Planning a visit to an amusement park can be an exciting adventure, and with your guide dog by your side, it is bound to be paws-itively amazing! This guide is here to help you unleash the fun and make your trip as smooth as a well-trained forward command. We will walk you through the process of visiting some of the most popular amusement parks like Disneyland, Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Six Flags. While we cannot cover every park, this guide will give you the tools to navigate the major amusement parks with confidence.
Before you embark, take a moment to check out the accessibility websites or contact the accessibility departments of these parks. You will find information about relief areas, which rides your guide dog can join you on, options like portable kennels or rider switches, and other useful services. Learning where to find braille maps and menus or how to get the Disney audio description device can make your visit even more enjoyable.
It is important to note that while your guide dog may be allowed on certain rides, they might not fit comfortably or could find loud sounds and movements unsettling. Keep your furry friend’s comfort and preferences in mind to ensure a pleasant experience for both of you.
Additionally, amusement parks are very high-distraction settings for your guide dog, full of people, theme characters, smells, and walking areas that may resemble streets, which might confuse your dog. Therefore, when you pack a travel bag, make sure to carry plenty of treats and patience. Also, for this adventure, you should bring your white cane, since your dog will need to remain with a loved one or in a kennel for some rides.
Grab your leash, pack some treats, and get ready to have a doggone good time!
Website: Services for Guests with Service Animals at Disneyland Resort
Here you can find all the information you need to plan your visit to both parks, including the location of relief areas and the rides your guide dog cannot accompany you on.
Additionally, the Sensory Experience Guide for Disneyland and California Adventures can provide you with some information on what to expect in some areas and on certain rides of the park.
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Website: Services for Guests with Service Animals at Walt Disney World Resort
Whether you are visiting Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood Studios, this website has the information you need for your visit with your guide dog. It includes the location of relief areas for all parks and details about rides your guide dog cannot accompany you on.
Additionally, the Sensory Experiences Guide- Disney World can provide you with some information on what to expect in some areas and rides of the park.
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Website: Accessibility Information | Universal Orlando Resort
To obtain detailed information on which rides your guide dog is allowed to ride with you, the Guide for Rider Safety and Accessibility provides a list for both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. The document also indicates that portable service animal kennels are available while you enjoy certain attractions. Under each ride, you can find a section labeled “important information for guests with service animals” that describes the space available for your dog on the attraction vehicle, if your dog is allowed, along with a brief description of the movements and speeds you can expect during the ride, and even if water will be present. Additionally, to locate relief areas, you will need to refer to The Official Universal Orlando Resort App for specific locations.
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Website: Accessibility Information – Universal Studios Hollywood
The Universal Studios Hollywood Rider’s Guide indicates the location of the service animal stations, as well as the rides in which your service animal will not be able to ride with you. However, these rides have service animal kennels available. Additionally, you will be able to find a description of the rides, so you can make an informed decision on whether or not you believe your guide will be comfortable based on the tilting, shaking, speed, and other motions experienced during the ride.
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Contact Form: Contact Us
Website: Six Flags Accessibility
Six Flags currently has 51 parks in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, so here we aim to provide you with general Six Flags information, specifically targeting those in the United States. Every park is different, so by clicking the link above, you can navigate the website and select the park you are interested in attending to learn more about it.
Six Flags indicates that service animals are allowed in most locations of their parks. However, unlike Disney and Universal Studios parks, most of their rides are not equipped or designed for accessibility to service animals. A member of your party must be available to stay with your guide while you ride.
The accessibility website does not list the availability of kennels for service animals and instead indicates that you may take advantage of their Kid Swap policy, so that one member of your party may stay with your dog while you ride. The parks have service animal relief areas which are designated on the park map; once again, this is something you will find by selecting the park you wish to attend.
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Visiting amusement parks with your guide dog can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. By planning ahead and utilizing the resources provided by the parks, you can ensure a fun and accessible trip for you and your guide dog. We also encourage you to share your tips and amusement park experiences with us so this guide can continue to grow and help others. Enjoy your park adventures!
