Are you interested in learning more about what it's like to travel to Disneyland with a service dog? I recently took my service dog, Jojo VI, to Disneyland in California for the first time. We had a wonderful experience!
Jojo VI is a mobility task trained service dog who does many different commands and tasks for me. Jojo helps me in everyday life by picking up things I drop so I don't risk falling, and opening doors & drawers. One of her favorite things to do is carry bags for me when we are leaving stores. She also does deep pressure therapy to lower my heart rate and calm my body after seizures.
Jojo and I have done a lot of traveling together including cruises and international travel, so in my opinion, traveling to Disneyland was a breeze because we didn't have to worry about international health certificates. Each day that we were going through security to enter the parks, the staff asked us the two questions that any business can legally ask a service dog team. Those two questions are "Is this dog required because of a disability?" and "What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?" After security asked us these questions, we were never bothered for any other reason.
Prior to our trip to Disneyland, I applied for Disney's Disability Access Service pass. The Disability Access Service is for those who, due to a developmental disability, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for extended periods of time. During this call, the cast member I spoke to provided me with plenty of information regarding service animal relief areas as well as which rides my dog could and could not ride on. Disney also has maps at the entrance to each park and at guest services. These maps have service dog relief stations listed on them.
During our time in Disneyland Park, we preferred the relief station in Critter Country because it was the only zero entry relief station. All other relief areas had a curb, which made it difficult for me as a full-time wheelchair user who has no ability to stand or walk. Similarly, the relief station in Cars Land is the only zero entry relief station in the Disney California Adventure Park.
Rides service dogs can ride on
Disneyland Park
- Alice in Wonderland
- It's a Small World
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
- Disneyland Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
- Peter Pan's Flight
- Snow White's Enchanted Wish
- King Arthur Carrousel
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
- Haunted Mansion
- Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
- Mark Twain Riverboat
- Pinocchio's Daring Journey
- Jungle Cruise
- Astro Orbitor
- Mad Tea Party
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Casey Jr. Circus Train
- Disneyland Monorail
Disney California Adventure Park
- Jessie's Critter Carousel
- Pixar Pal-A-Round
- Golden Zephyr
- Toy Story Midway Mania
- Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue
- The Little Mermaid-Ariel's Undersea Adventure
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
Although there are so many rides at both parks that service dogs are allowed to ride on, it is always important to consider your dog's needs above your own. If a ride is going to trigger your dog in any way, then consider the "Rider-Swap" option where someone in your group watches your service dog while you ride, and then when you get off the ride, they can ride it once you are back with your dog. There are also rides that service dogs are not allowed on. For those rides, Disney provides clean kennels for your dog to stay in for the duration of the ride.
Jojo did great on all of the rides that I took her on, but Disney days are long and can be overwhelming for anyone, so if anyone in my group chose not to go on a ride, Jojo usually stayed back with them to allow time for her to rest regardless of whether the ride was safe for her to ride on.
We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel which was very convenient because it was close by for breaks and also close by for heading back at the end of the day.
Additional things to consider for your Disneyland trip
Weather
I would recommend visiting in the cooler months. But if you are going to visit in the warmer months then I would recommend footwear to protect your dog's paws form the hot asphalt and plan for more water and rest breaks.
Hydration
Disney days are long, so your dog is probably going to need more water than usual. Be sure to bring a collapsible water bowl.
Relief Areas
There are designated relief stations, but they are limited, so I would recommend stopping every time you pass one.
Patience
Disney can be overwhelming for anyone, but it's definitely a different environment for your dog. It's important to be patient with them, reward them heavily, and allow for breaks whenever they are needed.
Character Meet & Greets
If you are planning on meeting characters, I would recommend starting with a more human-like character and then slowly transition into the others.
Overall, we had a wonderful trip to Disneyland as a team. I believe it's a magical experience for everyone. I am grateful for the unforgettable memories that I made with my service dog during her first trip to Disneyland. If you're hesitant about visiting Disneyland with your service dog, I hope this blog can help ease some of your stress. Disneyland's accommodations helped us to enjoy our trip to the fullest, and I can't wait to go back in the future.
About the Author
Aspen Baxter is passionate about promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and mental health awareness. Living as a paraplegic with Autism & Functional Neurological Disorder, Aspen has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of multiple disabilities. Following a medication injury in 2021 that resulted in her paralysis, Aspen has become an advocate for accessibility and inclusivity in all aspects of life.
Aspen's ride is a Quickie Nitrum.
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