Disney's relationship with dogs has always been a little bit perplexing. For decades, fans have debated why lovable Pluto has to walk on all fours and beg for his dinner while bumbling Goofy gets to wear clothes and walk upright while enjoying the power of speech.
Even National Public Radio jumped into the debate.
"Maybe Pluto chooses dogdom," pondered NPR columnist Scott Simon.
It's unclear-given Disney's strict no dogs allowed policy-whether Pluto or Goofy would have ever been allowed to spend the night at any of the Walt Disney World resorts.
But the times, they are a changing.
Starting October 15, for the first time ever, four Disney resort properties will be designated as "dog-friendly."
The resorts include Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Disney's Yacht Club Resort and the Cabins at Disney's Ft. Wilderness Resort.
Upon arrival, beloved dogs will receive their own Pluto's Welcome Kit, which includes a mat, bowls, a pet ID tag, plastic disposable bags, puppy pads and a dog-walking map. There's also a Pluto "Do Not Disturb" door hanger to let staff know that a pet is inside the room.
What's more, each pet-friendly guest room will have easy access to outdoor pet walkways and "pet relief areas."
The four resorts are also tapping into Disney's partnership with Best Friends Pet Care, to provide full-service pet daycare and other pet services while guests are off enjoying the theme parks. An extra fee applies for these services which are not provided on site, but rather at the Best Friends Pet Care facility nearby.
Travelers with allergies need not fear the new policy, as only select floors will be designated as dog-friendly. According to the Disney Parks Blog, the majority of the resort space will remain canine-free.
A maximum of two dogs per guest room can be accommodated and per-night pet cleaning fee applies. Disney also warns that dogs staying in guest rooms must be well behaved and they must be on a leash whenever they're in public. Vaccinations must also be up to date.
Disney has kicked off a number of major additions and expansions this year, many of which were announced earlier this summer at the D23 Expo. Among them, a new Minnie Van transportation service for guests staying at all of Walt Disney World's deluxe resorts.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
