Visiting Walt Disney World with a Service Animal: FAQ

Updated 3/31/2025

Yes, trained service animals can join you on your Walt Disney World vacation! Here's what you need to know if you're planning to visit the parks with a service dog (or miniature horse) in 2025.

🐾 What types of service animals are allowed at Disney World?

Walt Disney World permits service dogs and miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. These animals must remain:

• Under control at all times

• On a leash, harness, or tether (unless it interferes with their work)

• With their handler—not supervised or held by a Cast Member

🐶 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If your service animal needs a break, you’ll find designated relief areas in every park and resort.

🚻 Where are the service animal relief areas?

Service animals may relieve themselves outdoors, but owners must clean up after them. Disney also provides designated relief areas, and they’re listed in the My Disney Experience app (under Guest Services > Service Animals).

Here are the current relief areas by park:

🦁 Animal Kingdom

• Asia: Near Maharajah Jungle Trek restrooms

• DinoLand U.S.A.: Near Restaurantosaurus restrooms

• Discovery Island: Near First Aid

• Pandora: Path next to Satuʻli Canteen

🎬 Hollywood Studios

• Near First Aid at front of park

• Near Baseline Tap House

• Toy Story Land: Entrance and by Alien Swirling Saucers

🌐 EPCOT

• Between Outpost and Germany

• Imagination Pavilion restrooms

• Test Track restrooms

• United Kingdom restrooms

🏰 Magic Kingdom

• Adventureland: Near Pirates of the Caribbean

• Fantasyland: Near WDW Railroad

• Frontierland: Near Big Thunder Mountain

• Liberty Square: Near Liberty Tree Tavern

• Tomorrowland: Near Space Mountain restrooms

🎢 Can service animals go on rides?

Yes, but not all attractions are accessible. Cast Members can’t hold your animal, but some rides offer kennels or Rider Switch options. Attractions are categorized as:

❌ Not Permitted or Limited Access

Animal Kingdom

• Avatar Flight of Passage

• Expedition Everest

• DINOSAUR

• Kali River Rapids

• Maharajah Jungle Trek (Aviary)

• Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers

• Smugglers Run

• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

• Slinky Dog Dash

• Star Tours

• Rise of the Resistance

• Tower of Terror

EPCOT

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

• Mission: SPACE

• Soarin’

• Test Track

Magic Kingdom

• Barnstormer

• Big Thunder Mountain

• Peter Pan’s Flight

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

• Space Mountain

• Tron Lightcycle / Run

⚠️ Allowed With Caution

These may involve loud noises, darkness, or sudden movements. Use discretion:

• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

• Kilimanjaro Safaris

• Toy Story Mania!

• Pixar Short Film Festival

• Spaceship Earth

• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Speak with a Cast Member at the entrance to each attraction. They’ll let you know what accommodations are available.

🍽️ Are service animals allowed in Disney restaurants?

Yes! Service animals are allowed at all Walt Disney World table service, quick service, and snack locations.

🏨 Can my service animal stay in a Disney hotel with me?

Absolutely. Your service animal can stay at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel, regardless of pet policy. Unlike regular pets:

• No extra fee is required

• All resorts have service animal relief areas

🐕 Are emotional support animals allowed?

No. Therapy animals and emotional support animals are not permitted in the parks or hotels unless they meet the legal criteria of a trained service animal. Disney classifies them as pets.

🔗 Related Resources

🧳 Planning your stay? Check out our guide to Disney Resorts for Guests with Disabilities

Pixie Dust Hugs,

Bren, Lyn, and Kim

P.S. Planning your own magical getaway?

✨ Start with our Walt Disney World Vacation Guide

🗂️ Download our printable Cheat Sheets for Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando

💫 Need accessibility tips or DAS advice? We’ve got you covered here

🎟️ Or let Bren help you plan your Practically Perfect Vacation