Actual Dog Experiences

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I've always seen dogs at Disney. On our last trip there was one on the bus. It looked like a chihuahua mix. The bus driver played the "We have a Disney princess on board!" announcement. It got a few laughs. :)

Oh and here's a picture of a "service dog". It's wearing a vest but who decorates a service dog like that?!?
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The gist is that dogs have always been around in the parks and in the hotels. So much conclusion jumping that these people are rule breakers. It's almost as bad as all the people who bash scooter users because "they don't look sick".

I think those poodles are local from a service dog training program that brings the dogs to the parks regularly for training. I see them on every trip.
 
I think those poodles are local from a service dog training program that brings the dogs to the parks regularly for training. I see them on every trip.

I've been going to Disney twice a year for over 15 years. I have seen 2 service dogs in all that time. We leave for Disney tomorrow. Wonder how many I will see this visit.
 
Well, I'm going to be on high alert for my February trip...I'll even take notes, especially if there are those rule breakers out there. I will do my due diligence and report back on any offenders. I'm sure they are out there. Perhaps I'll just hang out at my resort, instead of going to the parks, so I can catch the violators! Be ready, all you rule breakers...we are watching!
 


Well, I'm going to be on high alert for my February trip...I'll even take notes, especially if there are those rule breakers out there. I will do my due diligence and report back on any offenders. I'm sure they are out there. Perhaps I'll just hang out at my resort, instead of going to the parks, so I can catch the violators! Be ready, all you rule breakers...we are watching!
Me too! I'll be there is November.
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Full recon!! Operation Disney doo doo bust in full effect.
 


This whole thing is reminding me of the big debate last year when Disney announced they would be serving alcohol in MK. People were so offended at just the thought of alcohol being in that park that they equated it to Mardi Gras and the "massive amounts" of drunk people in Epcot. That storm blew over and on my last trip I recall seeing a total of one person having a beer at Tony's . It was not as bad as people assumed or wanted it to be. This new policy is going to take time to figure out.

And again, I have dogs and I am a dog lover but taking them with me on vacation would not be a good choice for us but it may work well for some people. And if I saw people with dogs in the Parks or in other areas I would not take pictures of them nor would I assume they are automatically rule breakers taking advantage of therapy or support animal labels. It makes me wonder if people will be intentionally looking for what they think are rule breakers just like people go looking for someone holding alcohol in Epcot and assume that person is drunk. That's a lot of assumption going on.

Do I think people will take advantage of the new policy? Probably. As it stands now people break all sorts of rules at Disney and find ways to justify them. (Tour groups- I'm looking at you!) People are people. I will say that if I saw someone intentionally taking pictures of me and my family I would report them to the nearest security person! Probably after I had a few choice words with them first. I choose to deal with things if and when they directly affect me or my family on our vacation, not on "what ifs".
 
I called Disney yesterday on two different occassions to discuss possible "dogs" at sister resorts. IE Beach Club (YC pet freindly) and POFQ(POR pet friendly) and was told under no circumstances are dogs allowed at those 2 resorts. I also explained these two resorts in particular have pathways leading to one another and are very close together and again told that is against policy.

I also mentioned to the CM portorleans.org and disboards have many people claiming that dogs are allowed in any areas of the resorts. Including GIFT SHOPS etc. She told me "DONT BELIEVE WHAT YOU READ ON UNAUTHORIZED DISNEY WEBSITES" . To be honest the two people I spoke to yesterday was probably the worst experience I have ever had calling Disney.

If dogs were allowed on pathways between POFQ and POR I was going to request a resort change. She continued to say NO COMMON AREAS are allowed. Only rooms and designated areas.
 
I called Disney yesterday on two different occassions to discuss possible "dogs" at sister resorts. IE Beach Club (YC pet freindly) and POFQ(POR pet friendly) and was told under no circumstances are dogs allowed at those 2 resorts. I also explained these two resorts in particular have pathways leading to one another and are very close together and again told that is against policy.

I also mentioned to the CM portorleans.org and disboards have many people claiming that dogs are allowed in any areas of the resorts. Including GIFT SHOPS etc. She told me "DONT BELIEVE WHAT YOU READ ON UNAUTHORIZED DISNEY WEBSITES" . To be honest the two people I spoke to yesterday was probably the worst experience I have ever had calling Disney.

If dogs were allowed on pathways between POFQ and POR I was going to request a resort change. She continued to say NO COMMON AREAS are allowed. Only rooms and designated areas.
They aren’t allowed. Unless they are service dogs. And all the CMs can do is ask. When that person says yes (even if they are not), what else can they do??? They are not allowed to ask for proof or description of the service, or to demonstrate. Also, I don’t think the CMs will approach people anyway, which defeats the purpose of it not being allowed.
 
I also feel like if you go into this policy LOOKING for problems you'll find them. But anyway, I'll report back in a week!
You are quite right in research (I'm working on phd so research is all i can think of now) we call this confirmation bias and its one of the most common errors that comes up. Looking into things this way could actually cause people to not put as much weight in your reports of even negative experiences since i'm sure the people looking into the trial know about this as well.

As for actual experience, I'll be going soon and being in POP which I know some people were worried about because of AOA so if i run across any cute or less then cute dogs i will post! :D
 
I called Disney yesterday on two different occassions to .........

I also mentioned to the CM portorleans.org and disboards have many people claiming that dogs are allowed in any areas of the resorts. Including GIFT SHOPS etc. She told me "DONT BELIEVE WHAT YOU READ ON UNAUTHORIZED DISNEY WEBSITES" . To be honest the two people I spoke to yesterday was probably the worst experience I have ever had calling Disney.

If dogs were allowed on pathways between POFQ and POR I was going to request a resort change. She continued to say NO COMMON AREAS are allowed. Only rooms and designated areas.

Hysterical. Disney phone CMs are the absolute worst in terms of knowledge about Disney World. I NEVER call them unless I am TELLING THEM what to write on my reservation. If they told me the sky was blue, I would still look up to verify. At this point it's even been reported that on the ground CMs do not know the rules when asked.

Disney only says they must be leashed in public areas. They do not say they are NOT allowed in xxx areas other than Food/Beverage, Pools, Fitness Centers and Lounges. Therein lies the problem. They "allow" .... but they aren't publishing "restrictions" for the resorts as a whole. Add that no CM is going to enter a confrontation with a guest ......... which has been proven already.

I'm still waiting for someone to post a copy of the Pet Policy Agreement they must sign at check in. That would be most helpful in us understanding what parameters have been given to guests. It very well could be that this is so lax, that it virtually gives these folks who have been reported on the Boardwalk, Crescent Lake walks etc the okay.
 
Hysterical. Disney phone CMs are the absolute worst in terms of knowledge about Disney World. I NEVER call them unless I am TELLING THEM what to write on my reservation. If they told me the sky was blue, I would still look up to verify. At this point it's even been reported that on the ground CMs do not know the rules when asked.

Disney only says they must be leashed in public areas. They do not say they are NOT allowed in xxx areas other than Food/Beverage, Pools, Fitness Centers and Lounges. Therein lies the problem. They "allow" .... but they aren't publishing "restrictions" for the resorts as a whole. Add that no CM is going to enter a confrontation with a guest ......... which has been proven already.

I'm still waiting for someone to post a copy of the Pet Policy Agreement they must sign at check in. That would be most helpful in us understanding what parameters have been given to guests. It very well could be that this is so lax, that it virtually gives these folks who have been reported on the Boardwalk, Crescent Lake walks etc the okay.


http://www.portorleans.org/Disney's-Port-Orleans-Resort-Riverside_Pet-Agreement_13-Oct-2017.pdf
 
True that one and inside the parks is not cool, but I don't see them stopping the Boardwalk, lake walks etc from happening. But again, it would mean a CM confronting a guest .... :sad2:

According to the CMs I spoke to, the Boardwalk is supposed to be off-limits.
 
According to the CMs I spoke to, the Boardwalk is supposed to be off-limits.

Can confirm via my phone call, was told rather emphatically that dogs are not allowed on Boardwalk. As he was saying the words I already knew it would never be enforced. Even asked him, “so you’re going to have CM’s actually on boardwalk to enforce policy”. He said yes. I almost laughed out loud.
 
According to the CMs I spoke to, the Boardwalk is supposed to be off-limits.

Can confirm via my phone call, was told rather emphatically that dogs are not allowed on Boardwalk. As he was saying the words I already knew it would never be enforced. Even asked him, “so you’re going to have CM’s actually on boardwalk to enforce policy”. He said yes. I almost laughed out loud.

Nothing a CM on a phone says means anything. They are not at hotels, they might not be in Orlando, they have no authority and usually don't even have good info. And it was reported that BW CMs at the front desk told guest who inquired they had no info on dog rules.

So, someone posted the Pet Agreement from POR ............... just PRICELESS.

There is NO mention of Pet Relief areas to be used, there is NO mention of restricting dogs to certain areas of resort, there is no restriction from walking to POFQ, there are NO restrictions on pathways, walkways and most public areas.

DISNEY'S PORT ORLEANS RESORT - RIVERSIDE PET AGREEMENT (This agreement applies to domesticated dogs only, other than Service Animals) The hotel may accommodate my pet in the room provided that my pet is fully trained and appropriately restrained by me. The hotel allows no more than two domesticated dogs per room. In consideration for the hotel permitting me to keep my pet in the room assigned to me, I hereby agree to the following:

1. I agree to pay a non-refundable fee for my pet of $50 (plus tax) per room, per night.
2. I understand that additional fees may apply if any damage is found in the room upon check out. I agree to accept full responsibility for any and all damages and/or soiling caused by my pet during my stay, as determined within the sole discretion of the hotel. I agree that the costs for the repair and/or additional cleaning requirements (including labor) will be charged accordingly to my hotel folio.
3. I understand and agree that the hotel retains the right to exclude my pet if, in the hotel's sole discretion, my pet is considered dangerous by reason of size, disposition or is likely to frighten or harm other guests of the hotel. I agree that at all times while on hotel property I will ensure my pet complies with all relevant laws and regulations. I agree that if I do not adhere to these policies, I will be required to board my pet at my own expense.
4. I must keep my pet restrained on a leash or in a pet carrier when my pet is outside my guest room. Unattended pets may be removed from the property at the expense of the pet owner.
5. I must not leave my pet in my room unattended for more than 7 hours.
6. I must always display a Pluto’s Do Not Disturb sign to alert Cast Members that a pet is in residence inside a guest room.
7. I agree that I must have a pet carrier available for each pet in case of an emergency and/or if I need to use transportation services.
8. I am responsible for my pet's proper care, behavior and pet waste maintenance throughout the hotel and on the grounds. I am responsible for cleaning up after my pet on hotel property.
9. I agree that I am responsible for the noise my pet creates and will ensure that my pet does not disrupt the quiet enjoyment of other hotel guests. I agree that should the hotel determine in its sole discretion that my pet is objectionable to other hotel guests, I must immediately make other arrangements to house the pet outside the hotel.
10. I agree to provide the hotel with my cell phone number enabling them to reach me in case I am not in the room and my pet is creating a disturbance. Should the hotel need to relocate my pet, all costs associated with the relocation of my pet will be charged accordingly to my hotel folio.
11. I understand that pets are not permitted in Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks and water parks or the Disney Springs® area.
12. I understand that pets are not permitted in Food and Beverage, Club Lounge, Pool or Fitness Center areas.
13. I understand that pets are not permitted on any furniture anywhere on the premises.
14. I understand that the bathing and grooming of pets is not permitted in the guest room.
15. I agree to contact the Housekeeping department to arrange for a convenient time to service my room. The hotel will not attempt to service the room if I am not present and my pet is in the room.
16. I understand that all pets must have up to date vaccinations and inoculations and I must be able to show records of such vaccinations and inoculations upon request. Requirements: DHPPv/DA2PPv, Rabies and Bordetella.
17. I understand and agree that if my pet is involved in an incident involving a bite and current rabies vaccination cannot be verified, it may be necessary to quarantine my pet, subject to the discretion of the local health authority.
18. I release Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., Disney Destinations, LLC, Disney Vacation Development, Inc., Disney Vacation Club Management Corp., and their respective parent, subsidiary and other affiliated or related companies, and the officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, sub-contractors, representatives, successors, assigns and volunteers of each of the foregoing entities (the "Released Parties") from any and all liability for any injury and/or damage suffered by my pet. I agree that I assume full responsibility for any injury or damage caused or alleged to be caused by my pet and incurred or alleged to be incurred by any guest, employee, contractor or invitee of the hotel. I agree to release, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all alleged or actual losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees and court costs) suffered by the Released Parties or asserted by any other hotel guest, invitee, employee, contractor or other person arising out of or in connection with my pet's stay at the hotel, including from any alleged negligence of the Released Parties.
 
Stayed at the BoardWalk, just got back. Had no clue at first about the new dog policy. Day 2 at mug refill station at the bakery....someone came breezing in with a medium sized dog on a leash...no "service dog" vest or anything. I was shocked. Nobody said a word. Day 3...early evening, saw someone walking their dog on the BoardWalk...watched for quite a while from my balcony, again, nobody said a word. Day 4, heard some talk around the pool about Disney's new dog policy. Day 6, saw a puppy on a leash INSIDE Animal Kingdom park....no "service dog" vest, no "in training" vest. Stopped at front desk at BoardWalk to inquire about the "rules" for dog owners. Nobody seemed to know, but was told they were not allowed on the BoardWalk....I told them what I saw..they didn't quite know what to say. Gave me the email address for guest services relations. Day 7....saw someone walking TWO medium size dogs on the BoardWalk....again, not approached by anyone. Someone also saw two large dogs inside of Epcot that were not service dogs either.

So....it was only a few days into the new dog friendly thing, and already people were breaking the rules. And I really cannot blame the CM's for not approaching, they have not been properly trained on what to say or do. Not fair. This plan was not well thought out at all.
Thank you for your report.

It sounds like there needs to be signage to tell people where dogs are not allowed. It may seem like a no-brainer for people to read and understand the rules but a service-dog only sign would help reinforce and remind folks that pet dogs are not allowed on the Boardwalk or in the parks.
 
Surprised that non service dogs were allowed into the parks - obvious failing of the security at the main gates! Boardwalk is a different matter as it is more open however the staff that are there should know the rules and enforce them. Again though it is not unusual for Disney staff to ignore the rules in order to avoid any kind of confrontation - shame because rules are rules and should be enforced for the comfort of the majority and not ignored for the convenience of a minority.
 
Surprised that non service dogs were allowed into the parks - obvious failing of the security at the main gates! Boardwalk is a different matter as it is more open however the staff that are there should know the rules and enforce them. Again though it is not unusual for Disney staff to ignore the rules in order to avoid any kind of confrontation - shame because rules are rules and should be enforced for the comfort of the majority and not ignored for the convenience of a minority.

If the person told the security it was a service dog, they have to let them in. Nothing further can be done with current laws.

As far as Boardwalk, based on the above Pet Agreement for POR there are no rules on where a dog can walk in a resort other than Food, Pool, Fitness and Lounge.
 
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