Service animal

[Disco]

OK,
My blind aunt wants to bring her service dog. I didn't see anything in the sticky notes about it. Am I missing it and if not, how does it work with service animals? Obviously they can't get on the ride with her so do we need to do rider swaps?
We're staying on resort during not so busy time of the year, mostly crowd rating of 3 while we're there.

 

[SueM in MN]

There isn't a specific post, but the information about Service Animals is in post 3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread that is stuck near the top of this board.

There actually are a lot of attractions a Service Dog can go on. Basically, the ones they can't are mostly the thrill rides and a few, like Soarin' and Peter Pan that are suspended.
For the ones that dogs are prohibited on, you can do Rider Switch or there are portable kennels that can be used on request. Some people feel comfortable using the kennels, others don't. They are an option to using Rider Switch, so you don't have to use them.
If the dog needs a 'day off', there is a kennel available. It is on Disney property, but not walking distance from anywhere (no sidewalks).

 

[Friend of a Mouse]

Has your aunt had the dog at a park before? Out of curiosity, what organization is the dog from? (I ask because we puppy raise for Leader Dogs for the Blind.)

I have not had our puppies at Disney, but they have been to Worlds of Fun, Silver Dollar City, and Six Flags. When I worked in Fantasyland, service dogs could ride any of those rides that were not suspended. Anything in the air or anything really dynamic will be a no go. Honestly, Disney is the most accommodating park I have seen.

I'm sure your aunt has this down to a science, but here are some tips just in case. Remember, I deal with puppies who are still learning, so my experiences may not 100% match yours, but will probably be similar.

1. Don't expect the little kids to know not to pet. Adults will try too so you need to be watchful and proactive. I have more issues at theme parks than I do elsewhere, probably because of the sheer concnetration of people. Normally a polite, "I'm sorry, she's working" does the trick.

2. Be prepared for the weather. If it is hot, he may need booties. We always have a collapsible water bowl and water bottle with us. IF it's hot, we take extra breaks and find indoor things like shows and restaurants at midday if the dog is tired.

3. Price the kennel in advance and if you are doing commando touring, consider doing a dog free day in the middle to give him a break.

4. Scope out the relief areas in advance so you know where they are.

5. Get the info on rider swap ahead of time so you can plan it out. You can also download the guidebook for guests with disabilities which will let you know which rides they can go on and which require a swap. Rider swap is very easy to do. One person stays on the mdiway with the dog while the others ride. They let the CM know they are doing a swap and they will get it set up for you. Whoever waited with the dog then goes back up with one other person (so someone gets to ride twice.) It is super easy. If you are using Fast Passes, the person who waited will also need to have a fast pass.

It can sometimes be a little stressful having a dog in the parks, but with a little prep, it can be a lot of fun. We love getting pictures with the characters and most characters love the dogs! Pluto and Snoopy are alays cute ones to do. Good luck!

 

[Lewisc]

Kenel used to be free for service dogs. I don't know if the policy has changed. Makes no sense bringing dog to water park

 

[karliebug]

Dog boots are a must if you are going during hot months. The pavement will burn the dog's feet. Make sure to give dog lots of water throughout the day. Check the website or ask at guest services for the list of attractions the dog can ride on. You can do rider swap or there will be a crate to put dog in at attractions that dog is not allowed to go on. Ask at guest relations for a map with service dog potty locations.

 

[Disco]

Thanks everyone!
Sorry, got busy and haven't had time to log in for like a week. We're going in a couple weeks so it will be cool and no booties for the dog needed.
I'm shocked that the dog can go on rides so that cracks me up!
I'll forward this info to my aunt and I'll look up the info ahead of time.
@Friend of a Mouse. Sorry I have no idea what org the dog if from but she's had him a couple years now and he's no puppy. He's a little skittish around slippery surfaces and stairs though so it should be interesting. Will always be a couple family members around so I'm not worried.
Thanks again

 

[SueM in MN]

Kenel used to be free for service dogs. I don't know if the policy has changed. Makes no sense bringing dog to water park

As far as I know, the kennels are no longer free (I am talking about the boarding kennels, not the small crate kennels at the attractions).

The regular park maps have information about whether service dogs are allowed on individual attractions or not. You will get more information from the guide maps for guests with disabilities. Those are available at the same kiosks at the park entrance as the regular park maps.
They include the right information and also the service dog rest areas.

This is a link to the Disney page about Service Animals.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/service-animals/