Pet Policies for Staying Near Disney Parks: Where You Can Bring Your Dog During the New Lands Rollout

Bring your dog to Disney’s expanding parks — but do your homework first

Planning a Disney trip in 2026? With new lands opening and crowds spiking across Anaheim and Orlando, many UK families and outdoor travellers ask the same question: where can I bring my dog, and who will look after them during long park days? This guide compares on-site and nearby off-site hotels, explains kennel and daycare options, and gives the exact things to check in reviews so you can book with confidence.

Why 2026 makes pet planning more important

Disney’s late‑2025 announcements and the ongoing rollout of new lands through 2026 mean bigger crowds, longer park days and warmer peak-season conditions in both California and Florida. That increases demand for reliable pet care — and can also drive up pet fees and kennel bookings. If you want to enjoy extended park hours and new attractions without worrying about your dog, you’ll need a clear plan before you arrive.

Key trends to watch in 2026

• Higher demand for day boarding and on‑site pet services: new lands draw longer operating hours and more multi‑day visits.
• Hotels adding pet-focused amenities: pet beds, fenced dog parks and in‑room activity kits are increasingly common near major parks.
• Third‑party partnerships: hotels are partnering with platforms like Rover and local kennels to offer vetted sitters and pick‑up/drop‑off services.
• Tech-enabled booking and filters: more booking sites let you filter by true pet‑friendly status (not just “pets allowed”).

Broad rules: Disney parks vs. Disney hotels

Before diving into hotel comparisons, understand the baseline: Disney parks and Disney hotels have different policies.

Service animals

Trained service animals are allowed in Disney parks and at most hotels in accordance with ADA rules and park policy. Emotional support animals (ESAs) do not have the same statutory access under ADA and are often treated differently by hotels and airlines — so confirm policies well in advance.

Tip: Always carry documentation for service animals and prepare to answer on‑site questions about the tasks your animal performs.

Pets (non‑service animals)

Disney parks themselves are not pet‑friendly (with the exception of service animals). That means your dog needs to stay in a hotel or with a pet care provider while you enjoy the parks. Some Disney-owned resorts offer limited pet‑friendly rooms or partner services; others do not accept pets at all.

Comparing on‑site Disney hotels vs nearby off‑site hotels

Here’s a practical comparison to help you choose the right base for park days.

On‑site Disney hotels — pros and cons

• Pros
  • Proximity and early/late park access make park days easier with a midday return for walks or naps.
  • Some Disney properties or nearby Disney‑branded resorts provide connections to trusted pet care vendors and priority bookings.
  • Consistent standards and often excellent front‑desk service for emergencies.
• Cons
  • Limited number of pet rooms — they book fast, especially with the 2026 expansions increasing demand.
  • Higher nightly pet fees and per‑stay cleaning charges are common.
  • Fewer on‑site kennels at Anaheim compared to Orlando (see kennel services section).

Off‑site hotels near Disney — pros and cons

• Pros
  • Wider selection of truly pet‑friendly hotels (many with dedicated dog parks and pet beds).
  • More competitive pet fees and flexible policies for multiple dogs.
  • Greater availability of partner kennels, dog‑daycare pick‑ups and local sitters that will come to the hotel.
• Cons
  • Shorter transfer times to parks may mean you need to organise mid‑day care or be prepared for longer park days without an easy return.
  • Quality varies greatly — reviews become essential.

Kennel and daycare options for long park days

When park hours stretch to dawn or late night because of new attractions, kennels and daycares become indispensable. Here are the main choices in Anaheim and Orlando:

Walt Disney World (Orlando) — on‑site boarding and daycare

Best Friends Pet Care is a full‑service veterinary‑grade facility near Walt Disney World that offers day stays, grooming and overnight boarding. If you’re visiting Orlando, this is a reliable on‑site option for long park days and multi‑day stays; it’s widely used by international visitors who want an established, insured provider.

Disneyland Resort (Anaheim) — off‑site providers

In Anaheim, dedicated on‑site kennels are rare. Instead, travellers rely on reputable off‑site dog daycares and boarding facilities within 10–20 minutes of the parks, as well as app‑based sitters (Rover, Wag!). These services typically offer shuttle or hotel pick‑up/drop‑off, but availability tightens during big openings and holiday weekends.

In‑hotel sitters and dog walkers

Many hotels now coordinate with vetted sitters who can come to your room for a 30–90 minute walk or stay with the dog while you’re at the parks. This is a great option for nervous dogs or short park days. Times and fees vary; always confirm the sitter’s insurance and cancellation policy.

Practical checklist: what to check in reviews

Reviews are your best defence against misleading “pet‑friendly” labels. Prioritise the following details when reading guest feedback:

1. True pet experience — Look for reviews from guests who travelled with dogs. Photos and room numbers help verify authenticity.
2. Noise and separation anxiety — Mentions of barking, how staff handled it and whether the hotel offered crates or quiet rooms.
3. Designated relief areas — Are there on‑property grassy areas, trails or fenced runs? How often are they cleaned?
4. Staff responsiveness — Speed of room service for pet requests, availability of extra towels, and help locating a vet.
5. Cleanliness and smells — Recurrent comments about urine or mess are a red flag.
6. Hidden charges — Guests will often point out per‑night pet fees, refundable deposits and non‑refundable cleaning surcharges.
7. Local kennels and pickup — Look for mentions of hotel partnerships with specific kennels or sitter services; that’s a sign the hotel handles pet logistics often.

What to confirm directly with the hotel

After reading reviews, call the hotel and confirm the following before you book:

• Exact cost: nightly pet fee, per‑stay deposit, additional cleaning fees and fines for damage.
• Room placement rules: ground floor, number of pets allowed per room and any breed or weight restrictions.
• Leaving pets unattended: is this allowed and are there in‑room measures (crate, camera) recommended?
• On‑site relief areas and rules for waste disposal.
• Emergency vet contact and nearest 24/7 clinic.
• Preferred local kennels or sitter partners and whether the hotel can schedule or pick up/drop off the dog.

Packing list for a stress‑free Disney stay with a dog

• Familiar bed and toys to reduce anxiety in a new room.
• Collapsible travel water bowl and supply of your dog’s regular food.
• Clean‑up supplies: poo bags, disinfectant wipes and absorbent pads.
• Crate or harness if you plan to leave the dog alone.
• Comfort items: thunder shirt, calming chews (consult your vet first).
• Vaccine records and a copy of microchip details — essential for kennels and international travel.

International travellers: paperwork and transport (UK to US focus)

If you’re flying from the UK, be aware of 2026 requirements and airline trends:

• Health paperwork: most US states require up‑to‑date rabies vaccination and a recent veterinary health certificate. Airlines and kennels will ask for documentation.
• Airline rules and fees: policies vary widely on cabin vs cargo travel and crate dimensions. In 2025–26 many carriers refined their pet rules after pandemic disruptions, so check the airline’s current policy and fees before you book.
• Arrival logistics: plan transport from the airport to the hotel — a taxi or pre‑booked transfer that accepts dogs will save stress after a long flight.

Money matters: what pet fees look like in 2026

Pet fees rose slightly in 2024–25 and remain variable in 2026. To budget correctly, consider:

• Nightly pet fees at hotels (expected range: low to mid tens of GBP / USD per night up to higher premium fees for boutique or on‑site properties).
• Per‑stay cleaning fees or refundable deposits for potential damage.
• Kennel or daycare day rates for longer park stays (daycare often charged by the day; boarding charged per night).
• Sitter or walker fees for on‑site hotel visits.

Accessibility and older dogs: what to check

If you travel with an elderly dog or one with mobility issues, focus on the following:

• Ground‑floor rooms or rooms with elevator access to avoid stairs.
• Nearby quiet outdoor areas where your dog can walk without long distances.
• Availability of non‑slip flooring and extra towels for in‑room accidents.
• Local veterinary services with experience in geriatric care.

Case examples: practical strategies for two common trip types

Family trip, 5 nights, Disneyland Anaheim (new lands opening weekend)

Strategy: Book an off‑site pet‑friendly hotel with a fenced dog park and a vetted local kennel for overnight stays. Reserve daycare sessions for peak park days and arrange an in‑room sitter for fireworks nights when you want to stay late. Book everything at least 8–12 weeks ahead during significant openings.

Couple’s trip, 7 nights, Walt Disney World (multi‑park pass plus new land previews)

Strategy: Reserve one of the limited pet rooms at a hotel that partners with Best Friends Pet Care, or plan daily drop‑offs at their facility for long park days. Use midday returns to refresh your dog and avoid long unattended periods in the room.

Red flags: when NOT to book

• Hotel listings that lack recent pet photos or first‑hand reviews from pet owners.
• Frequent complaints about hidden pet fees or damage charges.
• Properties that deny access to service animals — this is non‑compliant and should be reported.
• Kennels with poor cleanliness reviews or inconsistent opening hours during holidays.

Future predictions: what pet travellers should expect beyond 2026

As Disney completes its new lands rollout and operating hours evolve, expect these developments:

• More integrated pet partnerships: official hotel‑kennel tie‑ups and in‑resort pick‑up services will become a differentiator.
• Standardised “pet‑safe” badges: booking platforms will label hotels that meet verified pet‑care and accessibility standards.
• Greater use of tech: live kennel webcams, online vet consults and contactless sitter bookings via hotel apps.

Action plan: book with confidence in 6 steps

1. Decide whether proximity (on‑site) or pet amenities (off‑site) matter most for your trip length.
2. Read recent (last 12 months) reviews specifically from pet owners; confirm the essentials in writing with the hotel.
3. Reserve kennel/daycare slots before booking your park tickets — top providers fill early during new land openings.
4. Pack a pet travel kit (papers, food, bedding, crate) and confirm airport transfer that accepts dogs.
5. Plan a park‑day schedule that gives your dog regular breaks or secure daytime care.
6. Keep emergency vet details saved in your phone and share them with the hotel front desk at check‑in.

Final verdict

With Disney’s new lands driving larger crowds and longer days in 2026, pet planning is more important than ever. If you prioritise convenience and predictability, syncing your stay with an on‑site kennel partner (like the Best Friends facility in Orlando) or a hotel with a direct daycare relationship is the safest route. If you want more value and pet amenities, carefully vetted off‑site hotels can offer better facilities — but require more coordination for daily care.

Takeaway: book early, verify everything, and keep your dog’s routine

Practical planning beats panic. Read recent pet owner reviews, confirm fees and rules in writing, pre‑book kennels or sitters for peak days, and maintain your dog’s normal feeding and walking routine to reduce anxiety. That way you can enjoy the new attractions with peace of mind — and your dog will too.

Call to action

Ready to search pet‑friendly hotels near Disney? Use our curated lists and hotel checklists for Anaheim and Orlando to compare pet fees, kennel partners and accessibility features — and sign up for alerts so you don’t miss kennel availability during the 2026 new‑lands openings.

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