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Disney World for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Guests

How Disney World serves deaf and hard-of-hearing guests: captioning options, ASL interpretation, assistive listening devices, and which attractions have the best accessibility.

Updated
Key facts
  • Assistive listening and handheld captioning both run on the Disney Handheld Device: free with a $25 refundable deposit at Guest Relations
  • Assistive listening works through headphones or an induction loop: bring a neck loop if you use telecoil-equipped hearing aids or cochlear implants
  • ASL interpretation runs at select live shows on a set rotation: Magic Kingdom Mon/Thu, Animal Kingdom Tue/Sat, Hollywood Studios Sun/Wed, EPCOT Fri

Which Devices to Pick Up First

  1. 1Disney Handheld Device for assistive listening: amplifies sound at specific attractions through your own headphones or neck loop
  2. 2The same device for handheld captioning: on-screen text in select theaters and attractions
  3. 3Written scripts with attraction dialogue and narration, plus a flashlight, pencil and paper, for many attractions and shows
  4. 4The device needs a $25 refundable deposit at Guest Relations; return it the same day for the refund
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Planning Around ASL Interpretation

  1. 1Interpreted performances rotate by park and day. Check DisneyWorld.com for which shows before your visit
  2. 2For an interpreter outside the rotation, email wdw.signlanguageservices@disney.com at least 14 days ahead
  3. 3Caption-ready monitors in many preshow and exhibit areas are marked with a CC symbol
  4. 4Character meet-and-greets are fully accessible: Cast Members can facilitate written or visual communication

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Deaf & Hard of Hearing: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Disney World offer captioning on rides?

Yes. Handheld captioning runs on the Disney Handheld Device, free with a $25 refundable deposit at Guest Relations, and displays on-screen text in select theaters and attractions. Caption-ready monitors in many preshow and exhibit areas are marked with a CC symbol. Written scripts of attraction dialogue and narration are also available for many attractions and shows.

Does Disney World offer ASL interpretation?

Yes, on a rotating schedule at specific live shows: Magic Kingdom on Mondays and Thursdays, Animal Kingdom on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Hollywood Studios on Sundays and Wednesdays, and EPCOT on Fridays. Disney publishes the shows at DisneyWorld.com. For other requests, email wdw.signlanguageservices@disney.com at least 14 days ahead.

What assistive listening devices does Disney World offer?

Assistive listening runs on the Disney Handheld Device, which amplifies sound at specific attractions through headphones or an induction loop. Bring your own headphones or neck loop (a neck loop works with telecoil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants). The device is free with a $25 refundable deposit at Guest Relations; return it the same day for the refund.

Ask Swiz

Ask Swiz about your trip.

Straight answers about Disney World, built around who is coming and when.

Ask Swiz
Ask SwizDisney World
I'm deaf and planning a Disney World trip. What captioning and accessibility options are available?
Tap to ask Swiz. It is free to start, no account needed.

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