How would the interpreters feel?

[robynchic]

My fiance and I will be going on a DCL cruise and to WDW for our honeymoon (10 days). when we were at WDW in June, we sat in the Elephant section for Festival of the Lion King, and my fiance pointed out that in the section directly across from us were two interpreters. Since I could only see their backs, I couldn't see much, but it looked absolutely beautiful. When he saw how enthralled I was (I was almost watching the interpreters as much as the show!), he said we'd sit in that section during our honeymoon.

So my question: would the interpreters feel cheated, used, hurt etc. if a hearing person wanted to sit in "their" section? If I go to guest services at the beginning of the day to talk to the interpreter(s), would they appreciate if I mention that I'm a teacher of the deaf?

I know, I'm probably worrying too much, but I figured it couldn't hurt to ask.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I don't think they would feel cheated at all! I know when I did DDCT I always loved seeing them at the Liberty Bell on the days they were out there. Mention that you teach Deaf Ed and it's your honeymoon. I doubt they would have a problem as long as there is enough room for anybody who is hearing impaired. I've met some of them and they are very nice.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Check with Guest Services in advance, ONLY because it's entirely possible not all shows/days are interpreted.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

As the others have said, as long as you weren't taking a seat away from someone who needed to see the interpreters, there shouldn't be any problems at all! After all, they are performers, just like those on the stage, so are there to be watched Seconding what kaytieeldr said, check the schedule in advance, as the translators are only at each park on certain days (or when requested in advance).

Hope you enjoy the show, and have a truely magical Honeymoon !

 

[robynchic]

Check with Guest Services in advance, ONLY because it's entirely possible not all shows/days are interpreted.

I won't have a problem with finding out that info- I'm a seasonal CM.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I won't have a problem with finding out that info- I'm a seasonal CM.

Ah! Well that'll make things eaiser!

 

[Talking Hands]

As long as there isn't a large group of deaf/hard of hearing the interpreters would be delighted to have you sit and watch them.

 

[Etoile]

After all, they are performers, just like those on the stage, so are there to be watched

Just wanted to jump in and disagree here. I am a certified interpreter, and although I don't do platform anymore due to my own hearing loss, I have done it many times in the past, including theatrical interpreting. Interpreters are not performers, we are professionals - we are there to communicate what is happening to the deaf people. The performance, the "action" if you will, is supposed to be done by the people hired for that purpose. I realize many hearing people watch the interpreter, and many are fascinated by it, but please don't class us with performers for that reason - we are doing a specific task and are not meant to be a "show" for the general audience.

However, as for the OP - by all means, as long as there are available seats, enjoy! We may not be there for "performance" or amusement purposes but there's no harm in wanting a seat with a good view of the terp. I like it when people talk to me after, but not all terps do...they won't mind if you just say thanks though!

 

[tankernav1]

We utilize the interpreters for our son. They are at certain parks on certain days. Easy to pick up a schedule at any guest services. You can always sit NEAR their section and still see them fine. Just remember they are there for people like my kiddo. So as long as you don't sit in front of or in theway of someone needing to see, then you should be fine. Just ask them, they will let you know. Disney interpreters, while they do do other jobs outside the parks, when they are at Disney they are much like the performers. The shows are choreographed and they ARE beautiful. Believe me, we have watched them so many times and still I love to watch. It is different than a typical interpreting job. Even the shows over at Universal are a strictly interpreted performance. They are not anything like Disney shows utilizing interpreters.