Disney with a Service Dog Trip Report

[theladyjess]

Thanks to all those who gave me info about taking Hans to Disney. We had a great time. The lady at the guest relations was puzzled when I asked for a GAC. They call them a Special Assistance Card. Hans rode on the ECV when we were in congested areas, and we didn't have to wait long in lines. Hans even go his own Mardi Gras beads outside Pirates from one of the musicans.
The olny downside was my husband and I had to ride seperatly on rides that Hans couldn't go on.

The best part of our trip was when we went to Universal Studios. They have kennels at the rides that service dogs can't go on, so my husband and I were able to ride Jurassic Park together.

All in all, the staff at the SD zoo, animal park, DL, CA, Sea World, and Universal were kind and helpful. We had few problems taking Hans to the various parks, and have pictures of Hans all over the place.

We did have a problem at the Ramada Inn in Hollywood on Vermont. We checked in late one night and the front desk said that we couldn't have Hans with us. I argued that he is a service dog, and therefore, allowed to stay there. He told me that I had to check in with the manager in the morning. When I went to the front desk in the morning to talk with the manager, I was told that unless Hans is a seeing eye dog he couldn't stay. I argued that Hans is a service dog, and according to the ADA was allowed to stay. Well the manager proceed to tell me that Hans couldn't stay, so we went back to the room, packed our bags, and checked out. That manager will be getting a letter from me, with a copy of the ADA, a call to Ramada's corpate headquarters, and a call to the BBB.

We didn't let that incident get us down, and enjoyed the rest of our time in Hollywood.

Thanks to those who reccomended that I use a WC/ECV. I used them and had a pain free time in California. It was worth the money to be comfortable.

Thanks again!!! We're home for a month, then it's off to Hawaii for two months!

 

[LindaDVC]

One a recent trip we went into the lobby of a hotel with our service dog and nothing was said for a change. Often the person at the desk is clueless and has to call their manager-- well the next day noticed a pet fee on the bill so had to "discuss" it with the front desk. Things got a little ugly BUT they finally deducted the extra charge which is illegal.

Even with advanced reservations we still have had discussions as we check in so I dread the hotel entry! Disney on the other hand always greets us without any questions

Linda

 

[Nanajo1]

Glad to hear the trip worked out. It is amazing the number of clueless folks out there. Have a wonderful time in Hawaii.

 

[SueM in MN]

Glad to hear you had a good time.

The best part of our trip was when we went to Universal Studios. They have kennels at the rides that service dogs can't go on, so my husband and I were able to ride Jurassic Park together.

That's very interesting.