service dogs

[fboy9287]

Do you have any tips for going a theme park with a service dog?

 

[Tiger Fan]

I really don't have any experience or knowledge with serivce animals, but I suggest you be persistent with what is right for you. Here's why I say this. While we were at Fantasmic last month a family was seated right beside us in the handicap section. She had her dog on her left side and when they directed her to park, the dog would not be able to remain on her left. She questioned the CM, but with little force and was told to move the dog to the other side. It was obvious to us that the dog was on that side for a reason (training, etc.). I felt the CM was very unaccomodating and most likely just uninformed. I know that Fantasmic is very popular and fills up fast and they need every available space, HOWEVER, I think all cases should be viewed and in this instance this family should have been able to either switch seats or even take more room. I guess I'm just trying to state that many CMs may not understand what is needed so just tell them so that you get the assistance you need. Have fun.
Lisa

 

[Safari Steve]

Bring a water dish if you have one. We have plenty of water, but sometimes it's difficult to track down anything other than a paper cone-cup.

 

[SueM in MN]

We don't have any direct experience, just what I have seen and read.
Go to Guest Services in any of the parks and get a copy of the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities. There is one for each park. They list rides/attractions that are not recommended for guide/assistance dogs. Sometimes it's because of noise, sudden movement or things that tend to freak out dogs (like in Peter Pan, you ride car gets jarred a little as it moves from being on the ground to being airborne. Just the airborne part is enough to scare many dogs). If the ride is not recommended for service animals, it will usually tell why in the Guidebook and it is best to abide by the recommendations, becasue they are given with your safety and your dog's safety in mind.

 

[JimC]

Go to www.mouseplanet.com and click on recent updates on the right side of your screen scroll down to 12/11 Magic Years Puppy Love. There is an excellent report on taking a guide dog to the Parks (althought it is DL not WDW).

The resorts and parks are generally accommodating, but problems do arise and some people are just not as understadnig as others. Although our experience is really quite positive.

If you need to park your dog, ask any cast member and they will take you backstage to do so. I believe you can use the "Baby swap" ( is that what they call it now?) feature on the rides where you can not take the dog. CMs can not hold your dog for you so you need to have one member of your party stay behind with the dog.

You can also make a reservation at the kennel at each park if you want to tour a park without the dog. That is probably better than leaving the dog at your resort for the day.

Let the travel agent know you are traveling with a guide dog they will note it on the reservations. That is usually helpful on seat and room assignments and the like.

If you are visiting in the summer be careful of the hot concrete and ashpalt surfaces on your dog's paws, particularly during the hotest time of the day.

Good luck and have fun!!!!

 

[ducklite]

I have some firsthand info! In 1998 I visited MK, Epcot, and MGM with a visually disabled friend who uses a service dog. My friend stayed at the CBR, and they easily accomodated his request for a room near the bus stop.

The dog was welcomed pretty much everywhere. There are backstage areas he was allowed to take the dog to for "potty stops". Guest services in each resort were wonderful about supplying info. They also had braille guides, although I believe they request a deposit for them.

The dog was NOT at all welcomed on Peter Pans Flight in the MK. The CM was downright rude about it. At Alien Encounter, the dog wasn't allowed in during the show, however the CM's allowed my friend to be escorted to his seat with the dog, and then they took the dog out. As soon as the show was over they were right back with the dog, making jokes about how much she loved belly rubs

At all the restaurants they brought out treats for her. My friend carried a collapseable water bowl to give the dog a drink every hour or so, but we were there in January and it was rather cool.

At many attractions the disabled seating is in the back. We explained to teh CM's that my friend had a very limited amount of vision, and asked to be seated in the very front. The requests were always granted.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to ask.

Anne