Some people love their fur babies as much as (if not more than) their family members. So what do you do with them when you head off on vacation? If you’re going to Walt Disney World you can take them with you!

With the exception of  Service Animals, Disney’s long-standing pet policy holds that pets are not permitted in resort hotels, theme parks, water parks, and common spaces like pools, restaurants, and theme park transportation. Dogs are permitted on the Magical Express complimentary airport shuttle and Minnie Van as long as they remain in a carrier.

However, Walt Disney World is pet-friendly and offers several options for bringing your 4 legged friends.

Best Friends Pet Care

If you are traveling with your pets Disney offers boarding and kennel services at Best Friends Pet Care. Best Friends is a world class pet resort located just across the road from Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. They take just about every type of pet you can imagine with the exception of poisonous pets and primates. The facilities are clean, well maintained and, of course, have that touch of Disney Magic. 

The 50,000 square foot complex has 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space, 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play area and a 25,000 square foot dog park.

They offer:

  • Overnight boarding
  • Day Care
  • Doggy Day Camp
  • Training Classes
  • Activities
  • Grooming Salon
  • For Dogs, Cats and pocket pets including birds, reptiles and rodents.

You can visit their website at Best Friends Pet Care.

Walt Disney World’s Pet-Friendly Resorts

Dog lovers can now stay with their furry friends at certain pet-friendly Disney resorts.  A maximum of two dogs per guest room can be accommodated. Each guest room has easy access to outdoor pet walkways for exercise and green spaces with pet relief areas.

Disney also designates certain floors or sections of a hotel as dog-friendly, while the majority of areas remain canine-free to accommodate Guests with allergies or other concerns

Dogs that are allowed to stay in guest rooms are expected to be well behaved, leashed in public resort areas and properly vaccinated.

Disney includes plenty of amenities and special touches for their four-legged friends.

  • At check-in, guests receive Pluto’s Welcome Kit which includes a mat, bowl, pet ID tag, poop bags, puppy pads and a dog walking map.
  • Disney enjoys a partnership with Best Friends Pet Care, an on-property full-service facility that can provide assistance with pet daycare and other pet services (fees apply).
  • While there are no in-room services available at this time, Best Friends Pet Care does provide services like doggie day care at its nearby facility on Disney property.

Resorts that Accept Pets

›Disney Yacht Club Resort – $75/night*

Designated floor and section of the hall for pets. Will change as pet-friendly room requests increase/decrease.

Port Orleans Riverside – $50/night*

Designated section for pets. Will change as pet-friendly room requests increase/decrease.

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground – $50/night*

All loops are pet-friendly; only some cabins are. 

**Read more about Fort Wilderness below**

Art of Animation – $50/night*

Designated pet friendly-buildings are #2 (Cars), #5 (Finding Nemo), and #7 (Little Mermaid). 

*Additional fee for room pet cleaning

Fort Wilderness Pet-Friendly Policy

The pet policy at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground states that you may bring two dogs of any size for an additional fee of $5 per night in campsites and $50 per night in cabins. Pet-friendly cabins are limited.  At check-in, guests will receive ‘Pluto’s Welcome Kit’, which includes a mat, bowls, pet ID tag, poop bags, puppy pads, and a dog walking map. Proof of vaccinations is also required.

Fort Wilderness Pet Rules:

  • Pets may not remain unaccompanied for more than 7 hours.
  • Pets are not allowed in pop-up trailers or tents (RVs only)
  • Guests must be with their pet whenever it is outside of the motor home.
  • Pets must be on a leash or tether, no longer than eight feet at all times. This includes Pet Loops and Pet Paths.
  • Pets are not permitted at the Comfort Station or Recreation areas.
  • Guests are responsible for cleaning up after their pet.
  • Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations
  • Cats are not allowed.