FW Kennel Closing

[Tri-circle-D]

For those of you curious about how far along the construction had progressed on the new kennel, here are some photos taken on Saturday, April 17, 2010:

This building is pretty big.

But, is it big enough to replace five other kennels?

I agree with Deb- this does not look like it will be done until late Summer, at the earliest. They were not working on it on Saturday or Sunday.

I don't think this whole thing was a good idea.

This location is not convenient for anyone.

Dumb way to try to save a buck.

TCD

 

[doombuggy]

Unfortunately they will be closing all 5 kennels when the new facility opens.

Where did you hear that? I was always under the impression that this new facility was supposed to be "spa-like" and more like a resort than a kennel. I never heard anything about the others closing.

Cedric stayed at the Ft Wilderness kennel in Feb. 2008 when I found out 2 weeks before my trip to DL that my regular kennel closed. He has also stayed at the MK/TTC kennel twice, while I was at BLT last September and AKL last October. I would visit him once per day, and it was especially convienent when I was at BLT, as I just took the monorail.

While I felt the crew at both locations were great (especially when I wanted to come spend a 1/2 hour each day with my cat), the position of the "cat room" at Ft Wilderness is better, as it is further away from the dogs.

When I go out of town, Cedric is now staying at a kennel closer to our home, whihc is more like a "spa" - what I expect this new facility to be like on property. It cost me twice as much, but the facility is quite different.

Here's the Best Friend's site:
http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/ctr_fortwilderness.cfm

Myabe contacting them directly might get better results, since they are an operating participant.

 

[Pinkee77]

I called yesterday to make a reservation for October. The woman I spoke to at Best Friends Kennel at the Fort confirmed that they will be at the new facility across from Riverside by then. She told me to call back in a couple of months because they will be offering some new services. She didn't know what these new services were, just that they were anticipating a lot of "new services" at the new facility and that I should call and find out about them.

I am very disappointed that they are moving it.

 

[BradyBz12]

Where did you hear that? I was always under the impression that this new facility was supposed to be "spa-like" and more like a resort than a kennel. I never heard anything about the others closing.

From WDW Magic...

Five existing in-park kennels to close when new facility opens this summer?
Apr 12, 2010

A press release issued today by Disney appears to indicate that the 5 existing kennels in the parks and at Fort Wilderness will close once the new pet care facility opposite Port Orleans Resort opens this summer.

Construction photos and previous news
Existing Kennel information

Here is the full release:

"Slated for a late-summer opening, a full-service luxury pet care facility on Bonnet Creek Parkway across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort will provide a comfortable home-away-from-home for Fido, Frisky and all their pet pals! The one-of-a-kind facility will be able to accommodate up to 270 dogs in a variety of standard and luxury suites, some with private outdoor patios and play yards. The separate “Kitty City” pavilion will be able to house up to 30 cats in two- and four-story cat condos. A special room is also available for the boarding of “pocket pets,” Including pet hamsters and birds.

The facility, to be operated by Best Friends Pet Care, will comprise more than 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space plus 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas. It will replace the five existing pet care facilities throughout Walt Disney World Resort and will be open to both Walt Disney World Resort guests and visitors staying off-property."

 

[PookaJean]

I was told they were closing the other 5 kennels by Best Friends themselves. We used the Epcot kennel at least 3 times a year for the last 12 years and are very disappointed in the change.

 

[des1954]

What frightens me about them closing kennels at the theme parks is, there will be idiots that will be tempted to leave their pets in the car when they go into the park. Either they won't know about the one & only kennel on property or they won't make the effort to find and use it. I can see them closing the one at the Fort (I don't agree with it - but I understand) but, I cannot fathom why they would run the risk of idiots leaving their animals in cars because there is no kennel conveniently located at the theme park. This will also put an unfair burden on the minimum wage CM's at the toll plaza's - or guests will hide their pets in the trunk or in a carrier under a pile of clothes or blankets. PETA may end up having a field day with this one.

 

[Magicbus]

Shouldn't pet owners be responsible for their pets and not Disney. I agree that having the kennel at the Fort has been convienient, but if it's not there any longer, and that is the reality, owners have to do what's right for the pets. Either don't take them on the trip or make arrangements to make sure that they are cared for while your away from the Fort. It may mean a cab ride to drop them off and pick them up at the new kennnel, but aren't they worth it?
We have a furry child, see photo, he adds so much to our lives that I can't begin to describe. He means the world to us. We would never, never do anything to put him in harms way. When we RV, we watch over him just like we did our children. In our case putting him in a kennel is never an option anyway, so not having the kennel at the Fort doesn't matter to us.
I guess the bottom line is that we have to accept the fact that it will be gone. Trust me, as an insider I know as well as anybody that regardless of the image that people have of Disney, at the end of the day, it's still a business and operates as such. Having said all that, I'm still a big fan of the end product.

 

[BradyBz12]

More pics recently posted to MouseSteps

 

[kazlac4]

I did. Here is the exchange, but all I got was a non answer


Dear Tim,

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.

We appreciate your interest, no details regarding your inquiry have been
released at the time, please contact the Best Friends Pet Care Inc at
407-824-2735 in the summer for additional information about kennel
service. This department is not accessible via email.

Tim, We hope this information will be of help to you.

Thank You,

Sincerely,

Melissa Acevedo
WDW Online Communications

PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice and
should be confirmed just prior to your visit.

After reading multple replies that Disney has recently replied to Dis'ers, I've come to the conclusion that I would I like to work at the Disney's "Dept. of Non-Answers". I am sure I have the perfect qualifications for the job because it seems that whenever I talk to my DH he just looks at me as if I have just spouted out lots of words that make no sense (and to think I used to think he was just great at tuning me out). Wow, to have a job answering people's inquiries but really not having to say anything.. I am going to apply to the Non-Answer Department tomorrow! Wow, I wonder if they give benefits

 

[nbodyhome]

I also am disappointed that Disney is taking the other kennels out. I see dog owners all the time with their dogs at Epcot and elsewhere, taking them for a walk. How will that even happen now? You leave Epcot for an hour to drive to the Best Friends to do it? I don't see most pet owners wanting to do that.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I also am disappointed that Disney is taking the other kennels out. I see dog owners all the time with their dogs at Epcot and elsewhere, taking them for a walk. How will that even happen now? You leave Epcot for an hour to drive to the Best Friends to do it? I don't see most pet owners wanting to do that.

And therein lies the truth...no one will want to be doing the shuffle from park to kennel in the boonies to park again so from their web site:they provide "services" here we go what will it REALLY cost to bring the fur-babies

"At Best Friends our Doggy Suites are designed to provide comfort and privacy, and the ultimate luxury in pet boarding! Each airy and spacious suite comes complete with lambskin bedding and daily maid service.



Daily Playtimes can be scheduled for a small additional fee. You can choose from a variety of one-on-one activities depending on your pet. From active play like ball catching to a peaceful, easy stroll or cuddle, each guest is given undivided personal attention. And, of course, lots of petting is always included.

Go to our centers for rates and services of the center nearest you.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Services:

Cat Boarding (Kitty Condos)
Dog Grooming
Dog Training (Canine College)
Doggy Day Camp "

 

[BradyBz12]

You leave Epcot for an hour to drive to the Best Friends to do it? I don't see most pet owners wanting to do that.

Never mind the hike from AK.

It's all going to add up to people spending a bunch more $$ to have someone else walk their dog for them.

And likely as a result, a whole more dogs being left home.