Bringing dogs - stay offsite or @ pet friendly resort?

[jlnten17]

We are planning a trip for early January and (as of now) plan to bring our 2 small dogs. We are DVC owners and I enjoy the Disney resorts more than the parks, and we have visited every DVC resort at least once. This trip we plan to bring our dogs as it will be part of a larger road trip. I'm torn between staying offsite or staying at one of the pet friendly resorts (Disney or Universal as we plan to visit both for 1-2 days each). Has anyone stayed offsite and found it to be better than they had initially thought it would be? I am so concerned I will regret staying off site and missing out on the resort aspect of vacation. We have stayed in many airbnb's and they have their perks (separate bedrooms for the kids, etc.) but it doesn't quite feel like vacation without all the amenities of a resort. Has anyone stayed at a pet friendly resort at Disney or Universal that they would highly recommend. It is likely we would be spending more time at the resort than the parks.

 

[cigarboo]

We've been staying with our doggie at the Ft. Wilderness Cabins and it's worked out really well. Easiest trips with the pup. He loves hanging out at on the deck and taking nice walks around the cabin loops, riding the golf cart. They also have a dog park. It's like doggie heaven. It's probably hard to book with DVC points now, but there's often cash availability. Seems there are always promos and special rates you could check to see if you qualify. Hands down, top choice for resort heavy dog inclusive vacation.

Out of the Universal hotels, Hard Rock is about a 10min walk to Studios so it would be very convenient to pop back to check on the doggies. Portofino takes pets as well, but the walk/boat ride is slightly less convenient, but still manageable.

When off site, my doggies have done well at Residence Inn and Townplace Suites which have kitchens. We've stayed at the ones by Seaworld, but they are also at the Flamingo crossing location which is a newer/nicer location, but on the other side closer to AK. No theming, but lots of space and budget friendly compared to Disney or Universal hotel.

Many options with pets these days. Of course you have to budget in the dog fees which vary depending on hotel. Just depends on whether you want to stay in the Disney bubble. Some people board their dogs at Best Friends Pet Hotel on property, but my dogs don't do well at the kennel.