Disney Cruise Line accessibility just picked up two new tools. Guests who are deaf or hard of hearing can now wear haptic vests at the silent disco parties on every ship, and guests who are blind or have low vision can pick up braille and tactile guidebooks for the ships and both of Disney’s Bahamas island destinations.
Both additions are available across the full fleet now, according to WDWMagic, which shared Disney’s photos of the vests and guidebooks on Tuesday.
Feeling The Beat At The Silent Disco
Silent disco parties are one of the more popular nights out on Disney’s ships. Everyone dances along to music in their own wireless headphones, so a guest with hearing loss could see the party happening without really being part of it. The haptic vests change that. Each vest turns the music and sound effects into vibrations, with speakers on the front and back, so the wearer can follow the beat and rhythm through touch.
Silent disco times vary by sailing, so check your onboard activities schedule to see when the next one is happening.
Braille Maps Of The Ships And Islands
The new guidebooks use raised maps and braille venue information to help guests find their way around on their own. The ship maps cover each deck, including stairs, elevators and restrooms. The island maps lay out the beaches, bars, rental spots, dining locations and tram stops.
You can request one at Guest Services on any ship, or on land at Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
“Previously, a guest who is deaf or hard of hearing could see a silent disco happening around them. Now they can feel it. A guest who is blind or has low vision can understand the layout of a ship or an island,” said Maura King, manager of accessibility at Disney Cruise Line.
What Disney Cruise Line Already Offers
The vests and guidebooks join a list of services that was already fairly long. Disney’s ships have accessible staterooms, assistive listening systems, captioning on the Funnel Vision poolside screen and wheelchair-accessible public spaces, plus relief areas for service dogs. Wish class ships offer an accessible transfer option at the AquaMouse water ride. On the islands, guests can use sand wheelchairs, mobility mats that lead onto the beach and ramp-equipped trams.
Guests who need help planning around a disability before they sail can reach Disney Cruise Line’s Special Services team, which works with guests ahead of time on accommodations. The fleet is also growing, with the Disney Believe next in line to join it.
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