Advantages: Able to read the scripts for some of the attractions ( Buzz Light-year and Winnie the Pooh scripts - my kids LOVED it!) Easy to use. Lightweight. Remote-like automatic start of script for the attraction as it pinpoints your location.
Disadvantages: About 70 percent of the time, the device was either inaccurate or simply wasn't programmed for certain attractions. Bulky - even though it's light, it takes up a bit of space so it was annoying having to pull it out of the backpack for every attraction. The only color on the device was the front screen, everything else had a robot-like black and white / non color screen.
Improvements that could be made: Smoother lighter device to hang around neck possibly? And more accuracy with the pace of words to match the attractions actual script. Ex: Time Machine script had words flying by like crazy on the device! It didn't match the timing of the actual performance AT ALL. An updated screen with color.
By the way, it was a cheaper $20 dollar deposit that you get back when returned instead of $100 for the red heavier Mickey shaped device. Considering the difference in deposits, I'm guessing the one I had was a newer & lighter version since this type of technology has evolved over the years.
Visually, it's a big difference, right?
Overall, I would use this device again with hope that it continues to evolve into a better device for the deaf and hard of hearing. I really did have a great time though!
If anyone has used a device or recieved services on vacation with unique accommodations being made as courtesy from the establishment for deaf and hard of hearing -- Please share!!!!! Whether is an amusement park, cruise, hotel, airline, or local attraction - we would love to keep deaf friendly businesses in the forefront when preparing for vacation!
The New England Patriots Hall of Fame has the same thing. The Patriots are the greatest football team on the planet!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you and your family had a great time in Disney World! I was not aware that Disney World had handheld devices for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. I think it is great that you tried it out. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteHow was the weather by the way? I hope it did not get too hot.
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J.J., that sounds great, I'm glad you had the chance to take advantage of it and enjoy yourself... I'll bet our other deaf and hard of hearing football fans would've loved it!
ReplyDelete(e, The weather was HOT, but we had plenty of delicious slurpees, drinks, & ice cream to chill us out. And it was for the kids.... so the smiles were worth a day in the hot sun!