By- Zak LaFaver
From 1 to 100, Disney is the most magical place our minds can imagine. But the magic doesn’t stop there! Disney can be the most magical getaway from your four legged friends as well. Most don’t know this, but Walt Disney World allows those four legged family members to experience the magic as well. Disney resorts are always open to all service animals, however select Disney Resorts allow you to stay with your dogs as well. The four resorts that are pet friendly are Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, Disney’s Yacht Club, Disney’s Art of Animation, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground!
Booking your dog’s stay
Booking a stay with your beloved dog is just as easy as any other stay at Walt Disney World. Once your resort booking is confirmed a booking note or phone call will be made to inform the resort of your incoming pup and add the $25 (regardless of quantity) dollar per day pet fee onto the resort reservation. Guests are allowed two dogs per room booking. Once the hotel has been informed of your incoming family member, Mickey’s beloved pooch Pluto will prepare your pooch a welcoming gift. This gift includes, maps of pet relief areas, a Disney dog tag, doggie relief bags , a cork place mat, and a doggie bowl.
Things to consider
Guests staying with their four legged friends should consider the Disney way when considering bringing their pets. First Disney requires guests to bring proof of pet vaccination, including rabies, bordetella, and distemper/parvo. Disney requires that any guest bringing a dog should be back to that room to check on their pet at least every 6 hours and within a 30 minute return time should a noise complaint be called on their fur baby. Additionally anytime a pup is left in the room alone, guests should put a special pet friendly do not disturb sign on their door to let hotel staff know.
Alternative Plans
If leaving your beloved pooch alone while you explore the parks is not your thing, maybe Best Friends Pet Hotel is more your style. Best Friends Pet Hotel, partners with Disney, offers guests a boarding experience like no other. Ranging from a simple daycare play date with other pooches to a full luxury boarding experience, Best Friends Pet Hotel offers something for all pets. Some notable options include suites with webcam access and flat screen tvs for your pet to fall in love with.
Personal Experience
I was so leery bringing our two pups with us to Disney because I thought it would be out of the ordinary and I wasn’t sure how they’d react. When the magic calls however, who can say no. So we packed up the pups and headed for Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Upon check in, my wife stayed in the car and I went in to check in our boys. Staff was so excited to have a dog staying that they were upset I didn’t bring them in for proper petting, haha! Once checked in, we were given our Pluto Welcome Kit and sent our way. It should be noted that most pet rooms are located in close proximity to the various pet relief areas for ease of access. From the minute of check in to check out, our boys were treated, loved, and highlighted more than anything I’ve ever experienced. To make it even better, we took our boys to the boardwalk (the entire area is pet friendly) for a photo shoot, which turned out completely magical. When needed we will absolutely be booking another stay with all members of our family.
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