Accessible Arts: Mobility and Sensory Amenities at Dr. Phillips Center
Dr. Phillips Center’s vision, Arts For Every Life®, means ensuring the arts are accessible to all. Our team is fully committed to providing the resources and tools necessary to ensure every guest enjoys their experience while attending a performance or event at the center. We demonstrate this commitment by providing our guests with a well-rounded selection of accessibility resources to fit their needs while also ensuring our team members are trained to assist.
Hearing Assistance
American Sign Language (ASL) translators, assistive listening devices and captioning allow guests who are deaf or hard of hearing to enjoy hilarious bits in a stand-up comedy performance, the captivating plot of a musical or stirring lyrics in a concert.
At Dr. Phillips Center, an ASL interpreter joins the first Saturday performance of every Broadway run and is available, upon request, for additional Broadway performances and non-Broadway shows.
Some Broadway performances offer closed captioning through GalaPro, a revolutionary app that enhances the audience experience by delivering individual closed captioning to the guest’s mobile device. All content is provided in real-time, using speech recognition technology developed specifically for live performances and shows.
Additionally, we offer Assisted Listening Devices (ALD) for most performances, including Broadway. ALDs use FM radio signals to transmit the show’s audio to the device and play it through a wired headset. Guests are welcome to bring their own headphones or borrow a pair from our guest services desk. Our ADLs also have a loop system that connects to T-coil aids. Please check with the guest services team if the show you are attending has ALD available.
Vision Impairment & Low Vision Assistance
Audio description allows our guests with vision impairment or low vision to experience dancers' movements in a ballet, the narrative actions of characters in a play or the details in the costumes and scenery in a performance.
Audio description services are available through Assisted Listening Devices (ALD). Through these devices, a guest can hear detailed descriptions of the performance from a narrator. This technology allows guests to fill in any visual context holes–like an actor interacting with a prop in a significant way–and have a more fulfilling experience.
The first Saturday matinee Broadway performance of each run offers audio description services and can be arranged for other performances upon request. For anyone wanting to get a closer look at a performance, binoculars are also available at our concierge desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visit our AdventHealth Broadway in Orlando show pages for performances offering GalaPro Technology and ASL Interpreters.
Sensory-Friendly Options
Sensory-friendly environments and tools help guests with sensory processing disorders enjoy performances with the opportunity to enjoy decreased or increased stimulation as needed. These options are very helpful for people with anxiety, ADHD, dementia/Alzheimer’s, PTSD and guests on the autism spectrum.
Dr. Phillips Center is a proud Certified Autism Center, designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Following the IBCCES requirements, around 80 percent of the Dr. Phillips Center public-facing staff, including guest services, box office, special events and production are trained to deeply understand and accommodate autistic or sensory-sensitive guests and their families. We are one of two performing arts centers in the Southeast region to meet education standards & maintain these credentials.
We offer various sensory-friendly options for guests who need additional or less external stimulation, such as fidget toys, headphones and weighted blankets, at no cost. These can be requested by visiting our concierge behind the Harvey & Carol Massey Family Grand Staircase in the Della Phillips Grand Lobby.
Supported by AdventHealth, the Quiet Room at Walt Disney Theater allows for guests to adjust the volume of the performance to their comfort level. The room is a sound-controlled area that provides a more peaceful space for guests— speak with an usher to use this room.
Mobility Accommodations
The outermost sets of doors at the front entrance of the center allow for assisted opening and delayed closing. Elevators reach all tiers of the lobby, and each level has restrooms that are wheelchair accessible. Each theater is equipped with semi-enclosed accessibility lifts measuring 39” x 54” to reach accessible seats. Fully enclosed lifts (36” x 48”) are also available for box seats 3, 4, 9 and 10 in Walt Disney Theater.
We are happy to provide mobility seating options as well as bariatric seating. To request accommodation, please contact our Box Office at 407.358.6603 or boxoffice@drphillipscenter.org.
Accessible parking is available at nearby garages, and valet services cater to those with state-issued disabled parking permits. Transport wheelchairs are also available at valet or at the main entrance on a first-come, first-serve basis. Learn More about Dr. Phillips Center parking and facilities here.
In addition to accessibility and numerous sensory-friendly tools offered, the center also provides inclusive programming opportunities through the AdventHealth School of the Arts, including Pilobolus @ Play Residency and the Second City Residency.
To continue to ensure every guest has the best experience possible, we regularly upgrade the technology of our accessibility tools to keep up with the latest advancements and consistently make improvements based on guest feedback and suggestions.
Such feedback has resulted in implementing valuable resources we currently offer, such as audio description and closed captioning services.
Check our Accessibility Page for the most updated information about accommodations at Dr. Phillips Center.