Trial Run for Dogs in Resort Rooms

[AntJulie]

Sadly I wish I could say the same thing. VGF.

So, if housekeeping couldn't thoroughly clean a room after a person stayed in it, how will they be able to clean a room after a dog or two stayed there?

 

[tgarre06]

Awful idea, hope this fails quickly. And I absolutely adore my dog and all other dogs. I will not book at any resorts allowing dogs.

 

[ArwenMarie]

7 hours is a long time for a dog in a strange hotel room. Wow

 

[reylas]

Funny b/c a lot of ppl I talked to do like it (clearly not here tho). Think it depends on your situation. I know ppl with small or elderly dogs that don’t do well boarding. I have an aunt who’s Yorkie ends up in ICU if boards it b/c it doesn’t eat & vomits from anxiety but does fine going to hotels with her. I used to have an elderly dachshund with a bad back that absolutely could not jump or have a leash around his neck so I didn’t trust anyone else to care for him. I would have loved this option when I had him.

I think the bigger issue is not that they changed a resort to be pet friendly. It is the fact that we were given 48 hours notice on a massive change like this. If they came out today and said that they were changing the Contemporary Rooms over to smoker friendly starting Sunday, this board would explode. Now for people who are allergic to dogs and cats that just happened.

Again, saying they were going to do this in 6 months, then by all means. We can adjust. But give us 48 hour warning? Not Disney Magic by any means.

 

[abooch]

I’ll be staying at AoA at the end of October and am allergic to dogs. So if I call Disney and complain will they move me?

 

[LSUmiss]

I think the bigger issue is not that they changed a resort to be pet friendly. It is the fact that we were given 48 hours notice on a massive change like this. If they came out today and said that they were changing the Contemporary Rooms over to smoker friendly starting Sunday, this board would explode. Now for people who are allergic to dogs and cats that just happened.

Again, saying they were going to do this in 6 months, then by all means. We can adjust. But give us 48 hour warning? Not Disney Magic by any means.

I completely agree with this.

 

[Disneylover99]

Here it is straight from Loew's Pet Policy .... wonder why Disney opted to be so lax with their rules compared to other hotels.

- Pets should be supervised at all times while in the hotel or on the property. You have been provided with a list of local pet sitting services which can be arranged for you through the hotel’s concierge. Since these services are not provided by Loews Hotels we cannot be held responsible for any pet service engaged by you.
- A $10 per hour “time out” fee is assessed by Loews Hotels if a pet is left unattended and needs to be removed from a guestroom.

Yeah. I just don't get it. Pets shouldn't be allowed in hotel rooms unsupervised for any length of time, especially up to 7 hours?

I'm hoping Disney will revise this part of their policy.

 

[L&Lfan]

I wonder where the dog pooping area will be at the Yacht Club? Lovely...

 

[vinotinto]

Just no. I can't believe any room would be a potential dog room at those hotels for the next year. Just unbelievable.

Those of you that have changed your plans, or are trying to change them, please send an email to wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com. The phone reservation CMs won't be able to appropriately relay to the decision-makers why you are making these changes. You must email the folks that relay the info up.

And even if you don't have a stay in one of those 4 hotels, send them an email. I don't have a reservation at any of those 4 hotels between now and October 2018. But, I am drafting my email because I am concerned that they may expand the policy to add more hotels past October 2018. And it's simply not fair to those who have booked those 4 hotels.

I love WDW, but every year I struggle to convince my DH to go. Hotel turning dog-friendly is about the only thing that would make me pause and consider whether I wanted to vacation somewhere else.

 

[DVCPAT]

Seriously? Yeah, this attempt at humor wasn't offensive or anything.


THIS. Block off a section, and keep other sections dog-free, and I'm ok with it. But to rely on housekeeping to clean a room well enough that any allergy sensitive guests wouldn't be susceptible to an attack after the room was recently vacated by a dog? I don't know if I have enough faith....

I was at Home Depot yesterday and a customers dog had to go #2. It wasn't the dogs fault, he had to go and did what came naturally. If they block off a section, it should be on a top floor or a wing that doesn't get any guest traffic. With the long hallways and a good distance to grass areas, you can bet the hallways will see a fair share of accidents.

 

[2Kds2K9]

While I appreciate the input the comments that they leave their pets alone in room, in crates or not, is against Loews policy. If they catch you they remove the pets and charge you per hour to babysit them. This is what we are going to find with Disney ... folks not following the rules.


Here it is straight from Loew's Pet Policy .... wonder why Disney opted to be so lax with their rules compared to other hotels.

- Pets should be supervised at all times while in the hotel or on the property. You have been provided with a list of local pet sitting services which can be arranged for you through the hotel’s concierge. Since these services are not provided by Loews Hotels we cannot be held responsible for any pet service engaged by you.
- A $10 per hour “time out” fee is assessed by Loews Hotels if a pet is left unattended and needs to be removed from a guestroom.

We have stayed at the Lowes Royal Pacific Hotel numerous times and left our dogs unattended in the rooms without an issue. I called the hotel to verify their policies the first time we stayed there and were assured that as long as my dogs were not a nuisance, they could be left alone. If they did pose a problem and a hotel employee had to remove them, there would be a fee/fine imposed. The above policy does not state that they cannot be left alone in your room.

 

[shoreward]

I wonder where the dog pooping area will be at the Yacht Club? Lovely...

I don't know the exact location, but it's being advised that it's not under cover.

Disney is now stating:

We will also designate certain floors or sections of a hotel as dog-friendly, while the majority of areas will remain canine-free to accommodate Guests with allergies or other concerns.

 

[HopperFan]

We have stayed at the Lowes Royal Pacific Hotel numerous times and left our dogs unattended in the rooms without an issue. I called the hotel to verify their policies the first time we stayed there and were assured that as long as my dogs were not a nuisance, they could be left alone. If they did pose a problem and a hotel employee had to remove them, there would be a fee/fine imposed. The above policy does not state that they cannot be left alone in your room.

It does say they can not be left alone. It states "Pets should be supervised at all times while in the hotel or on the property." If they are alone they are not being supervised. It also goes on to offer pet sitting or kennel options for those who need it.

Pets should be supervised at all times while in the hotel or on the property. You have been provided with a list of local pet sitting services which can be arranged for you through the hotel’s concierge. Since these services are not provided by Loews Hotels we cannot be held responsible for any pet service engaged by you.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Nobody loves their dog as much as I love mine. She is my baby girl. But this is crazy. I have no desire to bring her to Disney World. The fireworks alone would drive her nuts.

If Disney wants to cater to people with pets, they should confine it to an isolated section of one resort. And I think the same should apply to service animals. We had a whole discussion about it on the theme parks, and I'm told that service animals can stay everywhere per the ADA, but I think that's wrong. Some people are highly allergic to pet dander, and I don't think they should have to worry about housed in the same quarters where animals have stayed.

 

[abooch]

Not only allergies, but what about those who are scared of dogs?

 

[hamilkm]

I have severe dog allergies and also have a fear of dogs (my earliest childhood memory is getting jumped on by a Doberman). I have stayed at 2 of the pet friendly universal hotels with no problems. I requested to be far from any pet friendly rooms. This request was honored, and I never saw a dog my entire trip.

My worries about Disney is reading that all rooms at the resort may be designated pet friendly. This would not work for me. I would have to be guaranteed a room that a dog hasn’t stayed in (yes I realize there are service animals, but have never had an issue with these before). Loews was more than willing to guarantee I would have a room that dogs were not allowed to stay in and also gave my room an allergy cleaning. My rooms on both visits were immaculate.

I am also considering quitting using the magical express due to this. It’s just not worth the risk. The asthma attack I get every time one is on a plane is bad enough. I don’t want another on the magical express. We use an Uber half the time to and from the airport anyways.

If Disney handles this like Universal people with allergies will be able to stay at these resorts with no problems. I’m just not encouraged by the conflicting reports I’m reading. So glad this isn’t at any of the DVC resorts yet!

 

[DVCMonorailBlue]

This may already be posted:

Dog Friendly FAQ’s

Q1. Will we be making these changes at other resorts?
At this time, this option is only available to Guests staying at these four Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Q2. Is this a permanent change?
This dog-friendly option will be available to Guests with reservations October 15, 2017 through October 15,
2018.

Q3. Is there a charge for Guests traveling with their dogs?
Upon registration, Guests traveling with their dogs will incur a pet cleaning charge at the resort. Guests
staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside or the cabins at
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will have a $50 per night charge applied to their folio.
Guests staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will have a $75 per night charge applied to their folio. Note for
Camp Sites, the current policies and pricing of $5 per night will remain unchanged.
Our pet package includes Pluto’s Welcome Kit, which gives dogs and their owners a collection of dogfriendly
resort amenities including a mat, bowls, pet ID tag, disposable bags, puppy pads and a dog walking
map of the resort.
Q4. How many dogs can a Guest have in their room? Are there weight or breed restrictions?
Guests may have up to two dogs per room. There are no weight or breed restrictions.
Q5. Will Guests be able to bring their pet dogs to our theme parks or Disney Springs?
No. Only licensed service animals are allowed in our theme parks and Disney Springs.
Q6. If a Guest hears a dog barking or experience another unwelcome dog behavior, what do they do?
Please contact the resort Front Desk or the nearest Cast Member to make them aware.
Q7. Do dogs need to be in a crate/carrier inside the room?
No. However, Guests may choose to use their dog’s personal crate/carrier in the room.
Q8. Will we have designated dog-friendly rooms?
No, though most Guests traveling with their dogs will stay in specific areas of the resort.
Q9. How will we know the Guest is traveling with their dog?
If a Guest is traveling with their dog, please enter “Guest traveling with Dog” in the Free Form comments.
Note we are working getting a coded comment for these specific resorts (For LILI the comment is PUPPY)
Q10. Will Guests need to provide veterinary documentation for their dog?
Guests must be able to provide documentation that their dog’s vaccinations and inoculations are up to
date, upon request.
Q11. Are Guests traveling with their dog still able to participate in “straight to park”?
If a Guest will not be checking into the resort prior to visiting the theme parks, they must make
arrangements with Best Friends Pet Care.
Q12. Will Guests traveling with their dog be able to take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express?
Yes. However, dogs must travel in a pet carrier, provided by the owner.
Q13. Will Guests traveling with their dog be able to take advantage of ons
ite Disney Transportation
services?
Guests may take advantage of Minnie Van Service, however dogs must travel in a pet carrier, provided by
the owner, and may not take up a seat. Only licensed service animals are allowed on Disney Transportation
buses, monorails or watercraft. However, dogs will be allowed to travel on the internal buses for Disney’s
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort.
Q14. Will there be a designated pet relief areas at the resort?
Yes. Green spaces will be identified as pet relief areas. Please note these areas are not under cover.
Q15. Will pet beds, dog food and other amenities be available at the resort?
Our pet package includes Pluto’s Welcome Kit, which gives dogs and their owners a collection of dogfriendly
resort amenities. A limited offering of dog food is available at Best Friends Pet Care or Guests are
welcome to visit another store in the areas. Cast Members will be able to assist with directions. Pet beds
are not available at this time.
Q16. Are other dog-related services available to our Guests?
Not at this time
Q17. If a Guest has medication for their dog which must be refrigerated, will we store it for them until
the room is ready?
Yes.
Q18. Are veterinary services available? Where is the nearest emergency veterinarian?
Best Friend Pet Care can assist with arranging veterinary services.
Q19. Will we offer any type of travel insurance for dogs (ex. medical or trip cancellation)?
No. However, if a Guest decides not to bring their dog, they will not be charged the pet cleaning fee.
Q20. If a Guest is afraid of dogs, what can we do to accommodate them?
If a Guest is afraid of dogs, we will accommodate them away from pet areas.
Q21. If a Guest has allergies and is assigned near a dog-friendly room, what can we do to accommodate
them?
We have a thorough cleaning process for out rooms and will work to accommodate the Guest’s individual
needs..
Q22. Do we allow Guests to bring other pets (ex. Cats)?
At this time, we are only able to welcome Guests and their dogs

 

[DisneyFive]

Just popping in to say thanks for keeping things (mostly) civil, and to remind everyone that if you don't like this policy, your quarrel is with Disney, not your fellow DISboards members.

I completely agree with what you say here.

With all due respect, as a moderator, if you wanted to be objective and unbiased your post would have stopped here.

Dan

 

[2Kds2K9]

It does say they can not be left alone. It states "Pets should be supervised at all times while in the hotel or on the property." If they are alone they are not being supervised. It also goes on to offer pet sitting or kennel options for those who need it.

Pets should be supervised at all times while in the hotel or on the property. You have been provided with a list of local pet sitting services which can be arranged for you through the hotel’s concierge. Since these services are not provided by Loews Hotels we cannot be held responsible for any pet service engaged by you.

Well then, I guess that I've been in violation of the policy 12 times in the last eight years. Interesting that when I make my reservation and tell them my dogs will once again be joining us for our 4-5 day universal vacation, they don't tell me my dogs can't be left alone in the room. They do tell me that I can only have two and that if they are a nuisance, we will be asked to leave. Oh, and that they must be leashed when out of the room. When I check in, with dogs in tow, I'm reminded once again about the barking policy and being leashed in public areas. I'm also told they are allowed in the one outdoor bar. I don't remember which one as we are usually too tired for a nightcap. I think it's Jakes. Guess I'll call the hotel directly and verify that I can still leave my dogs unattended in the room when we return this December.

 

[hamilkm]

This may already be posted:

Dog Friendly FAQ’s

Q1. Will we be making these changes at other resorts?
At this time, this option is only available to Guests staying at these four Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Q2. Is this a permanent change?
This dog-friendly option will be available to Guests with reservations October 15, 2017 through October 15,
2018.

Q3. Is there a charge for Guests traveling with their dogs?
Upon registration, Guests traveling with their dogs will incur a pet cleaning charge at the resort. Guests
staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside or the cabins at
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will have a $50 per night charge applied to their folio.
Guests staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will have a $75 per night charge applied to their folio. Note for
Camp Sites, the current policies and pricing of $5 per night will remain unchanged.
Our pet package includes Pluto’s Welcome Kit, which gives dogs and their owners a collection of dogfriendly
resort amenities including a mat, bowls, pet ID tag, disposable bags, puppy pads and a dog walking
map of the resort.
Q4. How many dogs can a Guest have in their room? Are there weight or breed restrictions?
Guests may have up to two dogs per room. There are no weight or breed restrictions.
Q5. Will Guests be able to bring their pet dogs to our theme parks or Disney Springs?
No. Only licensed service animals are allowed in our theme parks and Disney Springs.
Q6. If a Guest hears a dog barking or experience another unwelcome dog behavior, what do they do?
Please contact the resort Front Desk or the nearest Cast Member to make them aware.
Q7. Do dogs need to be in a crate/carrier inside the room?
No. However, Guests may choose to use their dog’s personal crate/carrier in the room.
Q8. Will we have designated dog-friendly rooms?
No, though most Guests traveling with their dogs will stay in specific areas of the resort.
Q9. How will we know the Guest is traveling with their dog?
If a Guest is traveling with their dog, please enter “Guest traveling with Dog” in the Free Form comments.
Note we are working getting a coded comment for these specific resorts (For LILI the comment is PUPPY)
Q10. Will Guests need to provide veterinary documentation for their dog?
Guests must be able to provide documentation that their dog’s vaccinations and inoculations are up to
date, upon request.
Q11. Are Guests traveling with their dog still able to participate in “straight to park”?
If a Guest will not be checking into the resort prior to visiting the theme parks, they must make
arrangements with Best Friends Pet Care.
Q12. Will Guests traveling with their dog be able to take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express?
Yes. However, dogs must travel in a pet carrier, provided by the owner.
Q13. Will Guests traveling with their dog be able to take advantage of ons
ite Disney Transportation
services?
Guests may take advantage of Minnie Van Service, however dogs must travel in a pet carrier, provided by
the owner, and may not take up a seat. Only licensed service animals are allowed on Disney Transportation
buses, monorails or watercraft. However, dogs will be allowed to travel on the internal buses for Disney’s
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort.
Q14. Will there be a designated pet relief areas at the resort?
Yes. Green spaces will be identified as pet relief areas. Please note these areas are not under cover.
Q15. Will pet beds, dog food and other amenities be available at the resort?
Our pet package includes Pluto’s Welcome Kit, which gives dogs and their owners a collection of dogfriendly
resort amenities. A limited offering of dog food is available at Best Friends Pet Care or Guests are
welcome to visit another store in the areas. Cast Members will be able to assist with directions. Pet beds
are not available at this time.
Q16. Are other dog-related services available to our Guests?
Not at this time
Q17. If a Guest has medication for their dog which must be refrigerated, will we store it for them until
the room is ready?
Yes.
Q18. Are veterinary services available? Where is the nearest emergency veterinarian?
Best Friend Pet Care can assist with arranging veterinary services.
Q19. Will we offer any type of travel insurance for dogs (ex. medical or trip cancellation)?
No. However, if a Guest decides not to bring their dog, they will not be charged the pet cleaning fee.
Q20. If a Guest is afraid of dogs, what can we do to accommodate them?
If a Guest is afraid of dogs, we will accommodate them away from pet areas.
Q21. If a Guest has allergies and is assigned near a dog-friendly room, what can we do to accommodate
them?
We have a thorough cleaning process for out rooms and will work to accommodate the Guest’s individual
needs..
Q22. Do we allow Guests to bring other pets (ex. Cats)?
At this time, we are only able to welcome Guests and their dogs

I don’t like the fact that they are not specifying pet friendly rooms. This makes it so people with allergies will be unable to stay at these resorts because they are unable to guarantee you a room that has not had a dog in it. I don’t trust their allergy cleaning.