Via DisDining.com
For many people, one of the highlights of their Disney vacation is all the incredible characters they will get to meet. Some people look forward to meeting the Fab 5 — Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. Others can’t wait to speak with their favorite princesses, with people waiting in long lines to meet two of the most popular princesses, Queen Anna and Elsa from Frozen. Frozen came out in theaters in 2013, but it remains nearly as popular as it was back then. For one young Guest, meeting Queen Anna was an experience that she will never forget.
11-year-old Zoe Tapley, who is deaf, recently visited Disneyland Resort with her family and family friends. While there, Zoe approached Queen Anna and used American Sign Language to say “Hello” to her. To everyone’s shock, Queen Anna signed back, asking the family if she could sign to Zoe. From there, the two had a wonderful conversation about Zoe’s trip and what rides she liked to go on. Zoe’s parents said that they typically need to be the ones to translate for her.
Zoe’s parents sat down with CBS This Morning to talk about what that moment meant for them and for Zoe.
This trip was Zoe’s second trip to Disneyland. But according to her mom, this was the first time she has had an interaction with a character that knew ASL, the Uplift reported.
“I only tell you the whole story because I feel it needs to be told,” said Tapley. “What if, for a second today, we saw someone and went out of our way to love on them? To smile or buy their coffee. What if a kind word about their shoes was just what they needed? Or that soft, knowing smile to a stressed-out mom at a target made her feel seen.”
Tapley’s message for everyone:
“Take some time today to slow down.
SEE THOSE AROUND YOU!
It is life-changing for us and others.”
You can watch the heartwarming viral video below.
Not only was the family shocked to see a character who was fluent, but so was Zoe. At one point, Anna signed an autograph for a Guest and Zoe turned to the camera, signed “Wow!” and smiled. She and Anna then hugged and posed for a photo.
Disney works very hard to be accommodating to all Guests, and Disneyland Resort offers several options for those Guests who are hearing impaired. The Disneyland Resort website says the following Sign Language services are available:
Sign Language Interpretation
The Disneyland Resort provides Sign Language interpretation for our Guests at specific live theme park shows on a rotating basis as follows:
- Disney California Adventure Park – Sundays and Fridays
- Disneyland Park – Mondays and Saturdays
For a list of Sign Language interpreted performances, please download the current schedule or request information via email at dlraccessibilityservices@disney.com. You may also call (714) 781-4636 (select option 1, and then option 0) for further details. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.
You may pick up a schedule of Sign Language interpreted performances at any Disneyland Resort Guest Relations locations.
Please note that the schedule is released on the first of the month.
Special Requests for Interpretation
To maximize the available Sign Language offerings, we encourage Guests to plan their visit on a designated day. If visiting our theme parks on a non-designated day, Sign Language interpretation for a limited number of regularly-scheduled offerings may be available by request with at least 14 days advance notice.
If you have any questions about our Sign Language interpreted performances or to request services on non-designated days, please contact dlraccessibilityservices@disney.com.
- All Character interactions are subject to availability and may change without notice. The scheduled times have been selected to give the best opportunity for the most Characters to be present but cannot be guaranteed.
- The Sign Language interpreter will meet you at the designated times and locations listed above. If you are unable to meet at the designated time, the interpreter will wait for you up to 10 minutes after that time.
- Our service is not a guided tour and a Sign Language interpreter will not escort parties around the Parks
Disneyland Resort also offers Assisted Listening Devices and Handheld Captioning at a number of rides and attractions. Guests who would like a list of rides and attractions that provide these services can visit Guest Services at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.