Since the other thread was locked I hope BaronLaw doesn't mind if I share his post here.
I finally received a call back from Sarah at Disney World with the answers to my emailed questions. I need to emphasize that she was very respectful and seemed to at least convey concern on the phone.
She advised that she was not able to provide the answers in writing, as she had promised. She could only relay verbal answers.
At each and every answer, I sought clarification but, with few exceptions, she only repeated answers. She seemed to be reading from a prepared list of written answers.
I had asked why Disney World used to cite health and safety as their rational against non-service dogs in their resorts but now do not not have those concerns. Specifically, I asked what changed in the interim to cause Disney to now allow non-service dogs in some of their resorts. Sarah advised that Disney World takes the health and safety of their guests very seriously. This didn't answer the question.
I'm sure they will do the same as any other place that allows pets, like Universal who has allowed pets in their 3 main resorts for as long as I can remember and seems to be working fine for them. My husband and I in the past before we got our RV, traveled with our little Yorkie into Universal hotels and SPG hotels regularly for many years (did not have anyone to watch her and bad boarding experience), throughout Florida. Both of us have allergies to dogs. We never had any issues with allergies, as hotels that allow dogs in our experience, deep clean the rooms, or dogs causing issues, etc. I'm sure bc those issues were immediately addressed. We ourselves always kept our dog away from people as much as possible, walked her in quieter areas, usually there are areas specified to walk your pets, etc. I'm sure Disney will do the same.
I had asked about the lack of size and breed restrictions and the potential danger that could ensue. Sarah advised that Disney is ready for dangerous contingencies -- onsite Security and Animal Control.
I had asked what well-behaved meant. Sarah did not have a specific answer aside from stating that owners are expected to control their dogs. She stated that consequences would be removal of the dog. If there are no facilities for removing the dog, the guests would be expected to leave. She did not advise on what particular infractions would lead to these penalties.
I had asked about prevention of fleas and ticks. Sarah advised that rooms would be deep-cleaned. I told her that a deep-clean may not remove all fleas/ticks. She advised again that Disney would conduct deep-cleans of the rooms.
I had asked about the enforcement of the unattended seven hour limit on dogs in the rooms. I specifically noted that there doesn't seem to be a realistic method for enforcing this rule. Sarah advised that Disney is able to track time on unattended dogs but was unable to reveal exactly how Disney will track guests that leave dogs in their rooms unattended.
I asked about the enforcement of the 30 minute rule on addressing loud dogs. When speaking with Sarah, I told her that it was simply very unrealistic to expect anybody to come back if they are off-site within 30 minutes. She advised that if transportation was preventing a guest from coming back to a resort within the time limit, Disney will allow room for error and not strictly enforce a 30 minute time limit. If a guest proceeds to enjoy additional attractions after being asked to return to address a loud dog, then the 30 minute time limit will be strictly enforced.
She did advise that the 30 minute timer starts from the time a Guest is informed of the situation. She wasn't able to provide specifics of what the penalties were.
I had asked about Dogs not being allowed in public spaces and the ability of Disney World to enforce this. She advised that Cast Members will be available and proactive in preventing dogs from being taken into food courts, public paths, etc. She could not answer whether this meant an increase in Cast Members, their redeployment, etc.
She advised that most of the feedback has been opposition to the policy and said there was no guarantee that the trial period would last a full year.
Those were the answers. Unfortunately, they were mostly vague and did little to inspire confidence. The only alternative is just to avoid these resorts and cross our fingers that that additional resorts are not added later.