If you’re planning a Disney trip and don’t want to leave your dog behind, staying at The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is one of the best decisions you can make.
We’ve stayed here with our dog, and it completely changed how we travel. Instead of feeling rushed and stressed, it actually felt relaxing—like a vacation for all of us. Disney does not have breed restrictions! Our beloved Bella was a pitbull mix and loved our trips to Disney! She passed away a few years ago and we are now planning our first trip with Jersey, our Dalmatian puppy. Be sure to follow all of the Disney dog guidelines during your trip. There are also other hotels that allow dogs such as Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, however, it is much more difficult to have a dog in a typical traditional style hotel room and we much preferred Fort Wilderness Cabins.
Why Fort Wilderness Cabins Are Perfect for Dog Owners
- Tons of walking trails
- Quiet, wooded setting
- More space than a hotel room
- Dog parks with water fountains
👉 It feels more like a campground retreat than a typical Disney stay
Important Things to Know Before You Book
🚗 You’ll want a golf cart (or car)
Fort Wilderness is HUGE.
- You can use buses
- But a golf cart makes everything much easier, especially with a dog
🐶 Pet fees + policies
- Extra nightly pet fee of $50 per night (limit 2 dogs)
- Dogs must be crated if left alone
- Daily room checks
You’ll also receive a dog welcome kit (poop bags + bowl)
What to Do With Your Dog During Park Days
Option 1: Leave your dog in the cabin (short days)
👉 Dogs must be crated if left alone
This works best if:
- Your dog is crate-trained
- You plan shorter park days
- You come back midday
Option 2: Daycare or Boarding at Best Friends Pet Care
This is what we usually do.
- Drop off during the day
- Pick up at night
- Bring your dog back to the cabin
👉 Best balance for long park days and your pup still gets to enjoy the vacation.
Option 3: Pet sitters
Not allowed unless listed on your reservation.
Grocery & Package Delivery (Super Helpful)
- Delivered to the Reception Outpost
- You’ll need a golf cart or car to pick up
- Small handling fee per package
Address:
Your Name (Guest + Arrival Date)
4510 N. Fort Wilderness Trail
Lake Buena Vista, FL
You can use:
- Amazon
- Instacart
Dog Travel Essentials Checklist
- Probiotic powder (just in case)
- Bottled water
- Cooling mat
- Harness
- Leash
- Crate
- toys
- food
- medication
- bed or blanket
💧 A Quick Note About Water (Learn From Us!)
Our dog won’t drink faucet water when traveling.
She’ll only drink:
- Bottled water
- Or water similar to home
👉 Likely because we use filtered water at home
💡 Pro tip: Add a little bone broth if needed but just enough to flavor, broth can have a high sodium content which could contribute to dehydration.
If your dog has ever refused water while traveling, you’re not alone—this caught us off guard the first time.
How We Keep Our Dog Calm in the Cabin
We use frozen pupsicles before leaving.
- Fill with pumpkin, yogurt, or peanut butter
- Freeze
- Give before leaving
👉 Keeps your dog calm and occupied, bring a blanket or mat for your dog to lay on while eating. Pupsicles can be a little messy. Leave the tv on to drown out unfamiliar sounds.
What We Use for Sensitive Stomachs
We keep it simple:
- Chobani plain yogurt
- Pumpkin puree
- Natural Jif peanut butter (xylitol-free)
Easy combinations:
- Pumpkin + yogurt
- Pumpkin + applesauce
- Peanut butter + yogurt (small amounts)
🍓 Optional add-ins
You can also mix in small pieces of:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Apples (no seeds)
- Bananas
Lower calorie option:
- Kibble + water → freeze
👉 Great for daily use
Why This Setup Works So Well
- Helps your dog stay calm while crated
- Prevents stomach issues
- Easy to prep in the cabin
👉 This is one of the most useful things we bring
Real Life With Our Dog
This is exactly why we love bringing her with us.
She’s part of the experience—not something we have to plan around.
Is It Worth It?
Yes—especially if your dog is part of your family and has difficulty with boarding for longer periods of time.
Fort Wilderness gives you:
- Space
- Flexibility
- A much more relaxed Disney experience
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a dog-friendly Disney trip, Fort Wilderness cabins are one of the best places you can stay.
It’s not the fastest to get to the parks—but it’s one of the most enjoyable and provides a peaceful place for down time between park trips.
