Disney parks are places of joy, discovery, and, sometimes, unexpected learning opportunities. That was the case this week after a TikTok video featuring a guest and his dog inside EPCOT’s Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana started making waves across social media.
The video, which shows a guest bringing his dog into the water area, has raised some important conversations about service animals, public health, and park etiquette. Shared by @thesaltysheps, a respected advocate for responsible service dog handling, the video encouraged viewers to think carefully about what it means to visit Disney parks with a service animal.
@thesaltysheps #stitch with @AmericanStandardK9 “Service animals are permitted in the Moana section at Epcot, specifically the Journey of Water attraction, with some guidelines. Service animals must be leashed and under the owner’s control at all times. Cast Members cannot assist with service animals, and guests may be asked to leave if the animal misbehaves. Service animals are not allowed in water features or within 4 feet of the water.” from my experience, the rules are on a giant sign before you even enter the attraction. Blatantly ignoring the rules just for views is disgusting, and blocking people who call you out for it is even worse and just proves you know what you’re doing is wrong. #servicedoglife #servicedogsoftiktok #servicedogs #dogtrainer #disney #disneyworld #moana #dogtrainingethics #dogsoftiktok #servicedoghandler #dogtrainingcommunity ♬ original sound – thesaltysheps
Journey of Water is designed as a hands-on, walk-through experience where guests interact with the different forms water takes on its journey through nature. It’s a beautiful, tranquil space, but it also involves lots of water features where guests—especially kids—love to splash, play, and explore.
Disney’s guidelines are clear: service dogs are allowed to accompany their handlers throughout most of EPCOT, including the Journey of Water trail. However, the dogs should remain on designated walkways and are not permitted to enter the fountains, streams, or splash areas. This is because the water is part of a closed-loop system. It’s filtered and reused throughout the day, and it’s carefully maintained for human interaction only.
When animals enter these spaces, even service dogs, they can introduce bacteria or other contaminants that disrupt the carefully balanced system. Even the cleanest dog could unintentionally impact the water quality, which could affect other guests who might get splashed or come into contact with the water.
This isn’t a rule meant to exclude—it’s one designed with the health and safety of both the animal and the guests in mind. And it’s also a matter of respect. True service dog teams train for years to prepare their dogs for public environments like Disney parks. These dogs are highly disciplined and are trained to focus on their tasks, not to engage with attractions.
When guests bend the rules and bring their pets, claiming they are service animals, it undermines the hard work of legitimate service dog handlers and can create skepticism and additional challenges for them in public spaces.
Most importantly, it’s about ensuring Disney remains a safe and magical place for everyone. The parks are busy, shared spaces where rules like these help keep the experience enjoyable for the thousands of guests visiting daily.
So while the video certainly caught attention, it also serves as a valuable reminder of why following park rules matters—especially when it comes to service animals and health-related guidelines. Whether you’re visiting EPCOT for the first time or you’re a lifelong Disney fan, it’s always good to remember that a little mindfulness goes a long way in keeping the magic alive for everyone.
