Dogs in the Magic Kingdom

[Sandy Mouse]

Just returned from Disney World last night, but on Tuesday in the Magic Kingdom, there was a woman with a small dog in the Fantasyland expansion, near Maurice's Cottage. At that moment, it was open to public, which is why I was there.
I had thought dogs were not allowed. It was not a working dog - as I said, it was small, maybe a peek-a-poo, about 8 inches tall.
I sure would hate to come across a mess in the World.

What's the official word on this?

 

[Robo]

It was not a working dog -

How could you tell?

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

There are many different forms of aid animals besides the dogs you see with the vests. Cats, pigs, small dogs, and even monkeys have been used in patients susceptible to seizures and have shown to help prevent them. There are also cases reported where these animals have sensed that something was able to happen to their owners. It might not look like a service animal, but I can assure you, if it made it past security, it is a service animal.

 

[Magpie]

How could you tell?

I'm curious, as well. Just being small, and/or not wearing a vest, doesn't mean it's not a service animal. Could have been a psychiatric service dog, or the kind that alerts to seizures, or assists with hearing impairment.

I'd assume she had permission to bring it in - it's not like it'd be easy to smuggle a dog past security. And from what the OP says it sounds as if she was carrying it or walking it around openly.

She's probably responsible enough to poop-and-scoop. Unlike some parents...

 

[Hannathy]

Thanks to many things businesses can not ask for proof that a dog is a true service animal so as in so many other things people are abusing it like crazy.

All you have to do is say it is a service dog and they can't bother you.

 

[Robo]

I can assure you, if it made it past security, it is a service animal.

Well...

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Well...

An excellent point.

 

[LucyBC80]

Just returned from Disney World last night, but on Tuesday in the Magic Kingdom, there was a woman with a small dog in the Fantasyland expansion, near Maurice's Cottage. At that moment, it was open to public, which is why I was there.
I had thought dogs were not allowed. It was not a working dog - as I said, it was small, maybe a peek-a-poo, about 8 inches tall.
I sure would hate to come across a mess in the World.

What's the official word on this?

Service dogs comes in all races, shapes and sizes. Most think of a big dog, like a retriever or a german shepherd when you think of service dogs, dogs that help with the visual impaired or the hard of hearing but that's not all service dogs can do. Small service dogs are usually used by those folks with seizures or diabetics, those dogs are trained to sense when someone's blood sugar is low or if a seizure is imminent and they will alert you or a family member. Some dogs can even bring you food (a package of juice) to help.

So more than likely it was a service dog.

And don't worry, people who has a service dog are responsible and do take care of their dog's business.

 

[DVC-Don]

I once saw a pug being pushed around Epcot one evening in a stroller. Thing was there were several of those light up necklaces on the dog (and also a tiara) Not sure what service it was performing.

 

[Robo]

I once saw a pug being pushed around Epcot one evening in a stroller. Thing was there were several of those light up necklaces on the dog (and also a tiara)

Not sure what service it was performing.

"'They also serve who only sit and wait."

 

[SaraJayne]

Just returned from Disney World last night, but on Tuesday in the Magic Kingdom, there was a woman with a small dog in the Fantasyland expansion, near Maurice's Cottage. At that moment, it was open to public, which is why I was there.
I had thought dogs were not allowed. It was not a working dog - as I said, it was small, maybe a peek-a-poo, about 8 inches tall.
I sure would hate to come across a mess in the World.

What's the official word on this?

We saw the same thing from someone getting on the bus at Pop in a scooter. Was there a dog bed in the front of the scooter?

I'm guessing it was an "anxiety dog" or some such thing. The poor thing looked terrified every time we saw it.

 

[SSR]

What's the official word on this?

Here you go:

Trained service animals are welcome in most locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort and are usually allowed to access attractions via the standard queue. However, all service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times.

For attractions that provide an auxiliary entrance, Guests should follow the same procedures as described for wheelchairs and Guests with mobility disabilities.

Due to the nature of some attractions, service animals may not be permitted to ride. In those instances, a member of the Guest's party must remain with the animal. Walt Disney World Cast Members are not permitted to take control of service animals at any time.
See all:

Attractions that permit service animals to enter and board
Entertainment that permits service animals
Sports & Recreation that permits service animals
Tours & Experiences that permit service animals
Special Events that permit service animals
SERVICE ANIMAL SAFETY

For the safety of the service animal and other Guests, a little extra caution may be required on some attractions due to:

Darkness or other lighting effects
Sound effects
Special sensory effects
Ride vehicle movement
Other possible distractions
Service animals are permitted on these attractions, but Guests may decide it would be best if their animal did not ride. In this case, a member of the Guest's party must remain with the animal.

Guests with service animals should check with a Cast Member for specific boarding instructions and additional information at the following Walt Disney World attractions:

Magic Kingdom Park
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Stitch's Great Escape!
Epcot
Innoventions East and West
Spaceship Earth
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The Great Movie Ride
Toy Story Mania
Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
"It's Tough To Be A Bug!"
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Aviary area of Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Aviary area of Maharajah Jungle Trek
DESIGNATED SERVICE ANIMAL BREAK AREAS

Each Walt Disney World theme park allows Guests to use backstage locations for service animal relief areas. Please consult the Guide for Guests with Disabilities for specific information.

 

[Mickeyrella]

Just returned from Disney World last night, but on Tuesday in the Magic Kingdom, there was a woman with a small dog in the Fantasyland expansion, near Maurice's Cottage. At that moment, it was open to public, which is why I was there.
I had thought dogs were not allowed. It was not a working dog - as I said, it was small, maybe a peek-a-poo, about 8 inches tall.
I sure would hate to come across a mess in the World.

What's the official word on this?

Small dogs can be work dogs so I don't understand your point

 

[huskies90]

Weid post because we just got back on Tuesday from a short weekend trip and we saw 3 dogs: one at Animal Kingdom, one at World of Disney and one at Kona Cafe. I don't remember ever seeing a dog in all my other trips. As pp stated earlier, we asked a cast member and he said there is no "certification" for what constitutes a service animal. The owner can simply say the dog is there for emotional reasons and that passes.

 

[Mickeyrella]

Service dogs comes in all races, shapes and sizes. Most think of a big dog, like a retriever or a german shepherd when you think of service dogs, dogs that help with the visual impaired or the hard of hearing but that's not all service dogs can do. Small service dogs are usually used by those folks with seizures or diabetics, those dogs are trained to sense when someone's blood sugar is low or if a seizure is imminent and they will alert you or a family member. Some dogs can even bring you food (a package of juice) to help.

So more than likely it was a service dog.

And don't worry, people who has a service dog are responsible and do take care of their dog's business.

Exactly.

 

[Mickeyrella]

Weid post becuase we just got back on Tuesday from a short weekend trip and we saw 3 dogs: one at Animal Kingdom, one at World of Disney and one at Kona Cafe. I don't remember ever seeing a dog in all my other trips. As pp stated earlier, we asked a cast member and he said there is no "certification" for what constitutes a service animal. The owner can simply say the dog is there for emotional reasons and that passes.

And that is valid and legal and how it should be. it is illegal to ask for proof or ask what job the dog performs. You can only ask whether the dog is a service dog or not.

 

[chinchiller]

And that is valid and legal and how it should be. it is illegal to ask for proof or ask what job the dog performs. You can only ask whether the dog is a service dog or not.

Not to mention that emotional reasons are a legitimate use for service animals.

 

[princessallegra]

Interesting post! We saw more small service/companion dogs on this past trip (9/27-10/7) than any before.

 

[ttintagel]

Was it dressed as a pilot and signing autographs?

 

[GreenCntryGirl]

When I worked at Target, we were told and received literature that we were not allowed to ask someone if their dog was a service dog. Some service animals are "labeled" and some are not. (Labeled is a lousy word but I can't think of a better one.)