You may have heard the big news on Friday afternoon that beginning yesterday, October 15, Walt Disney World kicked off a pilot program that would allow guests who are staying at either Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, or Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, to bring up to two of their dogs to join them in their hotel rooms. You can read more details on the pilot by clicking the link above.
In the meantime, we thought we’d share some of the comments we’re seeing from our posters over on DISBoards.com and honestly, we’re a bit surprised by what some dog-lovers have had to say about the matter!
First things first; at the top of the thread, you’ll find a quick poll that poses the question, “Do you think dogs should be allowed in guests’ rooms?” and, as of the time of this article being written, has over 720 votes with more than 85% of the answers being a resounding “no!”
From the concerns of hearing barking at 5:00 a.m. to fleas possibly contaminating the room, the original poster of the thread, ‘Lisann‘ says:
“I’m an A-1 super duper dog fan….but not at my resort.”
Poster ‘megs1313‘ says:
“I could not hate this more. And I LOVE dogs. I foster dogs. I’m pro-dog.”
‘dwdeb‘ brings up one of the biggest issues that has been on my mind since I first heard this announcement by saying:
“My biggest concern (and I own two Pembroke welsh corgis; love all dogs) is that idiot dog owners won’t follow the rules, and, won’t clean up after their dogs.”
Poster ‘jhaig‘ says:
“For what it’s worth, I like dogs but –
NO NO NO NO NO AND NO!!!!
I am at Disney for a vacation, to relax and enjoy down time with my family. The absolute last thing I want to worry about is someone’s yapping dog waking me up at 2am. It’s bad enough to worry about noisy humans, and now you’re going to throw dogs into the mix?
Disney, you are officially out of your minds. The only way this works is to make one separate resort for dogs. This way other guests. WHO DONT HAVE DOGS, don’t have to worry about noise, odors, fleas, and most importantly, allergies.
I hope Disney has beefed up the staffing at their complaint department, because they’re about to be overwhelmed with a virtual tsunami of angry paying customers.”
It appears that even the biggest of dog lovers are not in favor of this trial. We did manage to find just a couple of posters who are in favor of the trial:
Poster ‘LSUmiss‘ says:
“Since it’s only certain resorts, I don’t see the big deal. If you don’t like dogs or are allergic or whatever the issue is, don’t stay there. I will not bring my dog every trip, but I like the option.”
While poster ‘Mom loves Disney‘ says:
“I’m happy. I just switched to Port Orleans Riverside in hopes of getting a pet friendly room.”
As of now, the official Disney sites say, “This dog-friendly option will be available to Guests with reservations October 15, 2017 through October 15, 2018” so, this is a year-long trial at this point. Of course, that is always subject to change at any time.
Below is a more detailed list of the rules for this trial run:
- Designated Rooms only in designated section of specific resorts
- Only dogs will be allowed in Guest rooms, and there is a limit of two dogs per Guest room.
- Guests are responsible for the proper care, behavior and waste maintenance of their dogs throughout the Resort.
- Dogs must be well-behaved and are not allowed on furniture in public areas.
- Dogs should be supervised at all times while staying on Resort property and should not be left unattended in your Guest room for more than 7 hours.
- Dogs should remain silent if left unattended in your Guest room. If noise is heard, you will be called to address the noise within 30 minutes.
- Please display the provided “Do Not Disturb” door hanger outside your room to alert Cast Members that dogs are present.
Housekeeping service in Guest rooms with dogs is only available when Guests are present. Please dial the Housekeeping button on your in-room telephone to schedule a cleaning time at your convenience. - Please leash or restrain your dogs at all times while in public spaces on Resort property.
- Only licensed service animals are allowed in Food & Beverage locations, the Club Lounge, Pool Areas, Fitness Centers, and other public Guest areas.
- Guests with dogs are allowed to use some Resort transportation services, including Disney’s Magical Express® and Minnie Van™. In order to use Resort transportation, dogs must remain in pet carriers for the duration of transit. All other Resort transportation and public transportation, including Walt Disney World® Monorails and Friendship Boats, are available to Guests with licensed service animals only.
- Dogs are not permitted in Theme Parks and Disney Springs®. Only licensed service animals are allowed in these Guest areas.
- Up-to-date vaccination records must be available upon request.
As you can see, the vast majority of our posters hate the idea. What are your thoughts on the new pilot program? Head over to the Disney Resorts forum and look for the thread entitled “Trial Run for Dogs in Resort Rooms” to weigh in and don’t forget to take the poll!
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Senior Editor for the DIS and DCL Fan | Disney Vacation Club Member | Thrilled to have been a '13/'14 Disney Parks Moms Panelist (now planDisney) | Lover of all things Disney; the Magic of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line | ºoº