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Disney's Animal Kingdom Services
for Visual & Hearing Disabilities
The Answerz
The who, what, where and
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Lodge at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Although people with visual and hearing
disabilities may have some challenges when
visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  However,
there are still many ways to enjoy the park.  

Walt Disney World offers hearing access
with listening devices, captioning, sign
language interpretation, Braille guides and
maps, audio descriptions and more.

Planning ahead with your particular
challenges in mind can help make your trip
more enjoyable.
One of the first things you may want to do is stop by the Guest Relations Center near the entrance of each
park to pick up any needed equipment, devices, guidebooks or maps. (Many require a refundable deposit.)

Disney and Hearing Disabilities

If you are a person with a hearing disability, Disney provides a Specialized Functions department.  The
phone numbers are 407-939-7807 and 407-939-7670 for TTD users.  You may ask for a vacation video with
closed captioning and a Guidebook for People with Disabilities to be sent to you.  It will take about four
weeks to arrive.

At the Guest Services Center, you can request a FM listening system with headphones or a telescopic
compatible loop.  Refundable deposits for items are $25 to $100.  Items must be returned the same day for
a refund. Those with a cochlear implant, will need to bring a patch cord.  Some of the pre-shows require a
closed caption decoder remote and that can be requested here also.  

According to some visitors, attractions that are not listed in the Disabilities Guidebook as being accessible
sometimes have some way of accessibility.  You can check with the Disney Cast Member at the ride or
attraction and explain your disability.  
Giraffe at Disney's Animal Kingdom
At each Cast Member location, paper and pens or pencils are available to help
with communication.  Some Cast Members know sign language and wear a
language pin.

Guest Assistance Packets are available at or near the entrances for most shows
and attractions.  They contain dialogue, narrations, flashlights, paper and pen.

Cast Members at many of the shows will need to be alerted to your situation so
that you enter the correct line and get seating for captioning, which is usually
one of the front rows.  Some shows offer written scripts you can ask to use.

Sign Language interpretation at live theme park shows is available free with at
least a seven day notice.  Interpreted performances are on a rotating basis.  
Currently, shows in Animal Kingdom are on Saturdays.  Requests for this can be
made at 407-824-4321 or 407-827-5141 for TTY.  

TTY (text typewriter) telephones are available throughout the park.  They are located at the main entrance
next to Guest Relations, Safari Village opposite Flame Tree Barbecue, Restaurantosaurus, Harambe Village in
Tusker House, Conservation Station and Asia’s restroom areas as well as the Guest Relations lobby.

Disney's Assistive listening Devices receive a signal from overhead transmitters to amplify
sound.  This type of device is used at the following attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

  • It’s Tough to be a Bug!
  • DINOSAUR’s pre-show
  • Festival of The Lion King show in the Lion King Theater
  • Flights of Wonder show at the Caravan Stage
  • Finding Nemo - The Musical
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris
  • Wildlife Express

Handheld Captioning

This portable system uses a hand held wireless receiver
to display text.  Disney cautions that not all portions of
the attraction experience may be captioned.  Attractions
that use this system are:

  • Festival of The Lion King at the Lion King Theater
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris
  • Wildlife Express

Reflective Captioning

This technology uses a LED display to show captions on an acrylic panel that is stationed in front of you.  
Guests should let a Cast Member know that they need this option.  Again, not all portions may be shown.
The areas this display is used in the Animal Kingdom are:

  • It’s Tough to be a Bug!
  • Finding Nemo - The Musical

Video Captioning

Video Captioning is available on monitors marked with a CC symbol and can be activated by a remote
control.  These remote controls are available through Guest Relations.  Video captioning can also be
activated by Disney’s Handheld Device.  Video captioning is offered at these attractions:

  • Pre-show of DINOSAUR
  • Pre-show of Kilimanjaro Safaris

Visual Disabilities

A Braille guide is available at the Guest Relations Center in all four of the theme parks.  They give you a
general overview of each park.  A refundable deposit of $25 is required.  The guide must be returned the
same day for the refund.

Audio tape guides are also offered at Guest Relations for a refundable deposit of $25.  These cassette tapes
give you a brief description of the attractions.  Audio Tours offers a detailed guided tour of Animal
Kingdom.  If gives you a route to follow and includes distances between the attractions and key stopping
areas.

Stationary Braille maps are in each of the four Disney Theme Parks and in Downtown Disney.  They are
found at or near the Guest Relations Lobby and near the Tip board at each park.  These maps show the
orientation of the park and use large print with a clear Braille overlay.  Some raised graphics are also used to
highlight landmarks and attraction.

Audio descriptions are available using the Disney’s Handheld Device.  This supplemental audio offers guest
information on specific attraction.  In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, these attractions are:

  • It’s Tough to be a Bug!
  • Pangani Forest Trail
  • Maharajah Jungle Trek



The restaurant Sanaa at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World.  African food is
served in this restaurant with a unique view.

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