Taking Pets to Disney World

It Doesn't Have To Be a Small World for Family Pets

If you're planning a trip to Disney World and find yourself singing Michael Jackson's, "Never Can Say Goodbye," to the family pet, there are five good reasons you don't have to. Disney World has five boarding facilities across the property — one at each Disney World theme park and one at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Actually, make that six. There is also a full-service luxury pet "resort" expected to open on the property in 2010.

While you are busy meeting Mickey, Fido or Fluffy will be well taken care of at the Disney kennels. And, accommodations are available for other critters, such as rabbits, ferrets, small rodents, birds and non-venomous snakes (provided guests supply a carrying case).

Not only that, your pet is in for a special treat if you are camping at a Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground campsite. Special "pet designated" sites are available. Simply request* a pet site when making reservations. Reservations may be made by calling 407-W-DISNEY.

Kennel Locations

For more information, guests may call the kennels located in the following areas:

• Magic Kingdom - 407-824-6568
• Epcot - 407-560-6229
• Disney's Hollywood Studios - 407-560-4282
• Disney's Animal Kingdom - 407-938-2100
• Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground - 407-824-2735

Pet "Resort" Coming in 2010

Best Friends Pet Care, Inc. is building and will operate a full-service luxury pet "resort" at Disney World. The one-of-a-kind facility will cater to park and resort guests, as well as Disney World employees. A full range of pet hospitality services are expected to be available, including dog and cat boarding, grooming services and doggy day care.

Pet guests will enjoy such amenities as luxury suites with television and raised bedding, activities such as nature walks and playgroups and be pampered with ice cream treats and bedtime stories.

The state-of-the-art facility will be located on Bonnett Creek Parkway and is expected to open in 2010. Best Friends has also assumed operating responsibility for the five existing pet boarding facilities.

Best Friends is a leading provider of pet hospitality in the United States, with 43 locations in 18 states. In 1996, the company introduced the concept of a "pet resort" to the industry, and has been responsible for the popularity of such care options as luxury suites and doggy day camp programs.

Kennel Requirements

As a member of the American Boarding Kennel Association, Disney World kennels require its furry boarders to have up-to-date vaccinations. Also, all cats and dogs must be at least eight weeks old to be kenneled. Rates and services vary depending on kennel location. Call 407/W-DISNEY for information.

*When making reservations for a campsite at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, you may make a "request" for a "pet designated" campsite. Please know that this is just a request and not a guarantee that you will be assigned a pet designated campsite. While Disney World makes every effort to accommodate special requests, they are not guaranteed. If there are no pet designated campsites available at the time you check in, you will be required to board your pet at the Fort Wilderness Resort kennel.