Your pet can go to Walt Disney World? Yes! Your pooch really can come along to Walt Disney World! Now, there are some guidelines that you have to be mindful of, but, with the right info, you can have a magical stay at the Most Magical Place on Earth with your dog by your side! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know, starting with where to stay!
Pet-Friendly Disney World Resorts
There are several resorts that are pet friendly! This is relatively new for Walt Disney World. Disney Parks closed their doors for Hurricane Irma in 2017, one of the handful of times this has ever happened! Central Florida really got walloped! As a result, Disney opened its hotels to locals who needed places to stay at very reasonable rates. They also allowed those displaced due to the storm to bring their pets. This even extended a little beyond the storm due to power outages and flooding in Central Florida.
This is where it all started… Before Hurricane Irma, the only place pets were allowed to stay on Walt Disney World property was Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Albeit, one of our favorite resorts, not necessarily a favorite to everyone. But, shortly after Irma and still currently (as of 2023), there are a few hotels that welcome your pet.
Don’t want to stay at one of the select pet friendly resorts or the campground? There is one more option! Best Friends Pet Hotel!
Let’s dive in to the details of all these options for your whole family at Walt Disney World, even those members of the canine variety.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is dog friendly! We were thrilled to hear we could bring Kubota to the Most Magical Place on Earth and even bring our home on wheels too!
They have fantastic amenities for your furry friend! Their dog park is top notch! Like many campgrounds, they have two separate ones. One for smaller dogs and one for larger dogs. Given that our little guy is a small Westie Mix, we like the option for him to run and play with pups his own size.
They have water and some toys for the dogs too! There is even some ramps and hoops to jump through. The grass is well kept as well. Also, they offer covered picnic tables for the owners to hang in the shade, a really nice feature in the Florida heat!
We also love that you can bring your dog to the Campfire Singalong! They offer a group campfire where you can bring or purchase s’more materials! They have music and even Chip n’ Dale show up! If Chip n’ Dale stick around for photos, your furry friend can join! Where else can your dog get a photo op with the Disney characters!
There are also several dog walks around the park. These are tucked away behind some loops. The paths are pretty well trodden and they are wide and spacious. Great quiet spots to let your pooch stretch their legs!
And one of our favorite Fort Wilderness activities… looping! Taking the golf cart for a ride around all the loops! It is, by far, one of the most popular pastimes at Fort Wilderness! You will pass many other campers riding around, taking in the sights, with their pooch riding shot gun! It’s just the thing to do! Be careful, though, make sure your dog is wearing a harness, with a leash. You may also want to consider adding a good GPS tracking collar, just in case your pooch manages to slip the leash.
Don’t have a camper? No worries at all! The cabins at Fort Wilderness are also pet friendly! These cabins are really great! Appointed with plenty of sleeping options, a kitchen, living space and front porch, these are really popular for groups! You have the unique experience of enjoying Walt Disney World nestled in the woods and you can bring your dog!
We absolutely love all that Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground has to offer for both human and canine guests!
Other Walt Disney World Resorts that are Pet Friendly
So you don’t really want to bring the RV or stay in one of the cabins at Fort Wilderness? That’s ok! There are three hotels that allow your pet to join you!
Like I mentioned, shortly after allowing pets as a result of Hurricane Irma, Disney decided to allow dogs to a couple resort hotels.
Before I get in to the specific resorts, there are a few blanket rules that apply to all three of them.
A few rules…
There is a maximum of 2 dogs per room.
Also, dogs are currently the only pets allowed to stay.
Your pet must be well behaved, be up to date on all their vaccinations and be leashed when outside the hotel room. T
hey are also not allowed in any public areas, including pool areas, restaurants and shops.
Despite these guidelines, Disney is more than happy to have your pet join you! They will even receive a complimentary Pluto’s Welcome Kit!
Hop over here for the exact Disney regulations and contact info!
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Art of Animation is Disney’s newest Value Resort. It is themed with oversized characters from some of your favorite movies, including The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Cars. The bright colors and beautiful landscaping make this value resort really appealing to families. Especially if you want to bring your dog!
A great choice to spend a little less on accommodations and be able to bring your pet along! Check out this Pet Policy Guide for Disney’s Art of Animation here!
Disney Port Orleans Resort- Riverside
Reminiscent of rural Louisiana, this moderate resort gives you the feel of being in the picturesque setting of the quaint bayou cottages of the south, along with the mansions that line the southern streets. Themed around Tiana’s dreams and her prince, this resort is bubbling with southern hospitality! Dogs are allowed in specific rooms, with easy access to outdoor spots to take them.
Check out this Pet Policy Guide for Disney Port Orleans- Riverside here!
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The only Deluxe Resort that allows pets, this resort is like stepping in a New England lakeside mansion. With nautical touches and whimsical appointments, Yacht Club is a deluxe resort with a lot to offer.
With a high end steakhouse and a variety of water recreation choices, a stay here will be brimming with elegance. Again, specific rooms with outdoor areas for your dog are provided at this resort. Check out this Pet Policy Guide for Disney’s Yacht Club Resort here!
Best Friends Pet Hotel
Best Friends has so much to offer your pup! They are conveniently located right on Walt Disney property. They offer boarding, a day camp and grooming. They also offer transportation!
Please note that there are vaccination requirements to take part in all the things offered at Best Friends! Check out the Best Friends Pet Hotel website for more details.
They offer several different boarding options for your dog. They have various sized kennels and some even offer an outdoor patio too! You can add upgrades, such as premium bedding, a Webcam, a TV for your dog, additional cuddle time and toys too! Best Friends offers boarding for the day as well as overnight.
Is your dog a social butterfly? Give them a day at the Doggy Day Camp! While interviews and shots are required, this could be a really fun option for a pup who loves to make new friends. These Day Camps are supervised by certified Doggy Day Camp counselors.
They offer play time, both indoor and outdoor. They also offer areas for pups to rest if they prefer just to relax. Again, there are plenty of add ons, such as an ice cream treat, extra cuddle time or even a bath!
Best Friends offers grooming too! They offer a basic bath and shampoo, all the way up to the works! You can get your dog a haircut, nails trimmed, teeth brushed… So many options! You can enjoy a day at the parks while your pup gets pampered!
And this was even news to me! Best Friends offers transportation. They have two pick up locations: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. With specific pick up and drop off times, this is a real easy way to get your pet to and from the resort.
As of now, Best Friends can accommodate dogs under 50 lbs to utilize their transportation services. This does need to be booked ahead of time! Be sure to check their website!
A Few Key Takeaways
Taking your dog to Walt Disney World? Go for it!
There are definitely some really great options to consider when thinking about whether to bring your furry friend along to the Most Magical Place on Earth!
Have an RV? Fort Wilderness is a great option! With amenities just for your pup, like the dog park and dog walks, your little guy or gal will feel like they are on vacation too! And don’t forget about looping! Hop on the golf cart and take him for a spin! Definitely make sure to check out the option for a cabin too! Pet friendly and very spacious, these cabins offer a great place to stay for the whole family, whether on 2 legs or 4 legs!
Prefer a resort atmosphere? Disney offers 3 hotels that are pet friendly! Art of Animation, a Value Resort, Port Orleans Riverside, a Moderate Resort and Yacht Club, a Deluxe Resort are some really fantastic choices for a pet friendly hotel to bring along your dog! With special dog walk areas and even a Pluto’s Welcome Kit, your pup will feel right at home!
Want to give your dog a little something special on their Walt Disney World vacation? Consider a day at Best Friend’s Pet Hotel Doggy Day Camp! They can run and play with some new best friends! You can even reserve them a spa day or simply a refreshing hair cut!
Walt Disney World really does offer so much for our furry friends! Before you head there though, check out their websites for pricing, vaccination requirements and pre booking!
And make sure they get a chance to see Pluto!
