Dog-Friendly Places to Eat, Stay and Play Near Walt Disney World

By Laura Goldman. Published July 6, 2012.

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World and don’t want to leave your pooch behind, there are plenty of places in the Orlando, Fla., area that welcome dogs. However, Disney World isn’t one of them – unless your dog happens to be Goofy or Pluto.

Here are some of Orlando’s most dog-friendly places to eat, play and stay with your pup.

Eat

You’re in luck if you’d like your pooch to join you for outdoor dining in Florida. Earlier this year, Seminole County joined Orlando, Mount Dora, Tavares and Osceola counties in permitting restaurants to allow dogs on patios, according to the Orlando Sentinel. It’s up to individual restaurants to allow dogs, so be sure to call ahead to find out the policy.

For reviews of dog-friendly dining destinations, check out Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide.

Play

Orlando is home to these off-leash dog parks. Your dog must be sociable, licensed and up-to-date on all shots.

Paw Print Bullet Barber Park – 3701 Gatlin Ave. (map), 407-254-6860

Paw Print Bullet Barnett Park – 4801 W Colonial Dr. (map), 407-836-6248

Paw Print Bullet Downey Park – 10107 Flowers Ave. (map), 407-254-9180

Paw Print Bullet Dr. P. Philips Community Park – 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd. (map), 407-254-9038

If you’d like to take an urban hike with your dog in Orlando, these trails allow dogs on leash.

Paw Print Bullet Cady Way Trail – 3700 Colonial Dr. and N. Herndon Ave. (map), 407-836-6200 – This paved trail winds 6.5 miles from Orlando to Winter Park.

Paw Print Bullet Lake Eola Park – 195 N Rosalind Ave. (map), 407-246-4485 – This park has a 1.5-mile-long jogging trail, along with a lake and grassy areas.

Stay

These dog-friendly (and budget-friendly) chains don’t charge extra for pets.

Paw Print Bullet La Quinta – The seven properties in the Orlando area allow pets up to 50 pounds.

Paw Print Bullet Motel 6 – This pet-friendly pioneer has two properties in Orlando that welcome dogs of all sizes.

Paw Print Bullet Red Roof Inn – The two properties in Orlando allow one pet per room.

If you need day care or longer-term kenneling for your pooch, Best Friends Pet Care at Walt Disney World has pawesome amenities like a pups-only water park, nature trails and a 25,000-square-foot dog park.

PHOTO: Randy Robertson

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.