We all love our pets, sometimes even more than anyone else in the family! But what do you do with them when heading on vacation? Do you board them at a kennel, leave them with family and friends, or dare I say bring them with you? Is that even an option? It’s becoming more and more common for hotels and resorts to allow pets on property so our beloved furries aren’t left behind at home.
Would you bring your pet with you on vacation if you could? Walt Disney World gives you that option! Let’s review all the different ways!
Note: The following post applies to bringing your pets to Walt Disney World and does not apply to service animals. There are separate rules and policies that cover service animals at Walt Disney World.
Best Friends Pet Care Center
Walt Disney World has their very own pet resort! So while you are on vacation, your pets can be too! This state-of-the-art facility offers multiple services for your dog, cat or variety of other pets. Note: All pets visiting Best Friends Pet Care must be up-to-date on their vaccines. Written proof is required from a veterinarian.
Located directly across from Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside, the resort offers the following:
- 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space
- 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas
- 25,000-square-foot dog park
The staff is made up of 45 highly trained pet care providers who stay on site 24 hours and are ready to care of your beloved furball.
Your pet can experience the casual sleepover to a week-long retreat with luxurious accommodations providing them with privacy and comfort. While the facility can accommodate up to 300 dogs, cats and small pets, reservations at Best Friends Pet Care are suggested.
Overnight Accommodations
Dogs
- VIP Luxury Suites – this 226 square-foot suite package includes 2 potty walks, 2 playgroups, a flat-screen television, webcam, bedtime story and, after a 3-day stay, a bath.
- Vacation Villas – this 72 square-foot suite package includes one potty walk, playgroup, a flat-screen television and a turndown biscuit.
- Indoor/Outdoor Suite – this 32 to 48 square-foot suite package includes one potty walk.
- Indoor Suite – this 36 square-foot suite package includes 2 potty walks.
Cats
- 2 Level Condo
- 4 Level Condo
If you have a smaller pet such as birds, reptiles and/or rodents, Guests must provide an enclosure for their pet. Rates are based on the size of the enclosure (small, medium, large and extra large).
Please note that Best Friends Pet Care cannot accommodate venomous pets or primates. Native wildlife or exotic species are not allowed inside the facility.
For more information, prices or to make an appointment, call (877) 4 WDW-PETS or (877) 493-9738, or visit the Best Friends Pet Care website.
Day Care
Just need to have someone watch your furry for the day? You can drop your pet off in the morning and pick them up later in the afternoon! Your pet will experience the same amenities and services as overnight Guests.
For more information, prices or to make an appointment, call (877) 4 WDW-PETS or (877) 493-9738, or visit the Best Friends Pet Care website.
Activities
Furry Guests will receive amazing activities and service when staying at Best Friends Pet Care:
Dogs
- Playgroup
- Playtime
- Cuddletime
- Walk & Explor
- Bottled Water
- Bedtime Story
- Ice Cream Break
- Holiday Meal
- Premium Bed
Cats
- Playtime
- Cookies & Milk
- Tuna on a Ritz
- Activity Toy
- Deluxe Kitty Bed
Grooming
Grooming services are available at Best Friends Pet Care. From a good shampoo, to a haircut or flea treatment, the pet center can take care of it all! For more information, prices or to make an appointment, call (877) 4 WDW-PETS or (877) 493-9738, or visit the Best Friends Pet Care website.
Dog-Friendly Hotels
Don’t want to leave your pooch at the daycare center? No worries! Walt Disney World has you covered. Do you know that four hotels on the Walt Disney World Resort property now allow you the ability to bring your dog with you to the hotel?
As part of a pilot (and still ongoing) program that started in October 2017, the following resorts can accommodate up to 2 dogs per guest room for a fee per room/per night (for pet-cleaning) in addition to the current hotel room rates:
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – $50/night
- Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort – $50/night
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – $75/night
- Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – $50/night
Each room will have easy access to outdoor areas for play and pet relief areas (see maps below). The resort will also designate certain areas or floors to be pet-friendly. The remaining areas of the hotel remains pet-free to accommodate guests with allergies or other concerns.
At check-in, guests will receive a Pluto’s Welcome Kit complete with items for your furry friend. Disney also collaborates with Best Friends Pet Care who are on Disney property and provide pet daycare and various pet services for a fee.
Dogs that stay in designated pet rooms are required to be well-behaved, leashed in public areas, and up-to-date with vaccinations. See additional Walt Disney World dog policies listed below.
Currently, only the four listed hotels on property allow dogs. Other pets, such as cats, are not currently allowed. If you bring any other pets to Walt Disney World, they will need to stay in the accommodations provided at Best Friends Pet Center.
Walt Disney World Dog Policy
Dog Relief Areas
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campsite
If you are staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campsite, when booking, you may request a “pet-friendly loop” for an additional $5.00 per night.
If you make your reservations online, select the “Add” button in the “Room and Amenity Requests” section. You will then be able to request a pet-friendly loop.
Pets are not allowed in pop-up trailers or tents.
Disney’s Magical Express and Minnie Vans
Disney’s Magical Express and Minnie Vans are available for Guests traveling with service animals and pets at Walt Disney World Resort.
Service Animals
Service animals may travel on the Disney’s Magical Express motorcoach and Minnie Vans in the passenger cabin or van with their owners.
Pets
Pet dogs may travel to a dog-friendly resort on the Disney’s Magical Express motorcoach in the passenger cabin while in a pet carrier. Minnie Vans can also accommodate pets while they are in their carrier. The pet carrier must be provided by the owner, and it must be able to fit safely in a seat on the motorcoach or in the Minnie Van.
No other pets are permitted in the passenger cabin or the storage compartment.