4 Walt Disney World Resorts to accept dogs

[spacemt354]

Nothing here we didn’t already know, but for what it’s worth, this is Disney’s response to my email:

Dear Jennifer,

Thank you for contacting us regarding our dog-friendly Resorts.

Because dogs are considered beloved members of the family, we will soon be offering a new way for Guests to enjoy their Disney vacations with their favorite canine companions. Beginning Oct. 15, select Disney resort hotels will offer an opportunity for Guests to bring their favorite four-legged friends with them for an additional charge. Guests may have up to two dogs per room.

Guests traveling with their dogs must register them with the Front Desk at the resort and adhere to the pet policies they receive upon registration. These include reminders about proper care and behavior, aswell as the need for the dog to remain on a leash at all times while in public spaces. Guests must be able to provide documentation that their dog's vaccinations and inoculations are up to date, upon request.

We will designate certain floors or sections of a hotel as dog-friendly,while the majority of areas will remain canine-free to accommodate Guests with allergies or other concerns. Should you have any concerns during your visit, we encourage you to speak with a Cast Member at the Front Desk.

We truly appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts with us.

Best regards,

David Perkins
Guest Experience Services
Walt Disney World Resort

This response doesn't seem to directly address any of the concerns you shared here. Sounds like standard Disney fluff and vagueness.

 

[Ariel1986]

Nothing here we didn’t already know, but for what it’s worth, this is Disney’s response to my email:

Dear Jennifer,

Thank you for contacting us regarding our dog-friendly Resorts.

Because dogs are considered beloved members of the family, we will soon be offering a new way for Guests to enjoy their Disney vacations with their favorite canine companions. Beginning Oct. 15, select Disney resort hotels will offer an opportunity for Guests to bring their favorite four-legged friends with them for an additional charge. Guests may have up to two dogs per room.

Guests traveling with their dogs must register them with the Front Desk at the resort and adhere to the pet policies they receive upon registration. These include reminders about proper care and behavior, aswell as the need for the dog to remain on a leash at all times while in public spaces. Guests must be able to provide documentation that their dog's vaccinations and inoculations are up to date, upon request.

We will designate certain floors or sections of a hotel as dog-friendly,while the majority of areas will remain canine-free to accommodate Guests with allergies or other concerns. Should you have any concerns during your visit, we encourage you to speak with a Cast Member at the Front Desk.

We truly appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts with us.

Best regards,

David Perkins
Guest Experience Services
Walt Disney World Resort

I got the exact same response. Which possibly means they’re getting a lot of emails about this so are sending out a generic response?

 

[peter11435]

So a slightly higher fee for a very small percentage of guests is more palatable for Disney than a slightly lower fee that would apply to 100% of their guests?

And for that slightly higher fee, you're going to open yourself up to that kind of exposure?

A resort fee is charged by every "non-Disney -on property" hotel and many nearby off property hotels? There really is no justification Disney needs to enact it. If you are looking at max profit-low exposure - you're going with the resort fee every time.

I didn't mean it was more palatable for Disney, I meant it's more palatable for the guests. This is a new revenue source that is entirely optional for existing guests and those that pay for it are getting something in return. Resort fees are generally seen by consumers unfavorably and in Disney's case would have been (and may one day still be) an additional fee with no additional service.

The exposure is not nearly as significant as you claim and pales in comparison to their existing exposure. It's not even in the same ballpark.

I don't know why you seem to think this is instead of a resort fee. This doesn't prevent that from still happening. This is just an easy new revenue stream with little to no expense. And regardless of how many people on here are against this new test, a resort fee across the board would turn off far more guests than allowing dogs in some of your resorts.

 

[GoofGoof]

I crack up at those online "certification" papers that people actually pay for. What a waste of money. And FYI for anybody curious, there is NO legal "certification" papers even for a true and trained Service/Working Animal. The ADA even has a section on their website to notify people of this. It is the TRAINING that is required and the dog must be able to handle certain situations and environments and still be able to "work". I have trained many true service dogs and while I will provide a certification certificate if asked, I also let my clients know that it is NOT a legal document in any shape or form.

And "ESA" Emotional Support Animal is NOT a service animal and does not have the same legal access requirements that service animal does.

What is Disney’s official policy on emotional support dogs in the parks. Recently a lady got in to EPCOT with a monkey in a diaper but I think that was more of an overlook by a poorly trained CM vs the actual policy. They obviously have to make accommodation for real service animals per ADA but do they also extend that to emotional support animals even if not required by federal law?

 

[peter11435]

I got the exact same response. Which possibly means they’re getting a lot of emails about this so are sending out a generic response?

They always have these type of responses prepared for various scenarios before they ever make the first announcement.

 

[eliza61nyc]

A dumb idea has found a friend.

first it's a bunch of malarky. these dogs are not going to be "experiencing" anything. these dogs are going to be shut up in the room while family hangs out at the park for 12 hours a day.

 

[GoofGoof]

A dumb idea has found a friend.

first it's a bunch of malarky. these dogs are not going to be "experiencing" anything. these dogs are going to be shut up in the room while family hangs out at the park for 12 hours a day.

The rules say you can’t leave the dog for more than 7 hours in the room. Let’s see how they enforce that. Maybe the dogs will get a hotline to call if the owners don’t come back in time

 

[LAKid53]

What should happen:View attachment 238097

Reality:
View attachment 238100

I've had to navigate around the poop left by Disney ducks. And there are more ducks at Disney than dogs....

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

Resort fees are generally seen by consumers unfavorably and in Disney's case would have been (and may one day still be) an additional fee with no additional service.

Any additional fee is seen as unfavorable.

The exposure is not nearly as significant as you claim and pales in comparison to their existing exposure. It's not even in the same ballpark.

I get that. Disney has exposure in the day to day operation of it's parks and resorts. The exposure this brings is just stupid. It's unnecessary. If someone gets ill or dies on Space Mountain then yes, it is a risk Disney mitigates. That type of exposure is MUCH different than that of a 4 year old getting bitten by a German Sheppard while walking to her room in Alligator Bayou. The significance of Disney's exposure isn't the point - the taking on of unnecessary exposure is. Unless 15% of future guests plan staying in a room with their dogs - the additional "cleaning fee" Disney is going to make isn't going to amount to a whole lot - once you factor in the additional cost and additional insurance Disney will need to carry.

I don't know why you seem to think this is instead of a resort fee. This doesn't prevent that from still happening.

I've been on record on many posts saying that the "Resort Fee" is an eventuality.

 

[disney4life2008]

2 dogs per room. This is absolutely disgusting. I have lived with someone who took amazing care of their dog and it still left hair everywhere and smells.

 

[MisterPenguin]

What is Disney’s official policy on emotional support dogs in the parks. Recently a lady got in to EPCOT with a monkey in a diaper but I think that was more of an overlook by a poorly trained CM vs the actual policy. They obviously have to make accommodation for real service animals per ADA but do they also extend that to emotional support animals even if not required by federal law?

From the prohibited in the park list...

• Pets (unless they are service animals, defined as any dog or miniature horse trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability)

And their definition of "service animal" comports with Federal ADA Law: "any dog or miniature horse trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability."

"Comfort animals" do not provide a tangible action of work or tasks. By law, they are not service animals.

See...

Service Animals:

1. Service Animals do not need certification or papers, so, asking for proof doesn't mean anything. Some states have certification programs, but the Federal ADA doesn't require it.
2. You can ask: "Is that animal needed to provide a service because of a disability?" and "What service does it perform?"
3. Companion animals and emotional support animals are not service animals and are not covered by the ADA. They can be legally excluded.

• Though, don't confuse these animals with a true service animal for someone with a psychiatric disorder. If they're a service animal, they do something the owner can't do for themselves.
• And don't confuse any of these with a Therapy Animal which is used in nursing homes, e.g. Therapy Animals are not covered by the ADA.

4. If a Service Animal can't be reasonably accommodated (e.g. go on a bungee ride), then they can be excluded.
5. If a Service Animal is disruptive (barks in a theater, e.g.) it can be excluded.
6. Otherwise, Service Animals may not be excluded from places of public accommodation.​

Bibliography:

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SERVICE ANIMALS IN PLACES OF BUSINESS

Service Dog Central:Frequently Asked Questions - Laws​

In addition to Federal laws regarding service animals, here is Florida's law from this site that summarizes states' laws.

Definitions

“Service animal” means an animal that is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work done or tasks performed must be directly related to the individual's disability and may include, but are not limited to, guiding an individual who is visually impaired or blind, alerting an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing, pulling a wheelchair, assisting with mobility or balance, alerting and protecting an individual who is having a seizure, retrieving objects, alerting an individual to the presence of allergens, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to an individual with a mobility disability, helping an individual with a psychiatric or neurological disability by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors, reminding an individual with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming an individual with posttraumatic stress disorder during an anxiety attack, or doing other specific work or performing other special tasks.

Specifically states: "A service animal is not a pet."

Service animal is also limited to a dog or a miniature horse.

West's F. S. A. § 413.08​

Accommodation Law

An individual with a disability has the right to be accompanied by a service animal in all areas of a public accommodation that the public or customers are normally permitted to occupy.

• The service animal must be under the control of its handler and must have a harness, leash, or other tether, unless either the handler is unable because of a disability
• no documentation is required
• a public accommodation may ask if an animal is a service animal required because of a disability and what work or tasks the animal has been trained to perform.
• can remove or exclude service animal if the animal is out of control and the animal's handler does not take effective action to control it, the animal is not housebroken, or the animal poses direct threat to the health and safety of others ("allergies and fear of animals are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to an individual with a service animal")

Denial or interference with these rights is misdemeanor of second degree and must perform 30 hours of community service for an organization that serves individuals with disabilities, or for another entity or organization at the discretion of the court, to be completed in not more than 6 months.

Any trainer of a service animal, while engaged in the training of such an animal, has the same rights and privileges with respect to access to public facilities and the same liability for damage.

West's F. S. A. § 413.08​

Harassment of/Interference with Service Dogs

Reckless interference with service dog:

A person who, with reckless disregard, interferes with, or permits a dog that he or she owns or is in the immediate control of to interfere with, the use of a service animal by obstructing, intimidating, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of the service animal or its user commits a misdemeanor of the second degree for the first offense and a misdemeanor of the first degree for each subsequent offense.

Reckless injuring or killing of service dog:

A person who, with reckless disregard, injures or kills, or permits a dog that he or she owns or is in the immediate control of to injure or kill, a service animal commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Intentionally killing service dog:

A person who intentionally injures or kills, or permits a dog that he or she owns or is in the immediate control of to injure or kill, a service animal commits a felony of the third degree.

A person who is convicted must make full restitution for all damages

West's F. S. A. § 413.081​

Fraudulent Representation

A person who knowingly and willfully misrepresents herself or himself, through conduct or verbal or written notice, as using a service animal and being qualified to use a service animal or as a trainer of a service animal commits a misdemeanor of the second degree and must perform 30 hours of community service for an organization that serves individuals with disabilities, or for another entity or organization at the discretion of the court, to be completed in not more than 6 months.

West's F. S. A. § 413.08​

 

[disney4life2008]

There are a lot more people in Manhattan then dogs. Tons of 'em. Wall to wall. I'd think you'd be more sick of the sight of people then dogs, and WDW has a lot of people.


A lot of folks seem to be going to WDW for a quiet, isolated, serene vacation... which is not something WDW has ever really offered.

I hate dogs. That says enough

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

What I haven't seen (and maybe its in this thread somewhere). - Any restrictions on breeds, weight? Or am I going to be having my morning coffee with Marmaduke and a couple of Doberman's?

 

[spacemt354]

The rules say you can’t leave the dog for more than 7 hours in the room. Let’s see how they enforce that. Maybe the dogs will get a hotline to call if the owners don’t come back in time

"Hello, front desk? Yes, this is dog. Just wanted to inform you I have been here for 7.5 hours. Where are my owners?"
"They're probably still in line for Flight of Passage"

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

From the prohibited in the park list...

• Pets (unless they are service animals, defined as any dog or miniature horse trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability)

And their definition of "service animal" comports with Federal ADA Law: "any dog or miniature horse trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability."

"Comfort animals" do not provide a tangible action of work or tasks. By law, they are not service animals.

See...

Miniature horses, eh? Guess that's the test they'll do next at Saratoga Springs.......

 

[peter11435]

Any additional fee is seen as unfavorable.

Exactly. But in this case the guest is paying for something that they understand what they are getting in return. The guests that pay for this will not view it unfavorably.

I get that. Disney has exposure in the day to day operation of it's parks and resorts. The exposure this brings is just stupid. It's unnecessary. If someone gets ill or dies on Space Mountain then yes, it is a risk Disney mitigates. That type of exposure is MUCH different than that of a 4 year old getting bitten by a German Sheppard while walking to her room in Alligator Bayou. The significance of Disney's exposure isn't the point - the taking on of unnecessary exposure is. Unless 15% of future guests plan staying in a room with their dogs - the additional "cleaning fee" Disney is going to make isn't going to amount to a whole lot - once you factor in the additional cost and additional insurance Disney will need to carry.

Again obviously disney thinks the benefits outway the risks and that it is not unnecessary. I still think you are grossly exaggerating the level of exposure this brings on. The scenario you propose regarding Splash Mountain is a far greater risk for them for multiple reasons especially with regards to hurting the brand and image.

Disney will not carry additional insurance. There is no insurance. It doesn't work that way.

I've been on record on many posts saying that the "Resort Fee" is an eventuality.

This we can agree on

 

[MisterPenguin]

"Hello, front desk? Yes, this is dog. Just wanted to inform you I have been here for 7.5 hours. Where are my owners?"
"They're probably still in line for Flight of Passage"

"Hello, dog, this is desk. If owners are not back in 30 minutes you may poop on their pillow. Love you. Bye."

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

Disney will not carry additional insurance. There is no insurance. It doesn't work that way.

Liability Insurance.....yes.....it does work that way.

 

[peter11435]

Liability Insurance.....yes.....it does work that way.

No... there is none. Except in the case of DVC properties to protect their "owners."

 

[GoofGoof]

From the prohibited in the park list...

• Pets (unless they are service animals, defined as any dog or miniature horse trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability)

And their definition of "service animal" comports with Federal ADA Law: "any dog or miniature horse trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability."

"Comfort animals" do not provide a tangible action of work or tasks. By law, they are not service animals.

See...

I am somewhat familiar with the legal requirements but I wasn’t sure what Disney’s policy was. It’s good they chose not to open that can of worms since the number of abusers would far outnumber the people with a true need. I did find this response from the mom’s panel which is pretty much an official Disney response:
https://disneyparksmomspanel.disney...g-wdw-emotional-support-animal-mo-old-298086/