In a heartwarming encounter a young girl was surprised when a Disney princess conversed with her using American Sign Language (ASL). Eleven-year-old Zoe, who is deaf, had an unforgettable moment during her visit to Disneyland with her family and friends.
Jeanette Tapley, Zoe's mother from New Braunfels, Texas, witnessed the extraordinary interaction while waiting in line for coffee. Zoe's friend's daughter was engaged in an animated conversation with Princess Anna, one of the beloved characters in the park. As Zoe's turn approached, she confidently signed "hello," capturing the princess's attention.
Princess Anna, seeking permission from Zoe's parents, began conversing with the young girl in ASL, surpassing a simple greeting. The family was astonished that the Disney princess was fluent in ASL, as Zoe's parents had typically served as her interpreters during previous visits to the park.
"We've been to Disney many times, and by far, it was our best interaction we've ever had," shared Jesse Tapley with Good Morning America. He expressed how this genuine encounter allowed Zoe to experience the magic firsthand, rather than relying on her parents as intermediaries.
@jeanettetapley When Princess Anna can sign and have a full conversation with my deaf child. 🥹 Zoe has never been able to chat with a princess without Jesse or myself interpreting. This was magical. Thank you Princess Anna for making our trip so special! #deafchildren #asl #americansignlanguage #BigInkEnergy #fyp #feelgood #inclusionmatters @Disney Parks @Disneyland California ♬ For the First Time in Forever - From "Frozen"/Soundtrack Version - Kristen Bell & Idina Menzel
The significance of this moment was magnified for Zoe, who was able to showcase her remarkable progress in American Sign Language. When she was adopted from Congo seven years ago, she had no knowledge of the language. Now, she proudly declares her fluency in ASL.
"I progressed, progressed, progressed. And now my language is just full ASL," Zoe joyfully expressed. "At Disney, I was so excited because I got to share with my friends, and I got to sign and everything."
Jesse Tapley encouraged others to consider the impact of small acts of kindness in their daily lives, inspired by the princess's gesture. "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," he reflected, emphasizing the importance of spreading kindness.
During their remarkable conversation, Princess Anna and Zoe discussed everything from Zoe's favorite Disney rides to her adoption journey from Congo. This heartfelt interaction brought tears to her parents' eyes and created a truly magical and unforgettable moment.
Disney continues to create enchanting experiences for guests of all backgrounds, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and celebrating the diverse abilities of individuals. This touching encounter serves as a beautiful reminder that even a small gesture can make a profound impact, leaving a lasting impression on those involved.
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@jeanettetapley To say we are thankful is an understatement. Really the best way to sum it up is WOW!!!! 🤩 #WeStickTogether #PostitAffirmations #disneyfamily #deaftiktok #deafkidsrock ♬ Home Baking - Matthew Beattie
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