Trial Run for Dogs in Resort Rooms

[Madame]

But it seems like you're saying "I want what I want" doesn't it? That's what I'm hearing. There's not just one side to this and you seem to be making it so by that statement.

Allergies & phobias are not something you can flip a switch & make gone!!! This is a NEED. Having your pet on vacation is a WANT. You’ll notice I am not including service dogs (who are trained & well behaved), because they are a NEED.

You’re hearing « I want » from the other side because that fits your narrative & allows you to dismiss the legitimate NEEDS & concerns of others. I am done with this conversation. I coached debate, & I am telling you that your argument does not hold water.

 

[shoreward]

Does anyone recall another time when there was so much uproar over a Disney change in policy?

 

[mexi]

I'm curious to know if there was a severe allergy outbreak when animals were in all resorts during the hurricane.

From all the comments I'm reading here it seems like people are thinking it's going to be catastrophic if a few dogs are somewhere in the building or if you happen to see one outside.

I doubt there was because Disney would have definitely heard about it.

 

[Disneylover99]

Does anyone recall another time when there was so much uproar over a Disney change in policy?

I remember a big debate when alcohol was first allowed in the MK at BOG.

 

[mexi]

Allergies & phobias are not something you can flip a switch & make gone!!! This is a NEED. Having your pet on vacation is a WANT. You’ll notice I am not including service dogs (who are trained & well behaved), because they are a NEED.

You’re hearing « I want » from the other side because that fits your narrative & allows you to dismiss the legitimate NEEDS & concerns of others. I am done with this conversation. I coached debate, & I am telling you that your argument does not hold water.

There's 2 sides to everything. I'm not trying to debate you lol. I'm just trying to voice my opinion the same way you are. I do have that right. So now we move on and it's ultimately up to Disney.

 

[Wubar]

I was told yesterday that 30 minutes from the first call we make to the front desk to report, Management "can" go into a room and remove a barking dog. (It will then be taken over to the Best Friends Kennel and the family will be notified.)

Can't wait to hear the uproar the first time this happens. "How dare you, my dog wasn't being loud, the kids next door are louder than my special dog, you're lucky you didn't get bitten, etc."

Yup, I guarantee Management doesn't want to have to do this, ever...

 

[Candlelady]

Does anyone recall another time when there was so much uproar over a Disney change in policy?

When the DVC decided to replace real coffee cups with paper cups in the studios. Lol. Didn't last long as DVC was inundated with calls and emails.

 

[Miumiu4me]

Just re-read the policies on the new dog plan. As noted before, some of these just sound like they will be difficult, if not impossible, to enforce as written.

Previous posts have mentioned how monitoring the maximum 7 hr alone rule is to occur, but what about the "Dogs must remain silent if left unattended in your room. If noise is heard, you will be called to address the noise within 30 minutes" rule? Does that mean within the first 30 minutes of dog barks, a CM will contact you to quiet your dog but there is no time frame on how long after that it takes you to calm your dog? Or do you have to quiet your dog within that first 30 min, which obviously will not happen if you are already inside one of the parks or even riding on a bus on your way to the parks. Seems like impossible situations to put CMs and the dog owners (and dogs!) in...

This was the policy at the Ritz - barking dogs must be dealt within 30 minutes or you will be asked to leave. I think the policy was in place to deter people from bringing dogs prone to barking in the first place.

 

[Miumiu4me]

When the DVC decided to replace real coffee cups with paper cups in the studios. Lol. Didn't last long as DVC was inundated with calls and emails.

I don't see the issue with letting dogs in the cabins. I wouldn't object to adding dogs to a few other resorts, but the lack of notice to the change in policy is a huge problem.

 

[Candlelady]

Can't wait to hear the uproar the first time this happens. "How dare you, my dog wasn't being loud, the kids next door are louder than my special dog, you're lucky you didn't get bitten, etc."

Yup, I guarantee Management doesn't want to have to do this, ever...

If you happen to have a problem with any noise, be it human or dog, record it with your phone. Disney cannot ignore proof.

 

[Disneylover99]

I'm curious to know if there was a severe allergy outbreak when animals were in all resorts during the hurricane.

From all the comments I'm reading here it seems like people are thinking it's going to be catastrophic if a few dogs are somewhere in the building or if you happen to see one outside.

I doubt there was because Disney would have definitely heard about it.

There may have been some people whose allergies acted up due to dogs. But let's face it. Everyone was just making the best out of a bad situation during that time. Even non dog lovers were understanding as to why they were there.

Even if some people did complain, it's not something that Disney is going to advertise. It was probably dealt with on a case by case basis. Most people stayed in their rooms. Parks were closed. Dogs weren't being left alone.

Tolerating/accepting it during a hurricane doesn't mean everyone now wants it to become policy.

 

[Carolella]

With a check-in date at one of the four dog-friendly resorts in a couple of weeks, I still have not received notification from Disney of this new policy, and booked directly through Disney. I found out about it from this thread.

What about guests who are not active on social media and find out when they see non-service dogs around the resort or hear barking that was never experienced in past stays?

Disney needs to get their act together.

With a check-in date at one of the four dog-friendly resorts in a couple of weeks, I still have not received notification from Disney of this new policy, and booked directly through Disney. I found out about it from this thread.

What about guests who are not active on social media and find out when they see non-service dogs around the resort or hear barking that was never experienced in past stays?

Disney needs to get their act together.

I also have a check- in in a few weeks, but I received 2 emails yesterday about it. After panicking and blood pressure going up, I decided to call them since my son has severe dog allergies. After 2 hours of trying to get through, all I ended up with was a reassurance that we would be in a pet free bldg. I had them check for other availabilities elsewhere and there were none. Find that hard to believe. For the first time ever, I am not excited about an upcoming Disney trip.

 

[kmb584]

I haven't read through this entire thread, but I do think this is an awful idea. I'm a total dog person and our Rottie, Boo, is definitely a huge part of our family, but never ever would I think it'd be a good idea to take her on vacation with us. She's a complete sweetheart and everyone that meets her, loves her, but I'd feel like a horrible person leaving her alone in a hotel room for hours on end. What kind of day is that for a dog? When I'm at work, she's home alone, but she has run of the whole house (minus the bathrooms).

From the perspective of a person in the medical field, it's also a horrible idea when you take people with allergies into account. No deep clean can erase every speck of hair and dander. They'd need to replace the carpet and furnishings after every stay to ensure it won't cause an allergic reaction if the next guest checking in has an allergy. And, we all know Disney won't be replacing a thing. What about accidents? Old urine smells horrendous. Wet dog smell if you're caught in the rain? No, thanks. I've read that as the dogs are allowed on DME if a person has an allergy they'll need to wait for another bus. What if the next bus also has a dog? It hardly seems fair.

A couple of years ago my mom and I were in line for RnRC when another VIP tour guide came walking down the ramp with a small pink ruffled carriage. Our guide joked, "What? On doll duty?" and the other guide goes, "No, dog duty, apparently." Sure enough, there was a little chihuahua in the carriage dressed in a pink princess dress and pink nail polish. The owner claimed the dog as an emotional support animal. My dog provides me emotional support too. She's a fantastic listener and a great cuddly bear. But, if I were to throw her into a princess dress and prance her around the parks, I do believe people would have a lot to say as she's 110 lbs and can't be carried in the crook of my arm like a newborn. Anyway, point is, I think this test is going to open the doors for people to claim emotional support in order to bring their little fluffballs into parks proper, and not just on hotel grounds. I think we'll be seeing an uptick of four-legged friends in the parks, and I'm just not okay with that.

 

[Carolella]

Since the new dogs allowed policy starts today, I am looking forward to hearing from people staying at Art of Animation. I will be staying there in a few weeks with serious dog allergic son and my own phobia from being attacked by a dog. I tried to have my resort changed, but apparently no availability.. first Disney trip that I am not super excited for.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I'm curious to know if there was a severe allergy outbreak when animals were in all resorts during the hurricane.

From all the comments I'm reading here it seems like people are thinking it's going to be catastrophic if a few dogs are somewhere in the building or if you happen to see one outside.

I doubt there was because Disney would have definitely heard about it.

Do you honestly think that Disney (or any other business) is going to advertise guests' injuries or the grounds of lawsuits that are filed against them?

Aside from HIPAA and the usual no comment on pending lawsuits, they don't want to give other guests ideas on what to sue them for. This may come as a shock to you, but there are people in this country who make a living on lawsuits.

 

[anniemae]

From the perspective of a person in the medical field, it's also a horrible idea when you take people with allergies into account. No deep clean can erase every speck of hair and dander. They'd need to replace the carpet and furnishings after every stay to do that to ensure it won't cause an allergic reaction if the next guest checking in has an allergy. And, we all know Disney won't be replacing a thing. What about accidents? Old urine smells horrendous. Wet dog smell if you're caught in the rain? No, thanks. I've read that as the dogs are allowed on DME if a person has an allergy they'll need to wait for another bus. What if the next bus also has a dog? It hardly seems fair.

This was my concern as well. How well will they clean the room? Housekeeping is already overwhelmed as it is. It would take a long time for a true deep cleaning. Also, I would want to make sure the pillows are replaced. As I mentioned up thread, I saw photos of people at Disney with dogs during the hurricane. There were a few photos of dogs sleeping on the pillows, dogs curled up on the pillows etc. Many people sleep with dogs and allow dogs on the beds. I would not want to put my head on that pillow. Yes I know they change the pillow cases, but it still freaks me out. We have both dog phobias and allergies in our family.

 

[Kay123456]

I'm curious to know if there was a severe allergy outbreak when animals were in all resorts during the hurricane.

From all the comments I'm reading here it seems like people are thinking it's going to be catastrophic if a few dogs are somewhere in the building or if you happen to see one outside.

I doubt there was because Disney would have definitely heard about it.

Thats really not the case most of the time. My concern is sleeping on a bed or crawling on a floor (especially carpeted one) where dogs have been. Those that think dog allergy mostly think sneezing, etc, but some peoples
reactions are much worse. Its a nightmare to deal with honestly and very stressful.

Most of my concern stems from getting so many conflicting answers. One CM says only certain rooms. Another CM says you have to request a certain cleaning. Another says all rooms will have the option for animals. My mind hasn’t been put at ease because of this. And unfortunately, at this late time, there’s no availability at a non dog resort. I really wish there was.

 

[Tink-osophy]

I don't see the issue with letting dogs in the cabins. I wouldn't object to adding dogs to a few other resorts, but the lack of notice to the change in policy is a huge problem.

It's definitely an issue if you like the unique properties of FW but need (not want - need) to avoid dogs.

Even just on the subject of noise, the cabins aren't far enough apart for barking not to disturb neighbors. Noise travels much further than that, especially if the dog is on the deck or (running around?) outside in the loop generally, but also if they're inside.

...Not to mention the issues relating to allergies, sensitivities, hygiene, dog mess and phobias affecting other Guests.

...And the fact that FW is so big and Disney aren't known for consistently policing their own rules, how is this going to be managed fairly? It only takes a small percentage of irresponsible or inconsiderate people with dogs to force other (powerless) Guests out.

 

[fla4fun]

Do you honestly think that Disney (or any other business) is going to advertise guests' injuries or the grounds of lawsuits that are filed against them?

Aside from HIPAA and the usual no comment on pending lawsuits, they don't want to give other guests ideas on what to sue them for. This may come as a shock to you, but there are people in this country who make a living on lawsuits.

I think there would have been some mention of it somewhere on social media that would have been picked up by someone here at the DIS by now. Of course, we don't know how many dogs were there for the hurricane. I saw one family with two dogs at Pop when I was there the day after Irma passed, and they were packing up to leave. The local news here makes a point of finding out anything negative that can even remotely be tied to Disney and blowing it all out of proportion. So if there is a serious dog related incident, like a bite or someone hospitalized with an allergic reaction, I expect them to be all over it.

 

[Madame]

I think there would have been some mention of it somewhere on social media that would have been picked up by someone here at the DIS by now. Of course, we don't know how many dogs were there for the hurricane. I saw one family with two dogs at Pop when I was there the day after Irma passed, and they were packing up to leave. The local news here makes a point of finding out anything negative that can even remotely be tied to Disney and blowing it all out of proportion. So if there is a serious dog related incident, like a bite or someone hospitalized with an allergic reaction, I expect them to be all over it.

Someone on FB yesterday was talking about a resort elevator reeking of dog urine during Irma. S/he didn’t report it because, well, priorities. I think no one wanted to seem to be complaining when so many were suffering.