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While we have a hearing aid thread around- my dmil is very deaf. Do any of the shows in the parks, or on DCL(Wish) have loop system set up?

1:28am on 1/10/26 by hodg

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Good a question also any recommendations for OTC hearing aids?

7:36am on 1/10/26 by 58breezy

Bump for @hodg!

8:15am on 1/10/26 by TumbleMonkeys

I'm pretty sure there is some sort of hearing aid assist - I'll try Disney chat closer to trip amd GS when there if can't find out ahead. She's found loop systems really help eg at radio city w a device, & a built in system in local cathedral at Xmas.

1:34pm on 1/10/26 by hodg

Interested in this as well. Was not even aware it existed and sounds like it could be useful for my friend who wears hearing aids.

2:02pm on 1/10/26 by WDWJabberwock

They do! It's a $25 refundable deposit. Uses a standard headphone jack, they recommend you bring your own headphones. Here's the list of attractions. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/

3:28pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

That link didn't keep my assistive listening filter on.

3:29pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

@58 breezy, I got loops for Christmas. They aren't heating aids but help me in crowds. Restaurants, parties, etc. I don't wear hearing aids although my audiologist suggests them. But when it's quiet and I'm facing the speaker I'm fine. They're only $50ish

3:31pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

@popup, could you post a description or a link for the loops? I'm not sure what they are, and they sound like something I could use.

6:06pm on 1/10/26 by diannaa

Thanks @popup- will read that thru tomoro. We'll need to get her some headphones or steal some gaming ones from my boys. She'll look great with a full gaming headset & mic in the parks.

6:18pm on 1/10/26 by hodg

Do you have to collect a device from GS for each park?

6:21pm on 1/10/26 by hodg

@hodg, you have to return it at the end of the day but I don't know if you need to return it if hopping. I haven't used yet, I just looked into it. I hear well enough to get by at the moment so haven't tried.

6:54pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

@dianna, I haven't used yet the switch 2. There's literally switches on it to change how it works. I dont understand it but somehow it blocks background noise but lets me hear people near me. I've worn them dancing and could hear people at my table and...

6:56pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

...at restaurants. I'll try them at the next party I go to too. I know one person without hearing loss who got them to block sound at concerts to protect their hearing. They have lots of different kinds for different purposes. https://us.loopearplugs.com/

6:57pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

My first sentence didn't make sense. I HAVE the Switch 2.

6:58pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

Thank you!

8:12pm on 1/10/26 by diannaa

So this is a loop thing you carry with you? Does it work w hearing aid too? That might be an extra thing that could help her other places.

6:33am by hodg

You mean loop ear plugs? Don't really get what they are meant to do! But couldn't use with a hearing aid in your ear I presume

6:37am by hodg

Yes loop ear plugs and no they are for us who aren't quite ready for hearing aids, and people who want to block sound. Yes the assistive device is a thing to carry around. I don't think it works with hearing aids. You would take them out like on a tour.

8:44am by popupcamper

My DD gave me loop for Christmas. I'm not entirely sure where I am intended to wear them? We don't frequent noisy restaurants or spaces. Don't work for the tv. Maybe she wants for our trip in Aug so I don't keep saying- what did she say?!?

9:35am by Magicalday2011

When we did Ellis island the regular audio tour was no good for dmil. She got a special one for hard of hearing and cld hear it well. Think she kept her hearing aids in. We'll check it out anyway and I'll report back how it goes.

10:37am by hodg

Thinking we can send them to GS at EE time while DH & I go ride sonething they won't do, like GotG, then rejoin them.

10:38am by hodg

Looks like they have both assistive listening devices and handheld captioning devices. Interesting to read about what they offer to help those who have hearing challenges.

10:40am by utang44

I found this video that explains a little but haven't found a video of someone actually using it. My momma and I are going in April, she wears hearing aids. Maybe we can test it out and let you know. https://youtu.be/TgBM5va3NpA?si=eF2ngZxSDcCsrQkR

58 min ago by popupcamper

I don't think she'll cope with the glasses!

54 min ago by hodg

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It looks like it might be able to go directly to her hearing aid depending on the ability of her hearing aids. But I can't tell for sure. I'll have my momma test it if no one else has by then.

52 min ago by popupcamper

That'd be great.

3 min ago by hodg

She has nhs digital heating aids- so will be a basic digital. Don't think they will have any fancy linking capabilities. But sounds like there will be things to help her.

1 min ago by hodg

Which DVC studios still have pullout couches instead of Murphy beds?

8:15am by HalfBludPrincess

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I did a quick search and it looks like dedicated 2-bedrooms at CCV still use a sofa bed in the living room. But that isn't quite relevant to this discussion.

9:54am by melcort10

I believe the CC alternative studios (corners studio with tubs) are shaped in a way that only a pullout couch works.

9:59am by PrincipalTinker

@cdlla, have you sent that suggestion to webmaster@touringplans.com? They always seem glad to get suggestions. Sometimes they tell me where on the list my suggestion already is.

5 min ago by evamarie320

Arriving today for the first time in 5 years. DS checks in tomorrow for the CP.

16 min ago by welovebelle

Exciting!

13 min ago by evamarie320

Yay!

10 min ago by KLuck

Can't wait to hear CP stories!

6 min ago by popupcamper

What's the quickest way from MK to the new Poly tower?

44 min ago by MOJoe

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Is there a direct boat to the Poly? I thought it shared with the GF.

14 min ago by MOJoe

It was shared last spring, don't know if that's changed

9 min ago by KLuck

Yes it's shared. First stop is GF.

7 min ago by popupcamper

Skyliner: We only took this once at our 2023 trip and both the lines and the trip were slow. It was pretty but I didn't see it as a legit option for efficient transport but in another thread I'm hearing different. Thoughts on the Skyliner?

9:01pm on 1/10/26 by mbfavreau

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It's a much faster transportation option than busses in many cases, actually, because it continually loads as long as it's operational. Lines are really only notably lengthy at the end of the day at Epcot in our experiences.

9:05pm on 1/10/26 by utang44

The only problem with the SL is that it can shutdown in inclement weather, in which cause you have to shift to a backup option. That's mainly an issue during the hurricane season.

9:06pm on 1/10/26 by utang44

Lines can look bad but are usually efficient. It's fun. And pretty fast. But unless you have a car, it's usually the only free option for the places it goes (exception being between Epcot and HS where there are also boats/walking).

9:07pm on 1/10/26 by TumbleMonkeys

Always had great experiences with the SL. Lines move quickly.

9:38pm on 1/10/26 by evamarie320

I'll just throw in my experience from last month as a contrast. It took me an hour to get from EP to Riviera at the end of the night one night. I've not had issues in the past, but last month soured me a bit on how convenient it is.

9:59pm on 1/10/26 by njhyndman

I've had great luck with Skyliner. It's a total game changer for us. Always moving. Lines look long but move. End of night at Epcot has a wait but we just take our time leaving or leave before nighttime show. Always have a seat on Skyliner vs stand on bus

10:04pm on 1/10/26 by JenniferB1975

What time of year will you be going? When I was at Pop in August it was down more than it was up...

10:05pm on 1/10/26 by melcort10

I love it so much but agree I won't stay at a SL resort during hurricane season. And we don't stay for fireworks so for us it works great.

10:29pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

We tried to use it to RD HS from pop and the line was so long (into the 1950s) that we gave up and drove. Maybe if we could have been up even earlier that morning..... But we also used it mid day that trip and it was great then.

12:36am by krb2g

Agree august is not a good month to rely on SL. Hardly worked during the afternoon/evening at all due to storms.

6:08am by hodg

Yes, did Pop in Aug last year and felt I could have saved the money and stayed at ASMo. Skyliner was closed both times I wanted to go back and forth during the day - only used at RD and closing, and the reason I booked Pop was to leave and go back.

10:08am by daisylover78

During covid the sl was not efficient but its efficiency has improved alot. I do agree leaving epcot after luminous can take awhile if your booking it or leaving a few minutes before it's over.

10:15am by melodicwords

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Yes, our trip this last week had SUCH slow moving SL experiences. Not just lines but the actual trips took at least 3 times as long as anything I've experienced in the past. A solid hour sometimes to get from Pop to parks

10:27am by LaurenInWonderland

And that was with minimal lines. It was just moving so slow in the air for some reason and stopped frequently

10:29am by LaurenInWonderland

I have only experienced long lines for SL in the early mornings from Pop/AoA (and during Covid), but we don't use it at late night departing the parks, and random occasional slowdowns while in transit. They do slow it down for winds above 30-35 mph.

10 min ago by Ali Ababwa

Accommodation: for $ we usually stay offsite and rent a car. I've found I have better control over arrival for rope drops times, etc. is there anywhere on property that has better transport options that isn't super expensive (poly, contemporary, GF etc)?

6:09pm on 1/10/26 by mbfavreau

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I believe that onsite guests accessing the parks via Disney transportation always have somewhat of an advantage over those offsite, who aren't allowed in to park until a certain time. We don't do RD, though, so someone else would need to verify.

6:21pm on 1/10/26 by utang44

We personally find that Disney transportation is one of the biggest benefits of staying onsite. Runs very smoothly and efficiently the majority of the time, especially in the mornings.

6:23pm on 1/10/26 by utang44

I always find the value resorts to have plentiful and timely bus service. All Stars, Pop, AoA. The last two have the added convenience of the Skyliner to HS and EP.

6:24pm on 1/10/26 by evamarie320

I love Pop and CBR. The Skyliner to two parks is a game changer.

6:24pm on 1/10/26 by JenniferB1975

I agree with the above. Cheapest is all stars and they have great bus service. Pop/AOA and CBR would be great during spring break for skyliner to two parks.

6:49pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

I also think all star has a great bus situation esp if you stay in a room equidistant to 2 resorts and can choose which one to take back at night

7:06pm on 1/10/26 by Gusgus5

We alway RD, and All Stars and Pop are great!!

7:28pm on 1/10/26 by wdw ocd

This is absolutely fascinating. We've stayed at All Star a few times (with a car) and I've always seen lines for busses and thought that it looked miserable but I'm hearing the opposite. What times do they leave for RD? I thought it was too late?

8:35pm on 1/10/26 by mbfavreau

Always get to the bus stop 75-90 m8 utes before early entry. If early entry is at 8:30, be at the bus stop at 7am. The buses are allowed in the lots before it opens to cars. They usually start security an hour before early entry.

8:40pm on 1/10/26 by PrincipalTinker

@utang can you say more about outside guests aren't allowed in ahead of on-site guests? I've never heard of that. Contrary, my ability to drive and park has gotten me ahead of the first busses but has that changed?

8:43pm on 1/10/26 by mbfavreau

@gusgus Do you mean stay at Music since Movies and Sports are on either side and you could choose those busses and walk over at night?

8:46pm on 1/10/26 by mbfavreau

I feel you with enjoying the control of driving. I've had luck with "deals" garden wing rooms at contemporary on off season weekday. Even if you just do one night, being able to walk to RD MK and walk home to your room after the fireworks is blissful.

8:48pm on 1/10/26 by imfluffy

@evamarie The last time we took the Skyliner (to HS) both the line to get on and the trip were pretty long. Has it gotten more efficient?

8:49pm on 1/10/26 by mbfavreau

See @PT's note above for your answer re: onsite transportation advantage.

8:52pm on 1/10/26 by utang44

If your previous parking experience had you ahead of the busses, then yes, I believe that has changed.

8:53pm on 1/10/26 by utang44

@PrincipalTinker "busses are allowed in lots before cars" is DEFINITELY new since I was last there in Jan 2023, in that case. We were always leaving the resort before the first bus and therefore arriving at the gates earlier. Thanks so much for this!

8:55pm on 1/10/26 by mbfavreau

@mb, we've been keeping a spreadsheet since I think 2021 and it is absolutely the case that first buses beat first cars. Of course you can LEAVE your resort whenever you want but they don't open the parking lot gates whenever you want. First cars are...

9:48pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

...let in 60 minutes before early entry. First buses are let off at the entrance also 60 minutes before early entry. But walking off the bus right next to the entrance gives you an advantage over cars being allowed to drive in at the same time. The cars..

9:50pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

....still have to drive, then park, then walk. First buses beat first cars, and have for the years we've been tracking. Definitely since 2023. But if you like to drive just drive.

9:52pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

First bus leaves the resort 75-90 minutes before early entry.

9:52pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

@mb, are you saying you drove and were the very absolute first people at security? What park was that?

9:55pm on 1/10/26 by popupcamper

We've driven on our check in day so had EE. Had to hover at car park entrance a few mins before they opened. Were 2nd row at taps at HS- there you're going to be behind the walkers however you arrive tho.

6:15am by hodg

Offsite obv doesn't have access to rides for the EE 1st half hour. That's the thing that pushed us back onsite. previously you cld RD a non EE park & no disadvantage to being offsite. Now you're always behind the curve at every park.

6:17am by hodg

When I say RD, I mean we were within the first 20 people at TTC or actual gates depending on the park. Never encountered a situation where the lot wasn't open. We're talking about trips that were not recent, though. 2023/2019/2013.

7:00am by mbfavreau

And when offsite we went to a park that did not have EE/EMH on that day. We did use it when staying onsite. This advice is super helpful and now makes me question how outdated my "knowledge" is.

7:02am by mbfavreau

I think 2021 (or 2020) is when they stopped letting you in the parking gates until exactly an hour before. Prior to that it's quite possible you could. To be fair, the posted guidance for buses might seem like there isn't one at 75-90 min. But there is

7:12am by TumbleMonkeys

Transportation lines for sure often look bad (and that has a stress value for sure), but if you're on that first bus, you're ahead of the game. I wouldn't rule out Values/bus/SL resorts on the basis of transportation.

7:14am by TumbleMonkeys

It sounds to me like you enjoy driving so I think maybe you should just drive. Lots of people prefer it. You won't be first but you'll be close enough for horseshoes. Except MK due to the TTC (unless you like the ferry.)

8:36am by popupcamper

Have stayed at All star Movies numerous times and love it. Cost effective. Never had any issues with bus waits. We always RD and arrived at bus 70-80 prior to opening and never wait longer than 10 for a bus.

8:51am by Richrosethumper

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We have always done RD from multiple Resorts for many years and never encountered any problems or long waits for transportation that caused us to miss EE/EMH a.m Park Openings Have never stayed offsite or AllStars.

9:30am by Magicalday2011

Horseshoes??

51 min ago by hodg

Close doesn't count except horseshoes and hand grenades

22 min ago by mnfc

Morning, liners! Talk to me about Gideons. Seems like I don't hear about it here much vs how much I see it on social media. Maybe because Liners don't like waiting in lines! What's your strategy for going? And do you think it's worth it? Thanks!

8:38am by TumbleMonkeys

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I personally wasn't a big fan of their cookies the one time we tried them but I'd probably give them another shot if the line wasn't too long. Hopefully someone has some good tips. I do think they're worth trying, I just prefer thinner/chewier cookies.

8:43am by HalfBludPrincess

I love Gideons but my entire family cannot eat dairy. I am only able to get them during long trips or solo trips. I just wait in line those times lol

8:46am by KLuck

We love them! I buy the max allowed and fill my freezer. I think weekday lines are shorter and obviously the earlier the better. I've gone around 2-3 and only waited 15 minutes. If you go at night you could give your number then go eat dinner.

8:49am by melcort10

My strategy is to go during the week when they open. There is a line but you will only wait about 20 minutes at the most. I bring them home and put them in the freezer so I can eat them until my next trip. We think they're delicious.

9:32am by polypack

The one time we went in Feb 2022 arrived 3p waited 20m. Went to Sanuk shop before being called back. It's a giant cookie. Took me 4 days to eat 1. Would do again if around that area and short wait

9:33am by Magicalday2011

Thanks! So sometimes it's a line. But when you have to put your name down, do you have to return as soon as you're called or you lose your spot?

9:40am by TumbleMonkeys

There is a generous return window! Then you wait in line which in my experience has been 10-20 mins.

9:45am by imfluffy

Oof! But thank you!

9:47am by TumbleMonkeys

I think if the physical line is over 30 minutes then they go to the virtual line. The whole length of the wall is probably 20 minutes of wait time. When you get the text I think you have 15 minutes but I checked my actual texts and it doesn't say.

9:50am by melcort10

Looking at my past texts, the estimated waits have been pretty accurate. So you should be able to plan.

9:51am by melcort10

Thanks @mel!

10:01am by TumbleMonkeys

The coffee cake cookie is life changing! It's only available in the mornings and sells out quickly

10:33am by LaurenInWonderland

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It's a love it or meh kind of cookie. My dh LOVES them has our freezer stocked. I don't like them at all. So I don't touch them. Line is outrageous to me.

49 min ago by Crazycatlady3

There is also "hot cookie hour" from 7-8 but it's next to impossible to time. You just have to be lucky.

36 min ago by melcort10

Gone a few time with my teens- midweek opening hours. They like to do TikTok reviews of them :) they are yummy and coffee is tasty

24 min ago by Gusgus5

Question about marathon Sunday morning, if we are planning HS but only briefly, wanted to also do Epcot. How does entering from IG work with runners expected around the same time as opening 10am.

7:07pm on 1/10/26 by youcanfly

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Haven't done it myself, but iirc from threads here, you may have to stand aside to allow runners thru. But regular park goers are allowed in.

9:01pm on 1/10/26 by evamarie320

The runners have the right of way, so the Marathon slows all transportation down. Some options, like the walking path between BW & HS will not be available. Check tonight at your resort for the list of closures and best available options.

9:37pm on 1/10/26 by MOJoe

Up and getting ready. Thanks for the tips. I was definitely planning boat or SL from HS to Epcot.

5:32am by youcanfly

Perfect arrival from offsite. No road closures from I4 to HS. First car to park. They were parking cars in the area I normally think of for preferred. Buses definitely beat cars but not by much. Maybe 30/40 guests at taps when we arrived. Saw runners as**

7:45am by youcanfly

** walked by SL. So cool and amazing!

7:45am by youcanfly

They opened taps right at 8am. Quick walk to RotR and guess what.....it's not opening on time. Why don't they tell guests before they walk all the way there. Bathroom stop and looked at SDD but much longer than we wanted so back at Rise. Several guests **

8:23am by youcanfly

*** asking why they don't say anything before you get here. Today and tomorrow are my last days for AP and just focusing on things I want not necessarily a need to do everything.

8:25am by youcanfly

Here in the slinky line!! Admittedly I arrived at the park a bit later than I wanted (8:19) so the wait was posted 60 mins when I got in line. I'm flying home today so I'm just here for a couple things anyway

8:30am by choirbird

That stinks. They used to when they held you altogether. One downside of the new system but they still could have one of the people on the way tell you.

8:30am by popupcamper

@popup, that was the frustrating part of our last trip, why can't they let everyone know ahead? They just let you line up & you lose the entire EE advantage.

9:35am by WendyMarie

Very rough start for HS it feels, RotR has reopened but while we were in TSM our Frozen converted to MPE. It was the 1st show.

9:41am by youcanfly

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Wow I've never heard of frozen being down. Wonder if someone couldn't get to work.

9:56am by popupcamper

Or some sort of show tech wasn't functioning. Who knows!

10:05am by utang44

I wondered if it was a casting issue? Not much set there that wouldn't be functioning except bubbles? No problem though they moved the pass to Epcot. Taking SL was no problem and no crowds in WS which is weird. DH is checking LaCava availability

35 min ago by youcanfly

Morning has anyone used dreamland nannies? They have great reviews for kids in parks and private homes. They also do dog sitting which is what we need in March. Any info welcome.

46 min ago by 58breezy

I know that there is a way to look at an estimated wait time on a particular ride for a specific day but I can't remember how to find it. Does anyone know what I'm talking about, or am I mistaken?

10:09am by ifeelwicked

There may be a faster way, but I google "touring plans wait times Peter Pan" or whatever ride. Then you can pick the date. Thrill Data has something similar but I go old school. :-)

10:29am by TumbleMonkeys

Ty @tumble

50 min ago by ifeelwicked

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