New Luxury Resort for VIPS (Very Important Pets) Opens at Disney World

By Laura Goldman. Published October 7, 2010.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World, but think it’s “Goofy” to leave your dog behind? No problem – make a reservation for your pooch at the brand-new Best Friends Pet Care luxury resort. But you’d better hurry: The Los Angeles Times reports that all the VIP suites are sold out until January, and other accommodations are going fast for the holiday season.

The resort, which opened last month over Labor Day weekend, can accommodate 300 pets for either daytime or overnight boarding. Among its amenities are a water park (like the Bora Bora Club in Southern California, no humans are allowed), a walking path around natural wetlands, and a 25,000-square-foot dog park. It also has a grooming salon that provides baths for guests before they’re sent home with their dogparents, and two large “camp rooms” for play group and doggie day camp.

“Our pet guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations and a variety of different play areas here at Best Friends Pet Care Resort,” Phil Bernard, vice president of Operating Participants for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, said on opening day. “Where else can vacationing dogs have their own water play park or bedtime stories?”

Those luxurious accommodations Bernard spoke of are four 226-square-foot VIP (Very Important Pet) suites that have TVs, raised bedding and private outdoor yards. For pets requiring a little less pampering, there are climate-controlled, 32-square-foot indoor suites with outdoor patios. All suites are cleaned and disinfected daily.

You can also choose from a wide range of “a la carte” activities and upgrades to purchase for your pooch, such as one-on-one playtime, cuddle time and bedtime stories with staff, ice cream treats and orthopedic bedding.

4(paws)-1-1: Best Friends Pet Care at Walt Disney World is located across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; phone 877-493-9738. Day care rates for dogs range from $16 to $46 for up to six hours. Overnight boarding starts at $37 for indoor suites, up to $79 for VIP suites. There is a discount if you are staying at a Disney resort. Whether your pooch is spending the day or night, be sure to bring or fax written proof from your vet that all his vaccinations are up to date.

PHOTOS: Best Friends Pet Care

Laura Goldman

Laura Goldman is senior social media writer for i Love Dogs, Inc. She does love dogs. And elephants and turtles. Along with writing about the loves of her life, Laura likes to play with her two pound pups and tell anyone who’ll listen just how awesome Pit Bulls are.