Poll: Why don’t you want dogs at Disney Resorts? (non-service dogs)

[zebrastreyepz]

No breed restrictions?

That is horrible.

That alone would keep me out of any of the pet friendly hotels. My experiences with Rotties and Pitties are not good.

 

[Dakota731]

My lab is the sweetest baby with everyone, especially little ones, however when a bunch of screaming kids come at him like at a park, he gets scared and skittish. And you don’t want to put anyone in that situation where someone could get bitten. Of course irresponsible dog owners don’t think that far, and responsible owners won’t be letting their dog in a hotel for 15 hours a day so we are preaching to the choir here. Maybe we should poll the dogs and see which ones would be happier staying home lol

 

[OHmomof2]

I am also wondering how dogs are going to work out at POR when the horse and carriages are out. Are they planning to stop carriage rides there.

Good point...didn't even think about that!

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

I picked numbers two and six.
Because I believe that there are some dog owners that would be rude enough to bring their dog/s along knowing full well that they have a dog/s that will bark constantly and; there are dog owners that will not pick up after their dog/s.

 

[TinkerTerry]

YOu know how when you visit some people with dogs and you can smell them as soon as you enter their home? When these dogs have accidents in the room can they clean that up enough to have no odor?

 

[bladiator]

After watching the DIS Unplugged where they talked about this, I had another thought. Pete was absolutely sure that there will be sections of the resorts that are designated as pet-friendly portions only and that's the only places where you'll have dogs. So my question then is:

Are you just going to leave those rooms open if you don't fill to capacity all of the rooms that you have put aside for dogs? Are you going to give those rooms to regular guests at a discounted rate if you can't fill them? And what happens if someone comes with a dog and you don't have a pet-friendly room available? Do you turn those people away?

I feel like if they set aside a section for this (which really seems like the only sane thing to do) that you are taking away occupancy that was already stretched thin in some of these locations throughout the year.

 

[dansdad]

After watching the DIS Unplugged where they talked about this, I had another thought. Pete was absolutely sure that there will be sections of the resorts that are designated as pet-friendly portions only and that's the only places where you'll have dogs. So my question then is:

Are you just going to leave those rooms open if you don't fill to capacity all of the rooms that you have put aside for dogs?

No. They will wait until the last possible moment to use them for guests without dogs, but they will use them.

Are you going to give those rooms to regular guests at a discounted rate if you can't fill them?

No.

And what happens if someone comes with a dog and you don't have a pet-friendly room available? Do you turn those people away?

Probably not. Though I don't see that happening.

I feel like if they set aside a section for this (which really seems like the only sane thing to do) that you are taking away occupancy that was already stretched thin in some of these locations throughout the year.

This is THE reason why I don't see this trial going into full affect.

 

[HookdonWDW]

After watching the DIS Unplugged where they talked about this, I had another thought. Pete was absolutely sure that there will be sections of the resorts that are designated as pet-friendly portions only and that's the only places where you'll have dogs. So my question then is:

Are you just going to leave those rooms open if you don't fill to capacity all of the rooms that you have put aside for dogs? Are you going to give those rooms to regular guests at a discounted rate if you can't fill them? And what happens if someone comes with a dog and you don't have a pet-friendly room available? Do you turn those people away?

I feel like if they set aside a section for this (which really seems like the only sane thing to do) that you are taking away occupancy that was already stretched thin in some of these locations throughout the year.

^This!

There is no way that Disney is going to give up the kind of potential revenue involved if it means leaving a dozen (or several dozen) rooms empty. And then people will find that they have suddenly become "an exception".

This is exactly why smoking/non-smoking rooms didn't work for Disney. They don't enforce policies, and people felt entitled to get what they wanted. I remember when smoking rooms still existed. Smokers who had requested smoking being mad when they were put in nonsmoking rooms (rightfully so) and the uproar that happened with a ton of smoking on nonsmoking balconies. I don't want smoke drifting into my non-smoking room (asthmatic and allergic to that too!), but I understand the frustration of the other side. In some cases, CMs would tell them to smoke on the balcony and provide ashtrays.

Just like smoke odor is hard to get out of a room, so is pet odor and dander. And the more people smoke in a room/the more pets are in a room, the worse it will get. This is not a good or well thought out policy. People on both sides of the issue are going to end up mad, and Disney is going to be the Villain.

I have been pushing for a Villains Resort for years now. I would prefer it be pet free... except for the Cruella building of course.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Dogs? What a weird and bad idea?!

 

[HopperFan]

No. They will wait until the last possible moment to use them for guests without dogs, but they will use them.

No.

Probably not. Though I don't see that happening.

This is THE reason why I don't see this trial going into full affect.

I wish I had your confidence. Many phone calls have happened now, they will not commit to a dog free environment for guests, only a request. I don't believe they won't fill every room nor try to put a walk up dog into a room. Disney's goal is to fill rooms. They didn't introduce this for guest benefit, they introduced to get more guests and fill rooms. They think they've found a niche where folks will pay more ... sure beats offering Free Dining to fill rooms that the hotel has to pay for.

I've said it before but once we were staying at POP Century during BTG. I knew groups were placed in 80's & 90's so I requested 50's. I travel with my DS who is disabled, clearly to look at. When we checked in they gave me 90's. I told them that it was unacceptable, I did not want to be by those kids with my son. I was told "Well it is against the law. We have to mix families with the groups." This from a "shift manager". It was such a stupid comment to make, a lie and they clearly could care less about me. WHY? Because they make bank on those BTG. We had a horrible week, we had security called over and over to do nothing. We complained to front desk. I talked to the kids. I finally saw one of their tour guides and said if it happened again that night, I was calling the police, not Disney, the real police to come take care of them. It was quiet. Stupid me went through the same thing the next year. Next year I called, cancelled my reservation, told them why and moved offsite.

Can you imagine if I complain there is a dog on my floor, that I saw him poop along the walkway, that he barked or I found hair balls in my room? They aren't going to do anything ... maybe roll their eyes.

Disney fills rooms mostly without regard to guests, Disney does not address issues that happen, Disney always asks forgiveness after you complain. Look at CBR, it took lots of uproar before gift cards started coming and even then some folks had to fight for them. Right now they finally dropped the rate there to make it more fair to those guests but it shouldn't have to come to that. And I still wouldn't pay the reduced rates.

I do not believe Disney is capable of keeping this in control, is willing to enforce anything and is very willing to sell every room no matter the consequences. I have no fear of dogs, I have dogs, I react allergically to some dogs but not all or enough to do harm. I absolutely will not book any of these resorts because I don't trust Disney. And that from a hard core, Disney infused life fan. It's sad but their customer service has done nothing but slide ..... and because we love Disney we have accepted it. Kinda sad.

 

[kmb584]

Simply put, I don't think it's fair to the dogs. I don't think it's wise to bring a dog to WDW and leave it alone in a new space for up to seven hours (possibly more, as who is policing the time?). That can cause anxiety, especially if the dog is used to being around people, and that can lead to excessive barking, literally peeing with excitement when its owner returns, the dog being scared, etc. I also don't agree with the pocket pooches, as I call them, that I see being toted around the parks in dog strollers/purses being labeled as an emotional support animal. That's just a selfish owner, not thinking about what the heat and humidity and sensory overload can cause.

I do not mind that there is no breed restriction. Perhaps I see things differently because not only do I own a Rottie, I grew up with them. To me, they're big babies and I have no hesitation when it comes to any breed. I firmly believe it's how you raise that dog. If you raise a dog with anger, yelling, hitting, of course, that dog is going to be aggressive. The difference is: a bite from a 5 lb Morkie doesn't carry the same weight as one from an 80 lb Rottie. No dog is inherently aggressive. No dog was born a bad seed. There are bad owners, and people raising dogs that have no business raising a bean sprout, nevermind an animal.

 

[HopperFan]

What about the lobby of the resorts? Would dogs be allowed there? Not that we spend a ton of time there, but if we are hanging out waiting for DME I don’t want to sit on a chair that might have dog hair, drips of pee, dogs barks echoing through the room, etc.

Disney's published rule is .... yes .... but they aren't allowed on the furniture.

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

After watching the DIS Unplugged where they talked about this, I had another thought. Pete was absolutely sure that there will be sections of the resorts that are designated as pet-friendly portions only and that's the only places where you'll have dogs. So my question then is:

Are you just going to leave those rooms open if you don't fill to capacity all of the rooms that you have put aside for dogs? Are you going to give those rooms to regular guests at a discounted rate if you can't fill them? And what happens if someone comes with a dog and you don't have a pet-friendly room available? Do you turn those people away?

I feel like if they set aside a section for this (which really seems like the only sane thing to do) that you are taking away occupancy that was already stretched thin in some of these locations throughout the year.

This exactly!!!
I was thinking the same thing; if I want to make a reservation and the only rooms available are in the area designated for dog owners, will they give me one here without telling me this? Or will Disney reservations make it clear that the room is in the section designated for dog owners so I have the opportunity to decline it? I don't think it should be up to me to go online to find out that I could have been assigned a room here.

 

[Ensusieasm]

What about the lobby of the resorts? Would dogs be allowed there? Not that we spend a ton of time there, but if we are hanging out waiting for DME I don’t want to sit on a chair that might have dog hair, drips of pee, dogs barks echoing through the room, etc.

They can be in the lobby. During Irma they actually took photos of dogs sitting on the check in counter and being lead around in the beautifully carpeted Deluxe Resort lobby by Goofy and Pluto.

 

[Ensusieasm]

YOu know how when you visit some people with dogs and you can smell them as soon as you enter their home? When these dogs have accidents in the room can they clean that up enough to have no odor?

They can try, but nothing really works.

 

[Ensusieasm]

2, 3, 4, 6 + other.

Other = everything that's already been said by PPs. Especially that a separate dog-friendly resort is the best solution. Let everyone who wants to bring their pet stay there, since apparently they won't mind it if someone else's dog barks or destroys the room or scares their kid or bites them, etc., etc.

I'm sure the only reason WDW did this is that it's a huge source of revenue. That would also explain why my detailed e-mail to Guest Services objecting to this new policy was answered by a cheerful, happy, enthusiastic reply all about how great it is now that people can bring their dogs to a WDW resort with them and completely ignored my comments.

Please, Disney, if you're reading this, don't extend this policy to other resorts! I'm actually concerned about that happening, and happening, as this did, with all but no notice.

When I got that exact same form letter email I responded with another email saying that I didn't think a form letter was an appropriate response to my concerns. I got a phone call that same day.

 

[lelew]

I own a lab and she is the most kid friendly dog you will ever meet. I will take her on vacation to the beach but never to a place like Disney or Universal Studios. If I plan on being out of my room all day at parks and pools It would be unfair to leave her in a hotel room all day. If I have fast pass for a certain time I would have to plan her feeding and walk time around that. I find that to be stressful. People have to take that into consideration when bringing their pet on vacation. My dog gets sad when I leave for work in the morning, I can't imagine what she will go through in a strange hotel room while I'm in parks and pools all day.

 

[Monorail_Man_NJ]

Some of the casinos have tried this. But in that case the casino only wants you their to gamble. So in that scenario if it brings more people to the casino to gamble then they win. Not to mention that casino rooms are relatively cheap. Vegas I usually get comped rooms and only go every other year.

Now in Disney's case they are always FULL. Disney doesnt need any gimmicks to bring more people to their parks or resorts. People will come and people will pay. Bringing dogs to the resort does not bring anyone new to the resort. Complete opposite of casinos.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

I wish I had your confidence. Many phone calls have happened now, they will not commit to a dog free environment for guests, only a request. I don't believe they won't fill every room nor try to put a walk up dog into a room. Disney's goal is to fill rooms. They didn't introduce this for guest benefit, they introduced to get more guests and fill rooms. They think they've found a niche where folks will pay more ... sure beats offering Free Dining to fill rooms that the hotel has to pay for.

I've said it before but once we were staying at POP Century during BTG. I knew groups were placed in 80's & 90's so I requested 50's. I travel with my DS who is disabled, clearly to look at. When we checked in they gave me 90's. I told them that it was unacceptable, I did not want to be by those kids with my son. I was told "Well it is against the law. We have to mix families with the groups." This from a "shift manager". It was such a stupid comment to make, a lie and they clearly could care less about me. WHY? Because they make bank on those BTG. We had a horrible week, we had security called over and over to do nothing. We complained to front desk. I talked to the kids. I finally saw one of their tour guides and said if it happened again that night, I was calling the police, not Disney, the real police to come take care of them. It was quiet. Stupid me went through the same thing the next year. Next year I called, cancelled my reservation, told them why and moved offsite.

Can you imagine if I complain there is a dog on my floor, that I saw him poop along the walkway, that he barked or I found hair balls in my room? They aren't going to do anything ... maybe roll their eyes.

Disney fills rooms mostly without regard to guests, Disney does not address issues that happen, Disney always asks forgiveness after you complain. Look at CBR, it took lots of uproar before gift cards started coming and even then some folks had to fight for them. Right now they finally dropped the rate there to make it more fair to those guests but it shouldn't have to come to that. And I still wouldn't pay the reduced rates.

I do not believe Disney is capable of keeping this in control, is willing to enforce anything and is very willing to sell every room no matter the consequences. I have no fear of dogs, I have dogs, I react allergically to some dogs but not all or enough to do harm. I absolutely will not book any of these resorts because I don't trust Disney. And that from a hard core, Disney infused life fan. It's sad but their customer service has done nothing but slide ..... and because we love Disney we have accepted it. Kinda sad.

From one fan to another, I'm just so sorry that you and your son experienced that. On the rest, I'm with you...

 

[kungaloosh22]

I do not mind that there is no breed restriction. Perhaps I see things differently because not only do I own a Rottie, I grew up with them. To me, they're big babies and I have no hesitation when it comes to any breed. I firmly believe it's how you raise that dog. If you raise a dog with anger, yelling, hitting, of course, that dog is going to be aggressive. The difference is: a bite from a 5 lb Morkie doesn't carry the same weight as one from an 80 lb Rottie. No dog is inherently aggressive. No dog was born a bad seed. There are bad owners, and people raising dogs that have no business raising a bean sprout, nevermind an animal.

I believe your dog is a total sweetheart! But unfortunately, in a nutshell, that bolded statement is the crux of the problem. I will say that as a dog attack victim, I very much DO mind that there are no size restrictions. That doesn't mean I think all rotties/german shepherds/pits/akitas, etc are vicious. Far from it! But like you say, they can (and sometimes do) cause serious damage. And evicting the dog/dog owner after something like that happens is too little, too late. Little dogs bite, too, and though that might not cause as serious a problem, it's not something anyone should have to deal with on their vacation.

On the barking and location issues, I posted the following on the megathread, but thought it might be interesting to the discussion here, too:
...
I rarely spend much time on the Universal message boards, but a few years back I was researching which resort to stay at. I remember reading a thread from someone who was annoyed by incessant barking at Royal Pacific, and was warning people that they could get stuck in the pet room areas if they'd booked a cheaper room. I also remember a hotel manager from a pet-friendly resort weighing in, and the things that stuck with me were:

• Barking was the main complaint at this person's hotel, and whenever the hotel called people to tell them their dog was being a nuisance, they were usually told, "Oh no, not MY dog! My dog doesn't bark!"
  
  
• This hotelier stated hotels will try to isolate the dogs, but logistically, you will never be guaranteed a room away from the pet area, and dogs (not just service dogs) will never be restrained to only certain rooms.
  
  
• When you run a pet-friendly hotel, lots of people show up with dogs without having specified a dog when making the reservation.

I finally got around to finding that thread. If you're interested, you can see it here.

We'll see how Disney handles all this....