Ft. Wilderness Kennel

[2BoysMom]

Hi Folks
Have any of you used the Ft. Wilderness kennels before for your pets? I am interested in hearing anything you know or have heard about them, and if you have any pictures.....

I have two Collies, so they are large dogs, and when I spoke to the CM for the kennel, she told me they did have a kennel large enough for both dogs to stay together.... Based on the dimensions listed on the DIS info. of WDW kennels, I wouldn't have thought so.

We will be staying at WL this trip, so we will be able to come by and take them for walks, in addition to the walks provided by the kennel.

Considering all of my time on these boards sad2: don't ask), I have never once seen any posts about the dog kennels....


Just thought I would try. Here is a pic of my beauties...

 

[eagles]

i don't know anything about the kennels. sorry.

i just wanted to say your dogs are beautiful!!!!!!

 

[BigDaddyRog]

There have been numerous discussions about the old kennels..but from my understanding, they've recently changed companies, and I havent heard much about the new owners. Im sure there are many regulars here who HAVE used the new kennels...and they will be along shortly to fill you in.

 

[keylime359]

I hate to be the negative one in the bunch, but you asked. We have had our dogs in the kennels 3 times. Twice when Disney operated it and once with Best Friends. When Disney owned it, you had to walk you pets (not a big deal to us we would visit regardless. We had them at MGM once and the Kennel across from Wilderness Lodge. The time they were at Wilderness Lodge it was great. Now, when we took them in October to the Fort Kennel it was awful. Every day we would pick them up and they smelled like urine. Both of them had the runs and they were on food from home so it was not like they were getting used to new food. On our last day, we picked them up and they were covered in feces. I was livid! Well, the man next to me said that his german shepard had the same thing. I would say that maybe it was the staff, but the WL kennel (staff) was far better.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Our beagle, Mickey, has been a day guest at the kennels for 11 years. Our last visit in October was our first with the new kennel crew. While it wasn't a bad experience, it wasn't better than before and in fact, may have been somewhat worse. The cleanliness of the kennel definitly slipped. The staff was different every time we came to drop off or pick up. Despite having paid in full the first day for 2 weeks, each time at drop off they tried to get me to pay for the day, and I kept having to show my receipt. The old kennel crew always changed his towel in his kennel every time he went out. This time, if the towel was changed twice during the 2 weeks, that was a lot. The price went up quite a bit since last year. Best Friends is supposed to be building a "luxury" kennel on property, but as of Oct 2008 ground had not been broken yet, and I'm not sure if it will be considering the economy. If the new kennel comes about, the kennels at FW and elsewhere on property will be closed. I will most likely use them again, but am not real happy about the new management and the direction things are headed.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

I hate to be the negative one in the bunch, but you asked. We have had our dogs in the kennels 3 times. Twice when Disney operated it and once with Best Friends. When Disney owned it, you had to walk you pets (not a big deal to us we would visit regardless. We had them at MGM once and the Kennel across from Wilderness Lodge. The time they were at Wilderness Lodge it was great. Now, when we took them in October to the Fort Kennel it was awful. Every day we would pick them up and they smelled like urine. Both of them had the runs and they were on food from home so it was not like they were getting used to new food. On our last day, we picked them up and they were covered in feces. I was livid! Well, the man next to me said that his german shepard had the same thing. I would say that maybe it was the staff, but the WL kennel (staff) was far better.

As you can see from my post, keylime, you aren't the only one who will be negative here. I was always a firm supporter of the kennels on property and used to recommend them highly. Not any more. Once again, Disney has outsourced and the results are not good. I did see a couple of the previous kennel staff while staying at FW - Caroline was working on the stable side. It was good to see her and she made a big deal out of seeing Mickey again. He always liked the old staff and Caroline was on staff there since his first visit.

 

[BigDaddyRog]

Im thinking maybe the new company should see this thread and hear the complaints. Is there a website where a link to this thread can be emailed or something? Sometimes improvement comes by way of the right person reading the right comments.

 

[Cindy F]

We've never used anything but the Epcot and Magic Kingdom Kennels (MGM and Animal Kingdom aren't "full service" and are too small for my dog) The one time we stayed at The Fort, we didn't take our dog but we probably wouldn't have used them anyway because of the hours.

Magic Kingdom is my favorite and the only one we use regularly. I am a pathetic dog owner that will actually cry when I have to leave my dog at the kennel...I know...pathetic. But MK is my "haven" LOL.

The staff are very loving and understanding, it's a full service kennel (they walk, feed, cuddle, give treats, etc.) they generally have the best hours and in my opinion have the best facility and parking.

Your dogs are beautiful and would have no problen staying in one "room" if they stayed in the outside kennels- I know that sounds bad but they are actually my favorite. The "rooms" are big and they will give each of the dogs a cot, they're completely covered and have big fans (like the ride lines). My dog is 120 pounds and loves the back row of the outdoor kennel so he can lay on the cot and watch the cars/people go by. Because I am a completely whipped pet owner......I also bring a large battery operated fan to sit in his cage to reassure myself. I know...I'm a total embarrassment

There have been 3 seperate times with 3 seperate workers, that I have gone to pick him up and he wasn't even in the cage/room, he was behind the desk with one of the workers, getting loved on, pet and given treats! He suckered them in ~grin~

I can't say enough good things about them -oh yeah, when we took him this last time there was a cold snap and he had to stay in one of the indoor kennels (rules-no outside kenneling when under 50 degrees) and one of the workers was very kind to me-reassuring that he would be fine and even called my cell about 30 minutes later just to let me know that he was fine and was sleeping on his blanket. I thought that was very sweet of her.

Anyway, enjoy your trip and I hope you give MK kennels a try or that The Fort kennels are just like them!

 

[keylime359]

Im thinking maybe the new company should see this thread and hear the complaints. Is there a website where a link to this thread can be emailed or something? Sometimes improvement comes by way of the right person reading the right comments.

I sent corporate a letter outlining my disappointment- I never heard back.

 

[zakerdog]

I have used the kennel at AK & DHS, each a couple of times. I have 2 shelties and they share a large cage. They have always come out clean and at the end of the day the CM/Staff asked me if I wanted to take the towel from the cage with me, she told me they throw them out after a dog has used them? I haven't had any problems, but if I ever do you can be assured that somebody up the ladder would hear about it.

 

[2BoysMom]

... and the Kennel across from Wilderness Lodge. The time they were at Wilderness Lodge it was great.
I would say that maybe it was the staff, but the WL kennel (staff) was far better.

I'm not familiar with a kennel near WL? Do you mean the one near MK? I'm curious....

Also, KeyLime, do you remember me from postings this fall and the Princess Half thread? I live in Tallahassee with twin boys..... I had been thinking about you, and there you were answering my thread!

 

[keylime359]

Yes, it is the one near MK. I just called it WL because that is where we stayed.

Yep, I remember you! How is the training going? I am on the board of directors for a local charity and we are having a retreat that weekend so I can't go. I can't wait to hear how you do!

As far as the pups, if the staff at the MK is the same I think you will be OK. I would not recommend the Fort at all. MGM was OK. Your dogs are so pretty! My BIL has dogs like that!

 

[BradyBz12]

i don't know anything about the kennels. sorry.

i just wanted to say your dogs are beautiful!!!!!!

DITTO!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

I'm wondering if the other posters have used the kennels since Best Friends took over last year? The experiences they describe are similar to those we had when Disney operated the kennels, not after Best Friends took over, and there is no way the towel in his kennel was new - it was thread bare from the start and filthy at the end. We noticed a definite decline in the service after Best Friends started running things, with little or no personal interaction with Mickey except for Caroline, who used to work at the kennels, who would come over from the stable and visit Mickey every day.

 

[2BoysMom]

I really appreciate everyone's comments, and I hope they continue.

I'm actually considering calling the kennels (!) and telling them that I heard several bad reviews and what is their take on that....? Just to hear what they have to say.

Also, those of you who have been there, and either have big dogs or saw big dogs there, are they placed in big crates or are they in small rooms, you know what I mean? When I called and asked if my dogs could stay together, she said "Oh, yes." But of course, it wouldn't be in a big cage, right?

And for those of you worried, don't be, I don't have to bring my dogs to Disney, I just thought I was being clever by taking them....

One more question. I created this thread in the Camping section b/c I was thinking about using the Ft. Wilderness kennel. Do any of you have any suggestions on where I can post this question in a different section of the Dis boards?

Thanks.

 

[zakerdog]

I have only seen big crates, not rooms, and have only used the kennel at AK & DHS. My dogs have only been day visitors, maybe they have different accomodations for overnight visits?

 

[ftwildernessguy]

There are no "rooms", at least not at the FW kennels. There are "crates" of many different sizes. I have seen pairs of fairly large dogs (boxers) in the larger kennels. These are fiberglass with a metal cage type door, not metal cage floors. The overnight guests stay in the same "crates" as the day guests. By the way, if you do stay past closing and your pet is a day guest, there is a courtesy phone by the door that hooks you up with security and they will come and let you take your pooch. Just be sure you have your paperwork to identify you as the owner.

 

[Cindy F]

My dog had to stay in one of the big indoor cages one day when it was so cold but any other time he stays in one of the outdoor cages. I don't have any pics so I'll try to describe it the best I can.

It's a big cage room type thing (only one level) with a cot (kinda like a kid's nap cot), it's outside but under cover. Next time we're there we'll take pics. We like the cages/rooms that overlook the parking lot and lawn so he can watch people go by (no one can reach the dogs though).

You can see a part of it to the right in this pic