Hi there, my husband is deaf and we have been training our golden retriever as his service dog. Do we need to do check her in at the parks to have the temporary kennel options at specific rides or are they already there waiting in case they need used?

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Answer 1

Hi Lisa, welcome to planDisney! I'm so glad to hear that you will soon be visiting Walt Disney World, and that your hardworking pup will be joining you along for the ride!

Walt Disney World values Guests with Disabilities, and this includes those Guests that travel with service animals. I am sure that having his service dog nearby is crucial to helping your husband feel safe and comfortable on vacation. You may indeed have your dog accompany you to the Theme Parks! There is no required check-in, and the service animal is defined as a “dog or miniature horse that is trained to do work or perform tasks for, and to assist, an individual with a disability.” Further policies are outlined on the Walt Disney World website.

It is also important to note that should your dog accompany you to a Theme Park, he/she will not be able to experience all attractions, and Cast Members cannot take control of service animals. Therefore, someone will need to wait with the animal via the Rider Switch option, or you may utilize a portable kennel when available. Portable kennels are subject to availability, and you should notify the Cast Member at the entrance to each attraction to inquire about one. Here you will find a list of attractions where service animals are not permitted and those where they are allowed with precautions. There is also a handy list of service animal relief areas within each of the four Disney Theme Parks! Lastly, there is also the option of leaving your pup in your Disney Resort Hotel room. Of course, you know your dog best, so I would make sure to build in time for needed breaks and make sure there is a safe way to contain your pet within the hotel room when Mousekeeping pays their daily visit!

Destiny, I hope this information is helpful to you as you plan your next Disney vacation. For further information regarding these policies and other information regarding Guests with Disabilities, feel free to contact Disability Services at (407) 560-2547 or email disability.services@disneyparks.com.

Wishing you many magical moments,

Clara

Hi there, my husband is deaf and we have been training our golden retriever as his service dog. Do we need to do check her in at the parks to have the temporary kennel options at specific rides or are they already there waiting in case they need used?

Meet the Panelist: Clara, Ohio

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Hi there, my husband is deaf and we have been training our golden retriever as his service dog. Do we need to do check her in at the parks to have the temporary kennel options at specific rides or are they already there waiting in case they need used?”

Meet the Panelist: Clara, Ohio

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Hi there, my husband is deaf and we have been training our golden retriever as his service dog. Do we need to do check her in at the parks to have the temporary kennel options at specific rides or are they already there waiting in case they need used?