New Disney pet poll!

[BigAlsGal]

Chihuahuas are the worst.

Twice! TWICE! I've had a chihuahua draw blood. Two separate chihuahuas! I've also been around some sweet ones but it seems 1/3 of them are hell bent on biting me.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Twice! TWICE! I've had a chihuahua draw blood. Two separate chihuahuas! I've also been around some sweet ones but it seems 1/3 of them are hell bent on biting me.

My MIL used to have a chihuahua/beagle mix. She attempted to bite me multiple times, and scratched me quite often (drawing blood once).

Apparently, when my husband was a child, his family bred chihuahuas. I sort of questioned my decision to marry into this family when I learned that...

But that’s part of my reason for not being so keen on the idea of dogs in Disney resorts. I didn’t do anything to provoke that dumb dog and it scratched and tried to bite me anyway. All it takes is Bob & Mary at the check in desk not paying attention for a few seconds for precious little princess chihuahua to get out and bite some kid.

Do I think this will be a widespread issue? No. But one bitten kid is too many, and I just don’t have confidence in Disney to enforce any kind of rules!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I don't understand weight limits. Small dogs pee like crazy! My moms yorkie pees like every hour. My larger dog can and will hold it for a very long time. If it's about hotel damage that would be more of a concern for the owners as I'm sure they would be liable for damages. If it's about larger dogs being more dangerous I've seen chihuahuas that I would consider pulling a gun on. Lol

Not only that but some of the small breeds can be the yappiest (is that even a word lol--basically barking) dogs out there. That's a large concern for people.

My in-laws had a pomeranian who was a vicious thing and a big bully.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

I voted:

No! I love animals but don't want them in the resorts.

I'm one of the posters on the original poll. I voted no there as well. Based on the results of this poll as of 11:54pm EST on Wed, Oct 18th, 73% of those that voted are against the policy. That is only 12% less than the original poll. I am not a pet owner, but I do love animals. I am 100% against this new policy for a number of reasons.

1. It appears that Disney did absolutely no market research or focus testing. Members of this board know better than most that Disney does TONS of surveys. Yet no one here, or on any reliable unofficial Disney blog has posted even a mention of surveys about pet accommodation at resort hotels.
2. The rules/policies/procedures do not appear to have been well thought out and are in many cases a significant departure from industry standards in regards to pet friendly hotels. (No restrictions on weight/breed. Allowing dogs to be in the room unaccompanied).
3. Several posters that have been contacted by the "executive team" at WDW have stated this trial is in response to the positive response to allowing pets to stay at resort hotels during Hurricane Irma. The one MAJOR difference is that Hurricane Irma was a lock down situation where owners were with their pets at all times (or within a 15 minute reach of them as they were locked down at the resort if they left the dogs in the room while they went to get food etc..).
4. There is a massive amount of inconsistency in how this new trial is actually going to be rolled out. Some CMs swear that there will be dedicated "dog" and "no dog" rooms. Others state that certain categories will allow dogs, but that means that ANY room in that category could house a dog. Others state that dog rooms will be located only in certain areas of each of the trial resorts. Then there is the question of transportation, and dog relief areas, and whether or not they can be walked around common areas that aren't pool/food & beverage locations. The questions far outweigh the "answers" in the policy as it stands.
5. In addition, there has been no mention of what the consequences to pet owners when it comes to breaking the rules/policies/procedures.
6. My main concern isn't responsible pet owners but rather those that will take advantage of Disney's historic failure to enforce policies it has set. This could result in a myriad of inconveniences/risks/issues for other resort hotel guests.
7. There are certain hotels that I can't see even having the possibility of dogs. Namely, Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo and Kidani. There aren't grassy areas for pet relief. Not to mention the risks of the dogs getting into the animal enclosures.

I could keep going. I am genuinely curious as to the amount of correspondence that Disney has received in regards to this policy (both in support and against). I would guess it has been much higher than anticipated. If I was to make a wager, I would say I doubt the policies remain as vague as they are for very long and I seriously doubt that it will succeed past the trial.

 

[Lynne M]

I've just posted a sticky thread that I hope to use to gather information for a FAQ thread on dogs at resorts. If you've been given information on pet policies, locations where guests with pets will be placed, or locations where dogs can be walked, please share it on that thread. Thanks!


Help us gather information on Disney's policies on dogs at resorts

 

[ArwenMarie]

I don't understand weight limits. Small dogs pee like crazy! My moms yorkie pees like every hour. My larger dog can and will hold it for a very long time. If it's about hotel damage that would be more of a concern for the owners as I'm sure they would be liable for damages. If it's about larger dogs being more dangerous I've seen chihuahuas that I would consider pulling a gun on. Lol

Oh for sure. But weight limits are pretty common. Same for apartments at least around here. I do think they do it to avoid some breeds but I won't get into that!

 

[jrmasm]

Chihuahuas are the worst.

Aww. My two think you're the worst.

Actually one fits the stereotypical puntable chihuahua picture (but I love him so much ) and the other is the most mellow dog ever. She travels well and charms everyone that meets her.

My chihuahuas and I are of the opinion that Labs are the spawns of Satan.

 

[wdw4rfam]

I do think that much of the unhappiness comes from the resorts chosen. Three of them are part of a handful of properties for families of 5 that are moderately priced (by Disney standards). The only option for those that don't want to be near any dogs now are ASM suites or very expensive deluxe resorts. I know as a family that requires 3 sleeping surfaces that we just can't afford deluxe prices. I've priced out DVC rentals and although better cost-wise I don't really want to sleep on a sofa bed for a week. Also, how many people are actually giving up their points making this a very risque way to go.

I totally hear you. We are a family of 5, but our oldest has recently moved out. We were stuck in that rut for years. We since have bought DVC to solve this because now I have a teenage son with autism that won't sleep with anyone, so still need that third bed.

I don't understand weight limits. Small dogs pee like crazy! My moms yorkie pees like every hour. My larger dog can and will hold it for a very long time. If it's about hotel damage that would be more of a concern for the owners as I'm sure they would be liable for damages. If it's about larger dogs being more dangerous I've seen chihuahuas that I would consider pulling a gun on. Lol

maybe more of a noise issue? I don't know. I know when I first moved out and into a nice apartment complex, there was a huge dog upstairs and it sounded like Godzilla lived up there.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

maybe more of a noise issue? I don't know. I know when I first moved out and into a nice apartment complex, there was a huge dog upstairs and it sounded like Godzilla lived up there.

That pomeranian my in-laws owned barked much more often, at a more annoying tone and def.at a more threatening tone than the Old English Sheepdogs my dad and stepmom owned (where the male weighed about 70ish pounds and the female weighed about 50-55lbs).

 

[BigAlsGal]

Looks like this poll has stayed at a pretty consistent 28% either yes, unaffected, or willing to compromise. As opposed to the 14% on the other poll.

 

[wdw4rfam]

That pomeranian my in-laws owned barked much more often, at a more annoying tone and def.at a more threatening tone than the Old English Sheepdogs my dad and stepmom owned (where the male weighed about 70ish pounds and the female weighed about 50-55lbs).

I was talking more of when they jump or things like that than barking. I agree- smaller dogs barks are more annoying.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Looks like this poll has stayed at a pretty consistent 28% either yes, unaffected, or willing to compromise. As opposed to the 14% on the other poll.

Actually, what it says is 71.4% oppose, 5.8% don't care, 22.5% support and 0.3% hold an "other" opinion. When you define the general buckets as Yes, No, Don't Care & Other they still remain 4 distinct buckets....not Opposed and Everything Else

EDITED TO ADD: WDWMagic also conducted a poll and as of now it's results are 70% opposed and 30% in favour (It was a simply Yes/No).

 

[BigAlsGal]

Actually, what it says is 71.4% oppose, 5.8% don't care, 22.5% support and 0.3% hold an "other" opinion. When you define the general buckets as Yes, No, Don't Care & Other they still remain 4 distinct buckets....not Opposed and Everything Else

EDITED TO ADD: WDWMagic also conducted a poll and as of now it's results are 70% opposed and 30% in favour (It was a simply Yes/No).

If you say so.

Either way I'm happy.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I feel like the above chitchat is a glass half full or empty situation. Is either technically wrong? No but you could look at half full and say no matter what not everyone is opposed to it or you could look at it as half empty and say the majority are against it. Either way as the OP stated it wasn't about adjusting people's opinions (I don't think anyone was under that impression) but rather giving more options to better show your viewpoint.

And yes even on the other thread or any other yes/no poll you could say glass half full or empty but not even including an 'other' leaves out neutral. I simply wouldn't answer the poll if it was yes/no but that doesn't mean I don't still have an opinion on the matter. And just as much as anyone else wants I'd like my opinion to be counted for something.

 

[Ceilidhscot]

I'm a dog owner but still voted no. Too many small excited kids running about that might run over to "cuddle" a doggie before the owner can tell them that Fido hates being petted - I dread to consider the results of that one.

No way an owner offsite would have time to return to the hotel within a 30 minute window of being informed their dog was barking (and some would probably ignore it or say they didn't get the message). Would mean the dog barking for MUCH longer than that timeframe...been there and it's NOT fun (4 hours of incessant howling / barking which scared my DD and meant she couldn't get to sleep)

What if housekeeping try to enter the room (to change towels etc) and the dog becomes aggressive and attacks or escapes from the room and goes on the rampage or gets run over etc?

Walking along a corridor and being faced with a large dog when you have a buggy or small child that's scared of dogs - relatively confined space. Most owners would say "oh, he / she is a big softie" but having been bitten by a collie who's owner said the EXACT same words 30 seconds before it sank its teeth into my arm, apologies if I don't take that on face value and want you to wait or move till I get past with my family.

Fleas, worms, mites, dander as well as urine and faeces. Can they assure guests that EVERY SINGLE HAIR etc has been removed between guest arrivals / departures? I would say no

If they really want to cater for dog owners then create a resort that is designed for them. Have specially created dog parks which are fully enclosed so the dogs can run about / play ball etc with the owners. Have individual chalets surrounded by woodland paths that they can take them for walks with doggie bins at regular intervals along the trail. Have a dog sitting arrangement where you take the dog or someone comes and watches the dog while you head to the parks - safe in the knowledge your dog will be walked, fed and played with till you come back. Include this in the price of the stay so guests don't abandon their dog to save some money.

Insist ALL animals must have been checked by a vet and have a clean bill of health and have all the necessary vaccinations including parvovirus / kennel cough / flea treatment and wormed. All animals must be microchipped with the details up to date. No documents, no stay (and enforce this by having the t&cs in prominent place and must be signed).

All owners must also have insurance (for accidental damage plus if their dog attacks someone else). No insurance to a stipulated level, no stay.

Properly thought through this could have worked for them but in its present form it seems a half baked idea that has lawsuit written all over it I'm afraid

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

What if housekeeping try to enter the room (to change towels etc) and the dog becomes aggressive and attacks or escapes from the room and goes on the rampage or gets run over etc?

I mentioned it on another thread:

It's been hard to keep up that's for sure but at least at one point I *think* it was that the dog owner would need to call for housekeeping themselves so they can be present (along with the door sign). I'm sorry if that's out of date information.

Fleas, worms, mites, dander as well as urine and faeces. Can they assure guests that EVERY SINGLE HAIR etc has been removed between guest arrivals / departures? I would say no

People need to realize the unfortunate truth that service animals will continue to and have been allowed at the resorts prior to this policy. Your risk *could* be more but it would never be erased by removal of this policy as long as the ADA law is still in effect as it is written. I know you weren't saying this but consider giving people the benefit of the doubt-dog hair may be coming from a service dog and not a pet-this was the case before the new policy and will be the case if the policy is removed.

 

[LSUmiss]

I feel like the above chitchat is a glass half full or empty situation. Is either technically wrong? No but you could look at half full and say no matter what not everyone is opposed to it or you could look at it as half empty and say the majority are against it. Either way as the OP stated it wasn't about adjusting people's opinions (I don't think anyone was under that impression) but rather giving more options to better show your viewpoint.

And yes even on the other thread or any other yes/no poll you could say glass half full or empty but not even including an 'other' leaves out neutral. I simply wouldn't answer the poll if it was yes/no but that doesn't mean I don't still have an opinion on the matter. And just as much as anyone else wants I'd like my opinion to be counted for something.

Either way I think the polls in general are in no way a good indicator of what the general public thinks. There are millions of ppl who visit WDW & I just don’t think most are that tuned into all of this. And for the most part, if you heard the news & thought meh, who cares or yay, you probably didn’t rush to social media or message boards to vote or voice your opinion. I think it’s only those who were so enraged that felt the need (at first). I actually first only went to read the message board to see what the policy would be & then got drawn into the “discussion” b/c I just found some posts to just be absurd. I know a ton of other WDW ppl & AP holders & DVC members & none of them read these boards except me. Think these board represent a very select group.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Either way I think the polls in general are in no way a good indicator of what the general public thinks. There are millions of ppl who visit WDW & I just don’t think most are that tuned into all of this. And for the most part, if you heard the news & thought meh, who cares or yay, you probably didn’t rush to social media or message boards to vote or voice your opinion. I think it’s only those who were so enraged that felt the need (at first). I actually first only went to read the message board to see what the policy would be & then got drawn into the “discussion” b/c I just found some posts to just be absurd. I know a ton of other WDW ppl & AP holders & DVC members & none of them read these boards except me. Think these board represent a very select group.

I agree. I think I mentioned something similarish in respects to someone being privy to what the over 50million annual guests' intimate thoughts are.

But I do think if people are going to compare one poll to the other poll for narrow reviews- it's important (at least to me) to keep a context. If you put yes/no and use that to tout (either 'side' *starting to get tiring saying side lol) findings you may no matter what miss a piece of the puzzle. Random here but for example if you had 60% vote no and 25% vote yes and 15% vote other (if you only want to keep the choices very limited) well that 15% still accounts for something (to me at least) when speaking only about the results of the poll.

But really I'm not trying to expand to global thoughts though I know it's been mentioned many times over that the DIS are veterns, more knowledgable, etc. To me that doesn't mean you are automatically the voice of all or even a majority of Disney visitors. It's been said many times that the DIS represents a small number of Disney visitors and to an extent some people have also expressed that they liked that the general public may not necessarily knowing all that the DIS has the potential for knowing (I'm thinking things like how FP works, rolling 4th FP, etc that people talk about there being cluelessness about certain things from the general public).

In reality the DIS can't be both the representation of the majority of guests and yet also be a minority representation of guests. The DIS is the largest I believe in terms of actual members on their site for the Disney community as a whole (or at least I believe that's how it's been phrased or similarly phrased) but doesn't represent the largest in terms of WDW visitors. Even then with over 500,000 members not everyone checks the WDW side, not everyone checks the Resorts board, not every member is active but I know for sure there is more than 1,244 active members (using the other poll as it was talked about enough as far as what people felt the numbers represented) on the DIS, etc.

*Sorry for the rambling here hopefully I'm making sense*

 

[agavegirl1]

I am one of the people that voted "no" in the first poll but "yes with restrictions" in this one. If I am assured by clear policies, clear consequences for infractions, effective implementation and specific enforced areas for pets, I would be okay. My confidence that WDW will do this based on posts here so far? Ummm...I guess no.

 

[LSUmiss]

I agree. I think I mentioned something similarish in respects to someone being privy to what the over 50million annual guests' intimate thoughts are.

But I do think if people are going to compare one poll to the other poll for narrow reviews- it's important (at least to me) to keep a context. If you put yes/no and use that to tout (either 'side' *starting to get tiring saying side lol) findings you may no matter what miss a piece of the puzzle. Random here but for example if you had 60% vote no and 25% vote yes and 15% vote other (if you only want to keep the choices very limited) well that 15% still accounts for something (to me at least) when speaking only about the results of the poll.

But really I'm not trying to expand to global thoughts though I know it's been mentioned many times over that the DIS are veterns, more knowledgable, etc. To me that doesn't mean you are automatically the voice of all or even a majority of Disney visitors. It's been said many times that the DIS represents a small number of Disney visitors and to an extent some people have also expressed that they liked that the general public may not necessarily knowing all that the DIS has the potential for knowing (I'm thinking things like how FP works, rolling 4th FP, etc that people talk about there being cluelessness about certain things from the general public).

In reality the DIS can't be both the representation of the majority of guests and yet also be a minority representation of guests. The DIS is the largest I believe in terms of actual members on their site for the Disney community as a whole (or at least I believe that's how it's been phrased or similarly phrased) but doesn't represent the largest in terms of WDW visitors. Even then with over 500,000 members not everyone checks the WDW side, not everyone checks the Resorts board, not every member is active but I know for sure there is more than 1,244 active members (using the other poll as it was talked about enough as far as what people felt the numbers represented) on the DIS, etc.

*Sorry for the rambling here hopefully I'm making sense*

No I completely agree. My comment was more aimed at those who are still pointing out that a “majority of ppl” said no.