Complicated Trip

[DaisyJ]

FTR, I have a pet and make appropriate plans for her while we are on vacation. I don't expect the destination we are visiting to accommodate my pet(s).

 

[BigredNole]

Disney does not want the liability. Simply put, if someone has a dog, it bites someone, jerks the owner and knocks someone down, or any number of other things, Disney is as liable as the owner of the pet. It is that simple. Many decisions are made with attorney input first. It has to unfortunately. Everyone says their dog doesn't bite. However, there are tons of stories and one recently of a dog that doesn't bite. The family left their 3-week old in a room with their dogs. One of the attacked the 3-week old and killed her.

Imagine what would happen to the dog if it does bite someone too. It goes into quarantine for 30-days, the person that got bit needs to go to the doctor, Disney has to fill out accident reports, as the owner you have to provide tons of information and contact your insurance agency, you have to get them in contact with Disney attorneys because both you and Disney are going to be facing lawsuits. Trust me, dog bite lawsuits easily go into the 6-figure range and may requiring the dog to be put down. The cost of putting the dog in quarantine is not cheap at about $30 per day. Then getting the dog back.

If you have to take the dog with you, find an RV rental place that allows pets or find a place offsite that will allow them.

 

[DaisyJ]

Disney does not want the liability. Simply put, if someone has a dog, it bites someone, jerks the owner and knocks someone down, or any number of other things, Disney is as liable as the owner of the pet. It is that simple. Many decisions are made with attorney input first. It has to unfortunately. Everyone says their dog doesn't bite. However, there are tons of stories and one recently of a dog that doesn't bite. The family left their 3-week old in a room with their dogs. One of the attacked the 3-week old and killed her.

Imagine what would happen to the dog if it does bite someone too. It goes into quarantine for 30-days, the person that got bit needs to go to the doctor, Disney has to fill out accident reports, as the owner you have to provide tons of information and contact your insurance agency, you have to get them in contact with Disney attorneys because both you and Disney are going to be facing lawsuits.

OP said her dog snaps and bites.

 

[BigredNole]

OP said her dog snaps and bites.

Missed it.

 

[butterflymouse]

I'm kinda at a lost for words right now. Disboards has always been a great, helpful resource to any Disney planning I'm doing, so I'm kinda shocked by some in this thread right now. I came here to hear other people's experiences with the options I'm thinking of doing, not for people's sarcasm. If you don't understand or agree with my choices, that's fine, but why make me feel bad about it. That doesn't make me feel any better or help me make a decision. If you're suggesting I leave my sister behind or make her stay at another place, you've done nothing but frustrate me. I'm not doing either of those things for what is supposed to be a nice family vacation, especially for her first visit to Disney World. Thats not a good way to do or plan a vacation.

If your father goes to basically dog sit, I would let him pick the accommodations since he'll be there the most. If it's the house, I am sure there are housekeeping services that would come in so none of you have to do housework while on vacation.

This could be possible if he would be willing to come. I'm just not sure he'll want to come at all, but maybe.

Why come on this thread with sarcasm? The OP is asking for options. You don't like pets, no problem but don't insert yourself with sarcastic comments that are no help to the OP or imply that she leaves her dogs alone for hours like she's neglecting them.

Thank you. I have nothing to feel bad about. Our dog is not good with sitters and kennels, but she actually loves to travel. The traveling is not the problem for us, it's the accommodations. Thank you for getting that.

I don't see anything wrong with pet owners wishing there were resorts at WDW that accepted pets any more than bigger families used to wish that Disney offered affordable accommodations for their families. Neither one affects me since I made the choice to have only have one child and I leave my pets at home.

Thank you. I didn't think it was a problem to wish for Disney to accommodate a pet owner like me. I didn't think I would be judged so hard for wanting that. I'm not asking for the Grand Floridian or Contemporary Resorts to all of sudden turn into dog parks. I would be happy with a value Resort, just any hotel with pet friendly rooms.

I think your best choice is a split stay between one of the Universal Hotels so you can enjoy Harry Potter followed by a week in a pet friendly house/condo. That way you're going from being squished to having a ton of room. Yes, you'll have to pay to park, but you'll save a TON of money over being on Disney property (even at the campgrounds).

ETA: Mousesavers has a deal with the Holiday Inn LBV where they offer lower rates and NO resort fee. It sleeps 5 and is pet friendly. You may want to look into it and book by June 19th as a back up plan.

Here is the link: https://www.mousesavers.com/holiday-inn-resort-lake-buena-vista/ You may need to call the Holiday Inn to arrange for the dog.

Thanks for the suggestion and info. I think this is a possible plan we could do.

 

[robinb]

FTR, I have a pet and make appropriate plans for her while we are on vacation. I don't expect the destination we are visiting to accommodate my pet(s).

Exactly how is finding an accommodation that accepts pets NOT making "appropriate plans"?

 

[jaminmd]

FTR, I have a pet and make appropriate plans for her while we are on vacation. I don't expect the destination we are visiting to accommodate my pet(s).[/QUOTE

I'm glad that works for you. Some of us, myself included, see our dogs as family. I choose to take them with me and have found resorts that can accommodate that. I have my reasons for not kenneling my dogs but don't owe anyone an explanation for it. Loews allows pets, so on vacations where we take them, that's where we stay.

My animals don't dictate where I stay - I do. And it's my choice. It doesn't affect any of you so I still don't understand the hostility and rudeness just because you disagree.

Peace.

 

[butterflymouse]

I think it's more an issue of the posts seem to be more a berating of Disney with "poor decision" "bad business" "losing money" "not accommodating" "pet owner left out" ........

I didn't mean to come off entitled or anything. I'll take all of those words back if that's how it comes off. I still do believe Disney is missing out not providing a few pet friendly rooms for people like me. It's frustrating for me and I'm sure others like me, and I think it's perfectly fine for me to wish I could stay on Disney property. I'm asking for a select amount of pet specific rooms that people with allergies won't have to worry about. That's all. One Resort with pet rooms doesn't seem like it will be a problem for everyone, but maybe I'm asking for too much.

 

[BigredNole]

Disney is not losing a single penny to allow pets at hotels. Just go talk to an insurance company on what the liability insurance would be. Imagine if they tacked on a $2,000 pet insurance policy for your 1-week stay. Would you stay there and pay the pet insurance fee? I know Disney is not going to accept it. Any dog bit, from any size dog will have high dollar settlements. They get to the high 5-figure and into 6-figure settlements.

I don't think anyone is berating or purposefully making you upset. There is only one thing about this thread that is making it "complicated" and that is the dog. I am not sure where it was posted or stated, Chihuahuas do bite and nip. In a setting where there are 1,000s of people around and chaos almost everywhere, you definitely have to take into account the possibility of the dog biting someone. Is the dog really worth what is a very likely possibility? It does not do well in kennel but imagine being locked away for 30-days.

At the end of the day, it is not really a family vacation with your dad not going. I would do what ever it takes to leave the dog at home and take the vacation with those that can go.

 

[scrapquitler]

My trip is getting more complicated by the day. Originally, my family of 6 adults was supposed to take a road trip to Disney World in late January, but my dad is basically telling us he doesn't want to go. He's not a theme park guy. I was sad, but thought it could work in our favor because we could leave the dog with him and stay at a Disney resort, but now he's saying he doesn't want to be responsible for the dog. My sister is extremely attached to her/our dog, and I think he's nervous something will happen to her under his care, so I understand why he doesn't want to take care of her. The dog does not do well in kennels or with strangers, so staying with one of the six of us at home or coming with us are the only options.

The complication is with what our accommodations will be. Since Disney doesn't accept pets, aside from Fort Wilderness, we are limited. We usually stay off site at Disneyland, but off site at Disney World is a different beast, which complicates things. I have serveral options in my head, but I kinda want an idea of what other people's experiences have been with these options.

1) We rent a rv and stay at Fort Wilderness. I originally didn't want to do this because I want to be comfortable after long days at the parks, but the idea of staying on property is so appealing, I'm more open to this than I was. Problem is I have others in my party who are not as fond of the idea (mainly one of my sisters). Maybe others can convince me and her this is actually quite comfortable.

2) We rent a house. This was a huge option when my dad was coming with us, and still is, but my mom is not sold on this. As a travel agent, she isn't a fan of anything she can't book through her vendors and she doesn't like the idea of having to clean on vacation since there is no maid service. We have also never rented a vacation home, so that makes me nervous. We would also have to book a throwaway room. I know this is controversial, but we haven't been to Disney World in what will be almost 15 years when we arrive, and for one of my sisters, this is her first time, so we need the 60 day fastpasses to get the hard ones because who knows when we can get back to Orlando.

3) We stay at an off site hotel. This is not complicated as accommodations, but is getting to the parks difficult? Are there any other cons to this? Again, we would book a throwaway room.

4) We stay near Universal Studios. The only reason this is an option is because another one of my sisters and I may be doing the Harry Potter celebration and we will likely get a hotel room out of that for the 3 nights the event is on. We could extend to stay to the whole 11/12 nights, since pets can stay there. Not sure I'm a fan of this option, but maybe others can convince this isn't too much of an inconvenience in regards to Disney.

The last option is my mom has offered to not go at all, which means the dog can stay with my parents and my 3 sisters and I can stay at any Disney Resort, but I think she would like to go. At the same time, she wouldn't be heartbroken because she's been twice before, and to her, it's more about the chance to travel than Disney itself, even though she enjoys Disney.

I know this was ridiculously wordy, but I really want to know how others have found any of these options to work out. If you done any or all of these, please let me know how it went.

Disney, you NEED a hotel for people and their pets, just ONE hotel.

Hire someone who you (and the dog) know to stay at your house for the time you are on the trip.

 

[butterflymouse]

I give up. I'm sorry I've come off entitled or however it seems I've come off. That was not my intention. I wish Disney had a way for me to stay on property, that's all. I do, however, accept that they don't, so I came here for opinions on where I could stay. Please don't tell me to leave anyone home who doesn't want to be left home. I'm not doing that. I'm glad others have accommodations for their dog at home, but I don't, so suggesting I just do that isn't a solution for me. I don't know what else I can say.

 

[danielocha30]

Rent the house and make the best time of your vacation, the Dog, your Father and your sister will be happy, get the trow away room and stay on it at least one night and make yourself happy. Have a great trip!!!

 

[robinb]

I give up. I'm sorry I've come off entitled or however it seems I've come off. That was not my intention. I wish Disney had a way for me to stay on property, that's all. I do, however, accept that they don't, so I came here for opinions on where I could stay. Please don't tell me to leave anyone home who doesn't want to be left home. I'm not doing that. I'm glad others have accommodations for their dog at home, but I don't, so suggesting I just do that isn't a solution for me. I don't know what else I can say.

I thought you were pretty clear in your OP, but since a lot of people have suggested that you still leave the dog at home maybe you were not. You *may* want update your OP and add this at the end of it (I use the letters "ETA:" which means "Edited to Add:"). A lot of people won't make it to the 3rd page to read it before they comment.

 

[jaminmd]

I give up. I'm sorry I've come off entitled or however it seems I've come off. That was not my intention. I wish Disney had a way for me to stay on property, that's all. I do, however, accept that they don't, so I came here for opinions on where I could stay. Please don't tell me to leave anyone home who doesn't want to be left home. I'm not doing that. I'm glad others have accommodations for their dog at home, but I don't, so suggesting I just do that isn't a solution for me. I don't know what else I can say.

Ignore them. They forgot their manners.

 

[BigredNole]

Ask to have the thread moved from the Disney Resorts thread to the Orlando and Other Attractions thread. The only on property option you have is Fort Wilderness and renting an RV that accepts pets. Since that is out, these leaves offsite accommodations only.

 

[bumbershoot]

We stay near Universal Studios. The only reason this is an option is because another one of my sisters and I may be doing the Harry Potter celebration and we will likely get a hotel room out of that for the 3 nights the event is on. We could extend to stay to the whole 11/12 nights, since pets can stay there. Not sure I'm a fan of this option, but maybe others can convince this isn't too much of an inconvenience in regards to Disney.

Just do that.

But bring your dad (and get two rooms), and let him have a nice vacation without theme parks. He can sleep in, laze by the pool, play mini golf, etc. and he can go check on the dog every so often without it being some big responsibility.

If you're suggesting I leave my sister behind or make her stay at another place, you've done nothing but frustrate me.

But SHE is the one being the most difficult, but YOU are taking on the planning role in this. How is that fair to you? She is the dog owner who has decided that the dog must come. Why isn't she figuring this out? Don't tie yourself up in knots to help her with HER decision.

And what's so wrong about the idea? You want to stay onsite. You would go along with an RV (though is the a/c left on all day? If not won't the dog be in the stifling heat?). Others won't, including the dog's owner. She requires a different sort of accommodation. I'm not seeing how that suggestion is so awful.

IMO splitting up for where you sleep, based on needs and wants, makes it less complicated.

Our dog is not good with sitters and kennels, but she actually loves to travel. The traveling is not the problem for us, it's the accommodations.

Your mom objected to a house because she wants housekeeping.

At a dog friendly place (talking about Loews hotels) with a dog that snaps and bites you're not going to want housekeeping anyway. You're going to be leaving that Do Not Disturb sign up OR bringing a crate for the dog to be in, so there's not much difference in terms of housekeeping.

Or get two rooms and have mom and dad (because he deserves a vacation even if he doesn't step foot in a themepark) stay in the one without the dog. They get housekeeping. The room with the dog doesn't get housekeeping.




(Holy spelling errors, batman! Spellcheck is failing me today.)

 

[HopperFan]

... a road trip to Disney World in late January, but my dad is basically telling us he doesn't want to go. He's not a theme park guy. I was sad, but thought it could work in our favor because we could leave the dog with him and stay at a Disney resort, but now he's saying he doesn't want to be responsible for the dog.

The last option is my mom has offered to not go at all, which means the dog can stay with my parents and my 3 sisters and I can stay at any Disney Resort, but I think she would like to go. At the same time, she wouldn't be heartbroken because she's been twice before, and to her, it's more about the chance to travel than Disney itself, even though she enjoys Disney.

Disney, you NEED a hotel for people and their pets, just ONE hotel.

I thought you were pretty clear in your OP, but since a lot of people have suggested that you still leave the dog at home maybe you were not. You *may* want update your OP and add this at the end of it (I use the letters "ETA:" which means "Edited to Add:"). A lot of people won't make it to the 3rd page to read it before they comment.

Ignore them. They forgot their manners.

In defense of all who gave home with family staying as an option, the OP themselves stated it was an option in their original post.

Everyone here kept giving her the options that are available, and onsite isn't an option other than campground (you can rent an RV) so there is no purpose in OP continuing to bring that up. Discussing the actual options is what needs to be focused on, and I think that has been covered.

Ask to have the thread moved from the Disney Resorts thread to the Orlando and Other Attractions thread. The only on property option you have is Fort Wilderness and renting an RV that accepts pets. Since that is out, these leaves offsite accommodations only.

Agree

 

[RADOPT]

delete...

 

[butterflymouse]

Just do that.

But bring your dad (and get two rooms), and let him have a nice vacation without theme parks. He can sleep in, laze by the pool, play mini golf, etc. and he can go check on the dog every so often without it being some big responsibility.

This is a possibility if he agrees to come at all.

But SHE is the one being the most difficult, but YOU are taking on the planning role in this. How is that fair to you? She is the dog owner who has decided that the dog must come. Why isn't she figuring this out? Don't tie yourself up in knots to help her with HER decision.

But I don't have an issue with bringing the dog. We always bring her with us on trips we are all attending. The complication is in where to stay, not in what to do with the dog.







All I was really looking for in this thread was to know how people have found any of the options I laid out to work out. Not many people have told me how a rv worked for them or how a house has or if off site is really that inconvenient. Most people have told me to leave my dog home or exclude my sister or drag my dad on a trip he's not that interested in. None of this is helpful to me.

I know I have to take my dog unless my mom chooses to stay home. No one else is staying home. I have to figure out the best accommodations for my situation with my dog because my mom is most likely coming.

At this point, I don't think I'm going to get the stories I hoped for of people's experiences. I've been reading lots of information on the options I have for accommodations, but I wanted more personal experiences of others to get a better idea of how they might work out. Maybe I wasn't clear enough in my op, and for that, I am sorry.

 

[Nancyg56]

I'm kinda at a lost for words right now. Disboards has always been a great, helpful resource to any Disney planning I'm doing, so I'm kinda shocked by some in this thread right now. I came here to hear other people's experiences with the options I'm thinking of doing, not for people's sarcasm. If you don't understand or agree with my choices, that's fine, but why make me feel bad about it. That doesn't make me feel any better or help me make a decision. If you're suggesting I leave my sister behind or make her stay at another place, you've done nothing but frustrate me. I'm not doing either of those things for what is supposed to be a nice family vacation, especially for her first visit to Disney World. Thats not a good way to do or plan a vacation.

Your options are limited. There is just no way around that, so if I had t make this decision, I would make sure that:
I did not guilt Dad into caring for the dog. From your posts, it seems like he does not want this responsibility.
I did not leave Mom home. I wonder if she agreed to care for the dog because no one else will.
I would either rent a house or an RV. You can all stay together, and while I have done neither, I think this one would make the most sense. I would lean towards an RV because it is onsite, making travel to and from the RV to check the dog much easier.

Until recently, I was a pet owner. Not a dog, but still I made arrangements for my kitties that was best for them. I understand that your sister has few options for the dog, and bringing her seems to be the best unless a family member stays home. That would not be okay with me, so I would make whatever compromises were necessary so that no one was left behind, not even the dog.

I give up. I'm sorry I've come off entitled or however it seems I've come off. That was not my intention. I wish Disney had a way for me to stay on property, that's all. I do, however, accept that they don't, so I came here for opinions on where I could stay. Please don't tell me to leave anyone home who doesn't want to be left home. I'm not doing that. I'm glad others have accommodations for their dog at home, but I don't, so suggesting I just do that isn't a solution for me. I don't know what else I can say.

Disney does. It is an RV, if you can rent one that will allow dogs. It is not the solution you wanted, but it is a solution.