Have you ever considered bringing your dog along on a Walt Disney World vacation but wondered what it’s actually like once you get there? Where can you walk them? What happens when you head to the theme parks? And perhaps most importantly, does staying in a dog-friendly room feel any different from a typical Disney Resort stay? Those are exactly the kinds of questions we wanted answered, so we talked with someone who recently brought her tiny travel companion, Phoebe, along for a stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.
Phoebe is a 4.5-pound long-coat Chihuahua and a seasoned traveler, but this was her very first Walt Disney World vacation. From receiving Pluto’s Welcome Kit at check-in to morning walks around the resort and relaxing in their Royal Room, her family got to experience Riverside a little differently this time. Here’s what they had to say about staying at Walt Disney World with a four-legged member of the family.
1. Tell us a little about your dog!
What’s your dog’s name, breed, age, and personality? Is this their first Disney vacation?
Our dog is a teacup, long-coat, chihuahua named Phoebe. She weighs 4.5 pounds and this was her very first WDW vacation! She is a total lap dog who loves whipped cream and peanut butter. Phoebe is sweet and sometimes sassy.
2. What made you decide to bring your dog to Walt Disney World instead of leaving them at home or boarding them?
Phoebe usually travels with us anywhere we go. She has been to NYC, Washington D.C., Louisiana, and all over Florida. We choose not to board her since she can easily travel with us in her carrier via car or airplane. We always opt for a dog-friendly hotel or Airbnb, and nowadays there are plenty to choose from.
3. Why did you choose Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside?
Did you specifically pick it because it’s dog-friendly, or were there other reasons?
We did choose Port Orleans Resort Riverside because it is dog-friendly, but this is also the resort my husband vacationed at with his parents when he was a child. This was their home resort. We also wanted to utilize the boat transportation along the Sassagoula River to Disney Springs.
4. What was check-in like?
Did Cast Members acknowledge your dog? What was included in Pluto’s Welcome Kit, and was there anything that surprised you?
Yes, cast members acknowledged Phoebe and gushed over how small and cute she is. Pluto’s Welcome Kit included a water bowl (yellow with a band of black bones going around the outside), a food mat, a WDW dog tag for her collar (it was not required to be worn), and poop bags.
5. How was your Royal Room?
Did it feel clean and comfortable? Were there any signs that the room regularly hosts dogs? Did the Royal Room theming make the stay feel extra special?
Our room was spotless and extremely comfortable. No one would ever know these rooms regularly host our canine friends. Disney always goes above and beyond when it comes to cleanliness and comfort. The Royal Room theming is exceptional and since Princess Tiana is one of my favorites it felt extra special.
6. How did your dog adjust to the resort?
Were they relaxed right away, or did it take some time? How did they react to all the new sights, sounds, and smells?
Phoebe sometimes has a hard time getting comfortable when it comes to her potty routine in a new place. We had no issues here! She relieved herself immediately during her first walk at the resort. Dogs are allowed in all areas of the resort with the exception of the pool and dining areas. Phoebe is quite small, so she rides in her stroller most of the time. She enjoyed watching people, other dogs, squirrels, and the horses! We sat on a bench each morning while I had my coffee so she could enjoy the sights and smells.
7. Were the dog walking areas and pet relief stations convenient?
Did you find them easy to locate?
There were specific pet relief areas and they were clearly marked on the Resort’s map. Guests are required to clean up after their furry friend.
8. What did you do with your dog while you visited the theme parks?
Did you leave them in the room, hire a pet sitter, use Best Friends Pet Care, or have someone stay behind? How did that part of the trip work out?
Phoebe stayed in the room during our park time. She seemed perfectly content and caught up on her naptime.
9. Did you run into many other guests traveling with dogs?
If so, what was that experience like? Did it make the resort feel any different than a typical Disney stay?
Yes, there were so many other dogs staying at the resort. I love that so many people choose to travel with their pet instead of leaving them at home or boarding them. All dogs were leashed and owners took proper precautions when encountering each other. I saw people keeping a respectful distance between their pets and other guests.
10. Was there anything about traveling with a dog that surprised you?
Maybe something that was easier than expected… or harder.
No, we travel with her a great deal.
11. Did staying with your dog change the pace of your vacation?
Did you find yourselves taking more resort breaks or spending more time enjoying Port Orleans than you normally would?
No, we are local and annual passholders. Enjoying the resort was part of the fun!
12. If you could change or improve one thing about Disney’s dog-friendly program, what would it be?
More pet-friendly resorts!
13. Would you stay at a Disney dog-friendly resort again?
Why or why not? Would you return to Port Orleans – Riverside or try one of the other dog-friendly resorts?
Yes, we would stay there again; but, I also want to try out Ft. Wilderness with a pet. I believe POR is perfect for dog families due to the amazing walking paths.
14. Finally… what was your favorite memory from this vacation with your dog?
Was there one moment where you thought, “I’m so glad we brought them along”?
My favorite was our mornings together, just the two of us, people watching.
After hearing about Phoebe’s stay, I think one of the biggest takeaways is just how easily a dog can become part of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation for a family that’s already accustomed to traveling with their pet. The walking paths at Port Orleans – Riverside seem particularly well suited for it, and I love that Phoebe’s favorite part of the trip wasn’t anything elaborate. It was simply hanging out each morning with her person, watching everyone go by.
Of course, bringing a dog to Walt Disney World isn’t going to make sense for every family or every pet. But if you’ve been hesitant because you’re picturing a complicated resort experience, hearing directly from someone who’s actually done it can help. And in Phoebe’s case, it sounds like she’ll be packing that tiny suitcase again. Maybe Fort Wilderness next time!
