Woman Files A Complaint About Disney Security Shaming Her For Bringing Her Service Dog, They Respond

People who rely on service dogs are likely dealing with a disability, whether physical or mental. Their condition could range from allergies and PTSD to debilitating illnesses, like multiple sclerosis. 

The last thing they would want is for someone to shame them for having an animal guide them. Unfortunately, this is what a wheelchair-bound woman experienced when she went to Disneyland with her boyfriend and German Shepard. According to her, a security personnel threatened to kick them out after the dog “let out a little bark.” 

The woman filed a complaint against the theme park, which got her nowhere. Scroll through for the entire story. 

Disneyland is supposed to be the “happiest place on Earth”

German Shepherd service dog outdoors with owner in the background, highlighting Disneyland security questions about service animals.

Image credits: Ivan Radic / flickr (not the actual photo)

For this woman, however, it became a place of anxiety, thanks to a run-in with a park employee

Woman explains Disneyland security questions about bringing her service dog instead of relying on her boyfriend during a long park visit.

Alt text: Security questions at Disneyland about a disabled woman’s service dog and its role as a mobility and PTSD support dog.

Woman with service dog faces Disneyland security questions about bringing the dog despite having a boyfriend assisting her.

Text excerpt discussing anxiety and imposter syndrome related to Disneyland security questions about a disabled woman’s service dog.

Text excerpt about Disneyland security questioning a disabled woman bringing a service dog despite having a boyfriend who is not serving her.

Disabled woman in a wheelchair outdoors, highlighting Disneyland security questions about her service dog use.

Image credits: Zachary Kyra-Derksen / unsplash (not the actual photo)

She filed a complaint, to which she received a non-answer

Text update mentioning Disneyland security questions about a disabled woman bringing a service dog despite having a boyfriend.

Text apology addressing Disneyland security questions regarding a disabled woman bringing a service dog during visit.

Disneyland security questions about why a disabled woman brought a service dog despite having a boyfriend discussed in text.

Disneyland security questions raised about why disabled woman brought a service dog despite having a boyfriend.

Image credits: bluepixie13

People in positions of power don’t see the potential risks in their actions

Image credits: DeusXFlorida (13 / flickr (not the actual photo)

By all accounts, the security employee seemed to have gone on a power trip when she handled the situation with the woman and the dog. She seemed condescending and trigger-happy to kick them out, even when it appeared like the dog did not cause a scene. 

It isn’t uncommon for people in positions of power to have an air of arrogance about them. UCLA management and organizations professor Jennifer Whitson describes these individuals as “action-oriented,” lacking fear of potential repercussions for their actions. 

“It’s easier for them to take risks because they just don’t seem that risky,” she said in an interview with the American Psychological Association. 

Being a figure of authority can also lead a person to develop a misguided sense of self-importance. As organizational psychology professor Dr. Ronald Riggio points out, authority figures tend to focus more on their own egocentric desires and exhibit less empathy toward others. 

“This is particularly problematic for individuals in positions of power and authority who may exploit the people they are in charge of,” Dr. Riggio wrote. 

We’ve encountered these types of people at least once in our lives, whether it’s a landlord making up rules for tenants or a dismissive manager who nitpicks everything their employees do. 

In such situations, experts like University of Toronto professor and conflict researcher Katherine DeCelles advise standing up for yourself by speaking directly through a short, formal explanation. 

It is precisely what the woman did while dealing with the security personnel, speaking in a steady, monotone voice, as she described. While it did give her anxiety and possibly ruined her day, she stood her ground without being disrespectful, which was commendable in itself. 

People in the comments unanimously expressed their displeasure toward the park employee

Comment discussing inappropriate treatment related to Disneyland security questions about a disabled woman with a service dog.

User comment on Disneyland security questions why disabled woman brought a service dog, stating her boyfriend isn’t trained as well as her dog.

Comment discussing Disneyland security questioning a disabled woman about her service dog despite having a boyfriend.

Comment explaining legal limits on Disneyland security questions about service dogs for disabled guests in California.

Comment reading I haven’t trained my boyfriend ma’am, he’s a rescue, related to Disneyland security questions about service dog use by disabled woman.

Comment about Disneyland guest service advice on disability and service dog email contacts for security questions.

Comment about Disneyland security questioning a disabled woman's service dog and boyfriend, supporting service dog rights.

Comment from former cast member explaining Disneyland service dog questions and policy violations for disabled guests.

Commenter shares experiences with Disneyland security questions about service dogs for disabled guests and educating staff.

Reddit comment discussing Disneyland security questions about a disabled woman bringing a service dog and service dog behavior expectations.

Comment on Disneyland security questioning why a disabled woman brought a service dog despite having a boyfriend, affirming service animal rights.

Disneyland security questions about why a disabled woman brought a service dog despite having a boyfriend.

Comment text on Disneyland security questioning a disabled woman about her service dog due to having a boyfriend, mentioning ADA violation.

Comment explaining Disneyland security questions and ADA rules about disabled woman bringing a service dog to the park.

Comment discussing Disneyland security questions about service dogs and ADA violations involving a disabled woman’s service dog.

Reddit comment discussing Disneyland security questions about a disabled woman bringing a service dog and related legal rights.

Comment highlighting Disneyland security questions about why a disabled woman brought a service dog when she has a boyfriend.

Reddit comment discussing Disneyland security harassing a disabled woman’s service dog due to staff misunderstanding service dog roles.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing Disneyland security questions about a disabled woman with a service dog.

Comment explaining service dogs barking rules, related to Disneyland security questions about disabled woman and service dog.

Reddit user discusses Disneyland security and service dog behavior, highlighting issues with disabled access and training.

Comment discussing Disneyland security questioning a disabled woman's service dog and ADA compliance concerns.

Comment discussing Disneyland security questions about a disabled woman bringing a service dog despite having a boyfriend.

Reddit comment discussing Disneyland security questions about a disabled woman bringing a service dog on outings.

Comment discussing Disneyland security questions about disabled woman bringing a service dog and concerns over fake support dogs.

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