Heigh-HO HO HO, Stephen!
When the weather outside is frightful, a trip to Walt Disney World Resort is so delightful! I'm excited to hEAR you will get to experience the holiday season on your magical vacation. Disney really knows how to deck the halls, and it's the most wonderful time to wear ears!
Do you know what I love most about Walt Disney World Resort? It's the fact that they go above and beyond to make anyone and everyone feel welcome, wanted, and celebrated. They set the bar for what inclusivity should look like and lead the industry in removing barriers that could potentially prevent one Guest from having an experience as magical as the next.
I spoke with Guest Services to make sure I share the most current information with you and am pleased to tell you there is
a host of services available for deaf/hard of hearing Guests. Here's a brief overview of what will be available to your son.
- Guest Room Amenities: Ahead of your Disney Resorts Collection hotel stay, you can request your room be equipped with a Room Communication Kit by calling 407-824-4321. This kit includes a variety of devices to make your stay as safe as possible for your son, including a strobe light smoke detector, bed shaker notifications, and more.
- Assistive Listening: These handheld devices amplify sound through headphones or an induction loop. It's recommended you supply your own headphones.
- Handheld Captioning: These handheld devices feature a portable captioning system through on-screen text.
- Video Captioning: Many pre-show and exhibit areas have open captioning on select monitors. They will be marked with a "CC" symbol for easy identification.
- Sign Language Interpretation: Select live entertainment offerings provide Sign Language interpretation on a rotating schedule, which is updated weekly. You can ask a Cast Member at those locations where to sit to view the interpreter clearly. Additionally, Sign Language interpretation is available by request at select dinner shows and special events. You'll want to email WDPRsignlanguageservices@disney.com or call 407-824-4321 ahead of your trip to obtain the current interpretation schedule or to request additional interpretation services where applicable.
Assistive Listening, Handheld Captioning, and Video Captioning devices can be picked up in Guest Relations at all four theme parks. These devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to get to there early. A small deposit is required to use the device for the day, but it will be refunded to you when you return the device to Guest Relations.
Each theme park has a "Guide for Guests with Disabilities" with icons for each of the in-park services mentioned above to help you know which device to use at each attraction or experience. You can pick them up at Guest Relations, or take a gander at the guides for
Magic Kingdom Park,
EPCOT,
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and
Disney's Hollywood Studios online now.
The magic is real, Stephen, and I can't wait for your family to experience everything the most magical time of year has to offer at The Most Magical Place on Earth!
"Sleigh" all day,
Alyssa