Experience App

One of your best resources is right at your fingertips!   The My Disney Experience app provides real-time information about navigating the parks.  For example, it displays wait times for rides and shows and which dining options currently have availability.  This is handy so you don’t have to depend upon verbal announcement.  Also, the app features a chat function that you can use to communicate with cast members.  Specifically, this is useful to ask for assistance if needed.

Top Three Tips For Visiting the Walt Disney World Resort with a Hearing Disability

1.  Do your research before your trip.  Visit informative websites and learn about the services that are available for those with hearing disabilities.  This will optimize your park time, and therefore enhance your vacation.
2. Plan ahead for assistance. Communication is the key to a successful trip.  Before and during your trip, inform cast members of your specific needs.  In turn, they will assist to provide you the best experience possible.   Specifically, resort room accommodations can be arranged before your trip so you have peace of mind that your resort stay will be safe and accessible.  At any time during your trip, cast members are available to assist as necessary.  Do not hesitate to ask if you need assistance.
3.  Make use of the My Disney Experience app.  The app provides the best up to date information that you’ll need to have during a park day.  Explore the app at home before your trip so you’ll easily know how to navigate it once you are in the parks.