American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at Disney World show | Video
American Sign Language interpreter cast members accompanied the performance I attended of “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” at Walt Disney World, and left me amazed.
The live stage show, performed in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, features two American Sign Language interpreter cast members during select showtimes on certain dates (more info on schedules below).
I was pleasantly surprised when the interpreters approached a small platform in front of the stage just before the performance began. For all the times I’d seen this show since it debuted in 2016, I’d never seen a performance with sign-language interpreters (nor had I for any Disney show, for that matter). What followed was one of my new favorite Disney memories.
The cast members didn’t just interpret the script, they embodied every character in the show, often even multiple roles in the same scene. To see the personality of a character like Goofy or Donald be brought to life through a performer’s eye movements, smiles, smirks, or even expressions of exasperation (in Donald’s case) was something I’d never seen before.
I knew Disney provided American Sign Language interpreters during certain live shows, but until I saw these cast members in person I didn’t realize how much they bring to the show. They aren’t just interpreters; they’re performers, and the joy they have for their role was palpable.
See them in action in our video:
How to find ASL interpreter show schedules for Disney World
American Sign Language services for Disney World live shows are available during select performances on certain days.
You can get the schedule for during your visit using one of three methods:
- Visit this page on the Disney World website and click “current schedule” (the link will continually update each week, which is why we can’t link the specific URL here)
- Email [email protected]
- Stop by Guest Relations inside the park on the day of your visit
Currently (subject to change), Magic Kingdom offers ASL interpreters on Mondays and Thursdays, Epcot on Fridays, Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Sundays and Wednesdays, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Tuesdays and Saturdays (again, only during select performances of certain shows on those days).
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Blake, Thank you so very much for your article featuring the Sign language interpreters at Disney World. Here is also their counterpart team at Disneyland l. As the artistic Sign Language choreography for over 25 years, the work, development and training is challenging yet so fulfilling. To provide access so the entire family can participate is a privilege The team of interpreters work hard, and always give it their all. It has been a major pleasure to work with each in every way, together celebrating our respect of the Deaf community and their beautiful language.