SD on TS

[syko]

Might be old news, but I was allowed to take my service dog on toy story today.
I have ony ridden it once as my SD was not allowed on, but as I was waiting for my family toady they told me that SD could ride. so on we went.

 

[dclfun]

That's good to know. I was also told my SD couldn't ride, but for me the ride seems to whip around too fast and I doubt my SD would like that feeling of whipping around and spinning either, so we'll pass. I'm glad to hear the update though.---Kathy

 

[mykidsintow]

Interesting....

Julia's dog would ride ANYTHING he was allowed to ride. In fact we took him on the teacups 2 trips. After some snarky comments around here.... we decided the last trip to let my aunt keep him since she doesn't like spinning rides. He was NUTS to be watching her and unable to ride. It was awful. When we went one last time he went right on, no hesitation.

So I guess it depends on the dog. Hers doesn't like to stand and watch her doing something. He would rather be right there with her. Peter Pan he does ok, but he really can't *see* her.... Teacups he prefers to be right there beside her on the seat and she leans against him and around we go.... Weird? Maybe

Thankfully there are not many rides at all she is able to ride that he can't also go onto.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for posting this news.
You are the first to post that they were allowed to bring a SD on to Toy Story Mania. Someone had said they would re-visit the 'no SD policy' oncebit was open for a while. Until we have anthing official in writing, I guess I would expect the SD may not be able to ride. I know there are some attractions that list SDs may not ride and others that say to talk to the CM before riding. Because of the spinning, this might end up a 'talk to the CM' type attraction just so they are sure what they will experience.

 

[dclfun]

My SD would not like to be separated from me either, and Julia's SD was likely responding to being away from her than from wanting to ride the teacups. I can't ride much and there's no chance I'd be separated from Skye. She doesn't care for Small World although I bring her on it since it's one of the few attractions at MK that I can experience. I think she doesn't like the feeling that the floor is moving underneath her from the shift in the water and is afraid we'll capsize, lol. I told her she's a labrador and would be just fine if we did. Our dogs take their jobs seriously though and want to be by our sides in case we need them- they worry if they're not sure we're okay and can tell if we're not comfortable with something.---Kathy

 

[Usandthekids]

My son will be getting an autism service dog this year and we are going to Disney is September. Is there a list somewhere that lists the rides the service dogs are allowed on? I know they obviously can't do roller coasters and things like that but what can they ride? Also, when riding on Disney buses, do we just get on like normal or do we wait in the wheelchair area?
Do I need to mention the service dog when making ADR's, magical express reservations, etc.? Sorry so many questions. Thanks for any info!

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

Interesting! Thanks for the update.

I think riding TSM, since it isn't a safety issue, should be left up to each SD handler who knows what their dog can and cannot handle. Just like when you go on Spaceship Earth the CM will ask you if your dog can handle the smell of fire (I'm not sure what SD can't "handle it", but possibly they think somebody may have trained a dog to seek an evacuation route in case of fire?).

The story about the dog being sad not to ride the teacups made me laugh!

Yes, there is a list on the Disney site (at least, it was there - I haven't checked since the revamp) of rides SDs cannot go on. Mostly, it is rides with height restrictions, but some of the other rides SDs can't do don't have height restrictions (just other safety issues).

On buses, you wait like normal - if you need the lift/ramp to get into the bus, wait in front. If you can climb the stairs, wait in line with everybody else (if you can).

Like any other restaurant or public place, you do not need to (and shouldn't, at least not before getting the reservation confirmed) tell them you have an SD.

For Magical Express, do tell them because they base the number of people at the time on the number of seats available. (If you book online, there is a box you can check on the ME info. that says you have an SD with you, so you don't even have to call up later.)

 

[mechurchlady]

My son will be getting an autism service dog this year and we are going to Disney is September. Is there a list somewhere that lists the rides the service dogs are allowed on? I know they obviously can't do roller coasters and things like that but what can they ride? Also, when riding on Disney buses, do we just get on like normal or do we wait in the wheelchair area?
Do I need to mention the service dog when making ADR's, magical express reservations, etc.? Sorry so many questions. Thanks for any info!

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plain-text/
That is a list of the rides and tells you on each ride what to do with the service animal and any restrictions. I went by hand and searched for the ones that said " service animals are not permitted".

MK
Dumbo
Astro Orbiter
Mad Tea Party
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Peter Pan's Flight
Splash Mountain
Space Mountain

AK
The Affection Section aka petting zoo at the conservation Station
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Dinosaur
Kali River Rapids
Primeval Whirl
TriceraTop Spin

Epcot
Mission: SPACE
Soarin'
Test Track

DHS
Star Tours
The Twilight Tower of Terror
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Disney's Blizzard Beach.

service animals are not permitted to ride any of the water attractions or to enter any of the water areas of Disney's Blizzard Beach. A member of the Guest's party must remain with the animal at all times.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

service animals are not permitted to ride any of the water attractions or to enter any of the water areas. A member of the Guest's party must remain with the animal at all times.

 

[syko]

Sorry but you are wrong on a few:
Dumbo SD can ride
Mad Tea Party SD can ride
Magic Carpets of Aladdin SD can ride
Maharajah Jungle Trek SD can walk
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail SD can walk
TriceraTop Spin SD can ride
Star Tours SD can ride in Flight Check mode

My SD does the ones I have pointed out all the time.

 

[mechurchlady]

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plain-text/
I got that info from the official WDW site for disabled guests. Either they have not updated that information or it may be case by case but that is what their site says. Below is some examples. That link is in the bottom right area under Legal & Services. I know that others have taken their SD on many of the things I listed but what I got was from the official WDW site. Sorry everyone, I failed again.


http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plain-text/magic-kingdom/

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Dumbo The Flying Elephant in Magic Kingdom Theme Park is a moderately-paced, 90-second classic attraction where Guests of all ages can soar high in the sky with Dumbo in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. Location: Fantasyland Guests must transfer from their wheelchair or electric convenience vehicle (ECV) to the attraction vehicle. Due to the nature of the experience, service animals are not permitted on this attraction.

Mad Tea Party

Mad Tea Party at Magic Kingdom Theme Park takes big kids, teens and adults for a whirl in a giant tea cup. Control how fast your cup spins during the maddest tea party in Wonderland! Location: Fantasyland Guests must transfer from their wheelchair or electric convenience vehicle (ECV) to the attraction vehicle Due to the nature of the experience, service animals are not permitted on this attraction.

Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin at Magic Kingdom Theme Park is a flight aboard a magical flying carpet. This ride is especially for younger kids who can make their carpet go up and down as it circles around a giant genie bottle. Location: Adventureland Guests must transfer from motorized scooter or ECV to an available wheelchair. Due to the nature of the experience, service animals are not permitted on this attraction.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plain-text/animal-kingdom/

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail

Enjoy a nature walk through a verdant African valley filled with Nile hippos, birds and fish. Enter an exotic bird aviary, an underwater hippo viewing area, a savannah overlook, and have an intimate up-close encounter with a magnificent troop of gorillas. Location: Africa Guests may remain in wheelchair/ECV Due to the nature of the experience, service animals are not permitted on this attraction.

 

[syko]

You didn't fail, it was nice of you to look it up, I have learnt to read a disney web site with a grain of salt!!
For new people with a SD at WDW you can get a guide book at Guest Services and the info is always on page 7 regardless of with park book it is.

 

[dclfun]

I always remind people with new SD's to remember that summer, including September is brutally hot in Florida and that dogs can quickly overheat ( and die ). Be sure to offer lots of water, ice chips, and be aware of the black pavement which can burn their paws. I find my SD doesn't have the stamina in the summer that she does when it's cooler - not sure how another SD will react but you'll be able to tell when your dog is flagging and needs to rest out of the heat. People often make comments, "that poor dog..how horrible that lady has her dog out in this heat", etc.- I just ignore them as I know my dog is well-cared for ( and often has ice in her vest and thus is cooler than I am). Besides the indoor attractions we've both napped in First Aid before w/in all the parks. For your first visit, the guidebook for Guests with Disabilities will indicate where the break stations are located. Be sure to allow plenty of time to find a CM to accompany you backstage for dog potty breaks. As to which attractions your dog tolerates, you'll find that out on your own. My SD needs to do what I need/want to do so unless she is REALLY uncomfortable she just has to tolerate things she may not prefer and get used to them- of course this does not include attractions where she isn't allowed or where her safety is compromised. Skye gets on Small World, for instance, but is in full alert watching the water and looking back at me as if to assure herself that I'm okay with the fact that in her mind, we might capsize and she'll have to rescue me. I'm glad that TS was re-evaluated though and found to be safe for SD's. I wonder if they had a "test dog"? ---Kathy
---Kathy

 

[mykidsintow]

My SD would not like to be separated from me either, and Julia's SD was likely responding to being away from her than from wanting to ride the teacups. I can't ride much and there's no chance I'd be separated from Skye. She doesn't care for Small World although I bring her on it since it's one of the few attractions at MK that I can experience. I think she doesn't like the feeling that the floor is moving underneath her from the shift in the water and is afraid we'll capsize, lol. I told her she's a labrador and would be just fine if we did. Our dogs take their jobs seriously though and want to be by our sides in case we need them- they worry if they're not sure we're okay and can tell if we're not comfortable with something.---Kathy

I don't think Lucas "wants to ride the teacups". I do believe he doesn't mind at all and prefers the ride over being away from Julia. I don't think he goes to be dreaming of teacups . However, he doesn't mind them at all.

There are few things he really doesn't care for....

 

[Usandthekids]

Thank you all so much for the responses! That is very, very helpful information. I'm nervous about taking the service dog with us mainly because I don't even know what it is like to take her to a store yet. However, our son has responded better and progressed more at Disney than any therapy we have ever gotten him. With his tendancy to escape from us, his service dog will probably be the best protection we can have. I'm sure I will get more comfortable with everything as we learn not only the rules of having a service dog but what it is like to take our new four legged family member everywhere.
Thank you again for the information!

 

[SueM in MN]

You didn't fail, it was nice of you to look it up, I have learnt to read a disney web site with a grain of salt!!
For new people with a SD at WDW you can get a guide book at Guest Services and the info is always on page 7 regardless of with park book it is.

I always pick up the newest written copy of the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities when we go. I have a copy of each parks' book from our trip in October and they match what I am posting below.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plain-text/
I got that info from the official WDW site for disabled guests. Either they have not updated that information or it may be case by case but that is what their site says. Below is some examples. That link is in the bottom right area under Legal & Services. I know that others have taken their SD on many of the things I listed but what I got was from the official WDW site. Sorry everyone, I failed again.

No, you didn't fail.
They actually just updated their pages on their website. The problem is that they are not consistent in what they say. On the individual park books, it lists exactly as you posted.
But, on their Disabilities Guidebook Home page, it lists this information for SDs:
Due to the nature of the experience, service animals are not permitted on the following attractions:

Magic Kingdom Park

* Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
* Peter Pan's Flight
* Space Mountain
* Splash Mountain
* The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm

Epcot

* Mission: SPACE
* Test Track
* The Land: Soarin'

Disney's Hollywood Studios

* Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
* Star Tours
* "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

* Affection Section at Rafiki's Planet Watch
* DINOSAUR
* Kali River Rapids
* Expedition Everest
* Primeval Whirl


Due to the nature of the experience, Guests with service animals should check with a host or hostess for attraction and boarding information at the following attractions:
Magic Kingdom Park

* Cinderella's Golden Carrousel
* Stitch's Great Escape!

Epcot

* Imagination: "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience"
* Innoventions East and West
* Spaceship Earth

Disney's Hollywood Studios

* The Great Movie Ride

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

* "It's Tough To Be A Bug!"
* Kilimanjaro Safaris
* Aviary area of Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
* Aviary area of Maharajah Jungle Trek

So, their narrative in the individual guidebooks does not match what is listed in the specific park guidebooks on their website.
This list DOES match the information on page 7 of the written guidebooks I got from each of the parks.
The information about each attraction in the written guidebooks does not list anything about SDs, so there is no inconsistency when looking at the written guidebook.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

I wonder what it is at Innoventions that they want to warn ppl about?? I can't think of anything.

My dog isn't birdy, so the aviary area would be fine, but, uh, do the birds poop on ppl often there??? Yuck! I'm not a fan of aviaries for that reason.

 

[pezter]

I wonder what it is at Innoventions that they want to warn ppl about?? I can't think of anything.

My dog isn't birdy, so the aviary area would be fine, but, uh, do the birds poop on ppl often there??? Yuck! I'm not a fan of aviaries for that reason.

The aviary area of Maharajah Jungle Trek can easily be avoided as it is a separate attraction with a path around it. However, the aviary area of Pangani Forest Exploration Trail requires you to flow against the guest traffic to see the whole walking trail.

 

[mechurchlady]

I do not know of anyone in my family who has been pooped on in an aviary. My last two trips with mom included aviaries. We spent almost an hour in one and half an hour in the other without any bird poop. I can understanding for helth reasons not wanting service animals in an aviary though. Bad enough them poor birds have to deal with humans, yuck. As for Innoventions there are some things that might startle an animal but really I do not remember it as being really unfriendly to dogs.

Psst, Sue, I still failed.

 

[SueM in MN]

I wonder what it is at Innoventions that they want to warn ppl about?? I can't think of anything.

My dog isn't birdy, so the aviary area would be fine, but, uh, do the birds poop on ppl often there??? Yuck! I'm not a fan of aviaries for that reason.

It may depend on what the particular displays are in Innoventions at the time. I know there had been a fire safety display at one time that included things like smoke alarms. They may want to warn people about things like that if they are included in the displays at the time.
(You may want to know ahead of time that the SD may be trying to save you LOL )
They also have displays about testing products that include things like pounding items with a sledge hammer and releasing a weight that falls on something else.
I don't think there would be anything that is really SD un-friendly, but there may be some things you would want to know about before you encounter them.

I do not know of anyone in my family who has been pooped on in an aviary. My last two trips with mom included aviaries. We spent almost an hour in one and half an hour in the other without any bird poop. I can understanding for helth reasons not wanting service animals in an aviary though. Bad enough them poor birds have to deal with humans, yuck. As for Innoventions there are some things that might startle an animal but really I do not remember it as being really unfriendly to dogs.

Psst, Sue, I still failed.

I don't think you did.

The birds are free to roam around in the aviary, so the dog could possibly step in some bird poop. That's a hazard of just being outside, but some people might not want to go in.

Also, the individual SD handler would know whether or not their dog is 'birdy'. I imagine the CMs would want to discuss that first and make sure the handler is aware that the birds are free. Some people might assume that the birds are confined or behind something that would prevent their dog from actually getting near the birds.

 

[mechurchlady]

Did too!

I remember in Innoventions in WDW how I would drive the ECV all over a spot with sounds. Scared some people lol with my antics.

The San Diego aviary has tropical birds, All of a sudden a bird decides to go from point A to Point B. The bird knows what he is doing but for a dog or human it can be startling to suddenly have a bird flying at top speed inches over your head. Also you have to think of the birds and how they may react to a dog. They get used to humans.

Discovery Island had the best aviary with the prettiest ibises and other birds. at least I did not have to duck the birds there oh conures was the species. That aviary was huge like the one in San Diego. Nice cool spot to rest for a while.