Overview
Visiting Walt Disney World is always an enchanting experience, but doing it with my service dog, Nala, adds a unique and memorable dimension to every trip. Nala, my Dutch Shepherd, has become an essential part of our Disney adventures, and her presence not only enhances our experience but also offers a glimpse into what it’s like to navigate the parks with a service dog. Here’s a personal account of our days at Disney, from planning and preparation to the magical moments and challenges we encounter along the way.
Pre-Trip
Planning the Trip
When planning a trip to Walt Disney World with Nala, preparation is key. In the United States, there is no official certification for service dogs to gain public access, but as long as a dog is task-trained and maintains public access etiquette, they are allowed where the public is. For Nala, our packing essentials don’t change much from our normal day-to-day routine. I always carry a backpack with a dedicated section for Nala’s needs, which includes an extra leash, prong collar, dominant collar, e-collar accessories, water bowl, water, freeze-dried treats, doggie bags, Mushers Secret, and, of course, her favorite foam balls. Check out my 14 Essential Tools for my Service Dog: A Comprehensive Guide
Pre-trip training is minimal since Nala’s obedience and training are consistently maintained at a high level. However, we do increase our outdoor walking and playtime on concrete and asphalt in the weeks leading up to the trip to toughen Nala’s paw pads, especially if we’re expecting hot weather. We also apply Mushers Secret more frequently during this time to protect her paws.
Because Nala has public access as a service dog, she doesn’t need special accommodations at Disney World. We typically visit during various times of the year, but our favorite time as a family is November and December when the Christmas decorations are up, and we can attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Since we’ve only had Nala since December, we’ve visited Disney World with her twice—once in March and once in June. The June trip was especially hot, but Nala handled it like a champ.
Trip
Arrival and First Impressions
No matter the destination, Nala remains calm and composed upon arriving at Walt Disney World. This is a testament to her extensive obedience training and her strong, confident genetics. While she’s always ready to pose for a fun photo op with Disney characters, her primary focus is on the tasks at hand.
Checking in at our accommodation is generally straightforward, though it often comes with a few curious stares from other guests. Nala is much more well-mannered and trained than most service dogs, and she’s a Dutch Shepherd, which many people have never seen or heard of. This combination tends to draw a lot of attention, especially in a place as busy as Disney World.
Our day at the parks usually starts early. I wake up before the rest of my family, sometimes even before the sun rises, to take Nala for a bathroom break and a quick game of fetch. This helps her expend some energy and have a little fun before the day’s adventures begin. By the time we return, the rest of the family is waking up, and we’re ready to rope drop the park of the day.
Navigating the Parks
We’ve visited all four Disney parks with Nala—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Each park offers its own unique challenges and joys when visiting with a service dog. Managing Nala’s needs throughout the day, such as bathroom breaks and feeding, is relatively easy. Her feeding schedule stays the same, with her dinner being served when we return to the hotel at night. Bathroom breaks are well-managed thanks to Nala’s training, though I’ve found that some of Disney’s designated relief areas for service dogs could be more conveniently located and less public.
Nala is allowed on several rides with me, including the Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Toy Story Mania, Tomorrowland Speedway, It’s a Small World, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. For rides she cannot join, we either use the rider swap option, where another member of our party watches her, or we use the kennel provided by Disney. The cast members who watch Nala always give her glowing reports on her behavior.
Challenges and Solutions
Navigating Disney World with Nala comes with its own set of challenges. Young children often try to pet her, and the extreme heat during our June trip required constant monitoring of her health. I regularly check her paw pads for burns or cracks, feel her ear temperature to ensure they’re cool, and check her gums to make sure they’re moist. Fortunately, Nala’s exceptional obedience and environmental training help her stay comfortable and focused throughout our time in the parks.
However, not all interactions are positive. During a visit to Disneyland’s California Adventure, a young child ran up and attempted to kick Nala in the face. Thankfully, he didn’t make contact, but it was a frustrating experience nonetheless. Incidents like this remind me of the importance of remaining vigilant and protecting Nala in crowded, unpredictable environments.
Highlights and Special Moments
Despite the challenges, there are countless special moments that make our trips to Disney World with Nala unforgettable. Nala loves bubbles, so every time we encounter bubble wands in the parks, I have to reign her back in. I also treasure the many pictures we’ve taken with Disney characters, capturing the magic of our adventures together.
Nala’s favorite spots in the parks are often the restaurants, where we can sit down and enjoy some air conditioning. She also enjoys any open fields we find around the resorts, which provide the perfect opportunity for a quick game of fetch. When it comes to fireworks and parades, Nala remains calm and composed, thanks to her firearm neutrality training. During these loud, crowded events, I keep her between my legs—not because she’s fearful, but to keep her safe and out of harm’s way.
Post Trip
Reflections and Advice
Visiting Walt Disney World with Nala has truly enhanced our overall Disney experience. Every memory we create includes her, and it’s an amazing opportunity to maintain her training in a fun and dynamic environment. My advice to other service dog owners planning a trip to Disney World is simple: have fun, be silly, and enjoy the magic!
One last tip: The EPCOT resort area is a fantastic place for early morning and late-night walks. It’s spacious enough for a good walk without going in circles and has a few grassy areas perfect for a quick game of fetch.
Join the Adventure!
Pawsitively Fit Adventures is more than just a blog—it’s a community. I invite you to join us on this journey, to share your stories, and to connect with others who share the same passions. Together, we can fuel our passions, embrace the journey, and Stay Pawsitive.
So, welcome! Let’s embark on this journey together—one paw, one rep, and one adventure at a time.
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Until Our Next Adventure,
“Fuel Your Passion, Embrace the Journey, and Stay Pawsitive!”
~Brannon & Nala Bear
