Trial Run for Dogs in Resort Rooms

[WDW1979]

Not straightforward at all. This keeps getting ignored so I'll explain it again. I have a family of 5. Our affordable onsite options are POR and CBR. The next step up in price (which we could possibly manage for a shorter trip with a good discount) would be the FW Cabins or AoA suites. We now have one option which is CBR and it's currently under major construction.

Good points. Also, my guess is that the only reason Disney's CBR resort was not included in the current round of Dog Resorts was due to the heavy construction. They probably figured too much going on at CBR, too much demolition and too much construction to have dogs everywhere at CBR. But unless this foolish dog policy is stopped, CBR will likely become dog friendly after current construction at CBR ends. Then even fewer affordable on-site options for families of 5 that don't want to vacation with other people's dogs.

 

[Wood Nymph]

They've never charged for the VIP cleaning. Whenever we travel with our niece who has health issues we have it done.

The guest services person I spoke with said that she requested a VIP cleaning for our room. We are arriving early and now I am worried that we will have to wait a long time before our room is ready. What has been your experience with VIP cleaning?

 

[HFC1969]

We don't have any dogs, because of the allergies of certain family members. Thankfully our neighbor has 3 and we get to play with them whenever we need our fix.



This is a BAD idea... no dogs in resorts.

 

[Ensusieasm]

Well on my last trip my dh and I didn't go to the parks. Some people don't. They choose to relax at the resort and enjoy things there. Not everyone goes for hours on end to the parks. Those who do won't be the ones who bring a pet.

Yes, of course, but your dog can't be part of this enjoyment of things at the resort. No pools, no cafes, no public walkways. Just your room and the doggie relief area.

 

[WDW1979]

Well, the trial will be running at those 4 resorts for the next year, much to the delight of dog owners who now have the option to bring their pets along. But for those against the new policy, you can:

1. Continue to let guest relations and management know your concerns and frustrations, keep emailing and calling. Multiple times if you feel it is necessary.
2. Dogs may be allowed now, but there are policies and rules in place, so help Disney police those rules. Call out those dogs and dog owners who aren't being compliant and following the policy. Dog relieving itself in the wrong area, dogs barking too loudly, dogs not being quieted after 30 minutes, dogs not in a carrier, dogs being walked or playing in unauthorized areas, etc etc? Call the front desk, guest relations, take a photo or video, flag down every CM within earshot. Flood the phone lines if the problems continue or aren't being rectified in a timely manner. Make them know they will be requiring additional time and efforts to taking care of these situations - yes, it will be pulling resources away from other guest problems and concerns, but that only brings more light to the issue.
3. Everyone who has a reservation at those 4 resorts and is concerned about cleanliness? Request the deep cleaning before you get your room. There are doubts as to whether this procedure is even being done or to what degree of additional cleaning is actually required by policy, but once again, make Disney put forth extra resources, time, and money into this newly formed policy. If one of Disney's goals was increased profit from this dog policy, show them there could be increased time and financial expenses that come with it too.
4. If someone in your party suffers an allergic reaction because the policies weren't followed? Once again, management needs to know about it.

Those are just a few thoughts of mine on what those who are opposed to the new policy can do. Maybe Disney will think that perhaps building a new resort for pet owners and their pets (let cats, snakes, bunnies, birds come too!) was the better decision.

I would add #5 to your list: ask Disney for compensation whenever you must take time out from your vacation to go to the front desk to complain about dog policy violations or uncomfortable encounters with aggressive dogs at the hotel. Disney should have to compensate any guest who has to take time out from an expensive vacation to walk over to the font desk, wait in line, and spend time complaining. Time is money, especially on vacation. And beyond time is money, each uncomfortable encounter with an aggressive dog at a Disney hotel is going to require prime compensation.

 

[dansdad]

The guest services person I spoke with said that she requested a VIP cleaning for our room. We are arriving early and now I am worried that we will have to wait a long time before our room is ready. What has been your experience with VIP cleaning?

The latest we've had the room ready is 2:30.

 

[Shellyb84]

The poster you quoted didn't say they would be leaving the dog for long periods of time. So there goes the speculation again.

Most people who vacation with their dog do it to be with them and not leave them for long periods of time.

Isn't it speculation to say that "most people who vacation with their dog do it to be with them and not leave them for long periods of time"?

 

[figment3258]

Can anyone confirm that only Standard and Garden View rooms at Riverside will permit dogs? I'm still not okay with it either way, but I'd like to know all the details.

When the Disney cast member called me she said that the rooms where they will place the dogs are the standard view rooms and garden
We are booked at a garden view not happy

 

[mexi]

Yes, of course, but your dog can't be part of this enjoyment of things at the resort. No pools, no cafes, no public walkways. Just your room and the doggie relief area.

Yes but they don't get to see us or be with us when they are sitting alone in the kennel. You won't understand. It's something you have to experience. I'm not sure if you ever had to put a dog on a kennel before. It's hard and stressful and I do nothing but think about them and worry. I call several times to check on them. It's comforting to have your pets with you.

 

[Ensusieasm]

When the Disney cast member called me she said that the rooms where they will place the dogs are the standard view rooms and garden
We are booked at a garden view not happy

You should be able to get accommodated at another resort, or get upgraded at no cost. Folks are reporting good results by expressing their concerns in writing.

WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com
And cc these folks too:
Robert.a.iger@disney.com
George.Kalogridis@disney.com

 

[mexi]

Isn't it speculation to say that "most people who vacation with their dog do it to be with them and not leave them for long periods of time"?

No because the people on this thread who have dogs and don't want to hang around with them on vacation have said so. They said they will leave them with family or a kennel.

 

[Sarahraegraham]

I would add #5 to your list: ask Disney for compensation whenever you must take time out from your vacation to go to the front desk to complain about dog policy violations or uncomfortable encounters with aggressive dogs at the hotel. Disney should have to compensate any guest who has to take time out from an expensive vacation to walk over to the font desk, wait in line, and spend time complaining. Time is money, especially on vacation. And beyond time is money, each uncomfortable encounter with an aggressive dog at a Disney hotel is going to require prime compensation.

This. I would and will if need be.

 

[Gryhndmom]

Just to give the people who have no idea what it is like to suffer with asthma and allergies, here is a little idea of what it is like.

Strip down to your underwear and roll around in a bed of poison ivy then, rub it in your eyes, and then chew on it so your whole mouth is coated. Then take all your bedding and pillows and rub the poison ivy in it as well, and then try to sleep. This is what it is like to be someone who has allergies, and this is why it is such a big deal. Then try doing it for everyday of your entire life.

I take two medications and get 7 allergy shots every week, so that I can lead a somewhat normal life and make it to work to support my family. So yes it is a big deal.

Nobody (at least not me) is discounting your allergies (I too am allergic to cats and have asthma) . I believe my question as well as many other posters is how does this affect your flying or when you pass a service animal in the parks? As I have posted elsewhere DH is a pilot at SW and if you are on a plane with a service animal, the service animal and its passenger get priority and you can stay on that flight or they will accommodate you on another flight. If you have a life threatening allergy they MAY ask to see a letter from your doctor.

 

[GrumpySue]

So someone in the thread posted dogs aren't allowed in "public areas" - ***???????? How do they get from the car to the guest room? Teleportation?

Absolutely FUMING at this new policy and on hold with Guest Services right now. We are at YC in 3 weeks' time and if dogs that are not service dogs are anywhere near me or my family I will be so angry.

Totally agree, all dogs will have to come through the lobby and down all the hallways. They will be all over the public areas.

 

[mexi]

Nobody (at least not me) is discounting your allergies (I too am allergic to cats and have asthma) . I believe my question as well as many other posters is how does this affect your flying or when you pass a service animal in the parks? As I have posted elsewhere DH is a pilot at SW and if you are on a plane with a service animal, the service animal and its passenger get priority and you can stay on that flight or they will accommodate you on another flight. If you have a life threatening allergy they MAY ask to see a letter from your doctor.

Yes this and 2 of my DD's have asthma. Their triggers are seasonal and weather related. They can't escape or hide from the weather so they are well controlled. Most people with asthma are well controlled and if they aren't they need to see their doctor.

 

[Belle1962]

This post is not directed for documented service dogs as they fall into a different category. I am talking about "pets" vs service dogs.

If you are interested in asthma and allergies and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) please check out the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's website. I have changed my reservation to a non-pet friendly resort, but am concerned about DME. If you have an issue covered by the ADA write a letter/email to Disney Legal and explain your concerns.

Other random thoughts:

While it seems like a good thing that people are getting phone calls, Disney is very smart since it appears they are interested in your concerns but they are not leaving any type of written trail indicating what you were actually told was the policy vs what other people are being told. They can claim a "miscommunication" issue. When it is in writing it's hard to dispute what was "said". In my office we have saying "if it's not in writing, it doesn't exists".

Disney should implement a size and breed limit. However, what people need to understand is that it usually is not the breed of the animal, it is how the owner treats/trains them that often causes the misconception that it is the entire breed. This says a lot more about the owners than it does the dog. Yes, some breeds might be pre-disposed to being aggressive, but with the right owner and proper training this can be mitigated. I would not want to chance that the owners of an aggressive breed have trained/treated them well. I know other types can also have issues, but I am less likely to be concerned about them than a dog that is as tall or taller than me when on his hind legs.

Disney should set-aside only specific rooms or buildings (buildings would be better) for pets. There should be some type of plaque on the door indicating it is a pet-friendly room so people will know if they are assigned to one. Much like the old smoking/non-smoking plaques on doors.

Your camera/phone is your best "defense". Take pictures and or videos and send them to Disney.
I don't see Disney backing down but a grass roots campaign wouldn't hurt. In any grass roots campaign, the more noise is made the more exposure the topic gets. So don't stop at emails. Call, fax and send a handwritten letter to everyone you can find. If they don't respond, in writing, send a follow-up email, fax and letter and start with "I am concerned that I have not received a written response from your office regarding my (email/fax/letter/call) of (date). Enclosed is another copy of my communication to you". Be sure to copy the local affiliates for the 3 major networks. With enough interest they might be willing to do some type of human interest story. Be sure to send a separate follow-up for each of the methods you used. Keep doing this until you chose to stop. If someone wanted to take the initiative there are websites that will allow you to create an online petition. In addition to the names, emails and other information posted in this thread, to find the names of management and Board of Directors at the Disney Company go here: https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/about/. The Walt Disney Company Corporate Office & Headquarters 500 S. Buena Vista St. Burbank CA 91521 The Walt Disney Company corporate phone number: (818) 560-1000 (Can you tell I have some experience on this?)

 

[Disneylover99]

Most people who vacation with their dog do it to be with them and not leave them for long periods of time.

I agree. And a DW vacation is not conducive to this. Most people book Disney resorts to go to the parks. A DW resort is really not an appropriate vacation place for a dog.

 

[robinb]

I just checked the POR page on the Disney website and shockingly, they've already updated the page to refer to it being dog friendly.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/port-orleans-resort-riverside/

Good. Now people won’t be surprised.

 

[Eveningsong]

Nobody (at least not me) is discounting your allergies (I too am allergic to cats and have asthma) . I believe my question as well as many other posters is how does this affect your flying or when you pass a service animal in the parks? As I have posted elsewhere DH is a pilot at SW and if you are on a plane with a service animal, the service animal and its passenger get priority and you can stay on that flight or they will accommodate you on another flight. If you have a life threatening allergy they MAY ask to see a letter from your doctor.

Not everyone flies to Florida. We drive 26 hours one way to avoid flying.

 

[Shellyb84]

No because the people on this thread who have dogs and don't want to hang around with them on vacation have said so. They said they will leave them with family or a kennel.

Ok, I thought you were referring to the population as a whole and not just on this thread.

I didn't read every word of some of the more lengthy posts, but I didn't notice anyone in favor of this commenting that they would sit in the room with their pets the majority of the time. Maybe I missed that though.

Yes but they don't get to see us or be with us when they are sitting alone in the kennel. You won't understand. It's something you have to experience. I'm not sure if you ever had to put a dog on a kennel before. It's hard and stressful and I do nothing but think about them and worry. I call several times to check on them. It's comforting to have your pets with you.

Our Newfie loves the facility we board her at. She takes off without looking back and DH feels a little betrayed lol (he typically drops her off). She gets to run around outside with other big dogs all day and get filthy and swim. They don't see other Newfies much so she gets tons of attention.