Exploring Universal Studios with My Service Dog

September 15, 2024

Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure offers an incredible experience for families, and for those with service dogs, the park is especially accommodating. With proper planning and preparation, navigating the park with a service dog can be seamless, ensuring everyone, including the dog, has an enjoyable and safe visit.

For individuals with service dogs, one of the first steps to enhance your visit is to secure an Attractions Assistance Pass (AAP) by registering for the IBCCES accessibility card. This can be done prior to your visit at accessibilitycard.org, where medical documentation is submitted, and a brief screening call is conducted a couple of days before arrival. The AAP allows visitors to experience Universal’s attractions without enduring long wait times, an important accommodation for service animals. On arrival at the park, head to guest services to receive your pass, which can include up to five additional guests for attractions. On this visit, the guests included myself, my husband Casey, our son CJ, my sister McKenzie—celebrating her birthday and experiencing Universal Studios for the first time—and my service dog, Ariel.

Our first stop was Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Thanks to the AAP, we were given a return time for later in the day, allowing us to enjoy a leisurely breakfast at The Three Broomsticks. This gave us the perfect opportunity to savor a magical meal while planning the rest of our day. After breakfast, we spent some time exploring the enchanting shops in Hogsmeade, soaking in the atmosphere and picking up a few souvenirs.

After breakfast, we explored the whimsical shops of Hogsmeade, taking in the unique magical merchandise and soaking up the immersive atmosphere. The time flew by, and we soon returned to Hagrid’s for our ride. As we approached the attraction, Universal team members were incredibly attentive. They separated us from the main line and guided us to a quieter, more accommodating area, offering us the choice of placing Ariel in a crate or holding onto her while we took turns riding. Since our son CJ wasn’t fond of roller coasters, we opted to have Casey hold onto Ariel while my sister McKenzie and I proceeded with the team member to the front of the queue.

The ride itself was an exhilarating adventure through the Forbidden Forest. Mounted on our motorbikes, we were immediately thrust into a magical world filled with mythical creatures and high-speed thrills. The advanced technology and detailed scenery created a truly immersive experience, making us feel as though we were part of a spellbinding quest. After we finished the ride, we went back to swap so Casey could enjoy the experience as well. McKenzie, being the birthday girl, was thrilled to have the opportunity to ride again with Casey, making her special day even more memorable.

Throughout the day, Ariel drew attention from park guests, curious about her role as a service dog. It’s important to remember, however, that service dogs are working, even in fun environments like theme parks. While it’s tempting to interact with them, they’re focused on assisting their handler, so avoiding distractions helps them do their job.

Universal Studios excels in creating solutions for guests with service animals, including dog crates available at many major attractions. This allows entire parties to enjoy the rides while ensuring service animals are cared for in a controlled environment. Staff members do not interact with the animals, maintaining professionalism while making sure no other guests disturb the dogs.

The day’s adventure continued with a visit to The Forbidden Journey, where we marveled at the incredible details of Hogwarts Castle and experienced the thrilling ride through the magical world of Harry Potter. Afterward, we headed to Jurassic World, where we were thrilled to see the towering dinosaurs and immersive environment that brings the beloved movie to life.

One of the highlights of our day was securing a return time for the VelociCoaster, one of the park’s most exhilarating attractions. While waiting for our ride time, we took a much-needed break at Thunder Falls Terrace, where we enjoyed a leisurely meal. This dining spot provided not only a chance to rest and recharge but also offered a great view of the VelociCoaster’s thrilling maneuvers as riders sped by.

Universal’s staff continued to impress with their assistance, helping us navigate through the crowds and lines with ease. To keep Ariel comfortable and safe throughout the day, we equipped her with a cooling vest to help manage her body temperature and dog shoes to protect her paws from the hot pavement. These measures were crucial in ensuring she remained comfortable and focused despite the heat and activity.

Ariel appreciated the brief respite from the heat in the air-conditioned comfort of Thunder Falls Terrace. It was a welcome break that allowed her to relax and stay cool while we planned our next adventure. Universal Studios’ thoughtful accommodations and the careful planning we did made it possible for Ariel to enjoy the day as much as we did.

After a few rides, we took a break at Thunder Falls Terrace. This dining spot allowed us to relax, enjoy a meal, and recharge while watching the excitement of the VelociCoaster from a comfortable vantage point. Universal’s staff continued to impress with their assistance, helping us navigate through the crowds and lines with ease. To keep Ariel comfortable and safe throughout the day, we equipped her with a cooling vest to help manage her body temperature and dog shoes to protect her paws from the hot pavement. These measures were crucial in ensuring she remained comfortable and focused despite the heat and activity.

We made sure to visit all three service dog relief stations located throughout the park: in Seuss Landing, Marvel Super Hero Island, and The Lost Continent. Though some locations were a bit tricky to find, the Universal Studios app provided detailed maps that were incredibly helpful. It’s worth noting that not all team members were familiar with the exact locations of these relief stations, but the app was a reliable resource in guiding us to each one.

Our day wrapped up in Seuss Landing with a meal at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous, where the pizza pasta was a highlight. Universal Studios continues to be an accessible and enjoyable destination for families traveling with service dogs, and Ariel’s experience at the park demonstrates how well the accommodations can work in real-time.

For anyone planning a visit, it’s worth noting the balance of thrill and care that Universal provides for service animals, allowing everyone to enjoy the day without stress. With just a little preparation, you can ensure that both you and your service dog have an unforgettable day at one of the world’s top theme parks.