Visual and Auditory Accessibility at Walt Disney World (2025 Guide)
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Aug 3, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Planning a Disney vacation with a visual or hearing disability? ✨ Walt Disney World offers a wide range of accessibility services to help ensure that every guest—regardless of ability—can fully enjoy the magic. From audio description devices and braille maps to captioning tools and ASL interpretation, this guide breaks down what’s available in 2025 and how to access it.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Stop by Guest Relations early in your park day—they’re your go-to for picking up devices and getting personalized assistance.
Visual Disability Accommodations
What accommodations are in place for guests with visual disabilities?
Visually impaired guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort can access a Disney Handheld Device that delivers audio description narration of attractions, entertainment venues, and select outdoor spaces. Provided by Theme Park Guest Relations on a first‑come, first‑served basis in each of the four parks, the device requires a $25 refundable deposit and must be returned by the end of the day .
The device features a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack, so we recommend bringing your own comfortable wired headphones or earbuds Once in use, beacons activate the audio descriptions automatically as you approach supported rides or entertainment—narrating everything from scenery and vehicle boarding to show elements and character details
You can see the locations where the device can be used here
Guests can also spot tactile tools and Braille options at Guest Relations: Braille guidebooks, portable tactile map booklets, and stationary Braille maps are all available for the same deposit and daily return Written dialogue scripts—complete with flashlight and pencil—are available for select shows upon request
. You can also find them on the Interactive Map in the My Disney Experience (MDE) app. Click on the down arrow, select Guest Services, then on show list scroll down to Services for Guests with Visual Disabilities.
🗺️ Tactile and Braille Maps at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World offers several helpful tools for guests with visual disabilities. Braille guidebooks and portable tactile map booklets are available to borrow at Guest Relations in each park. A $25 refundable deposit is required, and devices must be returned on the same day.
Guests can also request large print guidebooks and maps in advance by calling the Disability Services team at (407) 828-5005.
In addition, stationary Braille and tactile maps with large print text are permanently installed near Guest Relations at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. These maps provide a raised layout of key areas like park entrances, Guest Services, restrooms, and First Aid.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you're visiting with someone who is blind or low vision, stop by Guest Relations first thing to pick up tactile tools and make the most of your park day!
🐾 Traveling with a service animal? Read our guide on bringing service dogs to Walt Disney World, including relief areas and ride access.
What accommodations are in place for guests with auditory disabilities?
🔊 Assistive Listening & Enhanced Audio
Assistive Listening: Guests with mild to moderate hearing loss can use a hand‑held amplified audio device at attractions and shows. Pick it up at Guest Relations, provide a $25 refundable deposit, and return it the same day
You can find the attractions that the enhanced audio is offered for here.
The device connects via standard 3.5 mm jack—bring your own headphones or use a T‑coil compatible ear piece
📝 Handheld Captioning
A portable captioning device displays real-time text for attractions without built-in captions. Also available at Guest Relations for a $25 refundable deposit, same-day return
You can find the attractions where captioning is offered here.
You can also find them on the Interactive Map in the My Disney Experience (MDE) app. Click on the down arrow, select Guest Services, then on show list scroll down to Services for Guests with Hearing Disabilities.
🎥 Video Captioning & Sign Language Interpretation at Walt Disney World
Guests with hearing disabilities can access video captioning at select pre-shows and queue areas throughout the parks. Many locations have stationary screens that display captioned dialogue—just ask a Cast Member for assistance.
Some attractions also support triggered captioning via a remote device available at Guest Relations. This service requires a $25 refundable deposit and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis in all four theme parks.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether an attraction offers video captioning, open the My Disney Experience app, tap the map, and filter by “Services for Guests with Hearing Disabilities” for a full list of supported locations.
🤟 American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation
Walt Disney World offers ASL interpretation at select live shows on a rotating weekly schedule:
🏰 Park | 📅 Days Available |
Hollywood Studios | Sundays & Wednesdays |
Magic Kingdom | Mondays & Thursdays |
Animal Kingdom | Tuesdays & Saturdays |
EPCOT | Fridays |
This service is available at no extra charge. You can view the most up-to-date show schedule by visiting Guest Relations or by calling Disability Services at (407) 824-4321 or TTY (407) 827-5141.
If you’d like an ASL interpreter for a specific dining or entertainment experience (like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue), Disney requests that you make your request at least 14 days in advance.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If someone in your party needs ASL interpretation, stop by Guest Relations early in the day to get the full schedule and plan your showtimes accordingly.
Disney's schedule of interpreted performances in our Theme Parks is updated on a weekly basis. You can find this either by emailing signlanguageservices@disney.com or by visiting a Theme Park Guest Relations location upon arrival.
✨ ASL Interpretation for Special Events & Shows
Guests can request American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for select special events and dinner shows, including the popular Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness.
To request an interpreter, email WDW.SignLanguageServices@disney.com at least 14 days before your reservation. Disney will confirm your request and follow up with a detailed schedule of the interpreted performance.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Want ASL at your dinner show or special event? Reach out early—Disney’s team is fantastic, but these services are in high demand and require advance planning!
🏨 In-Room Communication Kits for Guests with Hearing Disabilities
Walt Disney World Resort hotels offer Room Communication Kits for guests who are Deaf or hard of hearing. These kits can be requested in advance and include:
🔔 Visual and tactile door knock and phone alerts
📞 Phone amplifiers
🛏️ Bed shaker notification
🔥 Strobe-light smoke detector
🖨️ Text Typewriter Telephone (TTY)
Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel can request a room with these accommodations by calling (407) 824-4321.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you need one of these kits, it’s best to request it as soon as you book your room—availability may be limited at some resorts.
💬 Final Thoughts on Disability Accommodations at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World does a lot to ensure that the magic is accessible to everyone—but navigating those options can feel overwhelming. Whether you're visiting with mobility challenges, visual or hearing disabilities, or neurodivergent needs, Disney offers a wide range of services to help your trip go more smoothly.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: The best way to set yourself up for success is to plan ahead and talk with Guest Relations early in your visit—they’re there to help and can make all the difference.
If you’re looking for more in-depth support, check out our related guides below or let us help you plan your trip through our travel advisor services. We’re passionate about making every visit as magical and stress-free as possible.
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
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