Disney World for the Blind: Are You Prepared?

Disney World is well known for taking care to make their parks comfortable for those with special needs. However, many guests visit without knowing just how many unique features are available to them. Take a look at some of the key things to know if you’re traveling to Disney World with a blind friend or family member.

Take Advantage of Audio Description

Disney World offers a Disney Handheld Device with supplemental audio that describes visual elements like actions, scene changes, and settings. It’s set up to work with existing show audio at specific entertainment, theme park attractions, and other locations throughout the theme parks:

Magic Kingdom Audio Description

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• it's a small world
• Jungle Cruise
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• The Hall of Presidents
• The Haunted Mansion
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Walt Disney Railroad stations
• Carousel of Progress
• Enchanted Tiki Room
• Ellen's Energy Adventure
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
• Impressions de France
• Journey Into Imagination With Figment
• Living with the Land
• Mission: SPACE Green
• Mission: SPACE Orange
• Canada!
• Reflections of China
• Soarin'
• Spaceship Earth
• Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
• Muppet*Vision 3D
• The Great Movie Ride
• The Magic of Disney Animation
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Walt Disney: One Man's Dream
• DINOSAUR
• It's Tough to Be a Bug!
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Maharajah Jungle Trek
• Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
• Wildlife Express Train: Africa Station
• Wildlife Express Train: Rafiki's Planet Watch Station

Epcot Audio Description

Hollywood Studios Audio Description

Animal Kingdom Audio Description

You can rent an Audio Description device at any Guest Relations booth at each theme park. Note that you’ll pay a $25.00 deposit but the total amount is refunded when you return it the same day.

Pick up Braille Guidebooks

All four Disney theme parks have braille guidebooks that offer descriptions of stores, attractions, and restaurants. Note that they’re available on a first-come, first served basis so it’s best to head straight to the Guest Relations book when you reach the park you’re visiting. As with the Audio Description tools described above, a $25.00 deposit is required, which will then be returned when you return the books the same day.

Use Stationary Braille Maps

Found at all four Disney theme parks, either at or near the Guest Relations lobby, these maps have large print and a clear Braille overlay. Raised graphics further help to highlight key landmarks and attractions to allow for quick and easy orientation. There’s also one conveniently located at Downtown Disney.