Pets at Disney World (2024)

Photo Credit: JD Hanco*ck

We all love our pets. Whether it’s our dog, cat, hamster, or bird, we consider our pets to be important members of the family (sometimes the most important member of our family!). So what happens when we go to Disney World? Are we allowed to bring our pets with us?

Walt Disney World Resort has a longstanding policy concerning pets. It holds that pets are not permitted in resort hotels, theme parks, water parks, and common spaces like pools, restaurants, and transportation. The only exceptions to this rule are for medical or disability-related service dogs (where they are permitted everywhere) and at Disney’s Fort Wilderness & Campgrounds.

Shucks! So no Fido anywhere else?

Good news! As of October 2017, Disney has tweaked its existing policy to the benefit of dog owners.

Much to the joy of dog lovers across the globe,Walt Disney World Resort will now allow dogs at select Disney resort hotels for the first time ever. The pilot program designates 4 Walt Disney World resort hotels to be dog-friendly. For now, cats and other animals are not part of this new policy.

Each dog-friendly property has a per night/per room pet-cleaning fee.

The dog-friendly resorts and extra cleaning fees are as follows:

• 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 Ft. Wilderness Resort $50/night

Here are a few details of the new pet policy:

• Disney designates a certain section (or floor) of these hotels to be dog-friendly. The other sections of the hotel will remain off-limited to dogs.
• Disney allows a maximum of two dogs per room.
• The designated dog-friendly rooms have quick access to outdoor pet walking paths and open green spaces to give them exercise and “relief.”

Some of the perks of dog-friendly accommodations include:

• Guests will receive a “Pluto’s Welcome Kit” of dog-friendly items upon check-in.
• Guests staying in dog-friendly rooms will have access to Best Friends Pet Care, a full-service pet facility on Disney World located property (see below). Best Friends Pet Care can provide pet daycare, grooming, and other services (extra fees apply).

For more information on Disney’s new dog-friendly trial program, you may call 407-W-DISNEY for more additional details. DVC Members should direct their questions to Member Services at 800-800-9800. Or you can contact a Disney Travel Agent who can help you book your pet-friendly accommodations at no additional cost to you. Space is limited so don’t delay!

Until now, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground has been the only pet-friendly Disney resort. Their pet policy states that you may bring two dogs of any size for an additional fee ($5 per night for the campsites and $50 per night for the cabins).

Be advised that –like the new dog-friendly resorts – the availability of pet-friendly cabins is limited. Book early to secure your spot.

Dog owners must provide proof of vaccinations in order to book. You will receive a “Pluto’s Welcome Kit'” upon check-in. This includes goodies like a pet ID tag, mat, bowls, and a dog walking map.

Of all the Disney resorts a dog could love, we think they will be thrilled with the natural elements of Fort Wilderness. For more on this resort, see our Best Disney Moderate Resorts page.

Best Friends Pet Care will give you peace of mind when vacationing with your pets at Disney World. This full-service pet resort is located right on Disney grounds and across from Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. There are 45 highly-trained and compassionate pet care providers on staff to give your pets the proper attention they need during your stay.

Best Friends Pet Care is a 50,000 square-foot complex offering a wide range of amenities, activities, and perks to keep your pets happy when you are away enjoying the theme parks and water parks.

The square footage breakdown of the facility is as follows:

• 17,000 sq ft of air-conditioned indoor space
• 10,000 sq ft of outdoor runs and play areas (covered)
• 25,000 sq ft dog park

The pet center offers boarding, daycare,and grooming services for dogs, cats, and other types of animals.

If you are looking for a safe and fun environment to leave your pets, Best Friends Pet Care is your best bet in terms of proximity to your resort and the service they provide.

Boarding

Whether your pet stays for one day or a week+, know that The Best Friends Facility at Disney World is there to serve you with a variety of great pet accommodations. The suites are safe and they are cleaned daily (with hospital-grade disinfectants).

Choose from a range of accommodations: from basic indoor to indoor/outdoor to VIP!

Pets must have proof of current vaccinations to be accepted.

Current Rates (subject to change)

Indoor Dog Boarding Accommodations (includes two potty walks) – $44 Standard/ $41 Resort Guest/ $37 Daycare

Indoor/ Outdoor 2-Rooms (includes one potty walk)$49 Standard/ $45 Resort Guest/ $40 Daycare

Vacation Villas for Dogs Only (includes one potty walk) – playgroup, a flat-screen TV and a turndown biscuit – $93 Standard/ $86 Resort Guest/ $93 Daycare

Other accommodations and services are available.

Doggie Day Camp

Dogs can enjoy a safe and fun day as you are having a ball at the theme parks. They will be supervised by certified Doggy Day Camp counselors during their stay. Doggie Day Camp even has its own webcam so you can check in on Fido all day long

Rates start at $27 for a full day of Day Camp, with discounts for a duration of 5 days or more.

Grooming Services

The “Best Friends Pampered Pet Package” includes a deep cleaning hypo-allergenic shampoo and massage, gentle brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trim.

The “Go Home Fresh” is another service is for overnight pets who just need a good cleaning and some pandering.

Other services include shed-reduction treatment, moisturizing treatment, teeth cleaning, and the list goes on.

Rates vary by breed and services received.

Call Best Friends Pet Care to discuss youroptions.

Best Friends is located right across fromDisney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. It boasts accommodations for up to 300 dogs, cats, and pocket pets. It also offers two 1,100 sq ft doggy day camp rooms and a full-service grooming salon.

As you are enjoying the rides, you’ll be able to relax and know that your pet is being taken care of.

Pet guests will stay active by watching movies, eating special treats, and socializing with other pets during playgroup sessions. Who knew Disney World could be so much fun for pets!

If you choose to board your pet at Best Friends Pet Care, you WILL be allowed to visit him/her after your day of park hopping. The facility offers a private dog park to play in (or you can just walk the grounds of the facility).

Best Friends Pet Care Address:

2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

We hope our Pets at Disney World page helps you decide what to do with your pets during your Disney World vacation. For more useful Disney World information, please review some additional pages on MagicGuideslike ourDisney Dining Plan Calculator,Disney Transportation Map,andDisney World Tips andTricksarticles.

If you’re considering visiting Universal for part of your trip, there are pet-friendly hotels there, too!

If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World vacation, then please contact our friends atThe Vacationeer. Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge! ClickHEREfor a free, no-obligation price quote.

Thank you for reading our page, and we hope you have a magical Walt Disney World vacation!