How to Take Your Puppy to Disneyland: A Practical Guide

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As many of you know, Stetson—our energetic pup—has a formal training session scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2008. One of my goals was to take him to Disneyland before he heads into training.

Stetson and I are taking the day off tomorrow to visit Disneyland and meet Mickey and the gang. We’re both very excited—and lucky for us, friends Denise and Oceana sent us a comprehensive “puppy‑in‑training” checklist for visiting Disneyland. If you visit Denise and Oceana’s blog, you’ll see they just returned from a recent trip to Disneyland.

Below is the wonderful list Denise and Oceana shared, along with some photos from their past trips:

How to Take Your Puppy in Training to Disneyland

Oceana asked which rides are puppy‑friendly. Here’s a detailed list to help you navigate the park safely and enjoyably.

Basic Tips for a Smooth Visit

• Entering the Park – Disneyland’s security may ask for a pet, but you can usually walk through the gates by pressing the button. No special pass is required for a dog, but a “paw‑friendly” pass can expedite entry.
• On Rides – For most attractions, you’ll be asked to stay seated or hold the leash. If you prefer, you can remain standing—just ensure you’re not occupying a seat.
• Puppy Swap – If a ride is off‑limits for dogs, the crew will let your group exchange leashes with a rider who just finished, allowing the next person to ride.

Fantasyland

1. Alice in Wonderland – Use the exit by the yellow line and wait for cast members (CM) to load you.
2. Casey Jr. Circus Train – Follow the exit ramp and stand to the right as guests disembark. A CM will assist you.
3. Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Locate the handicap line near the carousel. Wait for a CM to give you a “feather” and then walk through the gate when the ride stops.
4. It’s a Small World – Currently closed until November 2008, but when open the handicap line offers extra legroom for dogs.
5. King Arthur Carousel – Stand in the standard line; the leashed dog sits on the bench while the owner rides.
6. Mad Tea Party – Use the ramp exit. When the gate unlocks, walk down the ramp and wait behind the yellow line for a CM’s help.
7. Matterhorn Bobsleds – This ride is off‑limits for dogs, but you can use the puppy swap. Enter the handicap entrance on the Tomorrowland side and wait for a CM.
8. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – There’s a handicap entrance adjacent to the standard line.
9. Peter Pan’s Flight – Use the smallest exit in Fantasyland; if a CM is present, they’ll guide you to the next available spot.
10. Pinocchio’s Daring Journey – Enter through the exit and wait for a CM’s assistance.
11. Snow White’s Scary Adventures – Use the exit and let a CM help you board.
12. Storybook Land Canal Boats – The handicap entrance/exit by the lighthouse will allow you to wait with a CM’s help.

Mickey’s Toontown

1. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin – Go through the fast‑pass line; a CM will assist you.
2. Gadget’s Go Coaster – A 30‑second kids coaster; use the exit and wait for a CM.
3. Disneyland Railroad – Toontown Station – Standard line or use the handicap entrance/exit by the standard entrance.

Tomorrowland

1. Astro Orbitor – Dogs are allowed. Enter through the exit ramp and wait for a CM.
2. Autopia – Use the exit ramp; a CM will provide driver’s license instructions.
3. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters – Use the fast‑pass line, then walk through the blue door; a CM will help you board.
4. Monorail – Walk the standard line; it’s an ADA line, so the wait is usually short.
5. Honey, I Shrunk the Audience – Standard line; a CM will assist you.
6. Innoventions – Standard line.
7. Space Mountain – Off‑limits for dogs; use puppy swap. Enter the handicap line at the exit and wait for a CM.
8. Star Tours – Off‑limits for dogs; use puppy swap. Go through the Star Trader store exit and wait for a CM.
9. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – Stand at the front; a CM will place you in the handicap line (15–60 minutes). Shorter than the standard line.
10. Disneyland Railroad – Tomorrowland Station – Choose the long ramp exit to the handicap entrance or the standard line.

Frontierland

1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Off‑limits for dogs; use puppy swap. Use either exit and wait for a CM at the dock.
2. Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island – Standard line; a rope opens to let you bypass the turnstile.
3. Mark Twain Riverboat & Sailing Ship Columbia – Standard line; CMs usually open the handicap door for dogs.
4. Big Thunder Ranch – Dogs aren’t allowed in the petting zoo, but you can observe from outside.
5. The Golden Horseshoe Stage – Find a seat and enjoy the show.

Critter Country

1. Splash Mountain – Use the exit and wait for a CM for puppy swap.
2. Davy Crockett’s Explore Canoes – Dogs are allowed, but Denise is cautious about the river. If you’re comfortable, you can ride.
3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – This is an ADA line; just use the standard line.

Adventureland

1. Enchanted Tiki Room – Standard line; enjoy the pre‑show with the Hawaiian performers. A hidden restroom near the stairs is handy for leashed dogs.
2. Indiana Jones Adventure of the Forbidden Eye – Use the exit to meet a CM; they’ll move you to the handicap line or let you go to the standard line if it’s long.
3. Jungle Cruise – Handicap line at the exit; the skipper may allow a dog if you’re comfortable with the gun.
4. Tarzan Treehouse – Great for training on stairs; a CM will help you get aboard.

New Orleans Square

1. Haunted Mansion – If a CM is at the gate, ask for a red card; otherwise, use the standard line. Follow the handicap rope at the mansion steps and wait for a CM to escort you.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean – On busy days a pirate CM will control the handicap line; on quiet days, enter the exit past the guest exit and use the handicap waiting area.
3. Disneyland Railroad – New Orleans Square/Frontierland Station – Use the ramp exit for handicap loading or standard line.

Main Street U.S.A.

1. Disneyland Railroad – Main Street Station – Standard line.
2. Main Street Vehicles – Wait in line to board any of the following:
   • Fire Engine
   • Horse‑Drawn Streetcars
   • Horseless Carriage
   • Omnibus

California Adventure

Disney’s California Adventure treats all dogs through the standard line, making it ADA‑friendly. Puppy swap is available for any ride that is off‑limits.

We’re grateful to Denise and Oceana for compiling this invaluable list for Stetson and me. Their photos of Oceana with Disney characters are truly inspiring, and we hope to create our own memories soon.

Have you ever seen a dog at Disneyland? If you’re a puppy raiser, share your experience below.

Top Picks for Our Puppies

1. Best Dog Chew
   We love Beef Collagen Sticks—perfect for diverting chewing, nipping, and biting.
2. Best Puppy Toy
   Calmeroos Puppy Toy with Heartbeat and Heat Packs—ideal for easing anxiety in new homes.
3. Best Dog Treats
   Crazy Dog Train‑Me Treats—our high‑value treats for guide‑dog puppies.
4. Best Fresh Dog Food
   The Farmer’s Dog—our recent switch; it’s a hit! Get 50% off your first order.

Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.