Trial Run for Dogs in Resort Rooms

[Planogirl]

I think that complaining is a good idea whether the dog owners do something wrong or not. It's good to let Disney management know when a new policy bothers you.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

No, but being a hotel it's expected that people will be there. Tour groups go along with any tourist attraction. I'm not sure why Disney would have to alert anyone to them being there.

My thoughtprocess may have not been clearly laid out in my comment and I'm not sure I can clearly lay it out so that it might be understood TBH.

 

[hunyb207]

I think that complaining is a good idea whether the dog owners do something wrong or not. It's good to let Disney management know when a new policy bothers you.

Sure...by calling or emailing. Perhaps saying something to the Cast Members when you check in. I'm not the biggest fan of kids. If I regularly went to a restaurant that was for adults only and it changed to kids being allowed I would call or email to show my displeasure to the change. I wouldn't go to the restaurant, knowing full well that kids were allowed and might be there, and then complain when I see kids.

Actually no I wouldn't because I don't care enough about such things to complain in the first place but I'm sure you get what I mean.

 

[DisneyMim]

What does that mean? If he chooses to go elsewhere then that is his right. Why would dog owners need to be empathetic to his decision?

One thing I don’t understand that I’ve read a lot on this thread is how lots are saying they have no faith or don’t trust Disney to uphold their policies on this issue due to them not upholding policies on other issues. If that is true about the past policies then why continue to spend your hard earned money vacationing there in the first place. If I saw, like many of you have apparently seen in the past, Disney not doing anything to uphold their policies I wouldn’t go vacation there myself. If I don’t trust or have faith in a company as large as Disney I would definitely not give them my money.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

Well y’all enjoy. I get the feeling some posters are recycled ones. We will see what will happen in the future and I hope Disney gets their act together( won’t hold my breath) and it works out for everyone. I’m looking forward to staying at AKl again and not dealing with dogs there. Have enough issues with them in my area. Take care and be kind to one another. Peace out....

 

[mikejs78]

Yes, they are the same.
But unless they start checking to see how many bands someone has, they don't know if I wore one and left one or just wore one. Or if I've left 4 in the room, and didn't wear one at all. Or whatever.

Something would need to be placed in the room or at the door to passively read the bands. Right now the bands are read only when you touch the touch point.

There may be something in the room that does that. Also, it doesn't matter how many bands if they know how many people are staying in the room and how many have left. Doesn't help if not everyone is wearing a band, but it does if everyone is wearing one and there are some left over.

 

[mikejs78]

Then you are wrong. They may be sister resorts, but they are not the same resort. They used to have one General Manager, now they have one each and completely separate management teams. Dog policies that apply to POR do not apply to POFQ.

Don't they share facilities/amenities? I know they are supposed to be separate, and true one can guarantee that you won't stay in a room previously occupied by a dog at FQ, but what will prevent dog owners from crossing over? I know the policy, but will the policy be enforced?

 

[DisKaren]

Hmm..well before pit bulls it was german sheperds and before that it was another breed. Anyways btw BSL is on the decline with cities all over choosing to recinde the ordinances they passed. It would likely be unwise for Disney to impose breed restrictions especially when the image they are trying to portray is pet-friendly..not pet-friendly except for this breed oh and that breed too and perhaps maybe that one too.

I can't like this enough. Breed-specific legislation is nothing but ignorance and prejudice. It's like saying all blondes are dumb or all white males in their late 20's are serial killers. If Disney is allowing canine guests, I'm glad they are including all breeds. I used to believe what I heard about pit bulls being dangerous before my son asked for one. I then researched them, spoke to our veterinarian, who says she is more afraid of dachshunds than pits, and am now grandma to a 65 lb pit. He sleeps between my husband and me, lets the cat eat out of his bowl and groom him, and is scared of his own shadow. He is also the most loving, empathetic animal we have ever owned. If anyone says so much as "ouch," he is the first one there, ready to make sure you are ok. I have also learned that this is pretty typical pit bull behavior.
Also, some "pit bulls" in dog attacks are not actually pit bulls. Other breeds are often mistaken for pit bulls (which btw isn't an actual breed), so the percentage of bites/attacks is inflated. There was a study done where veterinarians and shelter workers were asked to identify dogs by breed (DNA tests were done), and dogs with no pit bull DNA were labelled pits up to 48% of the time. This kind of mislabeling leads to dogs losing their homes, not being adopted, and being euthanized.
And, no, I won't be bringing Colton to Disney. We fly down, and he's more than happy being spoiled by his other grandparents when we go away.

 

[BigAlsGal]

This insane thread is adults mostly complaining, arguing and debating etc. So I thought I would provide some kids thoughts.

The kids 5 and 7. I mentioned to them that there might be dogs on some of the busses and in the hotel on our next trip.
I asked them if they still wanted to go to WDW. Both said "no" and that they" didn't want to go anymore."
So I am off to find a new family friendly destination. Farewell to this insane thread and and for now WDW.
For our family WDW has literally gone to the dogs.

 

[andrewilley]

Sounds like rules and policies are being written and rewritten daily. I feel bad for guests of those 4 resorts, both those not bringing dogs and those that are, as they are trying to prepare and plan for a trip using rules that are constantly changing. When can we expect to have fairly concrete rules regarding the new policy?

It's a trial, and just like any trial you should consider this to be a 'test and adjust' phase and fully expect changes to occur in line with practical assessments and reaction to guest comments.

Don't they share facilities/amenities? I know they are supposed to be separate, and true one can guarantee that you won't stay in a room previously occupied by a dog at FQ, but what will prevent dog owners from crossing over? I know the policy, but will the policy be enforced?

POR and POFQ are a ten-minute walk apart. yes, guests can use facilities of both resorts (including, unusually, the swimming pools) but they are effectively separate entities in much the same way that the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian can be walked between in a few minutes but are not the same hotel. To suggest that this policy will adversely impact FOFQ guests is pure scaremongering.

[To be honest, a lot of this thread in general seems to be worst-case scaremongering anyway - the vast majority of guests at POR will most likely never ever see a dog during their stay anyway. But hey, what would the Disney community be without a healthy dose of righteous indignation? Yeah, I know, I've been guilty of that too at times, and probably will again]

Andre

 

[ThistleMae]

I understand her fear. I hope she will understand mine. Mine might be a little different than hers. I don't know her dog. My fear would be, will the dog bite, scratch, or knock down my child? One thing we can both agree on, our fears will be new ones, having never experienced them at a Disney World Resort.

The dogs will be on leash and under control of their owners. I have to believe that most, if not all, folks choosing to pay the extra cost will be very responsible dog owners.

 

[ThistleMae]

She might also have a problem if her dog attacks someone. If that happens, I am sure she will feel mistreated by fellow guests and Disney. Because there is no way I would allow an animal attack me or my family and not report it.

There seems to be a lot of dog "fear" in here. I dont' see hundreds of dogs taking over the resorts.

 

[ThistleMae]

I agree, but that will be up to the owner to work out, not all pets are going to be unhappy. There are plenty of situations where it could work for people...like not going to the parks, or a large party with grand parents etc that stay behind a lot (or a small family with a baby that needs a lot of rest)

I personally do not think WDW is a pet destination and so will be unlikely to take advantage of this, I MAY consider it if my family ever does manage to have a big get together there with several adults that would likely take turns staying behind or only leaving the dogs alone for small periods of time.

I agree with this, I don't think we're going to see Disney overrun with dogs. It isn't really a doggie destination.

 

[Dis703]

But service animals are allowed anywhere and everywhere their owners are. I went in September and saw at least 10 over the course of a week (which is odd because I normally only see a couple). No Disney resort is "dog free" and everybody should expect to see some. Disney doesn't owe it to anybody to notify guests that service animals will be staying at their resort.

I wasn't referring to service dogs. Legally they are allowed anywhere. But in all of my life I've never seen one in any hotel much less a Disney resort. I'm sure they have been there but it would seem in such small numbers it isn't even noticeable. I don't expect that will be the same with pets being allowed.

 

[mikejs78]

It's a trial, and just like any trial you should consider this to be a 'test and adjust' phase and fully expect changes to occur in line with practical assessments and reaction to guest comments.




POR and POFQ are a ten-minute walk apart. yes, guests can use facilities of both resorts (including, unusually, the swimming pools) but they are effectively separate entities in much the same way that the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian can be walked between in a few minutes but are not the same hotel. To suggest that this policy will adversely impact FOFQ guests is pure scaremongering.

[To be honest, a lot of this thread in general seems to be worst-case scaremongering anyway - the vast majority of guests at POR will most likely never ever see a dog during their stay anyway. But hey, what would the Disney community be without a healthy dose of righteous indignation? Yeah, I know, I've been guilty of that too at times, and probably will again]

Andre

I stand corrected, I honestly thought they were two parts of the same resort. Thanks for clarifying.

As for the righteous indignation, one could argue that you're being righteously indignant at those you perceive to be righteously indignant. The truth is, you know about as much as I do whether or not the vast majority of guests will see a dog. I think it's too early to tell. That isn't my experience at other pet friendly hotels. What evidence do you have to say that will be the case?

To be completely fair Disney could do a good job at this. Enforce the regulations, keep dogs to minimal, specified areas, and harsh consequences for bad dog owners who don't follow the rules (I suspect this is a minority of owners, but their impact could be sizeable if not checked). The question is whether or not Disney will do this. I hope they do.

I also bristle at those who say "it's only 4 resorts" because even with FQ a different resort, options for a moderate resort not under construction and without dogs are now seriously limited. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't FQ have the lowest capacity of the moderates?

It's not righteous indignation to want a dog free vacation when one has had that option for so long, especially with an upcoming already booked trip. This is something that seriously affects people's health, emotional state, and enjoyment. You may agree or disagree with those of us opposed to the policy, but this issue goes beyond the righteous indignation that is present in some other more trivial decisions Disney has made.

And am I upset at Disney? You bet, especially in regards to the issue of guests who already booked and are now stuck. Fortunately that's not me anymore, but I got lucky. Many others aren't. And to me, the only right options for Disney here are to suspend the trial and give a years notice, or to find equivalent or better accommodations for *anyone* who has a concern and was booked prior to the announcement. If they can't, they should offer full refunds on any passes or packages purchased. Even then, that wouldn't cover people's non-refundable travel costs, and it isn't like this is something that falls under travel insurance. I don't see any of these happening, btw...

 

[WEDWDW]

Simply encountering a dog at the resort isn't a reason for complaint though.

Doesn't matter-Guests will complain aout the new policy itself-"You've never allowed dogs in your Resorts before-why are you starting now,we don't like it."etc.,etc.

 

[hunyb207]

When does everyone think it will be enough time to pass to have a good idea of how many dogs will regularly be at these resorts? I leave in 13 days for Fort Wilderness (staying in an RV for 9 days) so I can check out the cabins regularly. I can also check out the Yacht Club and possibly the other 2 resorts if enough people care. I will try to be as objective as possible. For those that may have not read my initial post I am perfectly okay with dogs at the resorts but would never, ever bring my 2 dogs because I have way too much anxiety to ever enjoy my vacation. In fact, dogs have been allowed in RV's for as long as I've been going to Fort Wilderness and I still don't bring them. Maybe one day when our soon to be 15 year old pitbull mix passes away and we only have our younger dog. I still understand why people would want to bring their dogs though...it's just not for me. If November is too soon to tell then I'll be back in March or April 2018 to get a better idea of what to expect.

 

[Dis703]

I can't like this enough. Breed-specific legislation is nothing but ignorance and prejudice. It's like saying all blondes are dumb or all white males in their late 20's are serial killers. If Disney is allowing canine guests, I'm glad they are including all breeds. I used to believe what I heard about pit bulls being dangerous before my son asked for one. I then researched them, spoke to our veterinarian, who says she is more afraid of dachshunds than pits, and am now grandma to a 65 lb pit. He sleeps between my husband and me, lets the cat eat out of his bowl and groom him, and is scared of his own shadow. He is also the most loving, empathetic animal we have ever owned. If anyone says so much as "ouch," he is the first one there, ready to make sure you are ok. I have also learned that this is pretty typical pit bull behavior.
Also, some "pit bulls" in dog attacks are not actually pit bulls. Other breeds are often mistaken for pit bulls (which btw isn't an actual breed), so the percentage of bites/attacks is inflated. There was a study done where veterinarians and shelter workers were asked to identify dogs by breed (DNA tests were done), and dogs with no pit bull DNA were labelled pits up to 48% of the time. This kind of mislabeling leads to dogs losing their homes, not being adopted, and being euthanized.
And, no, I won't be bringing Colton to Disney. We fly down, and he's more than happy being spoiled by his other grandparents when we go away.

As much as I'm completely against dogs in resorts I agree with this as well. It's been several years since I was involved in rescue but during that time the worry over breeds came up a lot so I was always looking at the actual statistics of which breeds were involved in bite reports, etc. I know one year it was actually Cocker Spaniels at the very top of dog bite reports by breed. And to be honest Cockers were my favorite dog to foster but every single one we rescued ended up having some aggression issues whether it was dog aggression, food aggression, or being protective of their owner/foster. Golden Retrievers were often above Pit Bulls as well. Smaller dogs were frequently more likely to actually bite, but understandably larger dogs tend to do more damage.

A size restriction I completely understand, and this may alleviate some worries from people who are fearful of dogs, but if they are going to allow all sizes I don't agree with restricting breeds.

 

[mikejs78]

When does everyone think it will be enough time to pass to have a good idea of how many dogs will regularly be at these resorts? I leave in 13 days for Fort Wilderness (staying in an RV for 9 days) so I can check out the cabins regularly. I can also check out the Yacht Club and possibly the other 2 resorts if enough people care. I will try to be as objective as possible. For those that may have not read my initial post I am perfectly okay with dogs at the resorts but would never, ever bring my 2 dogs because I have way too much anxiety to ever enjoy my vacation. In fact, dogs have been allowed in RV's for as long as I've been going to Fort Wilderness and I still don't bring them. Maybe one day when our soon to be 15 year old pitbull mix passes away and we only have our younger dog. I still understand why people would want to bring their dogs though...it's just not for me. If November is too soon to tell then I'll be back in March or April 2018 to get a better idea of what to expect.

I would say it's going to be tough to gauge between now and the of the year because most stuff is booked already. That being said, I there is a noticable presence in November that will be an interesting data point. But I think we will need to wait until Jan/Feb to really get a good idea of the impact.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I can't like this enough. Breed-specific legislation is nothing but ignorance and prejudice. It's like saying all blondes are dumb or all white males in their late 20's are serial killers. If Disney is allowing canine guests, I'm glad they are including all breeds. I used to believe what I heard about pit bulls being dangerous before my son asked for one. I then researched them, spoke to our veterinarian, who says she is more afraid of dachshunds than pits, and am now grandma to a 65 lb pit. He sleeps between my husband and me, lets the cat eat out of his bowl and groom him, and is scared of his own shadow. He is also the most loving, empathetic animal we have ever owned. If anyone says so much as "ouch," he is the first one there, ready to make sure you are ok. I have also learned that this is pretty typical pit bull behavior.
Also, some "pit bulls" in dog attacks are not actually pit bulls. Other breeds are often mistaken for pit bulls (which btw isn't an actual breed), so the percentage of bites/attacks is inflated. There was a study done where veterinarians and shelter workers were asked to identify dogs by breed (DNA tests were done), and dogs with no pit bull DNA were labelled pits up to 48% of the time. This kind of mislabeling leads to dogs losing their homes, not being adopted, and being euthanized.
And, no, I won't be bringing Colton to Disney. We fly down, and he's more than happy being spoiled by his other grandparents when we go away.

Yes

It's why I shared (I think I shared it on this thread) about the neighbor who fosters dogs and the one they currently have a person simply thought it was a pit bull and shot the dog (she survived but now is 3-legged).

And yes pit bull isn't a breed but rather a type of a dog. And like black cats pit bulls can be hard to get adopted but pit bulls are often the first to go on the kill list (a no kill shelter can still kill up to a certain percentage and still be considered no kill) for no reason other than being labled a pit bull.

I try not to get too far into a BSL debate (there's only been a handful of threads that have had that much of a heated debate on that topic where I've even commented on) but it is the truth that pit bulls were not always on the bad list. It really wasn't too long ago that german shepards were #1, etc.

At any rate I do agree with you