Disney Weddings: Can My Dog Participate?

Planning a wedding is a magical experience, and what better way to make it even more special than by including your furry friends? If you're looking to tie the knot at Disney, you may be wondering if your dogs can participate in your big day. While Disney is known for its enchantment, there are a few things to consider when it comes to including your pups in your wedding festivities. Firstly, it's important to think about the well-being of your dogs and whether they may feel stressed or anxious in a new environment. If they tend to get overwhelmed in unfamiliar situations, it might be best to find other ways to involve them, such as including their adorable faces on your wedding stationery or signage. Additionally, it's crucial to check with Disney's policies, as they have specific rules regarding pets. While service animals are generally permitted, there are only a few resorts that allow pets that are not service-qualified. These resorts include designated dog-friendly areas and provide Pluto's Welcome Kit, which includes essentials like mats, bowls, waste bags, and more. So, if you're envisioning a wedding with your dogs by your side, be sure to do your research, plan ahead, and choose an option that ensures the comfort and safety of your furry friends.

Dog-friendly Disney resorts

Disney allows guests to bring their dogs to four of its resorts. While service animals were always permitted, Disney is now allowing pets that are not service-qualified. There are approximately 250 dog-friendly rooms across these resorts.

The four dog-friendly resorts are:

• The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney's Art of Animation Resort
• Disney Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Fees

Each resort charges a different nightly pet-cleaning rate:

• The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort: $50 per night
• Disney's Art of Animation Resort: $50 per night
• Disney Port Orleans Resort – Riverside: $50 per night
• Disney's Yacht Club Resort: $75 per night

Rules

There are a few rules to be aware of:

• Only two dogs are allowed per guest room.
• Dogs must be up-to-date on their vaccines.
• Dogs must be leashed in public areas.
• Dogs are expected to be well-behaved and silent when left alone during the day.
• Dogs cannot be left alone for more than seven hours.
• Dogs are not allowed in restaurants, pool areas, or recreational places.
• Guests are expected to clean up after their dogs.

Disney's rules for dogs

If you're planning a wedding at Disney and want your dog to participate, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Disney has strict rules regarding dogs, and only service animals are permitted in most areas of the resort. However, Disney does allow dogs in certain designated areas and resorts, so it is possible to include your furry friend in your wedding plans. Here are the rules you need to follow:

• Only four Walt Disney World Resort hotels allow dogs to stay in guest rooms: Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
• There is an additional fee for bringing your dog, which varies depending on the resort, ranging from $5 to $75 per night.
• Each resort provides a Pluto's Welcome Kit for dogs, which includes essentials such as mats, bowls, waste bags, a door hanger, and a map of pet relief areas.
• Dogs are not allowed in restaurants, pool areas, or recreational places within the resorts.
• Disney requires that dogs are fully vaccinated and leashed in public areas at all times.
• Dogs must be well-behaved and quiet. If a dog is consistently heard barking, the owner will be contacted, and Disney reserves the right to remove the dog at the owner's expense.
• Only licensed service animals are allowed in restaurants, food and beverage locations, pool areas, fitness centres, and other public guest areas.
• If you plan to bring your dog to the resort, it is recommended to call ahead and inform Disney.

While these rules outline the general guidelines for dogs at Disney resorts, there may be specific regulations regarding dogs at wedding venues within the resorts. It is important to contact the specific venue and discuss their rules and restrictions regarding pets. Additionally, consider your dog's comfort and temperament—if they are easily stressed or anxious in unfamiliar situations, it may be best to make other arrangements for them during your wedding.

Preparing your dog for the wedding

Firstly, it's important to consider your dog's temperament. If your dog gets stressed in unfamiliar situations, or has anxiety or aggression issues, it might be kinder to leave them at home. Remember, you will be busy on your wedding day, so you will need to entrust your dog to a caregiver.

If you decide to bring your dog to your Disney wedding, there are a few things you can do to prepare them for the big day. Firstly, check with Disney and your wedding venue about their rules regarding pets. Disney has four pet-friendly hotels, but pets are not allowed in certain areas, such as restaurants, pools, and recreational areas.

Choose a trusted person to be your dog's caregiver for the day. It's best to choose someone who isn't part of the wedding party, as they will have other commitments. Meet with them beforehand, especially if they haven't met your dog before, and go through all the details and expectations. Alternatively, consider hiring a professional pet sitter.

On the day, make sure your dog has all the essentials, such as food, water, waste bags, and a comfortable place to rest. You might also want to bring some familiar items from home, like their bed or favourite toy, to help them feel relaxed.

Remember, your dog might not behave perfectly, so be prepared for some rogue moments! It's all part of the fun of including your furry friend in your special day.

Incorporating dogs into the ceremony

Choosing a Venue

Disney allows dogs at four of its resorts: Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. However, only service animals are permitted at the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and on Disney transportation.

Rules and Regulations

Each of the four dog-friendly resorts provides Pluto's Welcome Kit, which includes a mat, bowl, waste bags, a door hanger, and a map of pet relief areas. Dogs are expected to be fully vaccinated, well-behaved, and leashed in public at all times.

Caregiver

It is important to choose the right person to take care of your dog during the wedding. While a member of the wedding party may be a good option, they might get pulled in different directions. Consider choosing someone who is comfortable with dogs but does not have a crucial role in the wedding, or hire a professional pet sitter.

Managing Expectations

Remember that dogs are unpredictable, and even the best-behaved animal can go rogue. Be prepared to laugh off any unexpected moments and enjoy the ceremony with your furry friend.

Other Ways to Include Your Dog

If you decide not to bring your dog to the venue, you can include them in other ways, such as featuring them on your stationery, invitation, or menu card. You can also order a cake topper or cocktail napkins with your dog's face on them or name a signature cocktail after them.

Dog care on the wedding day

Dogs are family, so it's only natural to want them to be part of your wedding day. However, it's important to do some planning to ensure that your dog is comfortable and safe, and that you and your guests can enjoy the day. Here are some tips to help you include your furry friend in your wedding celebrations:

Do: Think about what's best for your dog

Before planning your dog's role in your wedding, consider their temperament and how they respond to unfamiliar situations. If your dog gets stressed easily, has anxiety, or becomes aggressive around strangers, it might not be a good idea to put them in the spotlight. Remember, you'll likely be busy on the day, so entrusting a caregiver for your dog is essential.

Don't forget: Check the venue rules

Most venues will have rules regarding pets, so it's important to ask about their policies. Some venues may only allow dogs outdoors or require a designated caregiver while the dog is on the property. Be sure to communicate your plans to include your dog with the venue staff and coordinate with them to ensure a smooth experience.

Do: Choose the right person to take charge of your dog

Consider assigning doggy duty to someone who isn't part of the wedding party. Your wedding party will likely have their hands full, so having a dedicated caregiver for your dog will ensure they get the attention they need. Choose someone who is comfortable with dogs and, if possible, has met your dog before. Alternatively, consider hiring a professional pet sitter to take care of your furry friend during the festivities.

Don't miss: Other ways to include your dog

If having your dog physically present at the wedding isn't feasible, there are other ways to incorporate them into your special day. You can include their adorable faces on your stationery, cocktail napkins, or even a cake topper. You can also offer dog treats as favors for your guests' canine companions.

Do: Manage your expectations

Remember that dogs can be unpredictable, and they may not always behave as expected. Be prepared to laugh off any unexpected moments and enjoy the unique memories your dog will create. They may not pose perfectly for photos or keep that fancy collar on, but their presence will undoubtedly add a touch of whimsy and fun to your celebration.

Don't forget: Vaccinations and essentials

Ensure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations, especially if they will be interacting with other people and dogs. Additionally, bring any essentials your dog may need throughout the day, such as waste bags, a water bowl, and their favorite treats.

Frequently asked questions