Disney with a service Dog About This Page:

[Stacy B]

Greetings my fellow Disney fans. I am hoping you can help me out. My Mom and her service dog Britt will be joining my family at WDW in Feb. I am looking for feedback, good or bad from anyone who has traveled there with a service dog or knows someone who has.

When I booked my reservation, I made sure to tell the Cast Member that a service dog would be joining us. She thought it was great. She even made a note on the reservation to make sure we have a ground floor room for ease of dog walking.

I know that the parks all have designated dog service areas and I know there are some rides where the dog will not be able to ride. on.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

ttfn--ta ta for now

[scottjs]

I just wanted to wish you good luck. I am curious about how this works...

[Misc]

Passporter's Open Mouse has information on service animals...basically, be prepared to swap off holders if Britt can't go on a ride; she needs to be under the control of one of your group at all times. Not going to rewrite it all, since that would mean transcribing the entire book, but find a copy!

And, most of all, have fun!

[Eeyore Tattoo]

you may find this link interesting Service Animals - Disney's MGM Studios

[Stag]

...OMG, I wrote a whole post and then it got eaten. This is my first post here, so bear with me please!

I'm sure your mom already knows the basics but I'll list them here anyway. February is a GREAT time to be attending the parks with an SD as it's not too hot and that's important. I would never ever suggest going in August or something, that would be a recipe for disaster.

Dogs overheat very easily, as they can only cool themselves off by panting and by the bottoms of their feet. Despite the time of year you're going in, I suggest taking breaks in air-conditioned places. If you can swing it financially, eating in a restaurant is a great idea, or even some of the shows and rides are in AC'd places. Those are awesome for everybody. Another good idea is to head back to the hotel in the middle of the day for a quick nap, the dog-- and you-- will appreciate it!

On the subject of overheating it's important to keep your dog cool. If she doesn't already have one, talk to your mom about investing in a cooling bandana or vest-- the Outward Hound bandana and the Swamp Cooler vest from RuffWear are both awesome and most SD users I know SWEAR by them, they're excellent. Your dog can certainly manage without, but they're great for keeping them cool in the summer. There are other bandanas that you can actually freeze ice packs inside which are really cool too, it's really a matter of personal preference.

WATER. WATER WATER WATER. Make SURE your dog has access to it! Collapsible bowls are really great, they're light and they fold down small so they're not a bother to carry around. Some CMs will offer your dog water, so it's nice to have something to put it in. I also suggest getting a plastic waterbottle that you can refill at the water fountains-- or, if they won't allow you to bring it in, when you get to the park, buying a waterbottle and just using that for the rest of the day for dog water.

As others have said, be prepared to switch off using the Child Swap system if there's a ride Britt can't go on. That way, you and your mom can both ride!

When you get to the parks, it's important to get the Guide for Guests with Disabilities. This will tell you where all the SD toilet areas are as well as the rides she can't go on AND the rides you need to ask a CM about for boarding and such. MAKE SURE you know where the SD toilet areas are BEFORE you get started in the parks! I can't stress this enough. Many CMs don't know where they are so it's important that you do!

A key rule is that if the ground is too hot for you to walk on, it's too hot for a dog's sensitive pawpads. If your mom doesn't already have them, a set of dog boots is a great idea, BUT you have to make sure they ventilate well! Because dogs cool themselves through the pads of their feet, it's dangerous to keep them covered up with no method of cooling off. Burned pawpads, however, are NO FUN at all and it's terrible to have to go through the rest of your vacation like that!

I will think of more as I add them, but most importantly, HAVE FUN! Take it easy, don't stress out over the little things, and you'll have a great trip.