Hey there, Faren. Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question.
Walt Disney World has been testing out an ongoing pilot program that does allow Guests to brings dogs to certain Walt Disney World Resort Hotels for their vacation. Currently, there are four resorts with a section of dog-friendly rooms available. Those resorts are Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and the resort that has interested you,
Disney's Art of Animation Resort. Each of the room blocks at those resorts have areas that are easily accessible to green spaces and outdoor walkways for exercise and pet relief areas. To stay at Disney's Art of Animation Resort with your dog, there is a $50.00 a night up-charge to your resort reservation.
Keep in mind that if you want to bring your dog (no other animals are permitted at this time) he or she must be current on all of their vaccinations. It's a good idea to have a copy of their records just in case the resort asks to see them. When you check-in with your dog, you'll be given Pluto's welcome kit which is designed with your dog in mind. In the kit you'll find a feeding mat, bowls, plastic disposable bags, an ID tag, puppy pads, a dog walking mat and a do not disturb door hanger. These items are great and help to cut down on packing all the things your dog might need. The kit, however, does not include any food or treats so you will need to bring those items from home.
Only two dogs are allowed in each room and your dog must remain leashed at all times when outside of your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel room. Unless it's a service animal, pets are not permitted on any Walt Disney World transportation or in any of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. Keep in mind that Disney does reserve the right to ask you to come and check in on your dog at any time if you leave them in the room unattended. If there is excess barking, a Cast Member will call you and you will have 30 minutes to head back to your resort room to check on them and calm them down. Disney recommends not leaving your dog unattended for more than 7 hours at a time during your vacation. If you think your dog might not fare well alone in the room, or if your dog is a heavy barker like mine, you can always take them to the on-property doggie day-care facility.
Best Friends Pet Care is open an hour before the parks and an hour after they close which provides a convenient schedule during your Walt Disney World vacation. You can drop them off and then head to the theme parks with no worries that they will have a great day. Pick them up just in time for snuggles before bed. Walt Disney World Resort Guests receive a special discount on day-care services. I highly suggest checking it out.
I hope this helps you figure out if bringing your dog is right for you during your Walt Disney World vacation, Faren. If you have any other questions before your trip,
I'd love to help.