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Disney World, where enchantment meets adventure, is dedicated to providing an exciting and immersive experience for everyone, including individuals with hearing aids. This comprehensive guide will offer tips for navigating Disney World or Disneyland with hearing aids, ensuring that your trip to the happiest place on Earth is truly magical.
Plus see our other tips for vacations with hearing aids.
1. Enable ‘Find My Hearing Aid’
The first thing you need to do before heading to Disney World is to enable the ‘Find My Hearing Aid’ feature in your hearing aid app. This is a must-have safeguard against the potential loss of your hearing aids amidst all the excitement. Starkey, Oticon, Resound, Widex, and Signia all include this feature in their apps.
2. Secure Your Hearing Aids on Fast Rides
Disney World is home to many thrilling rides like Space Mountain, Tron, Expedition Everest, and the Tower of Terror and more. To ensure your hearing aids do not fall out during these fast-paced adventures, consider using alligator clips for extra security. Or remove your hearing aids before these thrill rides.
3. Pack a Backup Set of Hearing Aids
To fully enjoy the magic of Disney World, you want to prevent minor inconveniences, like dead batteries or clogged wax traps, from dampening your day. Always bring a backup set of hearing aids in a backpack or small case.
4. Mind Your Hearing Aids on Water Rides
Most professional fit hearing aids have an IP rating of 67 or 68, meaning they can withstand water splashes from rides. However, if you plan to visit water parks like Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, or use the resort pool, make sure your hearing aids are either fully waterproof or removed before getting wet.
5. Make Use of Disney’s Captioned Devices
If you have severe hearing loss, you may want to consider using Disney’s Handheld Captioning devices. These portable systems display on-screen text at select theaters and attractions, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the action. They’re available on a first-come, first-served basis from Guest Relations at all four theme parks for a fully-refundable $25 daily deposit.
6. Understand the Guest Room Amenities at Disney Resorts
If you are staying on property, Guest Rooms at Disney World Resort hotels can be equipped with a variety of accessibility amenities, including door knock and phone alerts, phone amplifiers, bed shaker notifications, strobe light smoke detectors and a Text Typewriter (TTY) telephone. To request a Room Communication Kit, call Walt Disney World Resort Information at (407) 824-4321.
7. Dry Your Hearing Aids Properly At Night
Florida’s climate can be quite humid, and between sweat, water rides, and occasional rain, your hearing aids can get quite damp. It’s essential to dry them out every night using a desiccant to avoid any moisture damage.
8. Consider a Roger or Remote Microphone System for Children
If your child is the one wearing the hearing aids, a Roger or remote microphone system can be a lifesaver. This will enable them to hear you clearly even amidst Disney’s ambient noise.
9. Embrace the Magic of Disney
Most importantly, remember to enjoy every moment and let the magic of Disney enhance your holiday. As a fellow Disney lover, I hope your trip is filled with joy, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
By taking these precautions and utilizing the available resources, you can ensure a smooth, magical, and accessible Disney experience for everyone in your party.
10. Communicate Your Needs
Let Disney staff know about your hearing loss. Most of them are trained to assist guests with disabilities and will be able to help you enjoy the attractions to the fullest.
If you are also thinking about a Disney Cruise, see my cruise and hearing aids tips.
