Can my service dog be left alone in my room (crated) if I wish to go somewhere without him?”

Welcome to Disney Parks Moms Panel, Stephanie!

Oh, boy, planning a visit to Walt Disney World is an extra-magical endeavor, so I'm glad that you sent your great question our way.

First, take a look at this very informative link regarding Service Animals at Walt Disney World. There, you'll see lots of information regarding attractions that are restricted for Service Animals, and how you can go about using Rider Switch or a portable kennel while you enjoy the rides that are not suitable for your service dog.

In addition, read through this post on Services for Guests with Disabilities where you'll find a paragraph on Service Animals, too. There, you'll see that service animals are welcome "at most locations throughout our theme parks and Resort hotels [...] Guests who use service animals must retain control of their animals at all times and should keep them on a leash or harness while visiting." As such, you could bring your service dog with you as you experience the magic each day.

Disney goes so far to make all Guests welcome--including the four-legged, furry kind. In fact, several months ago, one of our cousins returned from a Disney Cruise Line vacation with her family and her beautiful service dog, and the photos--including those priceless professional pics--are spectacular. Big smiles and a happy pup throughout their journey: "We both had a blast!" 

Keep in mind that while you cannot leave your service animal unattended in your Walt Disney World Resort hotel room, you have other options. For example, my cousin suggests that you opt to stay at one of Walt Disney World's Dog-Friendly Accommodations, where up to two dogs are permitted to stay for an additional nightly fee. When you look at specific Dog-Friendly Accommodations, you'll find a link to Dog Policies at Walt Disney World Resort where it states that "Dogs should not be left unattended in your Guest room for more than seven hours."  Should you need to leave your dog for longer periods of time, you can find the link for Best Friends Pet Care listed in the Dog-Friendly Accommodations pages as well! For more information, check out this post from Disney Parks Blog.

Currently, the following Walt Disney World Resort hotels are pet-friendly:

Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

As you plan your visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth, Stephanie, be sure to send additional questions our way. We love to help!

Andrea