Service Animals at Walt Disney World

As part of its efforts to accommodate guests as much as possible, Walt Disney World allows trained service animals — limited to dogs and miniature ponies — into the theme parks for guests with disabilities. Those disabilities include but not limited to visual or auditory impairment, epilepsy, limited mobility, autism, and medical response.

Understandably there several restrictions for service animals and some useful bits of information you’ll need to know before you bring your service animal to Disney World.

Restrictions on Service Animals

Service animals are restricted to dogs and miniature ponies inside the theme parks of Walt Disney World. No other animals are allowed in the Parks or Resorts. Animals designated as emotional support animals are not allowed. (See below for more information.)

A service animal must be leashed and/or harnessed at all times. The owner must maintain control of the animal at all times. Cast Members are not able to assist with service animals, and if a service animal is misbehaving, you may be asked to leave.

Service Animals are not permitted in water — water features, splash pads, fountains, etc. – and are not allowed to be within four feet of water on pool wet decks.

Restricted Locations for Service Animals

While service animals are welcome on many rides and attractions at Walt Disney World, some are restricted. This is for the safety of the animal, other guests, and any other animals that  may be part of a ride or exhibit.

The following attractions do not permit service animals.

• Magic Kingdom Park
  • The Barnstormer
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Space Mountain
  • Splash Mountain

  EPCOT

  • Mission: SPACE
  • Soarin’
  • Test Track

  Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • Alien Swirling Saucers
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  • Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™

  Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch
  • Avatar Flight of Passage
  • Expedition Everest
  • DINOSAUR
  • Kali River Rapids
  • Maharajah Jungle Trek — Aviary Area

Areas Where Service Animals Are Permitted With Caution

Some rides and attractions may pose complications or hazards for service animals. You’ll need to check in with a Cast Member at the following attractions before boarding.

Guests with service animals must check in with a host at the following attractions.

Magic Kingdom Park

• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

EPCOT

• Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
• Spaceship Earth

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Toy Story Mania!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
• It’s Tough To Be A Bug!
• Kilimanjaro Safaris

Service Animals and Transportation

Service animals are welcome on all forms of Disney transportation. This includes buses, the Monorails, Skyliner, Friendship Boats, Ferryboats, and Resort boats.

Service Animal Relief Areas

When a service animal’s gotta go, Disney offers several options.

Firstly, a service animal can use any open outdoor area for a bathroom break so long as the owner cleans up after it. Disney states that the area must be left clean. Additionally, there are designated service animal rest areas in each theme park.

Magic Kingdom Park

• Adventureland: adjacent to the Pirates of the Caribbean
• Frontierland: near the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Liberty Square: behind the Liberty Tree Tavern
• Fantasyland: near the Walt Disney World Railroad
• Tomorrowland: By Space Mountain Restrooms

EPCOT

• Future World East: next to the restrooms behind the old MouseGear location
• Future World West: next to the Imagination! restrooms
• United Kingdom: right of restrooms
• The space between the Outpost and Germany Pavilion

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• In the courtyard of First Aid
• Across from Baseline Tap House
• Toy Story Land: near Alien Swirling Saucers
• At the entrance to Toy Story Land

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Discovery Island: near First Aid
• DinoLand U.S.A.: next to the planter at the Restaurantosaurus restrooms
• Asia: right of the planter at Maharajah Jungle Trek restrooms
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch: right of the planter at Conservation Station entrance
• Pandora: on path near the Satuʻli Canteen

For more information about bringing your service dog or miniature pony to Walt Disney World, please contact Disability Services at (407) 560-2547 or email [email protected].

Emotional Support and Therapy Animals

Emotional Support and Therapy Animals are not allowed in the Walt Disney World Parks. Guests can, however, bring a dog to stay with them in a pet-friendly Disney Resort. You can learn more about these Resorts here.

Best Friends Pet Care is an on-site boarding and daycare option for dogs as well.