Mickey had Pluto, Andy had Buster and Jim Dear and Darling had Lady, so why shouldn’t guests at Walt Disney World be able to share their Disney vacation with their four-legged friends? Disney started a pilot program last year at select Walt Disney World resort properties where guests can bring along their four-legged friends and we are delighted to share the news that Disney announced this week that they have decided to make pup-friendly accommodation a permanent fixture.
Four of Walt Disney World’s resorts offer a limited number of rooms available to guests who want to stay with their dogs. There are options in each resort category (Value, Moderate and Deluxe) and these are as follows:
- Value: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Moderate Resorts: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Disney’s Port Orléans Riverside
- Deluxe: Disney’s Yacht Club
Disney will allow a maximum of two dogs per guest room. The designated canine rooms also promise easy access to outdoor pet walkways for exercise and green spaces for pet relief areas.
Is there an additional cost to bring my dog? Yes. there is. Disney has applied a per night surcharge for those opting to have their dogs stay at the resort with them. For those picking one of the Value or Moderate properties, the cost is $50 a night, for the Deluxe the cost goes up to $75 a night.
That seems expensive, do I get any perks at that rate? Actually, you do, Disney has thrown in a lot of extras that will make your canine companion feel like a pretty pampered pup. There’s Pluto’s Welcome Kit which will be handed out to all pet-owners upon check-in. Here’s what you’ll find inside:
- Mats
- Bowls
- Pet ID tag
- Courtesy plastic disposable bags
- Puppy pads
- Dog maps
- Pluto “Do Not Disturb” door hanger.
How long can I leave my dog in the room for? Disney expects all dogs to be looked after and well-behaved. This means that pets should not be left any longer than a maximum of 7 hours. Also, if noise is present as a result of your dog being left alone in your room, you will be contacted within 30 minutes to resolve the issue.
How does my room get cleaned if my dog is in there? It doesn’t. Mousekeeping will not go into your room if the dog is left alone in there unsupervised. All guests with dogs must call the housekeeping department to arrange a time for the room to be cleaned with owners present.
Is my dog allowed throughout the rest of the resort? Dogs are allowed in common areas, however, they are not allowed on furniture in public spaces, should be leashed or restrained at all times and only service animals are allowed in Food & Beverage locations, the Club Lounges, Pool Areas, Fitness Centers and other popular public guests areas.
Can I bring my dog to the theme park? No. Dogs are not permitted at the theme parks or Disney Springs unless they are a licensed service animal.
Am I able to board Disney transportation with my dog? Guests with dogs are able to use resort transportation services including Disney’s Magical Express and Minnie Vans. However, the dogs must remain in pet carriers for the duration of the trip. Dogs are not allowed on the monorail or Friendship Boats unless they are a licensed service animal.
I have allergies or do not like dogs. How will this impact my stay at these resorts? Disney has designated certain floors or sections of the resort as dog-friendly. The large majority of areas will remain pet free.
I want to bring my pet with me but I don’t want them staying at the resort. Do I have any other options? Yes. Disney does offer a pet babysitting and boarding service known as Best Friends Pet Care. The property offers VIP Luxury Suites, Vacation Villas, Indoor/Outdoor Suites and Indoor Suites where dogs can enjoy all the comforts of home and then some with playgroups, flat-screen televisions, bedtime stories and even a bath. There are also 2 and 4 level condos for cats. The property can accommodate up to 300 dogs, cats and small pets. You also have the option of dropping your pet off for the day as Pet Care opens up one hour before the theme parks open and remains open until one hour after they close. For more information contact: (877) 407-WDW-PETS.
So next time you’re considering a visit to Walt Disney World, do like Mickey and bring your four-legged friends right along with you. Guests, however, should note that this is service is currently being trialled by Disney which means changes, updates or cancellations to the program could occur at any time.
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