Guests who require a service dog are permitted into the park and on many of the rides. The animal must be trained and be controlled throughout all locations of Walt Disney World. A leash or harness is required at all times. In addition to dogs, the only other service animal permitted in the parks at Walt Disney World is a miniature horse.
Restricted Rides for Service Dogs Cautionary Attractions for Service Dogs Service Dog Relief Areas Animal Behavior Tips
Restricted Rides for Service Dogs
Though Walt Disney World is accepting of service dogs, there are a number of rides in which it would be a danger for the animals to ride. These restrictions are for the safety of not only the guests, but the companions as well. These rides are:
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Star Tours: The Adventure Continues
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Dinosaur
- Expedition Everest
- Kali River Rapids
- Affection Section– Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Cautionary Attractions for Service Dogs
Some attractions at the Walt Disney World resort will do their best to accommodate service dogs, though the animal may have difficulty boarding, or may be frightened by the attraction experience. The following attractions are cautioned for experience with a service dog:
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Kilimanjaro Safari
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- It’s Tough To Be a Bug!
- The aviary area of Maharajah Jungle Trek
Service Dog Relief Areas
Each of the Walt Disney World parks and resorts are equipped with conveniently located relief areas for permitted service animals. A map can be provided at a guest service area, however guests are welcome to use any open outdoor area as long as the area is left cleaned up.
Magic Kingdom
- ADVENTURELAND: Adjacent to Pirates of the Caribbean
- FRONTIERLAND: Near entrance of Big Thunder Mountain
- LIBERTY SQUARE: Behind the Liberty Tree Tavern
- FANTASYLAND: Near Walt Disney World Railroad
- TOMORROWLAND: Near the Space Mountain restrooms
Epcot
- FUTURE WORLD EAST: Next to the restrooms
- FUTURE WORLD WEST: Next to the Imagination! restrooms
- UNITED KINGDOM: Near the restrooms
- Another relief area can be found between the outpost and Germany
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- ECHO LAKE: Next to ABC’s Sound Studio restrooms
- ANIMATION COURTYARD: Across from Walt Disney Presents
- An additional relief area us located in the courtyard of First Aid
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- DISCOVERY ISLAND: Near first aid
- DINOLAND USA: Next to the Restaurantosarus restrooms
- ASIA: Next to Maharaja Jungle Trek restrooms
- RAFIKI’S PLANET WATCH: By the Conservation Station enterance
Animal Tips
- On restricted rides for service animals, guests can choose to use Rider Swap, if they are traveling in a group. There is also a kennel which the animals can be placed in, which is usually a small cage at the ride exit.
- Give the animal breaks during the day, as the Florida heat can be taxing on the animals. Shops and restaurants are a great way to give a service animal an air-conditioned break. Guests can feel free to ask a cast member for water for their animal, and at restaurant locations, they will even include ice if asked!
- Keep your animal’s behavior in mind when it comes to various attractions. Some service dogs may have a fear of loud noises, such as fireworks, or may have trouble sitting for a long time. Keep various treats and water handy in the event that a service animal may become uncomfortable.
- It is important that guests have a service dog that is well trained in commands, such as being able to sit down when necessary, and heel on either side of the guest, as crowds can be heavy throughout the parks.
- Prepare for a long day in the parks. Remember to have enough food to maintain the regular schedule of the service animal’s diet.