Trial Run for Dogs in Resort Rooms

[Wubar]

I'm just baffled why Disney won't come out and state, and be consistent about it, that the policy will be that all dogs and service dogs will be housed in specific areas/bldgs/rooms, and there will be rooms that will never have been previously occupied by dogs. This doesn't take into account which common areas the dogs will be allowed to roam, but if they could guarantee dog-free rooms, that would take away some, not ALL but some, of the angst over their new policy.

I was told by a CM on the phone that there will be specific areas for dogs, that service animals have always been housed in specific areas (not every room in the resort), and Disney can guarantee rooms that will never house dogs (both in the past and in the future), but I can see from this thread that not everyone is receiving the same information. Of course this doesn't touch upon their decision to roll out their strange 48 hour "advanced" notice, which seems bizarre given the negative effect it can have on pre-existing reservations.

Makes you wonder whether Disney already has set policies about dogs, and there is just miscommunication of said policies to all of their CMs....or whether guests have brought up issues they haven't thought of before and they are rewriting them as the days go by, which is only leading to more confusion. Not sure which scenario is better.

 

[BigAlsGal]

 

[Disneylover99]

I'm thrilled with this news and I know many people who also are. The only place I've heard anything negative about this new change is on here.

That's because our comments on the dis have not been deleted. The Disney parks blog deleted or didn't approve many comments that were against bringing dogs to the resorts or questioned the policy. Disney wants to put a positive spin on this. They don't want people who question the policy to influence others.

 

[nemofans]

I have the same concerns as everyone else and adding the fact that my kid is terrified of dogs. Therapy has helped little and this is just an added stress to our vacation. We usually stay at AKL & I would guess if this became permanent, AKL would be kept exempt due to the savannah animals. I can hope.

 

[Tink-osophy]

That's because our comments on the dis have not been deleted. The Disney parks blog deleted or didn't approve many comments that were against bringing dogs to the resorts or questioned the policy. Disney wants to put a positive spin on this. They don't want people who question the policy to influence others.

Well said.

I have read many comments by very unhappy and concerned people elsewhere. Depends where you're looking, I suppose, and how those places are moderated and managed.

 

[croach]

I think most people are going to spend more time in this thread complaining about dogs at the hotels than actually seeing or hearing a dog at a resort. You all act like there is going to be 100 dogs running wild around your favorite resort with mounds of poop for you dodge. Maybe this idea could actually be given its trial run before everyone determines it is the end times. Or maybe you funnel all this angst into a real problem.

 

[SL6827]

No, I kinda figured that. Was my attempt at condoning your humor
I have a big dog too. Might one day see a need to bring the little dog but would never wanna be stuck in a hotel room with the golden retriever unless we had evacuated for a hurricane.

Oh, ok. Good deal. But now my lab, would love to come. Hah! Right, a hurricane is a totally different and really great reason!

 

[Sarah snow-brine]

I'm more curious than anything, I wonder; why did they make this move?

As for being concerned... I'll wait and see. Disney knows all the possible repercussions (flea management, etc...) and apparently thinks they can handle it. The only thing that would bother me is barking.

I feel like it might have stemmed from the hurricane. They allowed dogs that one weekend since so many had to evac due to the storm. I think I heard the governor had asked hotels to consider making an exception to pet policies to help in the state of emergency. I actually took my dog to BW with me for two nights. That being said, I'm totally opposed to this change. I really appreciated having the exception that weekend, but the thought of having a room where dogs were on the furniture (mine def was NOT), potential of fleas, odors, noise, etc is not appealing to me! In addition, during that situation, everyone was in their rooms basically the whole time, the parks were closed. I can't imagine how Disney will monitor or address people leaving their dogs in their rooms for full days. And shot records being available upon request??? They aren't going to look at that info prior to, or during, check in???? Yikes!
And what will people do if check out is 11am and their flight is 7pm? It says dogs aren't allowed at pool or restaurants??

 

[jimmymc]

I really don't have any issues. The resorts are huge, so unless you have a dog the chances of seeing one are already pretty low. The dog rooms will most likely be one floor of one building with plenty of pet relief areas nearby. So unless you have an animal, you will never stay in a room previously occupied by a dog and will most likely not be close to the dog rooms. The cleaning fee will probably discourage any bad dog owners from bringing them anyway, since you can board an animal for less.

 

[Octoberbaby]

I think the majority of people that own dogs think theirs is well behaved...at home. Put them in a situation where there are no well behaved kids. Screaming, running up and down halls, adults yelling at their kids, fireworks, alone for hours in a strange environment with vacuum cleaner noise, etc...you get the idea. Now add the outdoor element with squirrels, birds (lots of ibis and ducks around WDW) and yes, snakes. Even the best behaved dogs could be very stressed.I know I get stressed around some of that. Leave the blinds open and the other dogs, etc will be in view if near the dog run areas.

Will you be stressed worrying about your dog while you are in the parks? Will you be able to get back to the resort within 30 mins if called to do so? And no, I hope they don't add other resorts. 4 is more than enough. The price you pay when you bring your dog(s)...you have to take what they give you. Others have to change hotels /location , some at more cost to them, because of the ones that allow dogs now. I would not be surprised if they dropped the YC from the list in the future.

I get what you are saying. Our touring type isn't rope drop to close, so my dog wouldn't be left alone any longer than he is at home anyway. The YC refurbished rooms do not have carpet...I love them by the way....but, that could possibly be the reason they did this. So the rooms are easier to clean.

 

[skyp4WDW]

• Here is the comment I posted on the Disney Parks Blog yesterday. I thought I would post it here because it still hasn't been posted there, as it is still "awaiting moderation".
  
  "I am very sad that my favorite part of Disney World, Port Orleans Riverside, will now be dog friendly. It is a very special resort because of its calm and tranquil beauty, unmatched by any other Disney World location. Here are just a few of my concerns starting with the worst 1. Barking will shatter the tranquility. 2. Being intimidated by dogs, especially certain breeds that some owners own because they actually enjoy the power their intimidating dog makes them feel over others. Some dogs may cause injury to people or other dogs. I’m not used to having these feelings of fear at Disney Resorts. Now I will have an uneasy feeling when approached by large untrained and undisciplined dogs on long leashes held by possibly careless owners. This will ruin the magic I’ve always felt walking along the river at Port Orleans Riverside. It’s not possible to avoid because it’s not like I can cross to the other side of the street. There’s a river in the way.
  3. Dog odors in rooms, many caused by bacterial skin diseases and mites that can be transferred to humans. 4. Fleas that leave eggs in the rooms to hatch and feed on humans causing very itchy bites. (fleas carry diseases). Fleas and eggs are very tough to get rid of and need several treatments due to their life stages. 5. Dog urine soaked into carpets that cleaning and deodorizing never gets rid of. 6. Dog feces, full of parasitic worms and bacteria not always picked up by owners, left behind to step in. These are my concerns, and I have had many loveable Labrador Retreivers as part of my family, so I have had experience with all of these issues, none of which are rare or unlikely to happen.
  So, yes, I am sad today because I understand this is going to happen no matter what. Port Orleans Riverside always seemed to be far too Magical to be really real, but I never thought the magic could be taken away with just two days notice.
  
  October 15, 2017 at 12:07 pm
  Your comment is awaiting moderation."

They will never print this because it will alert people to think about a variety of truths that Disney doesn't want us to consider. They have screened out most of our comments that refer to the Health and Safety risks that this new Policy will subject us to.

 

[blackpearl77]

I'm allergic to pet dander. Hotel rooms always make me stuffy and have a sore throat anyway when I wake up in the morning even with my allergy medication. But I'm wondering - they say they are going to do a thorough cleaning after a dog has been in the room - well are they going to replace the pillows every time a dog stays there? I doubt it. I'm sure the dogs are going to be sleeping in the beds and on the pillows. And I'm sure us allergics can "smell" the dog on the pillow even with a clean pillowcase on it! I know you all will respond that service dogs have always been allowed and you never know what room they have been in. But I've actually never seen one at a resort before. But now there could be lots of dogs. I will just not stay at those resorts that allow dogs. And I hope they don't make it every resort.

 

[DisneyFive]

I'm surprised how many people are against this. There are many other hotels that allow dogs. Universal hotels have been doing it for years. I brought my dog there and he had a great time and it was much better than boarding him back home. And I've been to those hotels without dogs and never even notice dogs in the building. I think this is great that Disney is finally doing this and I hope it becomes a permanent change.

Yes, but there are major differences between Disney resorts and "many other hotels". A few that I can think of off the top of my head...

1. These "other hotels" have much more stringent rules compared to what Disney is implementing in this trial run. Pets can be left unattended? 7 hours? No size or breed restrictions?
2. Disney vacations are "Dream" vacations. People plan, research, save for, and dream about these vacations for many months, if not years, before their stay so there is lot at stake and a high sensitivity. Any new policy that has the potential to significantly damage the trip becomes a big deal.
3. I would guess that the average length of stay at a typical "other hotel" is far less than at Disney, so the potential impact is lower. So you have to deal with an issue for a night, or two... It's frustrating, but not something that is messing with your family vacation.

I will say, I think that there are ways that Disney could implement this that would eliminate at lot of peoples concerns. It's very limiting though, which begs the question of why Disney didn't think of many of the real concerns and issues with how they are rolling out the trial period.

1) Dedicate a building, or entire wing of a building to rooms that can have dogs. ONLY those rooms can have dogs
2) Dogs must not be left unattended
3) Approved dog paths and "relief areas" are in locations that are away from other resort guests.
4) No dogs on DME

The only issue left unresolved in this case is for people who have a fear of dogs, seeing them as the dog is being transported to and from the room at the beginning and end of the stay.

Personally, the only potential issues for me are 1) barking 2) previous dog pee, poop, throw up and fleas in rooms (if they don't dedicate rooms), 3) the risk to us from others' dogs walking around on standard guest paths.

Dan

 

[Dis703]

That's because our comments on the dis have not been deleted. The Disney parks blog deleted or didn't approve many comments that were against bringing dogs to the resorts or questioned the policy. Disney wants to put a positive spin on this. They don't want people who question the policy to influence others.

Exactly. Not a single person I've spoken to in my circle of friends and family have thought this was a good idea. Even the dog owners. And the FB pages are also largely in opposition to the idea. Not scientific by any means but the opposition is out there not just on the Disboards.

 

[Tink-osophy]

...The YC refurbished rooms do not have carpet...I love them by the way....but, that could possibly be the reason they did this. So the rooms are easier to clean.

I thought the same about the new YC rooms. The floors won't help with the noise insulation, though. People have already been complaining about that.

Also, a few people are belittling other's concerns on here, they've either glossed over or don't care about a lot of the details shared - I only mention it because my concern is Disney doing the same.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm hoping you're just trying to be helpful to my situation, - you tone suggests perhaps otherwise, but your words reiterate my point. OF course my concerns will not change the new policy, and the pixie dust comment was more tongue in cheek as I'm trying to deal with not a hypothetical situation, but an actual change that will most likely affect me in some way - of course Disney won't assist me or care about the inconvenience. I can't change the resort (big group, too late), and my concerns don't warrant cancelation (no severe allergies, etc.), so my new reality is the policy for this trip that I'm staying at a pet friendly resort. My recourse it to think about possibilities and how to make the best of them, but again, I feel like the potential consequences may have higher stakes - both ranging from inconvenience to safety concerns. I don't consider this an over-reaction or "sky is falling", just trying to make the best of things in a new situation.

So inconvenience - I stepped in lots of things over the years, and I feel like dog poop is just tougher to deal with than anything else (especially with sneakers), and it's just not something I gave too much thought to in previous trips. I've never stepped in anything as tough to deal with as dog poop in my last 8 trips to Disney (or anywhere). So, maybe I bring an old pair of sneaks in case me (or more likely my kid) steps in something on the way to the bus in the morning. Don't want to waste time cleaning shoes.

Safety - I've never been on a group trip before, so I've never been to Disney with other people's kids. It was already something I was thinking about in a general sense. People parent differently, and Disney can bring out the worst in negative behaviors, so I had been thinking already about whether I would supervise other kids at the resort, etc. But I had mostly been thinking about tantrums, rudeness to other guests, pool safety, and such, hadn't considered a child wanting to interact with an unfamiliar dog, other than an occasional service dog. I mentioned a dog attack situation last year. I watched it all happen. To be clear, dogs are not allowed on school property at drop off/pick up. The owner of the dog (someone I know well), told the little girl to stay away, not to touch him, not to hover over him, etc., but the girl didn't listen, and the mom was too late to intervene. The owner is an animal lover, has many pets, volunteers in a shelter, etc. She knew the policy, and she had considered the situation might be stressful for this rescue dog. But her son was missing him during the school day, she thought it might be good for the dog, etc. She made an emotional decision, and not a rational one, and there were some pretty serious consequence for all involved. So, I may have to consider if I have my daughter's friend's little sister with me, will she listen if I tell her to give a dog space that may or may not be a little stressed out? I also have to trust that people have made rational choices in bringing their pet, both in the pet's best interest and in the interest of other guests.

I know my concerns won't change things, and I can't change my situation for this trip, I can only try to adapt. I really feel for people that have serious allergy or phobia concerns that have trips booked (and of course I'm wondering if that will include any of the 60 or 70 people in my group).

Of course I'm trying to be helpful but your tone of "do I pack some extras in case I step in dog poop and I'm waiting for the front desk to pixie dust my soiled shoes?" is what I was responding to.

I'm coming at you from a practical logical level. It's simple if you didn't pack extras before you don't need to now-you asked the question and I answered. I have the feeling you were asking a rhetorical question but you commented and I chose to answer. All of your comments are related to your stress that you are feeling. I'm just commenting on the one comment you made about going up to the front desk and waiting for pixie dust due to your soiled shoes. Not about the other stressors you have.

There isn't a need to all of a sudden be concerned about the mere possibility of dog poop if you weren't concerned enough to pack extra shoes before for all the other things you may step on. No one including dog owners, dog lovers, non dog owners, non dog lovers, you name really wants to step in dog poop. But I don't want to step in vomit either or pee either or bird poop (lord I wouldn't want to sit in that either on a seat around WDW), nor would I want to step in something sticky or some other type of food. But again I'm already being exposed to that stuff. In September I walked an approximate 58.48 miles in just 5 days at WDW, 2.24 miles at my resort (though it was during the hurricane), 27.68miles in just 3 days at Universal (though the first day had a teensy bit of airport time as that was our arrival day), and 6.52 miles monorail hopping, Disney Springs, and a teensy bit of airport time as that was our departure day. My chances of stepping in something gross is a lot higher at the theme park than at the resort property hurricane or no hurricane. Both companies strive to keep a clean theme park but we do all know they cannot be there 100% of the time in 100% of the areas inside the theme parks.

 

[ironz]

How ironic that just yesterday, 2 different friend posted on their Facebook pages photos of things in their own home that their dogs destroyed.

I think this new pet policy is not well thought out and am putting in my 2 cents against it.

For those of you with the allergies, phobias, and the poster who is concerned about untrained dogs getting after his/her service dog-- you definitely have my sympathy.
Same to the folks who have had their resort booked for months, and having this tossed at them without ability to change (and we all know that changing resorts is tough, especially this busy time of year).

I do like the idea of a single, fully pet-friendly resort, if people are so bent on taking their pet dog (not service animal) to WDW. Keep them all in one place, with their noises and messes.
I am friends with some dogs and I don't mind meeting other dogs, but I am not a dog fanatic. I would certainly prefer to not sleep on a bed that someone else has let their dog sleep on.

What I would love to know from those who like this idea--
a) What exactly are your theme park plans like in this situation? We already have the issues of timing of FastPass+, ADRs, shows, parades, etc. Are you truly planning on taking time out of each and every park day to go back to the room at least once or twice and check on the dog? I think leaving a dog alone in a strange place, uncrated, for 7 hours is not a great idea. Sure, many have said that other hotels welcome dogs, but expect that those dogs are with their owners at all times. So-- Disney says you can be away for 7 hours-- what if you have a Fast Pass? What if you have an ADR? What if you are in a long line? Not to mention, it can take quite some time to go to the resort and come back to a park, even if you have your own car. Seriously, I would love to know what a sample day is going to look like for you. Also, are you going to keep that plan up every day of what is most often a multiday trip?

b) So many say that their dog is so well-behaved and doesn't bark-- I am always curious about this, even in regular non-vacation life, as when I walk through my neighborhood, just my walking by a house, can set off a chorus of barking. Not to mention I had a former neighbor who would let their dog bark for up to an hour at a time (even while the human was home with the dog!). HOW do you know your dog doesn't bark while you're away, simply because you are not there to hear if the dog is barking or not? (Sort of like the tree in the forest-- I guarantee you it makes a noise when it falls, even if no one is there to hear.)

To the responsible pet owners-- that's great.... and I know many of those. However, I see on a daily basis in my neighborhood and on local walking/running trails, there are people who don't think leash laws apply to them, there are people who refuse to pick up after their dog, even when the free poop bags are within 10 yards and are pointed out to the owner.

 

[blackpearl77]

Wait, dogs will be allowed to ride the bus to Disney Springs? My son is also afraid of dogs - guess we would have to get off the bus and wait for the next one.

 

[Darbie]

Disney is also sanitizing their twitter feed. My tweets about it were deleted.

 

[mikejs78]

Fascninating. Though it can be found elsewhere on the site, the Disney Parks Blog no longer has this blog post listed under Walt Disney World.

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/destinations/walt-disney-world-resort/