Can You Take Your Dog to Disney World?

Walt Disney World is a special place for very many people. It’s pretty normal to want to share that with our fur babies. Family bonding time, right? The only problem is, Disney World has a lot of rules.

The short answer to your question is, “mostly not.” But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your pup at Disney World! As far as the actual park is concerned, only service dogs are allowed. Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach are barred to any pet that isn’t fully licensed as a service animal.

Don’t let that stop you, though! In this article, we’ll walk you through how to take your dog to Disney World, where you can stay with your pup, and how you can get the most out of your visit. With a little bit of planning, this next trip to Disney World can be your favorite yet.

Where You Can Stay With Your Dog

While you may not be able to take your dogs on rides, you can bring them with you to certain Walt Disney World resorts. Keep in mind that there is a two-pet maximum and additional fees per night based on which resort you choose to stay at. Below are the only pet-friendly hotels on Disney’s grounds where you can have your dog with you. You might be disappointed not to find Disney Springs on the list, but there are still excellent options waiting for you.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside

Not far from the Magic Kingdom, there’s the Port Orleans Resort Riverside. At this resort, you and your doggo can delight in an entire welcome kit from Pluto! The property has a large pet park and exercise area, as well as a dog walking map if you’re interested in venturing further outside. If you feel like some alone time, you can head to any of the five heated swimming pools or horse-drawn carriage rides. Whatever suits your fancy.

The additional pet fee is $50 per night.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

The Yacht Club Resort is modeled after the sophisticated seashore hotels in Martha’s Vineyard, and it welcomes both you and your pet to stay in the nautical-themed rooms and have a fantastic time. Once again, your doggo gets a welcome kit with everything you could want. There are personal trainers, massage services, saunas, and restaurants that you can take part in, some with your dog, some without.

The additional pet fee is $75 per night.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Art of Animation Resort is a truly magical experience for two and four-legged guests alike. There are pet amenities such as mats, waste bags, bowls, and four separate pet relief areas. Just like with the others, there are all the amenities for humans, as well, such as the largest pool at Walt Disney World. This resort is right near the Disney Skyliner, which will take you to either EPCOT or Hollywood Studios. And don’t forget about Pluto’s Welcome Kit!

The additional pet fee is $50 per night.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Perhaps the most freedom your pet can experience is at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. It has it’s own dog park, where visitors and their human parents can play off leash and breathe in the fresh air for as long as they like. Campers are granted access to tennis courts, two outdoor pools, kayak rentals, and even nightly sing-alongs with your favorite campers, Chip and Dale.

The additional pet fee is $50 per night in a cabin or $5 per night at a campsite.

Disney Transportation 

Dogs are not welcome to ride on the Skyliner, buses, or water taxis during their stay. You might think that would make getting around with them more difficult, but not when you consider that access to all the dog-friendly areas are easy to get to and easy to navigate. Your pup can’t go shopping or into the entertainment complex, so you won’t have to worry about trying to keep them wrangled in the high-traffic spots.

How to Prepare for Disney World

The main thing you need to do before taking your dog to Disney World is make sure they’re ready to take on the scene. Traveling is no small feat for your four-legged family members, and theme parks can be extra overwhelming. Your best friends are going to be tested and stretched beyond anything they’ve ever known. It’s crucial that you have a relationship with your dog that is based on trust and clear lines of communication. They need to know your boundaries and what’s expected of them. If they know that, they’ll be able to function in any environment. At Sit Means Sit, we can help you get there. Disney is only the most magical place when everyone is having fun. To us, that means dogs, too.