I couldn’t leave my dog at home. Here’s how I brought her on my Disney World vacation.
Disney offers excellent planning tools, making it a fantastic destination for dog owners.
Traveling with an elderly or disabled dog might seem like a distant dream, but it can be done.
There’s no need to forfeit your vacation plans just because finding a kennel or pet sitter is difficult, or your dog has unique medical needs. More hotels across the U.S. are now pet-friendly, including Walt Disney World, which is an excellent choice for pets.
Disney World is increasingly becoming a destination where planning ahead is essential. You can reserve dining, buy park tickets, and choose your preferred accommodations easily through their app or by phone. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those traveling with pets that may require special attention.
A few years back, when my standard poodle began experiencing leg issues, I realized I couldn’t rely on kennels anymore. I tried asking friends to pet-sit her, but given her medication routine and exercise requirements, it felt inappropriate to burden them. Those with senior pets understand the worry of leaving them with unfamiliar caregivers, so hiring a sitter wasn’t feasible either. I nearly canceled our annual international trip, but the adaptable options at Disney allowed us to keep a family tradition alive for years. That’s right, Sofia has enjoyed four trips to Disney!
Here’s how we’ve managed to vacation at Disney World with our older dog.
Traveling to Florida with your dog
Before departing, ensure your veterinarian has cleared any pets with special health concerns for travel.
Even when Sofia struggled with her legs, her immune system remained robust against potential threats like bacteria.
After vet clearance, choose the right vehicle for your journey. If you have a larger dog, driving is likely your best option, and an SUV could be convenient. I prefer taking my hatchback and confirm it’s in good condition before hitting the road.
Here’s a checklist of essentials to bring on your road trip.
- Dog food container, plus an extra for treats, and collapsible bowls (I recommend one with pockets for baggies). Don’t forget a pill organizer for any necessary medications; it may sound unnecessary, but it simplifies remembering doses during busy days.
- Create a comfortable spot for your dog in the car. A seat cover is ideal for larger, relaxed dogs, while a car seat may be necessary for smaller breeds. For more energetic dogs, consider a seat that fastens to the seatbelt for safety. My poodle uses a full backseat cover with a thin dog bed on top for extra comfort, allowing her to relax without distracting the driver.
- Include a gallon of water for dogs with sensitive stomachs in case the Florida water doesn’t sit well with them.
- Pack a roll of paper towels, a spare blanket, antibacterial gel, and some plastic bags in the car. You never know what may happen!
- If you’re facing extreme weather, be sure to bring dog booties. My dog once burned her paws at a rest stop during a particularly hot summer, and the booties proved invaluable.
If the journey is long, plan for midway rest stops to spend the night, as pet-friendly hotels may require advance notice. Many motels along I-95 welcome dogs. You might also consider bed and breakfasts or boutique hotels to assess your pet’s comfort in a new environment. We often stop in North Carolina; I particularly like Dreamers in Wilmington (just be cautious with stairs if your dog struggles) and The Longleaf in Raleigh, which offers first-floor rooms with ample outdoor space.
It’s also wise to schedule regular breaks with plenty of stretching time for everyone and to compile a list of 24-hour veterinary clinics along your route, anticipating any potential issues.
Staying at Disney World with your dog
When planning your trip, be sure to reserve the right hotels in advance. Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside, Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and The Cabins at Fort Wilderness all allow dogs, with a maximum of two pets per dog-friendly room. After booking, it’s important to call and ensure a pet-friendly room is designated for you, along with up-to-date vaccination records.
Art of Animation is an excellent choice if you’re looking for budget-friendly options and prefer accommodations with non-carpeted floors. Their suites have sinks and living areas for you to keep your pet while you relax a bit. I personally enjoy Port Orleans – Riverside for its beautiful, lush surroundings. The pathway between the two Port Orleans resorts offers a great spot for dog walks.
When you arrive at the hotel, it’s a good idea to inform the guest services team if you would like cleaning service. If you opt-out of this service, you can still request fresh towels and refills on complimentary items outside your door. Plus, if you use the My Disney Experience app to check-in, you can head straight to your room with your pet without having to wait in the lobby.
Every dog is unique, and I find it helpful to create a designated area in the room with a dog bed (or crate) and bowls. This way, the dog has a safe and comfortable space in this unfamiliar environment. If you’ve brought a crate, I recommend covering it with a blanket and playing some music while you enjoy the parks – this helps to soothe the dog and mutes any outside noises they might hear. With a calm, older dog, it’s straightforward to set up a cozy area for them with a bed and toys, visiting frequently to provide food and take them for walks.
While Park Hopper tickets can be pricey, they offer great flexibility. You have the option to take breaks throughout the day and return to where you left off whenever you wish.
It’s important to plan to return to your hotel room every few hours to check on your pet. Treating this room as your home base, you can explore various parks or attractions nearby, but remember that hotel staff are not responsible for watching pets. According to Disney’s pet policy, dogs can’t be left alone for over seven hours, and they should not disrupt other guests’ enjoyment of their stay.
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Veterinary Care and Emergency Options While Traveling
For medical emergencies, there are several 24-hour veterinary clinics located near Disney World parks.
- The 24/7 Animal Hospital of Orlando is around 30 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort and offers emergency services every hour of the day, every day of the week.
- St. Charles Veterinary Hospital located in Davenport, Florida.
- All Care Animal Hospital in Mineola, Florida, is also available 24/7 for emergency situations.
- Best Friends Pet Hotel at Disney World, conveniently located across from the Port Orleans resorts, provides boarding, grooming, and daycare services if you cannot leave your dog alone in the room during your park visits. They have indoor rooms or suites with patios and cater to dogs, cats, rodents, and other pets. For preferred accommodations, it’s recommended to call as soon as you finalize your travel arrangements.
If your dog needs specific meals prepared, like chicken and rice, you’ll find grocery stores surrounding the resort, some of which offer same-day delivery through Doordash. Most hotel rooms come with refrigerators, but be sure to call in advance to confirm this, especially if you need space to store meals and plenty of water.
Doordash is a fantastic option for picking up anything you may have forgotten (I even had last-minute half-marathon gear delivered to my room the night before the race). If you need transportation while at the resort, the Minnie Van service by Lyft allows pets to travel with their owners when booked through the Lyft app. Keep in mind that this service typically has a higher fare than standard Lyft rides.
Only service dogs are permitted in the parks; however, the spacious and accommodating animal-friendly hotels, together with the time you can spend enjoying the property and during your travels there, create an experience that includes your pets in the entire vacation.
Bringing an older or special-needs pet on your trip is well worth the planning effort, so you won’t have to worry about leaving them behind.
