Have you ever been to Disneyland and thought: “This would be even better if my dog were here?” Depending on your needs and the pup’s role in your life, Fido might get the thumbs up to join you on the Mad Tea Party ride. Here’s the ultimate guide to taking your service dog to a Disney Park!
Service Dogs Are Allowed at Disney Theme Parks
Before buying tickets to the happiest place on earth, let’s discuss what makes a service dog. The Disneyland Guest Services defines them as pups who are “trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.” They help people with vision, hearing, mobility, and other impairments navigate the world. Service dogs are trained to assist their human companions with specific tasks and often wear vests in public that say “Do Not Pet.”
Note that the dog must be trained to help someone with a disability. This means therapy dogs, emotional support animals, and regular pets that provide owners with comfort aren’t allowed in the park. Disney personnel cannot ask to see the dog’s certification or inquire about your disability. However, they may ask if the service dog is needed for a medical condition and what tasks they are trained in, without asking for proof.
For all the equestrian enthusiasts, Disneyland also allows miniature service horses too! But they also must be service horses trained to help handlers with a specific task.
Call Beforehand to Learn the Park’s Policy
If you have specific questions about taking your service dog, accommodations, where they are allowed, or how to have the best day at the park, you can visit the Disneyland and Walt Disney World websites for more information. You can also call them at (407) 560-2547 or send an email to disability.services@disneyparks.com.
Plan Your Route Before Bringing Your Dog to Disney
As you look at the map and plan your trip, keep these things in mind:
- You or someone in your party must always handle the service dog, and leashes are required. Staff cannot puppy-sit or take control of the animal for you.
- For bathroom breaks, the website states that animals can relieve themselves in any outdoor area. Owners must pick up waste afterward and clean the space. Each park in California and Florida also offers multiple service animal relief stations if you and your pup prefer a designated potty area.
For any last-minute questions or concerns, you can visit the Guest Services kiosks throughout the park.
Which Rides Are Dog-Friendly?
You can get a selfie with your pup on the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, and other exciting rides. They are also allowed in souvenir shops, several restaurants, and most attraction areas. However, some rides are considered too dangerous for a furry friend.
At Disneyland, they include:
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Space Mountain
They cannot ride on the Incredicoaster, Radiator Springs Racers, or Goofy’s Sky School at Disney California Adventure. For Walt Disney World guests, some restricted rides across the four parks are:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Kali River Rapids
Visit the service animals page for a complete list of off-limits rides.
What to Know About “Rider Switch”
Don’t get bummed out if the attraction you’ve been looking forward to is on the list. The rider switch options save the day! With the rider switch, your party is split into two, and you alternate taking care of the service dog so that everyone gets a chance to ride. It also saves you time since you won’t wait in line twice.
Not all rides offer a rider switch. Walt Disney World lists the rides that offer this feature on the website, but the California-based parks do not list this information online. You’ll have to ask a Cast Member or Guest Services when you arrive. Once you confirm the process, speak with a Cast Member at the ride with everyone in your group. They’ll split the group, and Party 1 enjoys the attraction, while Party 2 hangs out with the service dog. Then, the parties switch roles without the extra wait time.
Solo visitors can leave their pups in a kennel provided by staff and be escorted to and from the ride.
Keeping Your Dog Safe at Disney
Excited children may see your service dog in its cute vest and want to pet it. You and your party can gently remind them that the pup has a job and cannot enjoy playtime until they finish “working.” Secondly, consider your service dog’s size and level of comfort. Just because a ride permits them doesn’t make it safe. You must use your best judgment to decide if they are too small or too large for an attraction. If this is the case, ask about rider switch options.
Unless your dog regularly goes on runs, a walk around Disneyland can seem like a marathon. Take breaks when needed, and don’t rush yourself or your pet. Pack enough food, water, and snacks for your pup to stay energized and hydrated throughout the day. There’s plenty of time to explore and see everything on your to-do list!
What Other Theme Parks Can My Dog Visit?
California and Florida are two of the most dog-friendly states in the U.S. If you are visiting or have a new service animal, you’ll be happy to hear that many amusement parks allow them. A browse of the maps will show you relief stations, guest service locations, and accommodation services.
Parks with roller coasters and intense attractions don’t allow dogs on most rides. You must visit with another person who can swap puppy-sitting duties with you as the staff cannot supervise the dog for you. In California, service dogs can visit:
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- SeaWorld San Diego
- Legoland
Folks in Florida can spend the day at the East Coast versions of the last three parks as well as:
- Dinosaur World
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Fun Spot America (with free admission for those who are strictly dog-sitting)
- Race City
