4 WDW Resorts to allow dogs

[dlavender]

There are a million threads about this. So far the world hasn't ended & it's only at 4 resorts out of 30. Almost all hotel chains allow dogs already, Disney is the last to do this. I'm shocked it took them so long.

Well, its closer to 4 out of 18.......

I don't think a cabin/campsite is a resort, unless they have their own pool/check in/store that I'm unaware of.

Or any "resort" that piggybacks on another resort isn't really its own thing. IMO

And does the fact that it says "villa" make it a separate resort? No, it does not.....

But to your point, a lot of hotel chains do allow dogs.

It most likely was just a matter of time.

Let's just hope Disney will do what they need to so the implementation will follow the success of others.

 

[LSUmiss]

There are a million threads about this. So far the world hasn't ended & it's only at 4 resorts out of 30. Almost all hotel chains allow dogs already, Disney is the last to do this. I'm shocked it took them so long.

Yep & DIS has a sticky at the top of the resort thread for REAL experiences not doomsday predictions & there are a total of THREE real experiences & all 3 were either positive or a non issue.

 

[mrs moon]

There are a million threads about this. So far the world hasn't ended & it's only at 4 resorts out of 30. Almost all hotel chains allow dogs already, Disney is the last to do this. I'm shocked it took them so long.

No the world hasn't ended but im afraid a massive amount of people will avoid these hotels like the plague esp British people like myself
i, like most love animals but would not choose to sleep in a barn!!......In the UK we do not have pet friendly Hotels unless it is exclusively for people with dogs and these places are few!!

 

[Hoodie]

Interesting that this is still going on. Regardless of how anyone feels about the program, Disney definitely dropped the ball on the roll-out.

While it's too late to stop the widespread panic, things to keep in mind:

-Realistically, there is a VERY small percentage of people who will take advantage of this. Will people do it? Sure. Will the 4 resorts suddenly be overrun with dogs? Not really. Given the price and length of time of most Disney vacations, it makes very little sense to bring dogs. People will still do it because people are nonsensical especially when it comes to their pets, but it still doesn't make a ton of sense.

-this is a pilot program. A year from now we'll see one of three things happen: 1) Program will be expanded to other resorts, 2) Program will be extended at the same 4 resorts possibly with changes about rules and penalties, 3) Disney will end the program and return to not allowing pets. Given the response I've seen pretty much everywhere, my guess would be either 2 or 3. I don't see the overwhelming demand to expand it and definitely see a lot of negative responses that could lead to it ending. It will all hinge on real world dollar impact on Disney. If people move their reservations to other Disney resorts but they still come close to capacity at the dog-friendly resorts, there will be no change. If people start moving offsite and there aren't enough doggie reservations to cover the cancellations, we will see the program cancelled.

 

[mckennarose]

im shocked that your shocked!

What is more shocking to me is the posts of people (on the now locked threads) saying they were going to be *watching* guests with dogs and taking pictures of people they believe are breaking the rules. Really? That's how someone would choose to spend their vacation? Follow someone around like a creepy stalker and take pictures of them without permission? To me it's like the people who think Epcot is one large drunken party and assume everyone holding a drink is drunk. If you look for issues, you'll find them, whether it's true or not.

No the world hasn't ended but im afraid a massive amount of people will avoid these hotels like the plague esp British people like myself
i, like most love animals but would not choose to sleep in a barn!!......In the UK we do not have pet friendly Hotels unless it is exclusively for people with dogs and these places are few!!

Then it's a good thing you have 26 other resorts and thousands of rooms to choose from. For the record, I'm not picking at or trying to single you out. I'm seeing people upset over the fact that a policy exists, even if it doesn't directly affect their family or trip. You have choices to avoid the dog friendly resorts.

While I have two small dogs, I would not bring them with us to WDW. It's not a situation that would work for us, but I have a cousin who travels a lot with his dog. His wife died a few years ago and he likes the company. His dog is extremely well behaved and never has an issue being left alone for longer periods of time by herself in a hotel room. I could see the dog friendly rooms working well for him.

Disney implemented this new policy and it will take some time to see how it plays out. Do I think people will try to take advantage of the new policy? Absolutely! We see it all the time all over Disney with other rules and policies. But it could work well for others, like my cousin.

 

[Gryhndmom]

What is more shocking to me is the posts of people (on the now locked threads) saying they were going to be *watching* guests with dogs and taking pictures of people they believe are breaking the rules. Really? That's how someone would choose to spend their vacation? Follow someone around like a creepy stalker and take pictures of them without permission? To me it's like the people who think Epcot is one large drunken party and assume everyone holding a drink is drunk. If you look for issues, you'll find them, whether it's true or not.



Then it's a good thing you have 26 other resorts and thousands of rooms to choose from. For the record, I'm not picking at or trying to single you out. I'm seeing people upset over the fact that a policy exists, even if it doesn't directly affect their family or trip. You have choices to avoid the dog friendly resorts.

While I have two small dogs, I would not bring them with us to WDW. It's not a situation that would work for us, but I have a cousin who travels a lot with his dog. His wife died a few years ago and he likes the company. His dog is extremely well behaved and never has an issue being left alone for longer periods of time by herself in a hotel room. I could see the dog friendly rooms working well for him.

Disney implemented this new policy and it will take some time to see how it plays out. Do I think people will try to take advantage of the new policy? Absolutely! We see it all the time all over Disney with other rules and policies. But it could work well for others, like my cousin.

BRAVO on your responses a thousand times over!

 

[LSUmiss]

No the world hasn't ended but im afraid a massive amount of people will avoid these hotels like the plague esp British people like myself
i, like most love animals but would not choose to sleep in a barn!!......In the UK we do not have pet friendly Hotels unless it is exclusively for people with dogs and these places are few!!

I supposed you’re being hyperbolic to make a point, but most ppl here don’t keep their dogs in barns & those animals typically found in barns here are not usually seen in hotels or inside at all. Dogs are more widely accepted in the US now in many public places. I’m sure there are other things that are different about the UK & US that you don’t prefer, but it seems you continue to vacaction here so...
Btw, the sticky with ACTUAL dog experiences at these resorts is now up to a whopping total of 5 now & none are negative.

 

[mrs moon]

I supposed you’re being hyperbolic to make a point, but most ppl here don’t keep their dogs in barns & those animals typically found in barns here are not usually seen in hotels or inside at all. Dogs are more widely accepted in the US now in many public places. I’m sure there are other things that are different about the UK & US that you don’t prefer, but it seems you continue to vacaction here so...
Btw, the sticky with ACTUAL dog experiences at these resorts is now up to a whopping total of 5 now & none are negative.

..........yes your right....i will just need to work out which resort will be right for me when visiting...

 

[mrs moon]

What is more shocking to me is the posts of people (on the now locked threads) saying they were going to be *watching* guests with dogs and taking pictures of people they believe are breaking the rules. Really? That's how someone would choose to spend their vacation? Follow someone around like a creepy stalker and take pictures of them without permission? To me it's like the people who think Epcot is one large drunken party and assume everyone holding a drink is drunk. If you look for issues, you'll find them, whether it's true or not.



Then it's a good thing you have 26 other resorts and thousands of rooms to choose from. For the record, I'm not picking at or trying to single you out. I'm seeing people upset over the fact that a policy exists, even if it doesn't directly affect their family or trip. You have choices to avoid the dog friendly resorts.

While I have two small dogs, I would not bring them with us to WDW. It's not a situation that would work for us, but I have a cousin who travels a lot with his dog. His wife died a few years ago and he likes the company. His dog is extremely well behaved and never has an issue being left alone for longer periods of time by herself in a hotel room. I could see the dog friendly rooms working well for him.

Disney implemented this new policy and it will take some time to see how it plays out. Do I think people will try to take advantage of the new policy? Absolutely! We see it all the time all over Disney with other rules and policies. But it could work well for others, like my cousin.

Yes i agree taking photos and reporting is extremely petty..and i agree with some of your points

 

[LSUmiss]

..........yes your right....i will just need to work out which resort will be right for me when visiting...

I can definitely understand that. And I definitely agree with others who have said that they should not expand this to other resorts. The few they have now are plenty.

 

[bladiator]

Dogs are the new children.

 

[mckennarose]

Dogs are the new children.

Maybe to some. No offense, but flippant posts like this are why some threads have been locked.

 

[mckennarose]

I can definitely understand that. And I definitely agree with others who have said that they should not expand this to other resorts. The few they have now are plenty.

I'm really interested in seeing how many people actually take their dogs now and if the new dog friendly resort policy actually takes hold and becomes a regular thing. I'm neutral about the policy and would like to see reports of some actual experiences, rather than "what if's". I could see how it could work for some, and I also see the potential problems and issues. It will be interesting to see how Disney addresses any issues.

Like I said, bringing my dogs would not work for us. After raising 4 children to adulthood, and the fact that my dogs are not my "new children", I don't feel the need to try out this new policy. I, and my dogs, would much rather the dogs stay at the dog-sitter's house for our trips. But I can also see how it would work for some people.

There are many things I avoid at WDW. I won't go during the summer b/c of the tour groups. (been there, done that, never again) I don't usually do EMH b/c of the crowds and I really don't like the FP+ system.) But I work around these policies and don't get bent out of shape because they exist. Disney (or any resort and/or park) has the right to choose whatever policy they want to implement. I also have the choice to stay at a certain resort or not, or visit WDW as a whole or not. I have the freedom to "do Disney" the way I would like to. I'm of the mindset that there is no wrong way to do Disney.

 

[Delirium]

Many of the dogs will be well behaved. That said, it only takes one with behavior problems to cause significant problems for the remaining guests at that resort.

And, how long until someone decides it's okay to bring a non-family friendly breed like a pit bull because they can't find a sitter and/or the kennels are too expensive?

 

[LSUmiss]

I'm really interested in seeing how many people actually take their dogs now and if the new dog friendly resort policy actually takes hold and becomes a regular thing. I'm neutral about the policy and would like to see reports of some actual experiences, rather than "what if's". I could see how it could work for some, and I also see the potential problems and issues. It will be interesting to see how Disney addresses any issues.

Like I said, bringing my dogs would not work for us. After raising 4 children to adulthood, and the fact that my dogs are not my "new children", I don't feel the need to try out this new policy. I, and my dogs, would much rather the dogs stay at the dog-sitter's house for our trips. But I can also see how it would work for some people.

There are many things I avoid at WDW. I won't go during the summer b/c of the tour groups. (been there, done that, never again) I don't usually do EMH b/c of the crowds and I really don't like the FP+ system.) But I work around these policies and don't get bent out of shape because they exist. Disney (or any resort and/or park) has the right to choose whatever policy they want to implement. I also have the choice to stay at a certain resort or not, or visit WDW as a whole or not. I have the freedom to "do Disney" the way I would like to. I'm of the mindset that there is no wrong way to do Disney.

I think this is a great post. I like the idea of the new policy b/c I have been in a situation that bringing my dog would have been the best option for me b/c the dog was elderly & didn’t do well with others. But now I have 2 young dogs & would not need to bring them. But, what I love about your post is all the things you mentioned that you don’t like about WDW & avoid. There are many things I don’t like & also avoid. Think many ppl do this b/c WDW has so many choices. Think that’s why I was so annoyed with all the outrage when the policy was announced. If one doesn’t like the policy, they can avoid it like many of us do other things we don’t like.

 

[LSUmiss]

Many of the dogs will be well behaved. That said, it only takes one with behavior problems to cause significant problems for the remaining guests at that resort.

And, how long until someone decides it's okay to bring a non-family friendly breed like a pit bull because they can't find a sitter and/or the kennels are too expensive?

I’m not saying I agree with that part of the policy, but right now, that would not be against policy.

 

[mckennarose]

Many of the dogs will be well behaved. That said, it only takes one with behavior problems to cause significant problems for the remaining guests at that resort.

And, how long until someone decides it's okay to bring a non-family friendly breed like a pit bull because they can't find a sitter and/or the kennels are too expensive?

Any dog not socialized, not trained well or in a situation it's not comfortable with or is anxious in can become "non-family friendly". How many pits have you actually been in contact with? I have two in my extended family and my little dogs are way more bossy and dominant than they are. I would not dream of stressing my dogs out in an unfamiliar hotel room because I don't know how they would react. And I wouldn't give up my vacation time to properly train them to be in a hotel for long periods of time. We always have dog sitters and keep to their normal routine while we're away.

The main issue is how the owners take care of and train their dog- Responsible pet ownership. I said in another thread, people are people and I would expect some to ignore or bend the rules with the new policy just as people do with so many other things at Disney on a daily basis. However, it can work for some.

 

[Jennasis]

Many of the dogs will be well behaved. That said, it only takes one with behavior problems to cause significant problems for the remaining guests at that resort.

And, how long until someone decides it's okay to bring a non-family friendly breed like a pit bull because they can't find a sitter and/or the kennels are too expensive?

The Disney kennel is less expensive than the per night cost of the dog in the resort room (assuming you have one dog).


I just got the estimate for my two dogs for the boarding kennel they are staying in for our upcoming trip. $311 for 5 nights. Includes 2 potty walks per day, feeding, and an extra group playtime. Around $62 for peace of mind and excellent service and they are 5 minutes from our vet's office. Not having to worry about them destroying furniture or peeing on the floor or barking...priceless.

 

[Hoodie]

Any dog not socialized, not trained well or in a situation it's not comfortable with or is anxious in can become "non-family friendly". How many pits have you actually been in contact with? I have two in my extended family and my little dogs are way more bossy and dominant than they are. I would not dream of stressing my dogs out in an unfamiliar hotel room because I don't know how they would react. And I wouldn't give up my vacation time to properly train them to be in a hotel for long periods of time. We always have dog sitters and keep to their normal routine while we're away.

The main issue is how the owners take care of and train their dog- Responsible pet ownership. I said in another thread, people are people and I would expect some to ignore or bend the rules with the new policy just as people do with so many other things at Disney on a daily basis. However, it can work for some.

I volunteered at a shelter for years. We rarely had problems with Pits or any of the bully breeds. The little lap dogs? They were far more likely to go at you. Especially the little terriers and toy poodles. Nasty little beasts.

 

[lovin'fl]

I volunteered at a shelter for years. We rarely had problems with Pits or any of the bully breeds. The little lap dogs? They were far more likely to go at you. Especially the little terriers and toy poodles. Nasty little beasts.

Problem is if a little toy poodle bites you might need stitches at most but if a pit bites you it can be deadly.