Man’s best friend is finally welcome at Walt Disney World. Beginning this Sunday, October 15, dogs will be allowed to stay with their owners at four resort hotels.
The designated hotels are Art of Animation, Port Orleans Riverside, Yacht Club, and the Cabins at Ft. Wilderness. Guests will be allowed two dogs and will be charged a nightly fee of $50, or $75 at Yacht Club.
At check-in, guests will be presented with Pluto’s Welcome Kit, including a mat, bowls, pet ID tag, plastic pet waste bags, puppy pads, dog walking maps, and a Pluto-adorned “do not disturb” sign, which will indicate a dog is in the room to hotel staff. Rooms will have easy access to outdoor pet walkways and green space for exercise and necessary doggie business.
The official announcement adds, “While dogs will be allowed to stay in guest rooms, they will be expected to be well behaved, leashed in public resort areas and properly vaccinated.”
Pet owners may also want to take advantage of doggie day care at Best Friends Pet Care, especially if long days in the parks will keep your four-legged buddy sad, alone, and in need of a bathroom break.
While there are a lot of questions and concerns (especially from other resort guests with allergies), I think it’s fantastic that Disney is moving in this direction. Many high-end hotel chains welcome pets on property, including the Four Seasons Orlando. While many would prefer not to bring their dogs on vacation, sometimes it’s necessary, and having rooms available at a range of price points will be a relief to those who need the option.
