Disneyland Resort has designated service-animal relief areas in both parks, the Esplanade, Downtown Disney, the hotels and Pixar Pals Parking Structure. A service animal may also use any open outdoor area when the owner cleans up afterward.
The attraction plan needs a little more homework. Several rides do not permit service animals. Cast Members cannot hold or supervise an animal, so decide who will stay with it before joining the queue and ask about Rider Switch or a portable kennel at the entrance.
Who Disney permits in the parks
Disneyland defines a service animal as a dog or miniature horse trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Only trained service animals are permitted inside the resort and on Disney transportation. Emotional-support animals, comfort animals and pets are not included in that policy.
The animal must stay under the owner's control, remain on a leash or in a harness, be housebroken and behave appropriately. Corrective action is required if the animal barks, growls, jumps on or lunges at guests or Cast Members.
Service-animal relief areas across Disneyland Resort
The designated stops below are useful anchors, but they are not the only choices. Disney permits a service animal to relieve itself in any open outdoor area as long as the owner picks up after the animal and leaves the area clean.
Disneyland Park
- Bayou Country: planter near the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge entrance and Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree
- Fantasyland: planter across from "it's a small world"
- Main Street, U.S.A.: planter in front of First Aid near Plaza Inn
- Mickey's Toontown: planter between the Post Office and Fire Station
Disney California Adventure
- Grizzly River Run: near the Grizzly Peak Pass sign
- Grizzly Peak Airfield: planter to the right of the restrooms
- Paradise Gardens Park: access gate between Seaside Souvenirs and The Little Mermaid queue
- Cars Land: between Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters and Avengers Campus
Hotels and Esplanade
- Esplanade: planter near the east security check
- Grand Californian: between Hearthstone Lounge and the pool gate, plus the Disney Vacation Club BBQ area
- Pixar Place Hotel: end of the brick path by the exterior double doors near Great Maple
- Disneyland Hotel: Frontier Tower underpass, plus the space between Fantasy Tower and the Sorcerer Hat
Downtown Disney and parking
- Downtown Disney: planter near the security bag check across from Star Wars Trading Post
- Pixar Pals Parking Structure: planter to the left of the security bag check
Use the closest open outdoor area if the listed stop is too far away. Carry cleanup bags where you can reach them without unloading the rest of your park bag.
Attractions with service-animal boarding restrictions
The rides below do not permit service animals. Check the current list again before your visit because attraction operations and names can change.
| Park | Service animals are not permitted |
|---|---|
| Disneyland Park | Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; Chip 'n' Dale's GADGETcoaster; Indiana Jones Adventure; Matterhorn Bobsleds; Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run; Space Mountain; Star Tours: The Adventures Continue; Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance; Tiana's Bayou Adventure |
| Disney California Adventure | Goofy's Sky School; Grizzly River Run; Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT!; Incredicoaster; Jumpin' Jellyfish; Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters; Mater's Junkyard Jamboree; Radiator Springs Racers; Silly Symphony Swings; Soarin' Around the World |
For rides that permit a service dog, review the Sensory Experience Details for loud noises, lifts, surprise elements and other effects. The boarding rule and the animal's comfort are separate questions.
Set the handler plan before entering the line
- Check the attraction list. Know whether the animal may board or cannot enter.
- Choose the handler. If the animal cannot ride, someone in the party must remain with it. Cast Members cannot take control of the animal.
- Ask at the entrance. Ask about the current Rider Switch process or whether a portable kennel is available. Do not count on a kennel until a Cast Member confirms it.
- Plan the wait. Pick a nearby relief option and a comfortable waiting place for the handler and animal.
- Rejoin carefully. Follow the Cast Member's instructions for the second rider rather than assuming a standard handoff point.
Solo visitors need a different plan because Rider Switch depends on another person staying with the animal. Ask Guest Relations or the attraction entrance about current options before committing to the queue.
Dining, pools and permitted rides
In food and beverage locations, the animal must remain on the floor. It cannot sit on dining chairs or tables. At pools and wet decks, service animals cannot enter the water, fountains or water features and must remain at least four feet from the water.
On an attraction that permits service animals, they must remain on the floor of the ride vehicle away from any opening. A smaller dog may ride on the guest's lap or in a front carrier. Ask before boarding when the vehicle layout creates any doubt.
For another queue procedure that may matter to your party, use our Disneyland Rider Switch guide.
A practical day-of checklist
- Save the current Disney service-animal page on your phone.
- Mark one relief area near the start, middle and end of your route.
- Carry cleanup bags and water where they are easy to reach.
- Review every priority attraction before the park day.
- Choose who will stay with the animal at each restricted ride.
- Ask about Rider Switch or a portable kennel before entering the queue.
- Check sensory details for loud, dark, moving or surprising experiences.
Current Disney policy: Review Disneyland Resort's service-animal rules, relief locations and attraction lists.
Quick answers
Can a service animal use any outdoor area for relief?
Yes. Designated relief areas are available, and any open outdoor area also may be used when the owner picks up after the animal and leaves the area clean.
Will a Cast Member watch my service animal?
No. Cast Members cannot take control of service animals. A member of your party must stay with the animal when using Rider Switch.
Are portable kennels guaranteed at restricted rides?
No. Ask a Cast Member about available options, which may include a portable kennel. Confirm availability at the attraction.
Can a small service dog ride on my lap?
On an attraction that permits service animals, a smaller dog may ride on the guest's lap or in a front carrier. Ask the attraction Cast Member if the vehicle or experience raises a question.
Can emotional-support animals enter the parks?
No. Disneyland Resort's policy permits trained service animals. Emotional-support animals, comfort animals and pets are not allowed inside the resort.