Trial Run for Dogs in Resort Rooms

[Lehuaann]

Why the deuce didn't they just expand Best Friends on property?? They could have added onsite kennels at certain resorts.

FW did have a kennel at one time, and closed it down when BF opened Worst decision ever.

 

[robinb]

No one wrote what you listed. Those are your re-writes with major changes and exaggerations.

And I guess you don't understand what "jumped the shark" means: portraying in fiction something so over the top that no one could even pretend to believe it would ever really happen. Some of the things people have suggested to address this while on-site (not the fake re-writes you made) will happen, so there has been no shark jumping. Nice try though.

Sorry, I really wish I had been exaggerating ...

* Punish Disney by having everyone ask for a deep cleaning even if it's not necessary. That'll teach 'em!

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.

* Follow dog owners around with your phone and document every single possible transgression. Flag down every available CM and show them the photos and videos. Go to the front desk and demand that the manager view your photos and videos. That'll teach 'em!

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.

* Lastly (and this one is my favorite), while at the front desk DEMAND that you be compensated for the time you spent doing your junior sleuthing because you are obviously doing their job for them. That'll teach 'em! Oh, and we get a free lunch in the process!

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.

 

[LYSE]

I think I've kept up with reading this thread, but I could have missed some posts.

So here is something I wonder about--when Disney says that their dog guests need to be up-to-date on their vaccinations, which ones do they mean?

I can tell you that my town asks only for rabies when they issue a license. Our groomer wants rabies and kennel cough. The kennel wants those and a couple more--I forget which. Our vet's office would gladly turn my dog into a pin cushion and charge us a few hundred dollars for them.

Are canine vaccines regulated in Florida? Or is it Disney's or another business's call which ones are required?

That's what I've been wondering, any real dog person knows there isn't a need to get every vaccine under the sun you do them as needed and kennel cough vaccines don't even work. Additionally boosters and such are mostly not needed in adult dogs and you should be doing titer test to determine if additional shots are needed or not since they almost never are after the first round (Distemper, parvo, rabies...)

 

[agavegirl1]

I think I've kept up with reading this thread, but I could have missed some posts.

So here is something I wonder about--when Disney says that their dog guests need to be up-to-date on their vaccinations, which ones do they mean?

I can tell you that my town asks only for rabies when they issue a license. Our groomer wants rabies and kennel cough. The kennel wants those and a couple more--I forget which. Our vet's office would gladly turn my dog into a pin cushion and charge us a few hundred dollars for them.

Are canine vaccines regulated in Florida? Or is it Disney's or another business's call which ones are required?

From a PP upthread:

Required Documentation
All pets visiting Best Friends Pet Care must be up-to-date on their vaccines. Written proof is required from a veterinarian. Please bring a copy with you to present at check-in, or you may ask your veterinarian's office to fax it to (203) 840-5266 before you arrive. For information on vaccine requirements, please call (877) 4 WDW-PETS or (877) 493-9738. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

So just it's only rabies according to Florida state law. I suppose Disney or another business (like a groomer or kennel) could ask for more.

I would think they could. I have seen in the news about Dog Flu in Fl and isn't Parvo contagious?

First Cases Of H3N2 Dog Flu Confirmed In Florida - CBS Local

ETA
4. Is there a vaccine for dog flu? How is dog flu treated?
There is a vaccine for both strains of the canine influenza virus. However, the vaccine may not completely ward off the virus. It largely shortens the duration of the flu and keeps the pet from getting a more severe case.

If you think your dog might have canine influenza, call your veterinarian ahead of time. The disease is highly contagious and vets will want to isolate your dog from other patients at the clinic.

Make sure to let your vet know the symptoms and when it started. Be sure to let your vet know if your dog was at any events or locations with lots of dogs in the past week.

Your vet should perform a diagnostic to make sure your dog has the flu or another virus. It will include swabs of the nose and throat.

 

[Suziepeach]

Too many issues. Where do you draw lines? Some owners won't pick up their dogs waste. Is the resort guest responsible if their dog barks in the room all day while they are gone. Is mousekeeping responsible for the dog if they enter the room. Who is responsible if 2 dogs get aggressive to one another. My DD is walking with a Mickey ice cream, the dog jumps at it, and bites her on accident...the dog is at fault, the owner is at fault, and now Disney is at fault for none of their doing. The lawsuits definitely follow which quarantines the dog, opens the owner to damages, and Disney as well since it happened on their property.

Disney already has an entire site for dog/pet owners. That is Fort Wilderness. If you need to do a trial, forget it. It already exists. If you want to bring your dog, go there.

Yep, Fort Wilderness will be the same as the other 3 hotels plus all the cabins are pet friendly now and those poor dogs will be kept in their same as in a hotel room.

 

[Gryhndmom]

So just it's only rabies according to Florida state law. I suppose Disney or another business (like a groomer or kennel) could ask for more.

I would think they could. I have seen in the news about Dog Flu in Fl and isn't Parvo contagious?

First Cases Of H3N2 Dog Flu Confirmed In Florida - CBS Local

Most responsible pet owners along with rabies get the bordatella (required here in San Antonio for boarding) along with parvovirus and dyptheria ( sp?) and doggie flu shot.

 

[mexi]

I would think they could. I have seen in the news about Dog Flu in Fl and isn't Parvo contagious?

First Cases Of H3N2 Dog Flu Confirmed In Florida - CBS Local

ETA
4. Is there a vaccine for dog flu? How is dog flu treated?
There is a vaccine for both strains of the canine influenza virus. However, the vaccine may not completely ward off the virus. It largely shortens the duration of the flu and keeps the pet from getting a more severe case.

If you think your dog might have canine influenza, call your veterinarian ahead of time. The disease is highly contagious and vets will want to isolate your dog from other patients at the clinic.

Make sure to let your vet know the symptoms and when it started. Be sure to let your vet know if your dog was at any events or locations with lots of dogs in the past week.

Your vet should perform a diagnostic to make sure your dog has the flu or another virus. It will include swabs of the nose and throat.

My dogs have gotten a dog flu shot every year along with other vaccinations since they've been born.

This isn't new to pet owners.

 

[travelgirl77]

I literally just had a CM make fun of me for switching resorts because of this trial dog run. I had booked POR, but figured it was worth it for my family to switch to AKL for about $300 more and avoid the dog issue. The CM laughed and said, "Let me get this straight, you don't want to stay at POR because of a possible dog issue, but you want to go to a resort with all of the animals? RAHAHAHA."

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

Most responsible pet owners along with rabies get the bordatella (required here in San Antonio for boarding) along with parvovirus and dyptheria ( sp?) and doggie flu shot.

Key word "responsible". I'm wondering too if the pets that were at WDW during the hurricane had been properly vaccinated and had proof. Most likely not.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Hmm well I'm not going back through the whole thread here but to my recollection:

~There was a poster talking about waiting at the front desk for pixie dust for their soiled shoes

~
~And oh so many more things.

So I would probably say paraphrasing here or combining several types of comments together. The deep cleaning aspect I don't have much of a comment either way on that. As far as exaggerations......do we want to get into that??

And there is no offense meant here it's just there have been some comments you can't ignore as far as the reactions. Nothing invalidates how one feels for sure though.

I only kept my comment that you are referring to...you told me you were trying to be helpful when I asked about your reply, and I took you at your word since tone is very hard to judge on line. So I will try to explain again where I was coming from, since you are mentioning it again in response to someone addressing the "jump the shark" remark. This comment makes me doubt my belief that you were sincerely trying to be helpful to my situation.

I apologize if you took offense to my statement. It was not intended to be inflammatory or spiteful, but you have mentioned it multiple times. I understand why people want to vacation with their pets even if I would choose differently regarding a WDW vacation. I also understand this is now the stated policy at POR where I am staying in few months. I am in a situation where Disney has changed the goalposts. I don't really have any recourse, and I feel powerless. I really can't cancel on my girl - she's been fundraising and planning for so long. Responses from Disney have not been helpful to my group so far.

When I made that statement, I was genuinely trying to assess if I wanted to cancel my booked trip, or trouble shoot and make the best of things. I chose the latter. That remark was an attempt at venting steam when I felt powerless, and at some humor that apparently didn't go over well with you. Again I do apologize if my actual words offended, but I do think regarding this issue, we just have a different point of view. That's okay - I don't need to convince you of my point of view. My understanding is that you wouldn't consider stepping in dog poop a significant new concern, given all the other gross stuff on the ground (I'm paraphrasing). I disagree, so I'm trying to think about it and how I'd best deal with it.

I am trying to be empathetic to both sides as I gather information for an upcoming trip in a trial resort. I feel frustrated and kind of powerless and that Disney has put me in an untenable position. I generally have found these boards very helpful when I'm researching a trip and I'm glad I saw this policy change since nobody else seems to be notifying us, but I cannot control if someone responds to my concerns with empathy or thinks I'm over reacting. I can only note it and try to express myself more clearly.

 

[KarenP64]

I would think they could. I have seen in the news about Dog Flu in Fl and isn't Parvo contagious?

Oh dear!!!! Parvo is a whole other can of worms (excuse my pun!)! This should scare all dog owners!! Just imagine someone bringing their new puppy who has parvo! SCARY STUFF!!!

 

[sabrecmc]

I'm keeping an open mind. I still think a dedicated pet-friendly resort is a better answer, but this could lead to something like that in the future. Maybe they saw it went well with the hurricane and there weren't a lot of problems. *shrug* I do think a different moderate than POR should've been used, since that's one of the few that can handle a family of 5 in one room, but if they really keep it to a single building or something, you may not even notice the few dogs who happen to travel with their families. Like with most changes, there is always a ton of hand-wringing and what-ifs, but it is a trial. Will be interesting to see how it goes. If you encounter problems, make it a point to let Disney have feedback about your experience.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Sorry, I really wish I had been exaggerating ...

* Punish Disney by having everyone ask for a deep cleaning even if it's not necessary. That'll teach 'em!



* Follow dog owners around with your phone and document every single possible transgression. Flag down every available CM and show them the photos and videos. Go to the front desk and demand that the manager view your photos and videos. That'll teach 'em!



* Lastly (and this one is my favorite), while at the front desk DEMAND that you be compensated for the time you spent doing your junior sleuthing because you are obviously doing their job for them. That'll teach 'em! Oh, and we get a free lunch in the process!

Oh my..

 

[keaster]

I literally just had a CM make fun of me for switching resorts because of this trial dog run. I had booked POR, but figured it was worth it for my family to switch to AKL for about $300 more and avoid the dog issue. The CM laughed and said, "Let me get this straight, you don't want to stay at POR because of a possible dog issue, but you want to go to a resort with all of the animals? RAHAHAHA."

Nice customer service. I'm sure his/her supervisor would be happy to know that CM is belittling a customer who just paid the mouse MORE money to switch their reservation!

 

[Jennasis]

I literally just had a CM make fun of me for switching resorts because of this trial dog run. I had booked POR, but figured it was worth it for my family to switch to AKL for about $300 more and avoid the dog issue. The CM laughed and said, "Let me get this straight, you don't want to stay at POR because of a possible dog issue, but you want to go to a resort with all of the animals? RAHAHAHA."

Pretty sure the zebras ain't sleeping IN the guests room or wandering around the resort.

 

[skyp4WDW]

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?)

Excellent Post! Thank you for some good ideas and great information!
Just my 2 cents: I think it could be helpful to post videos and photos on Youtube as well.

 

[Darbie]

Pretty sure the zebras ain't sleeping IN the guests room or wandering around the resort.

Well to be fair, the call center CM probably doesn't know that.

 

[Madame]

You may still stay at All Star Music, CBR, Beach Club, Boardwalk Inn, Wilderness Lodge (Club Level), the Contemporary, the Polynesian, the Grand Floridian, Boardwalk Villas, Polynesian Villas, GF Villas, Boulder Ridge Villas, and the Beach Club Villas.

Yes I know that. & again I said it AFFECTS families of 5 not that it left them without options. We are supposed to be understanding of those who WANT to bring their dogs, what of the empathy for families of 5.

I don’t know if you’ve ever traveled with 5, but ASM suites are expensive, although less so than AoA. The cheap deluxes (WL, AK) for families of 4 are the most expensive for 5 - they bump up in category & are crazy money.

So that now leaves 1 mod which has been reduced to add a DVC, or deluxe. & with limited choices comes even more limited discount selection.

You know how many families stay Pop or A S Sports b/c that is literally what they can afford? POR (1/2 mods) is the Pop of families of 5. & yes, sigh, WDW is a privelege & yes, sigh, they can all stay offsite. But being totally dismissive is not helpful. Many of us have said Dis needs to choose 1-2 dog resorts, but for crying out loud did it have to be almost every single cheaper option for this group?!?!

I’m not trying to be argumentative here, but can’t you see that statements like « Well there are 20 other resorts » are just as inflammatory as « If you bring your dog to WDW you could possibly land someone in the ER. » Not helpful.

 

[DisneyFive]

So we are now well over 1000 replies to the poll in this thread, with 86% still not in favor of this policy, roughly 5 out of 6 of us.

Ok, based on the recent poll linked below, 70% of us (Dis members) have visited 6 times or more in the last 10 years, and 90%+ are those that have been at least 3 times in the last 10 years.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/whats-the-make-up-of-this-group.3631560/

As a whole, we know WDW better than the general public. As a whole, I would also say that we have a general affection to WDW, more than the general public.

I think I can say this with some level of confidence regarding the polling results:

• I don't see any reason that we would like or dislike dogs more than the general population.
  • I don't see a reason to believe more or less of us have phobias, allergies, or aversion to sleeping in rooms where other family's pets have been.
• I don't see any reason why dog ownership would be any less than the general population
  • In fact families tend to own more pets than singles, but the gap is closing according to this link https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/06/05/single-pet-ownership.aspx, and I think it's fair to say, relative to the general public, that there are a greater percentage of families at WDW.

• In general, we are more informed of WDW resorts than the general public
• In general, we have a better understanding and background on which to vote in the poll.
• In general, we are the people who actually GO to WDW.
• I don't see why our general love of Disney would inherently bias our results against having dogs in the resort. If this was a policy that we liked and would make our vacations better, we would vote that way.

In summary, this is a very unpopular policy for the majority. It is also unnecessary. Will some be happy about this proposed policy? Yes. However, this policy comes at the expense and frustration of the many.

Kindly, Dan