Bad Experience at Ft Wilderness with Pet

[Cheyino]

I posted this on Pop-Up Times, but thought I'd also post here (PU - Pop-Up camper):

What a way to jump-start a vacation. We arrive at Ft Wilderness (not first time at Disney, but first time camping there) with PU in tow full of Disney excitement.

We are warmly welcomed at the first gate, then sent to the check-in gate. The lady at check-in tells us we are not in a pet loop because dogs are not allowed in PUs at any time, and our dog would have to stay in a kennel during our entire fourteen day stay. Almost in tears now (no way was she staying in a kennel, even if it meant we were to turn around and go home), I told her I clearly told them we had a dog and a PU when I made reservations, I called and double checked to make sure they knew we were bringing a dog later, plus I was assured by one employee and several other PUers that although the Disney resort website does say that no dogs are allowed in soft sides, it was fine as long as the dog isn't a noisy one that neighbors will complain about.

She made a call and changed us to a pet loop where we camped (dog was silent) and had a wonderful vacation.

That check-in was ridiculous, though. Ft Wilderness needs to get consistent. Either allow dogs in PU's or don't, but they shouldn't be giving people two different stories. This could have ruined our vacation and our Disney vacations are our big ones - we take out a loan every three years to go to Disney, then go back when the loan is paid off, lol.

Right now I'm thinking next time we go to Disney, we tell them honestly on the phone that we have a dog, pay the extra five bucks a night, then hide the dog during check-in...

 

[tim5055]

Teri,

Sorry you had this problem - but yes FW does have problems with consistancy at times. It probably has something to do with the turnover in employees.

As it has been explained to me by FW Cast Members in the past, the only restrictions on Pop Ups and tents is that pets should not be left unattended in the pop up/tent. When you are on the site they are more than welcome.

I actually find that it is easier when making reservations at any campground, not just FW to tell them that I am in a 21' trailer. At FW I specifically ask for a pet loop during the reservations process.

 

[Cheyino]

This lady specifically told me she was "never" allowed on the site (maybe she was a new employee - especially since after that phone call she made there was no problem). I did request a pet loop when I called, but it may have been entered wrong.

Good thing is we did have a wonderful time and really enjoyed the campground (only wish it was more Disney themed like the hotels), and now we can ask for the same loop we stayed in last time (Jack Rabbit Run - right by everything so we didn't need to rent a golf cart - woohoo!).

Thanks, Tim. Give Natasha a hug for me!

 

[tim5055]

You are lucky, the 800 loop (Jack Rabbit Run) has just recently been designated a pet loop

There has always been a problem between CRO and the FW CM regarding any loop other than 1600 - 1900 and pets. For some reason CRO feels that they (1600 - 1900 loops) are the only pet loops. If you ask for any other loop, they either will not place the reservation or delete the pet designation.

Hopefully they will get this worked out some day put I am not optimistic. This has been going on for several years now.

 

[Rhonda]

I'm glad everything worked out well for you in the end! That is frustrating when things don't go well at checkin.

Disney's policy is that pets are not allowed to stay in a PU when you're not there (usually during the day). They are only allowed to stay in hard-sided campers alone. So, most dogs go to the kennel during the day and stay with the owners at night.

It's nice that they bent the rules for you and let her stay in the PU!