How to Bring Your Pets to Disney World
The worst feeling as a pet owner is leaving your furry friend behind when going on vacation. But, when traveling to Walt Disney World, you can take them with you!
Disney is a Pet-Friendly property providing multiple options for those traveling with animals. However, only service animals are permitted inside Theme Parks, Water Parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports, and Disney Springs.
Cinderella Castle
This does not mean that your pet can’t get a taste of the Disney magic though! With a Pet Hotel on site and four dog-friendly Disney Resort hotels, it is possible to make magical memories with your pet.
Best Friends Pet Hotel
Best Friends Pet Hotel provides activities and housing for animals while their family is out enjoying the parks.
Photo: Disney
Cats, dogs and small pets alike can stay at this retreat. If you own a bird, reptile or rodent, they are also welcome at Best Friends … but an enclosure must be provided by the guest.
And, rates vary depending on the size of the enclosure.
Photo: Best Friends Pet Care
The retreat is huge, as there is a 17,000 square foot indoor space (with air-conditioning) and 10,000 square feet of covered, outdoor play areas. For the dogs, a 25,000 square foot park awaits!
Overnight and Daytime Boarding options vary depending on the animal and owner preference: while cats can stay in either a 2-level condo or 4-level townhouse, dogs have five options for accommodation. These include Indoor Boarding, Indoor/Outdoor Boarding, Vacation Villas, Luxury Suites, and Club Suites.
Photo: Best Friends Pet Care
Playtime is a priority as well! In lieu of activities, the sociable pets can participate in group play, which lasts at least four hours.
Other activities range from bedtime stories to cuddle time to ice cream breaks. For the shyer pets, one-on-one playtime is available too.
Photo: Best Friends Pet Care
If you want your dog to have a pampered stay, they can be taken to the Grooming Salon. Here, shampoo and haircuts are provided, as are flea and skin treatments and pedicures.
There’s enough room to accommodate up to 300 pets, but it is recommended to make a reservation prior to arrival. You can do this and learn about pricing by calling (407) 209-3126 or visiting the Best Friends Pet Hotel website.
Best Friends Pet Hotel
Pet Friendly Disney Hotels
Or, if you’d rather your dog stay with you, they absolutely can!
Dogs are the only non-service animals permitted at Disney Resort hotels, and guests have four options regarding where they can stay: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort.
Photo: Disney
If you’re taking your camper or RV to Disney World, there are also pet-friendly loops at the Fort Wilderness Campsites.
Additional fees vary depending on where you choose to stay. The Campsites charge an additional $5 per dog, per night, whereas Art of Animation, Port Orleans, and The Cabins charge $50 per dog, per night. Yacht Club charges the most, coming in at $75 per dog, per night.
Photo: Disney
Upon arrival, all four resorts provide guests with a complimentary Pluto’s Welcome Kit.
Typically, these come in a drawstring bag and include a food/water bowl, waste bags, a mat, a special “Room Occupied” sign to inform Housekeeping of your pet, and a map indicating the Pet-Friendly areas.
Regarding Housekeeping, this service can only be provided when dogs are not present in the room.
You can schedule a cleaning time by dialing the Housekeeping button on your in-room phone, or a Cast Member will contact you to set up a time.
A maximum of two dogs are allowed per Guest room. When you are checking-in or in public areas, dogs must be leashed or in carriers at all times.
Likewise, dogs are not allowed in Food and Beverage locations, pool areas, or fitness centers.
But, there are designated areas where your furry friends can roam! Aside from the relief areas indicated on the provided maps, Fort Wilderness in particular has many fun activities for your dog to partake in.
Fun Experiences for Your Pet
Magical extras to experience with your dog can be found at all accommodating resorts, whether it’s a photo with Mater or their first taste of a Mickey Beignet. But, at Fort Wilderness, your dogs have the chance to meet characters!
Dogs can attend Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long, where you roast marshmallows, listen to live music, and say hi to your favorite chipmunks. Afterwards, you and your dog can watch a classic Disney film at the nightly Movie Under the Stars.
Photo: Disney
Fort Wilderness also has the Waggin’ Trails Dog Park. This is a fenced-in area where dogs can be off-leash in the company of their owner.
Coming from someone who brought their senior dog on a few vacations, taking your dogs to Disney is a whole new form of magic. The memories you’ll make last a lifetime, for both you and your furry friend!
