Every theme park is a little bit different and I have encountered several parks across the nation that will not even allow a service dog on the carousel. SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland Florida discourage service dogs on rides but there are a select number of rides where they are generally permitted. Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando, however, will allow service dogs on many rides and attractions. Generally speaking, if a small child or infant is able to ride (there are no height requirements or specialized harnessing) then your service dog is able to ride.
Even when allowed by the theme park, you will still need to make your own judgements based on your individual dog. You are the only one with the personal knowledge of your service dog to know if certain situations may be a problem for them. Theme park rides have movement of all kinds, loud noises, strange smells, darkness, flashing lights, etc. If your dog has a trigger, one or more of the rides may trigger them. If they do not have a trigger, the combination may still trigger them. A dog I know had trouble with Disney World’s Pirates of the Caribbean in the Magic Kingdom. The darkness, with a sudden drop, followed by the character’s yelling [at her]. One of these events and she would not be troubled but with everything, in combination, she gets nervous and upset. Another example is Toy Story Mania in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the cars turn quickly and there is little for a dog to hold onto. Mouse dislikes Universal’s Spider-Man ride in Islands of Adventure due to the way the ride vehicle tips and tilts. Next door, at Universal Studios, the E.T. ride has limited floor space and no sides. Considering the ride vehicle rises above floor level, I chose not to take her.
Cast members and team members are great at answering questions but may not be aware of everything that could cause a problem from a dog’s perspective. Some 4D ‘movie’ attractions, for instance, seem innocuous enough but could have special effects that may startle your dog, or floor level effects that may even injure them.
Walt Disney World has created a guide called Sensory Experience Details for Guests with Disabilities which can also be very helpful deciding which rides are appropriate for your dog.
Just because it is possible for a service dog to ride does not mean that YOUR dog will be OK with it!
What do I do if I want to go on a ride and my service dog cannot?
If you are able to separate from your service dog for short periods, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando have kennels available to secure your dog. If your service dog is not comfortable being left in a kennel, you may also utilize their rider swap service. This process varies depending on the park but generally part of your group would wait in the standard queue and when they finish riding the remainder of the group will be able to access the ride without the standard wait. Some parks/attractions allow the entire group to stand in line together and then separate into an area near the loading zone. Check with a cast/team member for more information.
At no time is a cast/team member allowed to hold onto, or be responsible for, your service dog.
Kennel types and availability may vary by theme park. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando utilize wire kennels. I have observed cast/team members sanitizing the bottom tray on many occasions but I would expect that there are variations in those procedures from one park to another. These kennels are generally a good size, but particularly large dogs may be feel more restricted. Mouse is petite for a Bernese, at approximately 80 pounds, but she doesn’t have any difficulties fitting into the kennels.
Kennel locations also vary significantly. Depending on the ride and its configuration, kennel locations may be located in a quiet room, near the ride exit, or even right next to the ride itself. This is another situation where you may need to decide what your dog’s tolerance level is for a particular noise level or crowds passing by as they exit the ride. While most parks try to keep someone in the area of the kennel when it is occupied, do not expect this to be the case at all times.
In some locations the kennel is set aside disassembled when not in use, so you may experience a short wait while they set it up. On a rare occasion, for one reason or another, I have had to wait for a kennel to be brought from another location.
In many cases, this time in the kennel can provide your service dog with an opportunity to take a break and rest. While kenneled is also a perfect time to leave some water in a collapsible bowl.
Your experience and knowledge of your dog’s abilities, a little planning, and good communication with cast/team members will go a long way. Understanding your dog’s behavior, body language, and unique capabilities is key to fostering a positive experience for them that caters to their specific needs. With these elements in place, you can pave the way for enjoyable park visits.
For additional service dog information at specific parks, please use the links below:
Walt Disney World: Accessibility Planning Guide & Recommendations
Universal Orlando: Guide for Rider Safety and Accessibility
SeaWorld Orlando Accessibility Guide
Legoland Florida: Guests with Disabilities Guide
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